by Sela Croft
Mirela sat in an armchair. “I can’t believe that Alban tried to kill you.”
“I can believe it,” I said. “He’s capable of that, and much more. You’re fortunate that you haven’t witnessed what I have.”
“Yes, he raised you…that must have been horrendous.”
“To say the least,” I said. Looking at Mirela reminded me of how much she’d changed, and of something I’d been meaning to ask her.
Mirela fingered the leaf of a plant. It grew in a clay pot by the chair and seemed to respond to her touch. It was amazing. Despite her blossoming powers, she retained an air of innocence.
When Mirela looked up, I said, “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”
“Of course. What is it?”
“I was thinking back to that first time you went to the battle front with Draven.”
“That was quite an experience,” Mirela said. “It was…worse than I thought. Hearing the clash of the fighting had an impact on me.”
“It’s difficult to imagine until you experience it,” I said. “But there was something else that affected you that day. When you returned, I noticed that you looked at Draven differently. Is there more you can tell me?”
Mirela thought about that for a moment. “It’s not easy to put into words. When I was attacked, and Draven saved me, I saw a side of him that I hadn’t witnessed before.”
I listened intently, interested in what she had to say.
“He did the right thing, because I’d have been harmed, even killed, if he hadn’t fought for me.” Mirela’s expression changed; it was the look I’d seen the day she’d returned.
“Draven went wild when he saw that I was in danger,” Mirela said. “He became…like an animal hungry for blood. He ruthlessly killed my attackers, and would have obliterated them all if I hadn’t stopped him.”
“You stopped him? I didn’t know that was possible once he was in that state.”
Mirela’s eyes widened. “You’ve seen him that way before?”
“Yes, many times,” I said. “But this is war, so I don’t expect him to be docile. Yet…”
“What?”
“I was thinking back to our youth. When Draven was very young, he exhibited signs of uncontrollable rage. He was encouraged by Alban, and I felt that’s where the instinct came from.”
“Because he has Alban’s blood?”
“Not just that,” I said. “As the only father figure Draven had, the king utilized that power. He intended for his son to grow into a fearsome creature, much like he was.”
“And Draven did?”
I hesitated, pondering the answer. “Not entirely. As a very young boy, he didn’t know any different, so tried to do as his father asked. He was trained to be aggressive, like a dog might be.”
“That’s terrible.”
“At the time, there was no other way,” I said. “The only life we knew was at the palace under Alban’s guidance. We were children.”
“But Draven didn’t continue on that path?”
“He did for a while,” I said, then sighed. “I’ve seen Draven do things that he wouldn’t want me to share with you. He has darkness inside, an evil that Alban encouraged and rewarded.”
“Yet there is more to Draven than that,” Mirela said. “If there wasn’t…”
“I don’t disagree. I’m just saying that it’s there, and that Draven fights to repress it,” I said. “I know him well. But it seems that his savage nature was unleashed, so you observed it for yourself.”
“Draven is a powerful vampire and a warrior,” Mirela said. “I admire him for that. He had every right to fight to save me, and I’m grateful.”
I sensed that there was more she had to say.
“Force is required to keep evil from destroying those we love,” Mirela said. “But force used indiscriminately can be just as bad.”
“And that’s what you fear?”
“I saw that potential. But Draven responded to me when I spoke to calm him,” Mirela said. “He has another side to him, his human side, I believe. And I wish to encourage that. I doubt he accepts the good within him.”
“Alban claims that his son’s human side is his weakness.”
“I disagree.” Mirela looked at me. “Goodness is strength. It cannot survive on its own, as death and destruction would swallow it up. But it must not be abandoned.”
“You are wise, Mirela.”
“I’m becoming so out of necessity. This is a tough kingdom, and I must do my part,” Mirela said. “That day, I was aware that my role includes being Draven’s other half, helping to balance strength with goodness—and to trust him. He has kindness in his heart, even if he is reluctant to admit it.”
“I’m not sure that Draven would agree with you. But I see your point,” I said. “It is clearer to me how you fit into destiny, why you are important.”
For a moment, Mirela didn’t say more, but I was glad she’d that much shared with me. I understood now what I’d seen in her eyes. She was no longer naïve about Draven’s nature. She was aware that he could give in to the evil that ran in his veins, as well as nurture the goodness in his heart.
“Even after witnessing the bloodlust,” Mirela said, “I am certain that Draven is different than Alban, more than the king wishes to accept.”
“I hope you’re right.” I wondered if Mirela’s faith in him would bring forth qualities that he’d submerged for too long. That would be advantageous, even though Draven might disagree.
In Mirela’s company, I’d settled down. She exuded a calmness that seeped into me. Later, Draven came to the library for her, so I went to my residence. Nicolai would be waiting for me, and I longed to see him. A few quiet moments alone were desirable, as I cherished being in his arms.
At home, Nicolai was in the sitting room, looking thoughtful. I went over and sat on his lap, then he wrapped his arms around me. “Calina, my love.”
Nicolai hugged me, then pulled me close for a sweet kiss. The tender touch made my heart swell with adoration. “I love you.”
Nicolai ran his hand through my hair. “I love you, darling.”
