“The tribute must be paid. If Iliad can give her child, there is no reason Sebastian can’t give his,” replied Marcus.
“It’s not Sebastian’s child to give, it’s mine, and I’m not about to give her to the Darken as a tribute.”
“Would you give it for Sebastian’s life,” asked Ramla.
“The child is already Darken, should it not live with its people,” replied Marcus.
“I will say this one more time. This child doesn’t belong to the Darken! They can never know she exists for the safety of all of you!”
“Arel, we can hear them out,” replied Sebastian.
“There is nothing to hear if it involves giving our child to the Darken. I am the daughter of Manea, the granddaughter of Zorin, a princess of the Darken. You are Sebastian, son of Aeron of the line of Cadfael of Emi and Iona, the Prince of Vampires. She will never know the shackles of slavery. She will command armies, and one day take the throne. None of you can understand the short-sightedness of what you are asking.”
“Perhaps you should listen to Sebastian. If you give him to the Darken, he will rise up in the army, taking his rightful place,” said Ramla.
“If she is given to the Darken, she will be nothing more than a weapon yielded for Zorin’s own advancement. There will be nothing that anyone can do to check the will of Zorin. I’m taking Asier to his parents,” cried Arel the anger just under the surface of her words. She didn’t understand why it was so hard for them to realize she wouldn’t stand by and do nothing; it just wasn’t in her.
“You don’t know the way,” commented Marcus.
“But he does,” replied Arel as she pushed past Sebastian to the sitting child.
“Arel if you walk out, you may be closing any doors Sebastian has at forgiveness,” said Ramla.
“Maybe it’s our forgiveness should be asking for. All of you have the chance to change your futures, break free of the prison you have been born into. If you allow this opportunity to slip from your hands by turning your backs on us, you will seal your fates. I know the Darken will welcome me not as a slave, but a lost child returning home,” replied Arel.
Turning her backs on the member of the council, Arel walked over to the section of chairs where Asier sat. The eyes of the elders rested on Sebastian, watching for his next move, while Marcus glared at Arel. Standing by the chair, she waited for Asier to look in her direction.
“Come on, let’s find you, mom.”
Asier raised his head, looking at the members of the tribunal. Ramla walked towards Arel and the still seated child, her hand rested on Arel’s shoulder.
“Arel, your child, could not only save Sebastian from death but all of us. He can free us from,”
“You are already freed. Our blood has fulfilled the treaty, so there is no reason to give any child, let alone one that could destroy our world to them.”
“They will still demand tribute,” Ramla said, releasing Arel’s shoulder.
“It’s okay, I promise I’ll keep you safe,” said Arel, her hand outstretched as she looked towards the tearful child.
“But I’m supposed to go to the Darken,” replied Asier
“Do you know who I am,” asked Arel.
His head shook slightly, his eyes focused on Marcus.
“I’m Arel, a Darken, granddaughter of Zorin leader of all the Darken. I’ve decided you have to stay with your mom, especially since you are the last in line of the keepers. You have to learn as much as you can to make sure the laws are followed. You have to make sure they are just. Can you promise me you can do that?”
“I can stay here,” pleaded Asier. His eyes glistened as he looked up at Arel, waiting for her answer. Part of her wanted to wrap him in her arms, protecting him, she restrained herself, shaking her head positively.
“Yes, and your grandfather, Marcus, will teach you everything he knows. You will be the greatest of all the law keepers. Would you like that?”
“Yes,” he said, grabbing her hand as he hopped up from his chair. He looked up at her smiling his brown eyes big and bright. Arel smiled back at him, wrapping her arms around his small body, lifting him up off the ground as she hugged him.
Resting him back on the ground, Arel brought herself to his eye level. “I will need your help finding your mom, I don’t really know my way around. Can you help me,” she asked.
Asier shook his head emphatically, again grabbing Arel’s hand in his own.
“I’m not afraid of you,” he whispered to her.
“I can show you two the way,” said Sebastian standing behind her.
