“Likely because she only used a small fraction of the pendant's power to enhance some magic spell she already knew as a witch. There are numerous spells designed to compel obedience, and it wouldn't have been difficult for this pendant to intensify the potency of such magic and give her complete control over another.”
That answer must've placated Isadora because she nodded—while discreetly threading her fingers through Mathias' with a gentle squeeze.
The motion drew his attention away from the conversation and his numerous, worrisome thoughts. It was questionable whether his lover needed comfort, or simply wanted to show affection, but with all they'd just learned coming to light, he didn't hesitate to clutch her hand in return—and the impact of her simple gesture astounded him.
So many times he'd stood among others of The Five to conduct business only to find himself alone once all was said and done. Akira confided in her lover, Lisa, while Shiro sat by the library hearth with Moria, idly discussing ideas. Nicholas normally returned to his quarters with Thomas, and Marlese?
She had no lover, but her vampire siblings and children always offered support.
Yet Mathias had no one, desiring more without daring to hope for it.
Now, Isadora was sharing the burden of the matters at hand, and though he'd prefer not to worry her with such affairs, her support had him feeling nearly invincible.
The thoughts somehow made it easier to focus as Heliger inquired, “What about the Saharan ruin? Do you know anything of the power Sylva unlocked?”
In response, Ardilon glanced down at the pendant in his hand and returned, “Not yet, but we're working to discern it now.”
Glancing back up at the divinian, Mathias wasn't sure he fully believed that claim. The Crucible was simply too powerful to think they didn't have even a vague idea of what Sylva unleashed in Egypt.
But Ardilon’s next comment distracted him from the matter entirely.
“Because of that, I'll be leaving, and I'm taking this pendant for safekeeping.”
“What?” Mathias asked, disliking the thought of handing such a powerful item over to anyone, even a divinian. There was no reason to mistrust Ardilon specifically, but how could he justify taking chances in this situation?
As it turned out, the Dead God had an easy answer, remarking, “The Crucible will make certain it never falls into the wrong hands, and if you're reluctant, Mathias, then consider this; you owe me.”
Even more baffled than before, he inquired, “Owe you how?”
“Who do you think saved Maddox and Stephan after the explosion at the ruin?” he returned without ostentation.
Slowly, Mathias' lips parted in surprise. He recalled thinking their miraculous survival seemed strange, listening as Ardilon stepped in closer and qualified, “The explosion drew our attention, and I personally investigated the area to find them both unconscious in the aftermath. So I moved them to a nearby cave before the sun rose.”
Releasing a low sigh of breath, Mathias nodded. For all his reluctance, he couldn't ignore Ardilon's assistance in the matter, and was grateful they at least shared the goal of keeping the pendant from falling into the wrong hands.
Besides, if forced to choose, The Crucible would be at the top of the list of those he'd trust to keep it safe.
But Ardilon inadvertently drew his attention away from the matter. After moving in so close, Mathias could see the divinian's azure eyes more clearly, and realized there were two small, radiant halos of light in each one.
It was a facet of his visage that had slipped Mathias' mind, and after everything they'd just learned, those halos drew to mind the Grand Priestess. Her own vivid, green eyes possessed a similar set of circlets, and he'd never learned the reason, nor had he really questioned the matter.
Instead, in the years following her disappearance, he'd dismissed it entirely, believing she'd likely used some kind of glamour to make her eyes appear more luminous out of vanity.
But Ardilon was a divinian serving the pantheon, meaning he possessed divine abilities to some degree. So could that be the reason for the halos of light? Was the Grand Priestess actually a cordivus as Heliger suggested? An avatar of Kalara?
As Ardilon inclined his head and walked by to depart, Mathias asked.
“Before you leave, there's one other thing I need to know.”
One the words were spoken, he turned around to face Ardilon just as the throne room doors opened with Nicholas and Marlese joining them. In their company were three other vampires, two being Nicholas' children, and the last was Akira's lover, Lisa.
