Maia Meets with Alec

Alec watched as the members of the coterie went their separate ways, all save Maia who seemed to linger about the open area of the office space, pacing. Alec leaned casually against his desk, almost expectant, watching her while his Mexican ghoul, Ysa, stood dutifully nearby, tablet in hand, keying the screen. His intuition was correct. Maia approached his office and tapped on the door opening it ever so slightly.

“Alec. Do you have a moment?”

“Of course.” He said, smiling faintly. “Come in.”

Alec Massara’s office is equal parts art gallery and command center. Leather bound volumes line shelves beneath framed impressionist originals and curated antiquities. The furniture is clean-lined, high-quality Italian: smoked glass, dark African Black Wood, and soft leather. Monitors display everything from security footage to financial reports in 6 time zones. The windows stretch floor-to-ceiling, showcasing a sweeping view of Manhattan’s skyline like a kingdom below.

Maia glanced at Ysa, “Could we talk in private?”

Alec’s tone is pleasant but firm, “Ysa keeps all my confidences. Anything to be said to me is also safe for her ears. I trust her with my life.”

Ysa nods ever so slightly, cool and composed.

“Speak freely.” He continued.

Maia looks hesitant. She sighs then speaks. 

“I wanted to apologize… about Loaf. I mean Chad. His sister came looking, and I—I didn’t realize what I was doing. He’s just… he was kind to me. Genuinely. It’s rare.”

Maia paused. When she continued, she did so more quietly, her head somewhat lowered. “He started using the expense account. Ordered food. Got weed delivered. I should’ve reigned it in better. I should’ve… had him call his family, let them know something, that he was ok. Rustin suggested as much. It probably would have avoided her coming here. I’ll pay whatever he ran up.”

“I’m not concerned about the money.”

Maia looked up. “I never meant to draw heat to your domain, Alec. Or put your business at risk. You’ve always looked out for us. For me, the coterie. And for the fledglings we’ve pulled from the fire. You’ve been more than generous and helpful. I don’t want you to think I’m unappreciative.”

Alec’s voice is smooth, reassuring. “We all make mistakes, Maia. What matters is what we learn from them. No harm came from this… yet.”

Ysa fought back a frown.

“Something you’d like to say mija?”

“In Mexico City, Prince Fiorenza Savona would have had her head for that lapse. Or at least the ghoul’s. Contrition does not erase consequence.” Ysa was atypically curt.

“Well thankfully she’s not in Mexico City… And I’m no prince.”

“No but she is your responsibility. Sometimes leadership means meeting out discipline.”

“I understand what you’re saying.” Maia replied apologetically. “And I don’t want to make excuses but you don’t know what it is to be like me. You’re beautiful. You’ve never looked the way I do.” She shook her head. “You don’t know what it’s like when someone sees past it.” Maia responded softly. 

A moment passes. Alec nods slowly, folding his hands.

“I do understand. Perhaps not in the same way. But I’ve been judged. Mocked as Anastasiya’s plaything. Resented for the favor the Prince Panhard has shown me, for my assumed ambition. We all carry a weight.” Alec said in comfort.

“I just wanted to say… Thank you. The Nosferatu speak highly of you. That kind of respect from my clan is unusual. Not many Ventrue would have sheltered someone like me.”

“Have you seen Crushnik?” He smiled. “You don’t need to thank me, Maia. Just be more careful next time. That’s all I ask.”Alec said with quiet sincerity.

Maia (lowering her gaze):

“I will.”

“Good. I know you aren’t happy with the current circumstances surrounding your ghoul. Just know some things are done for our own good, even if we can’t understand why.”

“I know.”

“In the unlikely event he returns for you, do let me know.”

She nods. “Thanks again.” She forces a grin and leaves.

Ysa watches her closely but says nothing more. The city glimmers outside the window, uncaring, eternal.

“You trust her?” Ysa says breaking the silence.

“I trust she means well.” 

“Your compassion is as endearing as it is frustrating you know.”

“Si, pero tu me amas.” (Yes, but you love me.)

“Yeah so what of it?” Ysa smirked.