We had the evening together, and I didn’t wish to spoil it with the mention of anything unpleasant. Nicolai meant so much to me. In my eyes, he was a hero. He’d been raised in his family’s castle, in one of the distant regions of the realm, as his father had been the ruler of a coven.
But disaster had struck, and Nicolai had lost his parents and his two sisters. He’d been devastated and vowed to get revenge against those who had committed the deed. That was when he’d joined the Guardians and sworn allegiance to Draven. It had been the royals who had wiped out his family in a senseless battle.
He couldn’t forgive that, and nor could I. He’d told me stories of his boyhood, and the joy of going on hunting trips with his father. He’d loved his mother and sisters dearly, too. Sometimes, he’d shared more about them, and I knew that family meant a lot to him.
I shoved any thoughts of my physical condition from my mind. I couldn’t bear the thought of being unable to have a family with the man I loved. Fate could be harsh, yet I hoped it wouldn’t be that cruel. I blocked the fears from my mind to enjoy the evening with my love.
Nicolai and I spoke of the future, holding tight to our plans for a large family. “I was so afraid,” he said. “When I was captured, you were all I could think about. I had to return to you. I couldn’t allow us to be ripped apart by our enemy.”
“We won’t let that happen,” I said, and meant it. “You are everything to me.”
The evening was exhilarating. We talked and hugged, cherishing each other. Sweet tenderness turned to hot passion, and I fell in love all over again. Nicolai was a treasure, and our future was what I lived for. My visions hadn’t foretold how things would work out. But I vowed to be the wife Nicolai deserved, and the mother of his children.
I was privately concerned about my physical condition. The next day, Nicolai went to receive instructions for
his next assignment, while I went to the medical facility. I went discreetly, not wishing for him to know of my worries.
It wasn’t often that I was in a doctor’s office, and I didn’t like it any better this time than I had before. The waiting room had white walls and polished floors. It was so bright that it seemed blinding. I reminded myself to speak to Draven about having the décor changed.
Especially for women, something homier would be better. The stark environment was unsettling, and the experience of seeking medical attention was enough distress by itself. I wished to relax and feel comforted, but that was not to be.
The only other patients were human women. I smiled, and they smiled back. I didn’t wish to engage in conversation, preferring to be left to ponder my own concerns. Anxiety rose in my belly, and I nearly left, not wanting to hear what the doctor had to say.
I didn’t need the doctor to tell me what I faced. Vampires were a tough breed, and healed rapidly in most cases. Yet we had vulnerabilities. As a female, I ran the risk of injury destroying my ability to have children. I risked that each time I went to battle.
But that was part of life. I couldn’t avoid fighting and didn’t intend to. With the kingdom at war, I wasn’t about to hide out in the castle. Plus, when Draven was away, he left me in charge, so I had to be prepared to fight. I was strong and capable with weapons.
Yet that Dark Fighter had caught me off guard, and his whip had struck in just the wrong spot. The pain had dissipated, so I had no way of knowing how I fared. It was tempting to leave it that way, to exit the office and put all of this out of my thoughts.
But that was the coward’s way. Whatever my situation was, it was better to know the details. Only then could I make plans or do what I could to heal—if that was even possible.
The nurse called my name, so I followed her down the hall to the exam room.
Dr. Markson came in, with his confident demeanor. It did little to quell my fears. I explained what had happened to me, and he proceeded with the physical exam. The nurse aided him, and I watched her face, trying to tell if the news would be good or bad.
The process was agonizing. I wanted the doctor to say that I was fine, that I’d worried needlessly. I’d be more careful and wouldn’t go to battle unless there was no choice. I’d make sure that this didn’t happen again.
After I was dressed, I met the doctor in his office. He took time to explain things to me, and to go over the exam. He’d looked for certain evidence of injury and so on. The entire time, I just wanted him to spit it out. Could I have children or not?
When I left the medical facility, I was a bit dazed. It had been more emotionally traumatic than I’d anticipated. I stumbled down the path, heading toward home, lost in my own world. I didn’t even see Nicolai walking toward me until I almost bumped into him.
“Calina? Did you just come from the doctor? Is something wrong?”
I took his arm and guided him to the garden, then sat on a bench. Nicolai sat beside me and held my hand. “Whatever it is, you must share it with me,” he said. “We will deal with it together.”
No doubt he could tell by the look on my face that the visit to the medical facility hadn’t been routine. He could have read my thoughts, but allowed me to tell him instead.
“I didn’t want to tell you,” I said, “but during our rescue, a whip stuck me…here.” I put my hand over my womb.
Nicolai’s eyes filled with sadness. “You should have told me sooner. I don’t like you suffering alone.”
“I didn’t want to worry you until I found out if damage had been done.”
Nicolai waited for me to tell him, surely knowing how difficult this was for me.
“The doctor did a thorough exam,” I said. “And the good news is that he didn’t find any injury that would definitely preclude me from bearing children.”
“What does that mean exactly?”
“The doctor saw no evidence of internal damage that made him conclude it was impossible,” I said. “But in conditions like this, he can’t know for sure. The exam was inconclusive. He said that I won’t know…until I get pregnant.”
