by Sela Croft
The rescue party returned to the castle with us. There was no sense sending a man ahead, since we were all going as fast as possible. It wouldn’t be long before I could reassure Calina personally—far better than sending a messenger.
As we approached, I caught sight of the ocean, and my city was within reach. No longer were we buried in trees and trotting on soggy ground. There was open space and rocky outcroppings. It was tempting to ride along the shoreline, to breath in the air of my kingdom.
But delay was ill-advised; expedience was of the utmost importance. So, I leaned against my horse’s neck and allowed him to race for home. When my city came into view, pride filled me. It was beautiful and worth fighting for. Pale stone buildings of varying heights were strewn down the slopes of rocky cliffs.
The structures looked like children’s blocks that had been tossed toward the ocean. Below was the deep blue water shimmering under the moonlight. When Silvain had trapped me like an animal, I hadn’t been sure that I’d see my kingdom again. The sight was inspiring and filled me with motivation to protect my city from enemy intrusion.
The view of my castle city captured my senses. It covered a massive area at the base of high, rocky hills, then extended toward the shoreline. The walls were fortified, but beyond I saw the tops of the expertly crafted buildings, hewn of stone and adorned with golden rooftops.
The city sparkled like a gem along the sandy shore. It was good to be home, and I was anxious to get back to business. It was a relief to see that all was intact; Calina had done an admirable job of managing while I’d been away.
I gazed at the stars above, then took a deep breath. My horse slowed, and the others did also. A military party opened the heavy wooden gates and ushered us in. Then I got off to let the steward care for the animals, while I saw to the needs of my men.
My comrades went to the main residence with me, while the others rejoined their commander. Calina would want to see my closest aides, no doubt to thank them for returning me in good condition. The instant my sister spotted us, she rushed down the stairs.
Calina’s dark hair flowed over her shoulders, and she was pretty in a blue velvet dress matching her eyes. But I didn’t miss her accusatory expression. She stood before us. “Do you have any idea what I’ve been going through?”
I had some idea but thought better of replying. And it wouldn’t do to remind her that I’d been through much worse. “It’s good to see you, Calina.”
My sister looked askance at my comrades, then fell into my arms. She hugged me tight, despite her mood—which I was sure would improve now that I was back. Her petite form belied her strength, as she nearly squeezed the air from my lungs.
Quin and the others stood waiting. At last, Calina directed her attention to them. “I’d just about given up, so sent another search party to find my brother.”
“Yes, we met them on the way in,” Quin said. “We would have had him back sooner, but there were a few snags along the way.”
Jon and Spence opted to remain silent.
“Draven and I have some catching up to do,” Calina said. “I’ll let you three get refreshed, and we’ll meet up later.” She looked from one to the other. “I’m grateful that you brought him back in one piece. I know my brother well, so I’m sure he didn’t make it easy on you.”
My comrades bowed then disappeared without comment.
I followed my sister up the stairs and into the main room, then paced the floor. Since I was home, I was impatient to get on with things. Yet Calina was my first order of business, so I took a seat on the sofa. “I’m surprised you didn’t contact me directly.”
“Where in the world were you?” Calina put her hands on her hips. “I tried and tried, but I couldn’t get through.”
“Ah, yes, that makes sense.” I filled my sister in on what had happened since I’d last seen her, beginning with finding Mirela in her realm, getting myself captured, and the sordid details that followed.
Calina sat in an armchair and listened intently. “That’s quite a story,” she said. “No wonder you were out of reach. My powers are void in Silvain’s region.” She sighed. “I did receive a vision, but it was hardly reassuring. I saw you on the journey home, just before you encountered the vampire hunters.”
“Nothing we couldn’t handle.”
“So I see.” Calina clasped her hands together. “Have you fed?”
“I neglected to mention that we made a stop at Styx, which yanked me back from the grasp of death. But I need more.”
Calina looked me over. “You don’t seem damaged by your captivity.”
“Much to Silvain’s chagrin, I’m sure.”
Calina stood, appearing more at ease. “Go and tend to your needs. We’ll talk more. Much has happened here during your absence.”
I took my leave and went directly to the feeding basement, finding that I was ravenous. The scent of human blood made my stomach rumble and my veins throb. With food close by, my fangs extended, and I ached with hunger. The blood slaves provided the sustenance I needed, and their blood wiped out the last of my weakness. With renewed strength and my thirst satisfied, I returned to my duties.
My first visit was to the army commander, who brought me up to date on military matters and enlightened me on an impending crisis—yet I was distracted. Silvain was most certainly enraged over my escape. He’d planned to use Mirela against me—possibly to ransom her for my cooperation. Would he take out his anger on her?
Silvain’s frustration would be a horror to behold. He was arrogant and didn’t take losses well. Escaping from his prison was an unforgiveable sin, one that deserved a severe penalty. Yet I was no longer under his supervision, so he had no way to unleash his rage upon me.
Mirela was human, vulnerable, and inexperienced in the ways of Lumea. She was the dark leader’s victim, with no one to protect her. Finding her was of the utmost importance. Yet if she was behind that transparent force field, it was going to be difficult to locate her.