“I’m not trying to make you choose between your people and me. I imagine how hard it must be to feel like you have to choose between us.”
“You are my family, my Anam, my love.”
Arel placed her hand over his heart, smiling up at him. I would end the world for you, so Zorin must not find out about you, thought Arel to herself. The vision of her nightmare came to mind, her fear, that Zorin would use Sebastian, gaining control over her actions.
“Come on, let’s go find your mom,” Sebastian said to Asier.
“Sebastian,” said Marcus.
“My humblest apologies to the officials of the tribunal for my sudden departure,” replied Sebastian.
Asier hurried along towards the closed door at the back of the room excitement in every step. Arel couldn’t help but smile as she trailed along, holding his small hand in hers.
“We better hurry,” Arel whispered back to Sebastian who glided alongside her.
Disappearing between the doors, the trio headed up the stairs in search of his parents. Asier’s excitement at the thought of seeing his mom radiated over his body, vibrating from his hand to Arel’s. His steps bounced along the stairs, jumping from one to the other as he pulled Arel behind him impatiently. She consumed his happiness, smiling as she looked down at the excited child in front of her.
“This way,” said Sebastian, sliding in front of them towards an indiscreet section of the wall.
“Another doorway? This place has more secrets than I do,” Arel chuckled. “I’ don’t think I’ll remember them all.” Trying to lighten the mood, she smiled contagiously at Sebastian standing near the hidden door.
“There’s a mark,” Asier piped up, tugging her arm as he pointed towards the wall.
“A mark?”
“Yes, right there,” he replied, beaming up at her. “Don’t you see it?”
“I’m afraid my vision isn’t as good as yours,” replied Arel.
“Look close, you see it? There’s a small indent right there on the wall,”
he said, pointing towards the same spot.
A slight cool breeze caressed Arel’s face as Sebastian touched the wall opening the doorway. Asier brushed past Sebastian as he pulled Arel into the darkened corridor which lit up as he stepped inside. Expecting it to be an ancient passage of stone and cobwebs Arel was surprised to find the smooth modern hall they stood in.
“I guess it’s a good thing I have both of you to help me get around or else I might get lost down here forever.”
Within a few moments, they were at the other end of the hall standing in front of another doorway.
“Let me, I want to open it,” cried Asier.
Reaching down, Sebastian lifted Asier up to the wall his small handing touching a spot on the wall opened the hidden door.
“Good job,” said Arel as Sebastian slowly lowered Asier back to the floor.
As his feet touched the floor, he dashed through the doorway into the open space of the room. His small feet pounded across the wood floor, his sight focused on a goal leaving Arel and Sebastian standing in the corridor.
Stepping into the open through the wood door frame, Arel laid eyes on the occupants in the space. Scattered through the room, she saw a few Sebastian’s younger cousins congregating amongst themselves. Iliad sat next to Xavier on a large sofa with another female cousin whose name Arel could not remember. The face of the young Vampire s
he knew; the round caramel skin with green eyes, she remembered clearly, but Arel couldn’t remember from where she knew the woman.
A large stone fireplace with a wood mantle filled nearly the entire wall opposite Sebastian and Arel. A warm amber glow illuminated the space dancing along the rounded curves of the brown leather couches. The pale, worn stone floor heated from the flickering flame lighting the room. On the sofa sat Iliad in a light blue jumpsuit, her hair bouncing carefree.
“Mom,” Asier’s soft voice cried out as he threw himself into her arms.
“Asier,” Iliad cried, pulling him in tight to her bosom as she wrapped her arms around him.
“I’ve missed you,” Asier cried as his head snuggled into her neck.
“How are you here,” Iliad asked. She held his small frame on her lap, pulling him into her chest as she wrapped her arms around him. The pair rocked gently in the chair, Asier’s arms wrapped tightly around his mother’s neck.
“She said I could stay with you,” replied Asier releasing his grip around his mother’s neck.
