Mathias stared in confusion, uncertain he understood. “Something greater?”
With a sigh, Ardilon remarked, “It's difficult to explain, so I won't bother. What matters is that she no longer has ties to any vampire, and won't cause trouble for Terran mortals going forward.”
He could agree, and felt obligated to mention, “The Five is in your debt for providing such security to Sutrelle. I've no doubts Sylva would've caused trouble if she ever returned, and have to ask if there's any way to repay you.”
“There is, actually,” Ardilon confirmed, explaining, “As I told Sylva, the power of her pendant was used to restore Sutrelle, which not only means a recovery for the environment, but also an adjustment to the flow of time. It now runs steadily with that of Terra, which will make it easier for The Five to work with Nightfall.”
That was indeed true. Without a lag to the passage of time between worlds, Sutrellan vampires could come and go much more easily. So Mathias had no objections, though Ardilon's comment begged the question, “Why do you want us working with Nightfall?”
“For stability. I told Maddox and Stephan they'd need to find the proper backing for Nightfall before the Order could establish a foothold, and though they've succeeded, I learned the recent increase in vampire attacks was caused by Sylva's attempts to rally what remains of the vampire factions.”
“Really?” Mathias inquired, more than a little curious.
But as Ardilon nodded, Isadora interjected, “Wait, I'm still confused. You called her Kalara earlier, so I'm guessing the power she took from the Saharan ruin belonged to the goddess, but why would Terran vampires follow her regardless?”
Realizing he'd yet to explain, Mathias finally related his summoning earlier that day and all Sylva had revealed to him, putting a surprised look on his lover's face that she turned on Ardilon.
“A goddess was locked away in the ruin?”
“In a sense, though it would be more accurate to call it her consciousness,” Ardilon returned, “and once Sylva merged with it, she all but became Kalara.”
Isadora looked rightly abhorred to learn Sylva was technically a goddess now, and as Mathias tightened his hold around her to offer comfort, he suggested to Ardilon, “You knew what that ruin was all along, didn't you?”
“We did,” he admitted. “But before you ask why we didn't stop Sylva from opening it, know that you'd be suggesting we stop the hand of fate.”
“The hand of fate?” Mathias asked disbelievingly, pointing out, “I find it hard to believe Sylva was destined to become a goddess.”
“When phrased in such a way, I agree, it seems unlikely. But Sylva has a part to play, and Peros decided long ago that Kalara would be given a chance to atone, so our hands were tied. Yet I suspected she'd eventually give us reason to intervene, and I was right.”
Thoughtfully, Isadora suggested, “Because she put humans in danger by rallying Terran vampires.”
“Precisely,” Ardilon confirmed. “Sylva promised them several things, such as delivering them to the paradise of Sutrelle where they'd be free of The Crucible and Nightfall alike, making them eager to follow.”
Though her method of gaining their cooperation wasn't surprising, Mathias was certainly angered. Such promises proved she'd planned to invade Sutrelle, and when the current residents refused to give up their home to foreign vampires, the world would've been plunged into another war, if not worse.
Her promises would also cause trouble for Nightfall in governing Terran vampires, a fact Ardilon pointed out next.
“Sadly, the vampires she's already convinced to support her won't be willing to follow Nightfall, and may continue attacking humans if left unchecked. That's why I want you and the rest of The Five to take an active role in the Order's administration.”
Though his request now made sense, Isadora asked, “How will that help?”
Mathias was quick to supply, “Because, after Artair's demise, most Terran vampires came to think of Sutrelle as a mythical paradise, which led some factions to venerate The Five as vampire gods. We worked carefully to dismantle such misconceptions, but the idea still lingers. So if The Five came forward, it would get everyone's notice and hopefully cause them to forget Sylva's promises.”
Ardilon nodded as if that was his precise thinking on the matter, and Mathias exhaled low. Assuming a role of leadership with Nightfall meant revealing Sutrelle's existence to all Terran vampires—an uncomfortable prospect for The Five.
