by Sela Croft
I was up for the challenge and had a surprise for him. Staring up at the clouds, I waved both hands. Rain poured out over the ocean, but I took care not to affect the clouds directly overhead.
“Very impressive,” Draven said. “When did you learn to do that?”
“You should have stuck around. I discovered a few latent abilities while I was at the university,” I said, then laughed. “Going to class wasn’t one of them. But…controlling the weather was no problem.”
Draven took my hands. “You’re magic. I wondered about you. Ever since I realized that you could see creatures of our realm, even as a human.” He squeezed my hands. “There’s something very different about you, Mirela.”
“I have a few other tricks, but I’m not sure they are as impressive.”
“We shall see. I’m anxious to learn all that you’re capable of.” Draven leaned down and kissed me.
“All that I’m capable of?” I said with my mouth brushing his.
“Yes, my love…later this evening.”
A delicious feeling swept through my body, and I looked forward to our time alone. There wasn’t anything to hold us back now, no reason to stay apart. The possibilities made me reel with delight.
It seemed my vampire state had magnified my magical talent. Affecting the weather had been easier than before. And if I chose, I could tell what any of the humans were thinking. My sentience was like an ongoing, drug-like state. The world around me had taken on a vivid presence as a living, breathing universe.
The stars above spoke to me, and the moon smiled upon me. The flowers beamed as I went by, and the sand underfoot welcomed my footsteps. The kingdom was beautiful, animated, and I experienced symmetry with it that I hadn’t known was possible.
My empathy extended to Draven, as well. Although I couldn’t read his mind and had more difficulty sensing what he felt. But my love for him had reached a new level of intensity. I wasn’t separate from him in the way I had been before.
It wasn’t only that I was a vampire like Draven was. It was more than that. I had an innate awareness of him and held him close to my heart. I had only imagined being that bonded to another person. Now I’d achieved it. No dark or evil force would be permitted to take that away; I’d make sure of that.
Our romantic interlude was interrupted by one of Draven’s commanders. “A message for you, sir.”
Draven read the note then frowned. “I’m afraid there’s something I have to do. I’ll take you to my sister. She’ll be anxious to entertain you for a while.”
“You haven’t told me anything about her,” I said.
“I don’t need to.” Draven smiled. “She will tell you all, I’m sure.”
Calina was in the rose garden, tending to a white rosebush, and talking with a human woman pulling weeds from the wet dirt. Her dark hair was twisted up on her head, and she wore an apron to protect her velvet dress.
“I’ve brought Mirela to you,” Draven said. “I have some business to attend to. I’m sure you’ll find plenty to talk about.”
When Calina looked up, I saw that she had striking blue eyes like Draven. She was pretty, but I was smart enough not to be deceived by her innocent appearance. When she looked at me and nodded, I sensed that she was someone I’d like to know.
“Mirela…please, come sit down.” Calina waved a hand at Draven, dismissing him. Then she motioned toward a garden bench. “You must be a very special woman indeed to have stolen my brother’s heart.”
“You flatter me,” I said. “I think it’s the other way around: he stole mine.”
Calina laughed, her eyes shining. “We will get along great. I can see that already.” Then she grew more serious. “I don’t have to tell you that you’ve stepped into a mess.”
“The war?”
“I see that you’ve been informed.”
“Not nearly enough,” I said. “Anything you’d care to share would be appreciated.”
Calina studied me for a moment, then began to tell me more about Lumea. It was clear that she had a strong bond with her brother, and together they’d done much to protect the kingdom. Although she revealed more than I’d known before, I sensed that she had glossed over some of it.
“There is something else I’d like to know.” I hesitated, wondering if she’d tell me. “Draven has been quiet about what happened to him since he was captured off that cliff in my realm.” I took a breath. “I realize he is hesitant, wanting to protect my sensibilities. But…I’d prefer to know.”