Bending down Arel, rubbed the curly locks on Asier’s head. “It’s been decided he will follow in the footsteps of his grandfather. He will be a great keeper of the laws, one of the greatest from the house of Marc. He’s vital in ensuring the survival of your line,” said Arel.
Her grey eyes stared at Iliad as she continued to rub his soft hair. Arel knew she had to get Iliad to leave with Asier if they stayed the child would be given to the Darken. As a tribute, Asier would face his death. Through Ramla, she had learned the truth of the Darken sacrifices. The praises met one of three fates, filling the ranks of the already massive army, experimentation, or death. The vision revealed his young life would tragically end through the latter.
She knew Iliad would never leave her family or the protection of the Vampire clans willingly. With her mindset, Arel decided she would try to use her gifts to convince Iliad to break from tradition for Asier’s safety. Unsure if Iliad would fall under her influence, she cleared her thoughts concentrating. The command had to be short and straightforward, so the others would not get any more suspicious of her than they already were.
Standing up, Arel stood quietly next to Sebastian, her eyes still watching Iliad.
You must take him far away. Let no one know where you are going. If you stay, he will die, Arel sent the thoughts to Iliad.
She hoped her message got through, that Iliad would take her warning to heart.
Releasing his arms from around his mother’s neck, Asier turned in her lap facing the others. His short, thin legs dangled to the side, gently tapping the edge of the couch as he rested into the crook of her arm. Looking up, he smiled at Arel, exposing his small fangs.
“Arel, I’m not afraid of you,” said Asier.
“I’m glad you’re not. I’m not scary, am I,” Arel asked, holding her hand out towards him.
“No, you’re not scary at all,” Sebastian interjected.
“I wish the others felt the same,” she replied dejectedly.
“They aren’t afraid of you,” replied Iliad. Her usually cheerful voice was solemn as she continued cradling her son.
“Is that what you believe Xavier,” asked Arel.
Xavier had not spoken to her. Like the others in the household, he kept his distance. Arel could tell her presence made him uncomfortable.
He remained silent, looking across the room at the others who stood nearby. The bruises from the previous day had completely healed, leaving no sign of the struggle with Marcus. Sitting on the couch next to Iliad, he seemed smaller than she had remembered.
Arel reached towards him, leaning forward. Reaching up in mid-air, he grabbed her hand, preventing her from landing on his shoulder. His firm grip bruising her wrist as she remained motionless waiting for what would follow.
“I’m not afraid of you. It’s not fear, its hate,” bellowed Xavier. “You are a constant reminder, the enemy in our very presence. We are forced to stomach you and fight with every breath the urge to rip your throat out.”
“Xavier,” said Arel.
“Your kind killed our kind; you continue to kill our kind. None of us want you here aside from Sebastian.”
“That’s not true,” interrupted Iliad. “I’m glad to have the chance to know you.”
“Xavier, she doesn’t know,” replied Sebastian. Standing in between Arel and Iliad, his hand resting on Xavier’s chest and the other hand gripping the arm that held Arel. Looking over at Sebastian, Xavier released his grip on Arel’s wrist. Instinctively Arel cradled her sore wrist, embracing it in her other hand as she stood closer to Sebastian. Caught off guard, she didn’t expect Xavier’s reaction to her, especially after returning Asier to them.
“Are you hurt,” Sebastian asked Arel his eyes still watching Xavier.
“I won’t hurt your mate.”
“I’m fine! Why is it always this way with your kind secrets, fear, violence, and hate? I have apologized to all of you repeatedly for something I had no part in. I have especially sincerely apologized to the Marc family.”
“I’m a Reinald.”
Turning towards Iliad Xavier reached down lifting Asier into his arms. Without another word, Iliad followed silently behind the pair.
“Xavier take your son and leave, don’t look back! Tell no one where you are going, leave no trace.”
“Arel,” yelled Sebastian pulling her closer to him. Unfazed Arel continued to walk towards the trio, determined for them to hear her warnings. She hoped her pleadings would not be ignored as she waved goodbye to Asier who looked over his dad’s shoulder.