Yet it wasn't out of the question. Once they learned of the way Ardilon tricked Sylva into making her decree, Marlese and the others would gladly comply, and the gateways would continue protecting Sutrelle from anyone with malicious intentions.
This left only one question, though Mathias wasn't reminded of it until a tiny ball of pink light appeared near Isadora's cabin, swiftly flying toward them.
Following it was a green ball, then a blue, until numerous lights of various colors were drifting all around them.
The fairies.
Distracted by the small beings, he watched as several landed on the flowering vines connecting Isadora's body to the earth as if concerned for their fae friend. Once close enough, he could see that though their wings came in different shapes and sizes, all possessed a crystalline quality that glittered in the light of their glowing bodies.
It wasn't easy to tear his gaze from them, but he still found the presence of mind to state, “I'll speak with everyone once we return, but I have to ask about Sutrelle's stability. You've restored it, but does that mean there's no longer a need for Isadora's help?”
“No,” Ardilon replied, glancing at the fairies in adding, “Sutrelle is presently stable, but it will need continuing support, and I believe this is one reason the gods gave you Isadora as a lover. Only a fae could convince any fairies to leave their home for a new world, and her presence there will be integral for their peace of mind.”
“How so?” Mathias asked, looking at Isadora for clarification.
Smiling, she qualified, “Fairies know any world that lacks a fae's presence will eventually wither away. So without a fae nearby, they'd become confused and fearful.”
Her explanation wasn't surprising, even knowing as little about the tiny beings as he did—and after tonight, his faith in the pantheon was stronger than it'd been in millennia. Perhaps he'd never fully understand the gods or their motives, but who did? What mattered was knowing they'd sent Isadora into his life, and she was helping with so much more than Sutrelle's stability.
She'd also put an end to his loneliness, helped temper his fears, and in gazing down at her resting so comfortably in his arms, he knew he'd never love anyone as deeply as he loved her.
It was a message he intended to convey the moment they were alone—without attacking her once the words were out of his mouth.
Thankfully, Ardilon seemed to be aware of his desire for seclusion as well, stating, “So unless you've more questions, I'll depart and give you both the privacy I'm sure you want after what's happened.”
“Please do,” Isadora and Mathias replied simultaneously, and for once, Ardilon smiled.
But with nothing more to ask the divinian—for now—they paid little attention as he disappeared from sight. Instead, Mathias was focused on Isadora as she gazed up at him with bright, but disbelieving sapphire eyes.
“I can't believe it's all over!” she announced.
“Nor can I,” he agreed, but momentarily ignored his incredulity in favor of drawing her in to add, “and damn it all, I love you.”
She giggled in a manner proving she understood his frustrated tone. No one wanted to attack the person they loved the moment they admitted their feelings, and as she leaned up for a hard kiss, he met her halfway with a deep groan.
Drawing her down against the grass, the vines feeding her from the earth curled about his own arms and back as if to tie them together, and he wasn't complaining.
Still, she broke their kiss to rasp, “I love you too, Mathias, but I
'm feeling too weak to travel. So could we rest here for a while?”
“Of course,” he murmured, smiling as she snuggled into his side. “We'll depart for Sutrelle with the fairies as soon as you're ready, though … I have to wonder about The Five.”
Curiously, Isadora canted her head and asked, “What about them?”
“They may not realize Sutrelle's time flow has been restored,” Mathias began, “and if not ... ”
Lips parting as he trailed, Isadora erupted in a fit of giggles, exclaiming, “Oh no! They probably think we've been gone for several months now!”
Chuckling, Mathias swept a tendril of her hair back behind a pointed ear and concluded, “I suppose we'll have much to explain once we return, unless … .”
Proving she could sense his intentions, she supplied, “Unless we'd rather take advantage of the situation to play a few mild pranks.”
Grinning, he planted a kiss against his lover's forehead and murmured, “My clever fae. Is it any wonder I love you so much?”