I inquired if there had been any word about Mirela, but the commander informed me that no further information had been obtained. “Her capture was the last status. Our informers haven’t been able to determine any more details. They will relay any news immediately, as they are aware of your interest in the matter.”
I thanked him, then went to attend to other business. It pleased me to see that the city had run well in my absence. It was to my sister’s credit, but then, I’d expected no less. Calina was a powerful vampire, with strengths that equaled mine.
We were brother and sister, so had inherited similar abilities. She had night vision, could levitate, and was physically stronger than she appeared. Her visions were unique, a talent that I hadn’t acquired. She’d often foretold events before they transpired. More than once, her insight had been key in averting disaster.
I’d had no reservations about leaving the city in Calina’s care. It wasn’t the first time, or the last, that I’d need to depend on her. I trusted her with my life, and the lives of those in my realm. Her femininity might lead one to believe that she could be easily bested.
But Calina was clever, and ice ran in her veins when needed. She could make the tough decisions and was no pushover. I pitied the vampire that made the error of viewing her as a mere woman.
It was possible that my sister had additional insight for me, a vision or something from our agents with some intelligence on the matter. She’d mentioned that Nicolai was on his way back from the field.
I found Calina in the garden, speaking to a human tending the roses. “May I have a word with you?”
Calina cradled a bouquet of white roses. “Certainly, my brother,” she said. “Let me put these in some water.”
I followed her to the kitchen, where she handed the flowers over to the staff. Then she led me to the library. “I see you’re refreshed.”
I stood by the fireplace with one foot on the hearth. “Physically, yes. But the situation with Mirela troubles me.”
“I have a feeling you’re planning to leave me in charge of the castle again.”
“It will be a necessity.”
Calina sat at the desk. “If you keep doing so, I might not relinquish control upon your return.”
I laughed. “An idle threat.”
“What are you going to do?”
I leaned against the mantel. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to find her.”
Calina stood and walked over to me. “From what you’ve said, you’re bonded…and could watch her when she was in the human realm.”
“But not since.” I paced before the fireplace. “On the recent occasions when I tried to see her, there was that barrier I told you about.”
“Yes, that is a problem.” Calina crossed her arms. “Things change. I only hope that when you try again you’ll be successful. I haven’t met Mirela. But since you’re fond of her, it’s desirable that you discover where she is.”
If my sister had any information about Mirela, she would have offered it.
Calina looked at me. “Besides…I despise Silvain. It would give me pleasure to take what he wants. In this case, it’s Mirela.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“On other matters, tension throughout the kingdom has ramped up. I’m sure you’ve heard about most of it from the commander,” Calina said. “You should know that Selene has been to the palace. She informed me that King Alban is frightfully unstable.”
“He has been…for some time.”
“It’s worse,” Calina said. “We need to prepare.”
My sister was correct, and there were pressing matters regarding my city, as well as the kingdom at large. I would address those—once I recovered Mirela. “We are preparing, I assure you. The commander has been given orders.”
“That’s good to know.”
“But Mirela is in danger,” I said. “I must find her.”
My sister nodded. “Go, then…do what you must.”
I left and strode through the courtyard, then went out a gate. I headed toward the ocean, breathing in the salty air. The shore was a place where I could think, a place where I’d often found solace. The waves crashed against the rocky cliffs, and I looked out at the expanse of dark water.
I was renewed and strong from the recent feeding. Any weakness in my powers had abated—yet my heart ached. Until I had Mirela in my arms, I wouldn’t be whole again. If any harm had come to her, I would tear the kingdom apart to get to Silvain.
Standing on the rocky cliff, gazing at the horizon, I sensed Mirela’s presence. She was under the same stars, beneath the same moon, and breathed within the same kingdom. She breathed…
I was certain she lived, but fear nagged at my peace. She was in trouble. I hardly dared to try and see her, as I’d failed so recently. Yet I stared at the rolling waves and thought only of her. Then I saw Mirela with her hair braided, as women in my kingdom often wore it.
She was distressed, but not alone. A human was with her, someone I didn’t know. I watched, spellbound. The view went in and out, so I guessed that she was on the edge of Silvain’s territory.
But I could see her. That meant that she wasn’t too deep within the Dark Fighters’ region. She was moving through a wild area, at the mercy of the creatures of the rainforest. I watched in awe as she moved through the trees, following the human.
Mirela had escaped. My hopes soared. I could find her…and save her. I watched, admiring her, loving her—and fearing for her. She was surrounded by unseen dangers, and most certainly pursued by the fighters. Then the scene disappeared.
I’d lost her, but not for good. I’d regained my ability to watch her from a distance. I recognized the general area where she fled. A human would be no defense at all. I had to get to her right away. I turned and flew toward the castle, using my power to levitate.
When I went to the army sector, my comrades were ready. Quin was with Spence and Jon. A military team had been organized in preparation for Mirela’s rescue. “We were certain you’d find her,” Quin said. “There’s not a moment to waste.”
As we readied to leave, I relayed what I’d seen. “The rainforest is our destination, but I know that part of it. She’s nearly made it out on her own.”