Calina frowned. “It’s horrid stuff, just what could be expected of Silvain.” She proceeded to tell me all she’d learned from Draven about his captivity. I took care not to react, lest she think I shouldn’t be told the worst of it. When Calina finished the hair-raising tale, she waited.
“Hearing that fuels my motivation to support you and Draven and the Guardians. Such crimes cannot continue.” I took a breath. “Feel free to include me in your efforts, as you see fit. I’m dedicated to the cause.”
Calina hugged me. “Dear Mirela…I see why Draven is enchanted with you.” She glanced up. “Ah, speak of the devil.”
Draven approached. “I’m not that bad, I hope.”
“We’ve had a good chat,” Calina said. “This compassionate woman has my stamp of approval.” She wrinkled her brow. “See that you don’t do anything to smudge her good opinion of us.”
Draven nodded. “I’ll do my best.”
“Mirela has pledged her support; she will do what she can to save us from doom.” Calina squinted at Draven. “The more difficult prospect will be to protect her. Mirela has already been a target, a means for getting to you. And she will be again…”
Draven took my arm, but he didn’t say anything to counter his sister’s caution. “Calina has the ability to perceive events before they happen…sometimes.” He led me toward the castle. “But I don’t want her predictions to cast a shadow over our evening alone.”
I didn’t either, but her words lingered in my mind. I certainly didn’t want to serve as a weakness in Draven’s otherwise impenetrable armor. My intention was to be his strength, and to be an asset in the war against the death mongers.
My new vampire state had done much toward that achievement. But I was painfully aware that it wasn’t enough. The kingdom was rife with turmoil, vampire pitted against vampire. I’d need to perfect my talents quickly if I hoped to survive the centuries-old war—or help end it.
Chapter 18 – Selene
I’d lived for centuries by a still pond, deep in a magic forest. It was inaccessible without my express invitation. And that had been very rare indeed, as my trust of others was shaky at best. I strolled down a grassy path, near my stone cottage. The kingdom had been in upheaval for most of my life—yet I perceived a shift coming.
As the most revered sorceress in Lumea, I’d been accorded certain privileges. I was able to cross boundaries without fear of retribution. Each faction, whether royal or rebel, valued my insight and sought my assistance.
I’d befriended Calina, as I rather liked her. I wasn’t without feeling, although I hadn’t publicly announced allegiance to any side. That would have been to my detriment. The war was fought by those with avid convictions, willing to risk their lives for the cause.
I had all that I needed at my remote estate—except companionship. There were animals that often assisted in my magic, but I had no one to converse with. For that, I had to traverse beyond the boundaries of my safe abode.
As a sorceress, I aged very slowly. Although I wasn’t immortal like the vampires were, I’d survived too many centuries to count, yet appeared to be thirty years old. I didn’t have any relatives left. Each had met their demise, and I was the youngest, so lived on.
Yet I took care, as magic didn’t prevent me from being killed. It would be difficult, yet not impossible. So I was cautious not to place myself in any untenable positions. I’d inherited my mother’s red hair and navy-blue eyes, along with her special talents.
Over the years, I’d perfected some of my own as well. It put me in the desirable position of being of value. Others might rage over my actions, or seek to snuff me out, due to my powers. But my uniqueness dissuaded any attacks.
For as long as I might aid others, using abilities they could not find elsewhere, I was of use. And, as such, not to be obliterated. That was to my advantage, although it wasn’t my sole protection. I used my magic for my security and to stay alert to dangers.
As things stood, King Alban held me in high esteem—as much as he did anyone, which wasn’t much. He anticipated ways that I might assist him in dominating the kingdom. And I had to admit that I had the ability to do so. Whether I would or not was in question.
Yet I hadn’t voiced dissention to Alban, as he didn’t take kindly to rejection. I had abilities common to sorcery, such as telepathy and extrasensory perception. Along with a list of other talents that wouldn’t have given me noticeable value in the king’s eyes.