But the one person Mathias didn't see was Ardilon.
As soon as the thought struck, Nicholas remarked, “I thought the Dead God was here to discuss the pendant.”
Groaning at his observation, Mathias muttered, “He was, and I suppose now I'll never know … .”
— THIRTY-TWO —
“What did you need to know?”
After all they'd learned from Ardilon, it was hard to imagine what else Mathias wanted to ask, and Isadora listened intently as the vampire related, “Ardilon has halos of light in his eyes, like a reflection that never fades, and I was wondering if it signifies a connection to Divinity.”
She canted her head, uncertain why he'd consider such a thing. Everyone knew divinians were marked by the pantheon, so a divine connection was evident despite the specific meaning of the radiant halos.
But perhaps there was another reason for his inquiry, and in considering the source of energy powering Sylva's pendant, she asked, “Are you worried he'll use the pendant against you?”
“You gave him the pendant?” Nicholas asked disbelievingly.
“Yes,” Mathias started, explaining how he owed Ardilon for the life of his daughter and her lover before adding, “Besides, the pendant will be safer in the hands of an organization that understands divine power. But as for my question, no, I don't think he'll use it against us. I simply recalled seeing the same type of halos in the Grand Priestess' eyes, and wasn't certain what it meant.”
Surprised to learn the Grand Priestess possessed such an attribute, Isadora gazed between the vampires present to see she wasn't the only one who hadn't expected the news. The rest of The Five were exchanging uncertain glances as Marlese mentioned, “You never told us this. I thought the Grand Priestess was just a witch.”
“As did I,” Mathias returned, “and I never mentioned it because I'd convinced myself that it was nothing more than a magical glamour and dismissed it. But now, after seeing Ardilon's eyes, and knowing her pendant is divine … .”
Trailing for a thoughtful moment, he finally admitted, “I'm not willing to brush it aside as mere coincidence. There's more to the Grand Priestess than either of us first believed, I'm just not sure what that means.”
His suggestion left the vampires in silent contemplation, and Isadora didn't need to ask why this revelation was so bothersome. She already knew the mystery surrounding the Grand Priestess was testing Mathias' beliefs, and this new information was likely leaving them all uncertain over issues they thought settled long ago.
The Five weren't simply old, after all—they were ancient, and knowing what they'd gone through at Artair's behest made it doubtful either of them expected such age old events to surface and challenge established viewpoints.
So she didn't make any inquiries, allowing Mathias to inform Marlese, “Regardless, you and Nicholas can get the details of our conversation from Shiro and Akira.”
“Why?” Nicholas asked.
Motioning at Isadora, he answered, “We're traveling back to Terra. I'm too curious over what Ardilon said about increased violence in Terran vampires not to consult Maddox as soon as possible, and Isadora wants to see if she can convince any fairies to journey here and help Sutrelle's environment.”
“Fairies?” Akira asked, intrigued. Turning her gaze to Isadora, she added, "Would it not be dangerous for them here?”
“No. You won't even know they're around,” she qu
alified, ready to explain the way fairies worked so they'd better understand the situation.
But the words never came out.
Instead, as her lips parted, Marlese unexpectedly sharpened her fangs and lunged with blood red eyes, moving so quickly Isadora didn't even realize the scent of her blood had stolen the vampiress' control. Yet, like one domino toppling the next, the two vampires flanking Nicholas went into bloodlust as well, all three overwhelmed by the tantalizing scent.
It wasn't until Mathias grasped Marlese by the throat with a single hand that Isadora even reacted.
With a startled yelp, she grabbed his sides in a tight hold much the way she'd sought Heliger's protection during her first visit to Sutrelle. But though Mathias easily stopped Marlese's assault, the younger vampires were moving in from behind, and the pair had ample time to reach out and drag her away from her mate during his preoccupation.
