The castle had quieted down after a week's diplomatic proceedings. Valerie was buried in vampire political texts that

Elene had given her, Xenovia was practicing sword forms in the courtyard, and Jeanne had settled into guest quarters after a lengthy discussion with Elmenhilde about population management.

I was reviewing the territorial agreements when familiar footsteps approached.

"Not bad for a human as a legitimate ruler of vamps" Azazel said, leaning against the doorframe with his usual casual grin. "Mind if I stick around for a bit? There's something we should discuss."

"Sure." I gestured to the chairs by the fireplace. "What's on your mind?"

He dropped into a chair with obvious relief. "Man, formal meetings are exhausting. Give me a good research project over politics any day." His expression grew more serious. "But that's actually related to why I'm here. We've got some interesting developments brewing."

"The kind that affects our agreements?"

"Potentially." Azazel stretched, then leaned forward. "Three days ago, we got formal contact from the Norse. Not just Odin sending one of his usual cryptic messages, but proper diplomatic channels requesting a meeting. He onto something"

I raised an eyebrow. "Does Norse not usually bother with formal diplomacy?"

"Not at all. They've been doing their own thing for centuries, barely acknowledging our three-faction summit was about to happen." Azazel ran a hand through his hair. "But now they want to talk alliance. Full cooperation with shared intelligence like between three factions"

"What changed?"

"Their initial message mentioned 'significant cosmological disturbance' that could threaten multiple mythological systems." He made air quotes with obvious skepticism "Classic Odin-talk for 'something big and bad is coming, but I'm not telling you what yet.'"

"And they want to meet where?"

"Underworld, next week. It was approved as neutral territory that can handle the security requirements." Azazel's grin returned, but there was something calculating in his eyes. "Here's the interesting part – they specifically requested you attend. By name."

I kept my expression neutral despite the surprise. "That's... unexpected. I've never had direct contact with Norse leadership."

"Yeah, that caught everyone's attention too. Michael's convinced it's divine providence, Sirzechs thinks it's political maneuvering, and I think Odin knows something he's not sharing." Azazel shrugged. "With that old man, it could be any of those or something completely different."

"What's your read on his motives?"

"Genuine concern about external threats, probably. But with Odin..." Azazel paused, choosing his words carefully. "The guy's brilliant, don't get me wrong.

When he focuses on something, he's probably the most dangerous entity you'll ever meet. But he's also got this whole 'eccentric old man' thing going on that makes him unpredictable."

"Eccentric how?"

"Well, for starters, he's got this weird obsession with collecting knowledge and experiences. He'll show up to serious diplomatic meetings dressed like a tourist and spend half the time asking random questions about local magic systems or trying to recruit talented people for 'research projects.'" Azazel grinned. "Last supernatural gathering, he spent twenty minutes trying to convince a dryad to teach him nature magic. Not for any strategic reason – he was just curious."

"But you think this alliance request is legitimate?"

"Oh, absolutely. When Odin gets serious about something, you know it's real." Azazel's expression sobered. "The fact that he's abandoning Norse independence means whatever he's detected is probably worse than anything we've dealt with recently."

"Any theories about why he wants me there specifically?"

"A few." Azazel leaned back, studying me. "Either he knows something about your capabilities that makes you strategically valuable, or he's detected something connected to you that relates to these threats he's worried about."

I considered this. "And your recommendation?"

"Go. Definitely go." Azazel's tone was serious now. "Being included in high-level supernatural negotiations legitimizes your position better than tonight's territorial agreements ever could. Plus, if there really are major threats developing, you'll want to know about them early."

"Fair points. When do you need an answer?"

"Forty-eight hours. Though honestly, after yesterday's little reconnaissance visit, I think they're already assuming you'll attend."

"Reconnaissance?"

Azazel's grin widened. "You don't know Norse scouts were here today, did you? They were evaluating your capabilities and defenses.

Standard Odin procedure – he likes to know exactly what kind of individuals he's working with, before formal meetings."

That explained the magical signatures I'd detected earlier. "So this conversation is partly to prepare me for what I'm walking into."

"Exactly. Supernatural diplomacy isn't like human politics. Demonstrations of capability matter more than verbal agreements, and everyone will be evaluating everyone else throughout the process." Azazel stood, stretching again. "Just be yourself – direct, competent, and don't try to hide your abilities. Odin respects strength and hates deception."

"Any other advice?"

"Don't be surprised if he tries to recruit you for something completely unrelated to whatever crisis brought us together. The man collects talented individuals like some people collect stamps" Azazel moved toward the center of the room, beginning to form a teleportation circle "Oh, and Akira? Whatever's coming, I'm glad you'll be involved. The supernatural world could use more competent people in positions of actual authority."

His magic circle flared beneath him, as he shoved his hands into pockets "I'll send those briefing materials tomorrow. Try not to overthink this – you've handled everything else just fine."

The flash of light left me alone with my thoughts. In a week, I'd gone from territorial disputes to formal diplomatic recognition to involvement in supernatural alliance negotiations at the highest levels.

And apparently, Odin has shown in interest in me too.

I moved to the window, looking out over the peaceful vampire communities below.

Whatever threats the Norse had detected, they were serious enough to abandon centuries of independence and seek unprecedented cooperation.

The question was whether my involvement would help address those threats, or simply expose me to dangers I didn't yet understand.

I supposed I'd find out at the summit.