But I had a couple of skills that few could claim. One was that I could summon spirits, ghosts, and demons without the use of paraphernalia. That had awed the king, and he’d welcomed me into his palace, demanding my support for his cause.
I hadn’t been foolhardy enough to outright deny him, but there hadn’t been an opportunity for him to test my loyalty. There was no doubt that time would come.
I walked through the woods, conversing with the birds and animals around me. Even the insects seemed to have something to say. The full moon gazed down upon us, and the darkness seemed to take on a purple hue. Streams of stars painted light in the sky.
The forest was lovely enough and was protected by my magic. Yet I had to go, as there was business to attend to. The tenuous condition of the realm had drawn my attention. It was time to visit the royal palace. The king was volatile, so it was best to keep an eye on him.
I’d told Calina about what I’d witnessed during one of my visits. She wasn’t surprised at Alban’s mental state. Yet that could shift—likely for the worse—at any moment. The king had many informants, so no doubt knew of Mirela’s appearance in the realm.
When last I’d spoken to Calina, she’d been frantic to locate her brother. Since then, that issue had been resolved. But the presence of Draven’s fair maiden had brought new issues. I hadn’t met Mirela yet, although I would.
I knew of Mirela and understood that her arrival was significant—not only for Draven. Even in his ravings, the king would be aware of Draven’s attachment to her. His reaction wouldn’t be kind, but then, he had no soft side at all.
An ancient prophecy had foretold of Mirela’s arrival. I walked back to my cottage, remembering the prediction. Destiny will lead the pair to rule as king and queen of the ocean world. That would have boded well for the future of the kingdom.
Yet Draven had acted prematurely. He’d traveled to the human realm to see Mirela. And that had been a grave error. That line of the prophecy had ended: provided the immortal ruler awaits her arrival. With utter disregard for the power of fate, Draven had given in to desire.
It might have been that destiny would have guided him to blot out Alban, then take his place as ruler of the kingdom. Yet the greedy vampire had gone to see his beautiful maiden in advance, tempting the fates. In his defense, he’d searched for Mirela for centuries.
Yet he should have taken comfort that he’d found her, then heeded the prophecy’s warning. If he’d bided his time and waited, she would have come to him. But he hadn’t had the patience and had been anxious for a view of her. And abstinence was not a virtue he’d possessed.
At my cottage, I ramped up the power of the protective spell that kept my home secluded. It couldn’t hurt to be cautious. Then I made it known to the creatures of my forest that I had an errand, so would be gone for a while. I envisioned the blackness where I intended to go, then teleported to the royal palace.
The king’s palace hadn’t improved since my last visit. His royal residence and the city surrounding it were high in the mountains. It made it inconvenient for enemies as they had to be related to mountain goats to make it up the high peaks.
The palace was carved out of obsidian; that alone made a statement about the king’s power. The structure had been erected from the dark, glasslike volcanic rock. It was solidified lava, morbid in its shiny blackness.
The towers rose high into the dark night with knifelike spires piercing the sky. The stars seemed to disappear behind thick banks of storm clouds. And even the moon paled over the gloomy sight. I alighted at the base of the mountain where the palace was perched above.
Strewn along the steep stone path to the gates were piles of human skulls, some with flesh rotting on the bones. Vultures feasted, filling their bellies with the remains. I teleported to the entrance, waiting to be let in, and shuddered when the heavy iron gates creaked open.
Crows swooped overhead, announcing their claim on the domain. The birds cawed loudly, and several were atop the fortified walls, shifting from one foot to the other. Their threats didn’t affect me. I told them to watch it, or I’d turn them into toads.
The deathly atmosphere extended to the inside. The entry was black marble with veins of blood instead of gold. Legend told of the king’s use of enemies in decorating his palace. It attested to his magic and revealed his ability to turn the blood into stone for his pleasure.