Just as their hands shot out, a bright flash of light erupted from the floor in a circle around Isadora's feet, encompassing her, Mathias, and Marlese all at once. As a result, a magical barrier surrounded them that shocked the younger vampires on contact, effectively knocking them both away before they caused any harm.
Quickly, Isadora looked back to see that Heliger had invoked the shielding with a wave of his hand, the gem at the tip of his golden staff glowing with fiery energy.
Grateful for his swift intervention, she would've thanked him, but was still too shocked to speak. She wasn't even certain she'd processed everything before Mathias asserted his authority on a low, menacing tone of voice.
“You know I'd never hurt any of you needlessly, but Isadora is mine, and attacking her means attacking me.”
As if baffled by her sudden loss of control, Marlese took a deep breath and rushed in response, “I know, and I'm sorry, Mathias. I just … I couldn't ignore her scent any longer.”
Still holding her throat, he directed sternly, “Suspend your breathing for now.”
With a nod, the vampiress exhaled, and didn't bother taking another breath, straightening her posture as soon as Mathias released his grip on her throat. As her eyes faded back to their normal shade of brown, Nicholas directed the others to do the same on a stern tone that made Isadora think the pair were his children.
And she couldn't help feeling guilty.
Though a relationship with Mathias was actually possible, it seemed their association could prove hazardous in ways she'd yet to consider. This new connection to a mate was something she'd desired for centuries, but how could she pursue it when her scent would drive others to attack?
The thought of Mathias killing a friend for being unable to control their impulses was unacceptable. So how would they handle the matter? She couldn't ask him to forsake the only family he had by leaving Sutrelle, and even if he did, nothing would change—in Terra, Mathias would help Maddox with Nightfall, which meant dealing with more vampires.
The thought curled her lips into a frown, making it hard to focus as one of Nicholas' children remarked, “Suspending our breathing won't work for long, Mathias. We'll just go into bloodlust, and then crave her blood even more.”
“I know,” Mathias returned, explaining, “but Isadora has a masking potion to cover her scent, she simply couldn't bring it with her when she came to find me, and I couldn't leave her alone in the Citadel for obvious reasons.”
At that, Marlese shook her head and countered, “Perhaps not, but she shouldn't need to wear a potion just to stand amongst friends. So there has to be a more permanent way to keep her scent from driving lover-less vampires to such distraction.”
With a nod, Mathias agreed, remarking, “I know, which is why I'm planning to leave the Citadel as soon as our current tasks are completed.”
“Leave the Citadel? You mean permanently?” Akira asked.
“I do.”
“What?”
Isadora's incredulous tone echoed throughout the throne room, capturing everyone's attention as Mathias looked down at her with a single nod.
In response, she vigorously shook her head. “You can't leave. This is your home!”
“I'll find a new home,” he reasoned. “But you can't stay in the Citadel.”
“Mathias, no. There has to be another way. Maybe it's not safe for me here, but it's not safe for me anywhere. No matter where we go, I'll still attract vampires like friggin' catnip! Besides, do you know how much I'd hate myself if I took you away from your family?”
With a sigh, Mathias motioned to The Five and countered, “They understand our ties, Isadora, and they don't expect me to ignore it.”
“I don't care!” she argued. “You've already lost so many loved ones, and how can I expect you to give up the only family you've had for thousands of years?”
Mathias looked ready to argue, but Marlese quickly interrupted him by stating, “She's right.”
Stepping around to face them both, the blonde motioned at Mathias and added, “You shouldn't have to leave here, and though we understand why you would, we still need you. Your recent disappearance proved as much.”
Recent disappearance? Isadora had no idea what she meant, but was too distracted by the blonde's next question to ask.
Thoughtfully tapping her black nails against her chin, Marlese inquired, “Have you considered feeding her your blood?”
Isadora's brows shot up in surprised confusion. Never once had she considered drinking a vampire's blood, and the prospect honestly seemed pointless. A fae would never survive the turning, making her curious to know why Marlese would even suggest such a thing.
