we could be gods

“Not too long. My companions and I are well travelled,” Amelie explained, finding no risk in her honesty. “We settled here just before the rebellion began. I wanted a safe haven for vampires.”

“I guess being vampires, that makes sense.” He raised his eyebrows at the information, finding it quite amusing, considering. “Really? Well. How did the rest of the rubble get in?”

“I can imagine so.” Amelie smiled, shaking his hand firmly with her own. It was nice to be introduced formally, traditionally. Billy had already made a good impression on her. “Amelie Hampton. Founder of Alexandria.”

His eyebrows raised after their handshake, impressed. “Isn’t that quite the title. I wish I had one just as impressive. How long has this town been around for?”

“Keep it up. Perhaps flattery will get you somewhere.”

“It has before,” he smirked, before an extending a hand in greeting. “I’ve found that manners can also do wonders. I’m Billy Russo. A pleasure, Miss - ?”

“I’m glad to see the renovations the new residents have made to Alexandria. My old friends and I appreciate it dearly, it’s what we envisioned it to become. We didn’t have the resources, of course…”

“It’s always nice to give the dying a second life.” Billy raised his eyebrows. “But ‘old friends’? You don’t look a day over twenty-five.”