Johnathan stood silently at the accusations, not moving. Then, as he spoke, a tone of sadness could be heard. "Do you find it so easy to believe I would betray everything I had been raised to believe? I am not a vampire by choice. My wounds, while lethal to a human, had not destroyed the whole of my brain. Dresden is precise like that." Johnathan shoots a look of contempt at the ancient vampire, before lifting his head. "I haven't betrayed SOLDIER. I'm going to end this, once and for all. While I did not become a vampire by choice, I would much rather use it to further our mutual goals, than to die at the hands of the Pack."
Johnathan's sad demeanor gives way to a slight degree of optimism, as he continues. "The vampires can never truly be wiped out, and there will always be vampires like Dresden, who wish to kill or subdue humans. SOLDIER can never wipe vampires out. It's an impossible quest. In the end, all we'll do is extend the bloodshed, until none of us are left. But I'm going to change things from the inside." Johnathan holds up a fist, fully smiling now. "I will rise through the pack in rank, and eventually, I will defeat Dresden. Then, I will be the Lord of the Pack. Vampires never die. As long as I remain the strongest vampire, I'll be able to hold the vampires in peace, create a pact. There may be a few rogues, but vampires are honorable creatures. Using this method, I will create a lasting peace!"

The vampires heard the approach of the human even over the sound of the screaming. Already, they drew their bows, to strike them down, but at a barked command from Dresden, the weapons were lowered, as the vampires allowed her into their midst, albeit with much hungry staring. There would need to be a human witness, to carry the news, Dresden knew. To ensure the validity of the events that transpired this day. His sons would enter their first Trial of Initiation, and one would emerge victorious. The other would die.