Yet Mathias was too aghast to ask, demanding, “Are you insane? She's a fae, Marlese.”
Patiently, the vampiress pointed out, “Yes, a fae who's found her mate in a vampire, and I'm not suggesting you turn her, only feed her a small amount.”
Her mate seemed ready to admonish Marlese again, but was distracted when Shiro qualified, “That's a good point.”
“What?” Mathias asked incredulously, looking at the dark haired vampire to find him nodding in all seriousness.
“Do you recall Artair's attempts to turn fae?” Shiro asked. “He commented several times on how they seemed less desirable after drinking his blood.”
Hearing this, Isadora exclaimed, “He tried to turn fae?”
“Yes,” Shiro confirmed, adding, “long ago, before we realized it wouldn't work. In fact, that's how we know it doesn't work.”
Isadora stared in disbelief. If she hadn't liked the sound of this Artair before, she completely despised him now. Perhaps he hadn't known a fae wouldn't survive before making the attempt—he was the first vampire—but it was difficult to feel amiable about anyone who murdered her sisters, regardless of the reason.
Still, she didn't hold it against any of the vampires present, and even thought they had a good point. The prospect of drinking Mathias' blood wasn't entirely appealing, but Marlese was right. Protection shouldn't be a concern when having a simple conversation with friends, and Mathias shouldn't have to leave his home just to keep her safe.
That aside, it was the only feasible choice they had, and who was to say whether the result would be negative? Sure, a fae had never survived a turning, but to her knowledge, one had never found a mate in a vampire either—and that connection could certainly impact the outcome of a blood exchange.
Fae typically adapted to the needs of their mates, anyway. Isadora could name several sisters who'd found partners in beings that usually turned mortals, and the first that came to mind was Adriana. The sun fae was mated to a werewolf who'd marked her the same way his kind turned a human, yet she remained a fae.
The marking had only strengthened their bond.
Still, Mathias remained unmoved, insisting to Shiro, “I also recall Artair describing how they'd wasted away after exchanging blood numerous times, so why should I put Isadora's life at risk?”
“We took a risk last night, Mathias, and everything was fine.”
Her interjection had the vampires
looking in her direction, but none were as stunned as Mathias. Apparently, she was the last person he expected to react so casually to the idea of exchanging blood, and was quick to counter, “We also had your spell to fall back on, and that aside, drinking my blood is an entirely different matter.”
“Is it?”
“Of course it is. You don't need blood as nourishment, or for anything else, and you can't expect me to believe you'd seriously consider drinking it.”
Quirking a brow in response to the statement, she shrugged. “Why not?”
At the question, he turned to fully face her with a look that proved he found the question baffling. “What do you mean why not? You, of all people, should know why.”
Sighing, Isadora couldn't fault him for being so reluctant—even she found her willingness to try astounding. Yet it was also impossible to deny how extraordinary the circumstances were, and she explained it all as patiently as possible.
“Yes, I know why, and honestly, the thought of drinking blood disgusts me. But Marlese is right, and you know it. That masking potion isn't a permanent solution, and I'm not letting you abandon your family. So though I'm not about to jump on you yelling bottom's up, I'm also not going to dismiss the possibility that drinking your blood could be a step we have to take if we want things to work.”
For a brief moment, Mathias remained silent, and it was difficult to tell what he was thinking by his fathomless expression alone. But soon enough, his head shook in the negative as he reached up to scrub a hand through his dark hair.
And the sight of his binding bracelet caught her eye just as he denied her.
“No. It's out of the question, Isadora,” he started on a stern tone, his words absolute. “I'm not risking your life on a hunch.”
“You won't even discuss it?”
“Absolutely not. There's nothing to discuss.”
The edge in his voice was unbending, even intimidating, particularly when combined with his harsh expression and rigid posture. It was a side of Mathias she'd only seen once before—when they'd first met in this very room.
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