“If he is giving as a tribute, he will die. They have been killing them ask Ramla if you don’t believe me.”
“Enough Arel,” demanded Sebastian.
Stopping in her tracks, she watched as Iliad disappeared through the doorway. Sebastian spun her around facing him, his hands grasping her arms. Looking up at him, her eyes lined with tears as she remembered the vision, she had of Asier.
“They have to believe me!”
“Arel, you’ll only upset yourself.”
“I’m not worried about me.”
“I’m worried about you and the baby,” he replied. Her arms free she turned her head as he raised his hand, brushing the hair behind her ear. Standing on the tip of her toes, she tilted her head up as he bent down to kiss her lips.
“Okay,” she whispered back. There was nothing more she could do anyway to warn Iliad about Asier.
“Why would they ask Ramla,” a voice asked from behind. Arel looked over Sebastian’s shoulder towards Dmitri, standing near a corner of the room. She had forgotten about the others congregating in the place. Looking around the room, Arel could see them standing around watching them. Careless, she thought to herself. Her outburst had caused another scene making things more difficult in regards to Sebastian.
“Dmitri, Arel’s exhausted it has been a long day for her. She needs her rest,” replied Sebastian as he blocked her from the other Vampire’s view.
“Of course,” replied Dmitri.
Dmitri walked over from the corner towards the couple. His black hair parted towards the right side of his face framed his deep-set brown eyes. Standing an inch shorter than Sebastian his medium build physique did little to arouse fear in her. Reaching down, he effortlessly lifted her hand to his parted lips. The plumb of his cheeks contained no color a reminder that there was something off about him. His pallor unnatural contrasted against the deep black of his hair, making him seem sickly.
It was easy to see why Catrin had no interest in him. His demeanor more in line with a bookish school teacher than a Vampire. What little Arel knew of Catrin it was clear to her that she would require someone who commanded attention with his presence and Dmitri did not appear to be it.
“Dmitri,” Arel smiled up at him as he gently kissed the back of her hand.
“It is a pleasure to finally meet the young . . . Darken bride Sebastian has chosen.”
“So, you are the ambitious Dmitri of the house of Emil? How goes your plans for the takeover of the Vampire families,” Arel asked, smiling brightly.
Sebastian had told her to not worry about Dmitri or the fact that he was plotting to usurp his father’s seat as the head of the families. Aeron commanded the families with a unified front, no one had dared challenge him for power, but her presence had changed all that. Dmitri worked in the shadows, laying the seeds for his plan. Confident he could witness the fall of the Cadell clan and his ultimate rise to their throne.
Dmitri looked over her palm at her chuckling. Arel knew he was gaining support for his cause. She had read their thoughts; she knew there were those in the household although they had not sworn allegiance to Dmitri would remain neutral should a battle ensue. The strengthening in his numbers would be enough to sway those on the fence to his cause.
“Arel, let’s get you something to eat.”
“Was that too blunt,” she asked, looking up at Dmitri. “I guess the hunger has helped me to forget to show some semblance of propriety. It seems since I’ve been here, I’ve caused a bit of a headache for Sebastian.”
“On the contrary, I prefer a woman who speaks her mind. It’s refreshing to find someone so honest. Especially a member of the Darken, who has not been known for such traits.”
“I’ve heard Catrin is a woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. What do you think about her?”
“Ms. Cadell does not have a reputation for taking the meeker path.”
“It also helps that she is strikingly beautiful, second in line...well maybe first in line to the succession of the Cadell family, especially since Sebastian has defied tradition. To top it off he impregnated not just any Darken but against all the odds the very granddaughter of Zorin the monster responsible for wiping out countless individuals including those in his very family,” said Arel.
“As Sebastian has shown us, times have changed, and even the impossible can come to fruition," replied Dmitri.
“Tell me, Dmitri, do you think you are up to the challenge.”
Sight Page 8