Bats had set up housekeeping in the rafters and hung upside down staring at me as an unwelcome intruder. One of Alban’s human servants appeared then offered to usher me to the king. It was one I didn’t recognize, but then, humans didn’t last long in royal employment.
There were hundreds of humans, vampires, and other creatures on the premises. I’d visited before and was aware of the inhabitants. I could also sense their tortured presence. Not one dared to appear without a request from the king, lest it be their final act.
Along the hallways were vampire guards, huge specimens with black, vacant orbs for eyes. Alban had bred them to a height of eight feet, with muscle to match. As if the blood drinkers hadn’t been frightening enough, they now had super size on their side.
The army was stationed in the mountains, but not within the palace walls. I’d been privileged to see Alban’s forces several times. My impression was of a race of mutants, fierce and well trained, yet empty on the inside. A royal soldier was expected to obey without question, and devoid of life anyway, they had no proclivity for independent thinking.
Yet the massive army was a force to reckon with. An enemy couldn’t rely on any conscience on the part of a royal soldier. It was a situation of dealing with the walking dead. Alban’s soldiers were already beyond the living, so had subsequently formed an allegiance to the king as death’s servants.
As a sorceress, I often relied on stealth. It paid to assess the circumstances before stepping into a bad situation. I lingered outside the palace room, watching. It wasn’t as though the king was going to invite me to sit for tea.
Alban usually tolerated my presence, but no more. I peered into the room. Even my limited telepathy told me that the humans inside were in terror. The butler who’d escorted me had vanished before making the announcement of my visit.
I hovered nearby to watch the scene as it unfolded. The king had many informants, some willing and others not. Humans sometimes erred on the side of heroics, when it could only lead to tragedy. The scent of fear filled the room and emanated into the hallway.
Yet, if my hearing served me, one of the humans had defied the king. It wouldn’t have needed to be in a big way. Any action viewed as lacking in subservience was enough to end one’s life. And when it was the king doing the ending, it was brutal.
From what I could tell, the human had been in the coastal region. He’d had the unfortunate experience of being captured by a royal scout. While the human servants huddled against the wall, the lone captive stood before the king.
Alban’s gritty voice roared, reverberating against the tomblike walls. His long, pure white hair haloed
about his ghostly pale face. And his red eyes burned with hatred. “You will tell me about the castle city. My soldier found you outside the gate. You are not permitted to hide knowledge from me.”
The human didn’t speak, either because he was frozen with fear, or was foolish enough to cling to loyalty for the Guardians. He didn’t appear particularly strong or brave. The man was average height and build, wearing the clothes of a peasant.
The king didn’t bother to ask again. The demand for information had been unnecessary anyway. No human could stand up to Alban, a living, breathing god of death. He was a vampire of ancient blood. His strength and abilities were unparalleled. Such was his arrogance that he claimed title to a godly state. After all, he was immortal and the most powerful—or so he asserted.
Alban was an immortal who possessed magic that he used for evil. In one hand, he clutched a golden scepter. The pommel was crusted with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds—a symbol of the king’s status and position.
That was not needed. Looking into Alban’s eyes, the human trembled. His legs would have given out if the king hadn’t grabbed him. I watched as Alban bared his yellowed fangs, his eyes like red embers. He hissed then bit into the human’s neck.
There was no escape, not even a chance to scream. The human went limp in Alban’s claw of a hand, lifeless within the first seconds. With ferocious gusto, the king sucked the life out of his victim—and more. As he sucked with unearthly strength, the king breathed in deeply.
Holding the human by the neck, Alban drained him dry, sucking the man’s knowledge right out of his body’s cells. The king didn’t take only blood, but the very essence of the person. I’d seen him do it before. When he’d swallowed the last drop, he threw the shriveled body against the wall.
Utter silence followed. The stench of terror filled the room, but not one of the humans dared speak. I looked at Alban’s blood-red eyes, staring at his crazed expression. He was an animal, with no more conscience than his soldiers.