Spence hefted a bag over his shoulder. “She’s in a treacherous part of the region. Silvain’s men may not find her, because they don’t want to venture into that terrain.”
“I can’t blame them for that,” Jon said. “I’d avoid it too, if there was any choice.”
“That’s just it,” I said. “The human appears to be guiding Mirela in this direction. Traversing that section is the only route that’s feasible. A longer way might be safer, but not a choice. Silvain’s army would have ample opportunity to recapture her if they deviate.”
“The only way is the direction she’s going,” Spence said. “That human knows his way around the kingdom. I wonder what his experience is.”
We’d find out soon enough. The horses were ready, so we mounted. I prayed that Mirela could hold out until we got to her. The supernatural forces in that part of the rainforest were unparalleled. Without vampire protection, Mirela and her human escort were unlikely to survive.
Chapter 13 – Mirela
The boat had sunk, and my dress was soaked. I’d lost my overshoes, so was left with soggy slippers. Jason fared no better. His shoes and jacket were in the river. He looked tired.
The rainforest seemed endless, as if there was no way out and I was destined to wander the jungle with Jason until we dropped. I wasn’t in good shape.
“We need to dry out,” Jason said, then helped me up.
“And I’m hungry.” I hated to be a whiner, but if I didn’t eat soon, I’d faint.
“I see edible berries. We can collect some then move to a hiding place.” Jason led me away from the river. He filled his pockets with berries, and I grabbed handfuls too. There was a secluded spot between rocks; it was the best we could do.
The warm air began to dry our clothes. I savored the berries like delicious treats, afraid that I might not eat again for a while. Jason foraged the area and came back with some roots to munch on. “They don’t taste like much, but they’re nutritious.”
Jason shook a nearby tree and several coconuts fell out. He used a heavy rock to smash one open and then handed me half. I guzzled the water and accepted a second one. Then we chewed out the pulp. The meal did much to restore my strength but left me tired.
I rubbed my eyes and stretched. “I’m terribly sleepy.”
Jason appeared drowsy too, so found some palm fronds and made a bed. “We both need to sleep if we have any hope of going the rest of the distance.”
With my head on a pile of leaves, I closed my eyes. My belly was full, and my thirst was sated. The heaviness of my limbs pulled me toward unconsciousness. My thoughts went to Draven.
For a while, I’d found seclusion in the forest with Jason, safe from Silvain’s army. Yet there were many more dangers ahead. But for a few hours, I could sleep. Exhaustion weighed down my limbs, and my head felt like a boulder.
I’d likely fall into a deep sleep, as I couldn’t recall when I’d been more physically wasted. If Draven was able to enter my dreams, I doubt I’d know it. But that was folly anyway. It was proof that the jungle was wearing me down.
If Draven hadn’t appeared in my dreams at the castle, there was no reason to think that he would now. I had no idea if he was alive and well. His strength and resourcefulness might have saved him. Although what I’d last heard was that he wouldn’t survive.
The leaves crunched under my head, and the branches above blew in the breeze. The stars shone down on the forest, painting it in a beautiful light, and making it seem like a fairy-tale place—instead of the frightening one it was.
I keep my eyes closed, imagining I was somewhere else. I was home again, in my soft bed, looking up at the mural on the ceiling of my room. That seemed so long ago. I didn’t know if I’d see it again or be able to visit my m
other. And I hadn’t the strength to think of the future.
I woke up with leaves in my hair and palm fronds askew. Jason had found some citrus for our breakfast. “I’m not sure what food will be available later,” he said. “Eat all you can now.”
My body was stiff, and my head ached. But I was alive and had a chance to make it through the rainforest. My spirits were renewed, despite my physical state. I stood and looked around. There were trees for as far as I could see.
It seemed there was more distance to cover than I’d estimated. I dared not back away from the challenge. Yet I was bedraggled and worn. My dress was beyond repair and my hair was a mess. It was good that I didn’t have a mirror to assess the damage.
Jason motioned for me to sit. “I’m going to strap these onto our feet. We can’t walk barefoot for long.” He’d fashioned shoes out of the woody part of palm fronds. He secured them with vines. “It’s not a fashion statement, but it will protect the soles of your feet.”
I was appreciative and took a few steps to test the shoes, finding them remarkably secure. “You’re a genius.”
“Not really, but it’s handy that I know so much about plants,” Jason said. “I’ve always thought I could survive in the wilderness.”
I smiled. “You finally have your chance.”
Jason led us away from the river. “I think this will be the shortest way out. But keep your eyes open. This part of the jungle has a bad reputation; most avoid it. I haven’t been through it before, so I’m not sure what to expect.”
That wasn’t good. Fear of the unknown made my stomach tie in a knot, but I tried to ignore it. Once we were out, all would be better. Jason had said there was different terrain between the exit from the rainforest and the coastal region. I was sick to death of trees and moss and wetness.
The river had vanished from sight. The trees seemed to grow thicker, if that was possible. Yet Jason found a way through. It was slow going. Our makeshift shoes prevented us from running, which wouldn’t have been feasible anyway. The dense trees forced a slow pace.