— FORTY-ONE —
The Cardinal Citadel, Sutrelle
Two Weeks Later
“Nicholas is still fuming over the stunt you pulled, Mathias, and I can't say I blame him. After two days passed with no word, we feared you'd been entombed against your will again.”
The chirping of an injured baby griffin being tended by Isadora punctuated Marlese's comment. Just a few days ago, the adolescent crash landed after his first flight and damaged a hind leg, leading her to pay frequent visits to help with the recovery, which was going well.
Though still limping, he was now rolling in the hay of his rookery stall, playfully seeking attention.
Isadora giggled at the display, scratching his belly while listening as Marlese chastised Mathias for the prank they'd pulled two weeks ago. But despite the vampiress' scolding words, her tone remained casual, suggesting she'd expected nothing less from her blood brother—and probably had plans to pay him back for his trickery.
Mathias seemed well aware of the potential for such a followup as well, remarking, “I assume that means you're both plotting something.”
“Nicholas? Plotting something?” Marlese scoffed. “You know he's horrible at playing pranks, Mathias.”
“Only when he doesn't have you to help,” Mathias countered.
The blonde considered his statement, then smirked, admitting, “He does get most of his ideas from me. So you should check your shoes for the next few days.”
Mathias chuckled as Marlese next turned her attention to Isadora and added, “Speaking of pranks and mischief, tell me, could the recent surge of missing buttons and thimbles be the fairies' doing?”
Giggling, Isadora refilled the griffin's food bowl, then stood and nodded.
“Yes, fairies have no concept of theft, so they'll snag whatever's laying about and play with it for a while. But don't worry, they'll return everything once they've had their fun, or … well,” she amended sheepishly, “almost everything.”
Marlese smiled, obviously finding their shenanigans amusing. Yet her expression faded into a frown with her next comment.
“This talk of missing things just reminded me to ask if there's been any word on Heliger?”
Remorsefully, Mathias shook his head, and Marlese sighed low—a sentiment Isadora shared.
A week ago, Heliger left Sutrelle after learning what happened to Sylva, and the personal belongings missing from his tower proved the departure was planned. But though several vampires volunteered to perform a search just to be safe, they'd yet to uncover any clues as to the magician's whereabouts.
Because of this, rumors spread through the Citadel concerning his motivations. Some believed he wanted to confront Sylva regardless of how much power she possessed while others thought he feared his continued presence in Sutrelle would put the realm in danger.
Either way, Isadora knew there was nothing to be done if the magician didn't wish to be found, and wherever he'd gone, she only hoped he remained safe. Sylva was powerful, after all, and there was no telling what she'd do if she ever found him.
Yet Mathias had faith in Heliger's abilities, remarking, “I don't think there's much reason to worry. He's both strong and resourceful enough to deal with whatever comes.”
“True,” Marlese concurred, “and at least we're now in a position to provide assistance if necessary. For that matter, Maddox may have news when she visits this evening.”
Those were both good points. With the flow of time restored, The Five had readily agreed to assist Nightfall, and did so with a great deal of success where it concerned swaying the Terran vampires Sylva had tried to rally. Most were stunned to learn of the Order's association with the ancient vampires, though some had to be … convinced of their identities.
It was a matter Shiro and Akira were tending, and Maddox was scheduled to visit that evening with a progress report on their efforts.
Because of this, Marlese told Isadora, “You know, now that your scent won't tempt me beyond control, you should come by my quarters for the stories I promised to tell while Mathias is catching up with his daughter.”
Immediately, Mathias rolled his eyes, and Isadora giggled, knowing he had no intentions of allowing her to join Marlese for a round of embarrassing tales. Still, it was questionable how he planned to keep her preoccupied once Maddox arrived, especially when her scent no longer tempted vampires to drink her blood.
Thanks to her bond with Mathias, Isadora spent the past two weeks freely exploring Sutrelle by nurturing the environment and getting to know the residents—vampires included. The mortals were all friendly, offering endless thanks for her assistance, while the vampires always reacted to her presence with confusion.