“So, you can get pregnant?”
“Maybe,” I said. “That’s the thing. If I get pregnant, that will indicate that all is well. We can breathe a sigh of relief then. That’s the hurdle we face. But we won’t know until then.”
Nicolai held me in his arms, and I was relieved to have shared the burden. I prayed for this awful war to be over, so my life wouldn’t be on hold. I desperately wanted to start the family that I’d waited for. Yet I was unsettled. There was still a chance that I wouldn’t be able to get pregnant after all. For now, the only thing I could do was wait.
Chapter 5 – Selene
I faced Silvain, looking into his copper eyes. Usually, I was good at reading people, but I couldn’t anticipate his response. I thought better of pressing the issue by demanding an answer. He was aware that I needed him to help rescue Nemuri.
Silvain stood motionless, without even blinking. Then his jaw stiffened and the muscles in his broad chest visibly tightened. I braced myself for what was to come. “Let’s go, then,” he said. “Why are we standing around here?”
It took a moment for me to realize that he’d said yes. Silvain, in his unique style, had just agreed to aid with the rescue. I breathed a sigh of relief. If he’d refused, I’d have been forced to do it solo, but had been reluctant to do so. Stealing a prisoner from Alban’s palace was bound to be tricky.
Without another word, Silvain strode from the room, so I followed. He returned to the command center and spoke with his general. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be away. You can manage in my absence.”
I was impressed that the dark leader had agreed to support my desire to free my friend, especially during a high-stress period of the war. He wasn’t the sentimental type yet was aware of the immense value of an ancient seer. That had to be the reason, because he didn’t consider my wishes that important.
While Silvain fed in the dungeon, I waited upstairs. It was vital that he have the strength he needed, so I tried to be patient. I munched on an apple that I plucked from a ceramic bowl, then went to the kitchen for tea. I didn’t engage in conversation, as I didn’t wish to give anything away.
I lingered, appearing as normal as possible. It wouldn’t be good to alarm the staff. I’d been lucky enough to persuade Silvain to assist me; I didn’t want to ruin it all by being overanxious. In those free moments, I pondered ways that Nemuri could be freed.
I didn’t come up with any feasible way to get her out of that prison cell. My abilities could be useful, yet there were too many pitfalls. I hoped that Silvain had something in mind and didn’t intend to just bluster into the palace and demand her return.
Whatever method that we used to save Nemuri had to be discreet. It would be better if the king wasn’t aware of the event until it was over. Battle with his soldiers was undesirable. And I’d already fought him directly and barely escaped. I didn’t wish to do so again.
At last, Silvain returned. I’d had my fill of food and drink, having eaten two pastries after my apple. It was good to see the dark leader looking robust. I had a feeling we’d need whatever ability he could muster, and even then, the task would be monumental.
“Can we go now?” I said. “I thought you were going to drain half the humans dry down there before you’d had enough.”
Silvain ignored my comment. “We’ll take my horse. I realize that you can teleport, but I hardly think that you wish to arrive before I do.”
At the stables, the magic horse with its red-orange coat was saddled and made ready. I’d wondered what it would be like to ride the beast, and I was about to find out. The stallion was tall, so I levitated then sat behind Silvain.
“He can fly all the way to the palace?”
“I’m counting on it,” Silvain said. “Or else we’ll have quite a long walk.”
It occurred to me that I didn’t know the plan. The horse
took off with us on its back. I had my arms around Silvain’s sturdy waist. “How will we get into the prison?” I said.
“You’re always bragging about your abilities,” he said. “I thought you’d cast a spell or something.”
“I don’t have those kinds of abilities.”
“I didn’t think so.” Silvain guided the horse in the direction of the royal palace. “I have some unique talents of my own that you might not be aware of.”
“Really? Such as?”
“As much as I hate to admit it, I have Alban’s blood in my veins,” he said. “I am Strigoi, the line of immortals with powers that others don’t possess. Although the king didn’t take the trouble to educate me to my inborn nature, I’ve figured some things out on my own.”
“You are the clever one.”
“After much practice, I’ve mastered the cloaking ability.”
“For you, or for others?” I had visions of me standing out in the open, with Silvain remaining unseen. The horror of it unsettled my stomach, and I wished I hadn’t eaten those pastries.
“As long as you are touching me, you’ll be cloaked with me.”
“That’s a relief,” I said. “For a minute, I thought you intended for me to serve as a decoy.”
Silvain laughed. “Not a bad idea, witch.”
Horseback proved to be an effective mode of transportation. It wasn’t terribly long before the horse landed at the base of the craggy mountain range, so I dismounted. Silvain spoke into the horse’s ear as though he was a person. I assumed that he was giving him instructions, which I hoped included waiting for us.
I looked at Silvain, as he gazed at the formidable fortress atop the highest mountain. The sky grew darker the closer it was to the king’s palace. Thick ice covered the rocky ridges, and there was no sign of plants or animals. I had a fondness for nature and admired their good sense to avoid proximity to the king’s residence.
It was below freezing, making me shiver underneath my cloak. Yet I was hesitant to proceed, not knowing what was going to happen. “Are you sure about this?”