Apparently, they could still identify what she was through scent, but were baffled to find her blood didn't interest them—and the last time she'd drank Mathias' blood was also the first.
Though he continued to feed on hers, she hadn't needed more to sustain the alteration to her scent keeping vampires at bay. Of course, Mathias kept close tabs on her to be safe, but after two weeks, they'd concluded that the change to her scent was actually permanent.
So there was no danger in spending an evening with Marlese, though she still teased Mathias by stating dramatically, “Oh, I could never compromise my mate's integrity in such a way!”
The vampiress smirked, and Isadora expected Mathias to protest, but he merely exhaled a low sigh.
“What's this?” Marlese asked. “You're not forbidding her from visiting? Vehemently insisting she stay away?”
“There's no need,” he returned plainly. “I'm certain Isadora won't have any interest in hearing your wild stories later.”
Realizing her vampire had something up his sleeve, she found herself too curious not to ask, “Why not?”
“Because if you do stop by her quarters, you'll miss out on the cases of raw honey I've instructed Maddox to obtain from Dalris.”
Gasping, she snatched Mathias' hand with wide eyes. “Raw honey?”
A wave of amusement radiated from the vampire as he grinned and added knowingly, “Complete with the honeycomb still inside.”
Isadora nearly bobbed on her feet as Marlese looked on in confusion. “Did I miss something?”
“When Dalris visited last week,” Mathias explained, “he told me the fae have a weakness for raw honey, and could even become inebriated if enough is consumed. Apparently, Isadora's passed on monetary payments in favor of taking numerous jars as well.”
That was true—and those jars never lasted more than a week. Raw honey was nearly addicting to the fae, so the notion that Maddox was bringing several cases caused her to forget the prospect of hearing Marlese's stories entirely.
For now.
Proving he knew it, Mathias gave his blood sister a smug look, to which she smirked and remarked, “Nicely done. I suppose I should go to the throne room to wait for Maddox in that case.”
As she turned to walk away, Mathias remarked, “
Just don't bother offering to keep Isadora's honey for us. I've already warned Maddox, and she won't hand it over to anyone but me.”
Without looking back, Marlese exhaled a low sigh as she departed, causing Isadora to giggle.
Wrapping her arms around her mate, she informed him, “You know, putting up this much resistance only proves Marlese's stories are true. It also makes me more curious to know what you're trying to hide.”
“I'm not hiding anything,” Mathias insisted. “Marlese just puts a dramatic spin on her stories, turning them into something they're not. Besides, I'll tell you everything there is to know about me in time, so why should I let her spoil it?”
Snickering, Isadora conceded the point with a nod, supposing he was right. They had eternity together now, and would eventually tell each other all there was to know. Still, it would be interesting to learn what Marlese might say if only because her perspective couldn't be entirely wrong.
Regardless, she pointed out, “You know it doesn't matter what she tells me anyway, right? I mean you could've streaked naked through the Citadel, and I'd still love you.”
Both adoration and disbelief flashed in his silver eyes as his arms tightened around her sides. It seemed her love still surprised him, and somehow, she had the feeling he may never get used to having it.
But though he smiled at her playful suggestion, Mathias thoughtfully shook his head.
“I don't think Marlese was there, actually.”
Isadora's jaw dropped, though she soon sensed her vampire's amusement, suggesting he was pulling her legs.
So she called his bluff.
“You never did that!”
Chuckling, he asked, “Are you sure?”
“Well, no, but what reason could you have had?”
“Let's just say it's not always convenient having private quarters on the far side of the west wing when one of your blood siblings has a score to settle.”
Snickering, Isadora reached up to brush a tendril of hair from his forehead, mentioning, “With the way you all carry on playing pranks, someone would think a family of fae lived here, not vampires. So I guess I really do fit in.”
Tempting Eternity Page 32
