I Am the Storm (The Night Firm Book 2)

by Karpov Kinrade

  I do as she says, and she pricks my thumb with a different crystal. "Miss Eve Oliver with The Night Firm. You are officially registered. Best of luck."

  I rub my sore thumb and take a moment to look around. As I wander down a long hall, I notice doors spaced a few feet apart, and I hear the sounds of sex from within several of them.

  One door opens and a man comes out buttoning his pants. Behind him I see the server I noticed upstairs, the cat girl, laying on the bed naked, her eyes empty, her smile a mask to cover her pain.

  Are these women here of their own accord? Something feels off.

  Another man pushes past me into the room, and the woman stands and closes the door, her eyes flicking to mine before she does.

  I want to speak to her, to ask her about this life she's living, but there is no opportunity, so I walk back to the main room where other women are carrying trays around serving hors d'oeuvres and drinks. I take something a glass of champagne and sip at it, then find a seat. Weariness settles over me and I wish I could just go home. But I'm finally getting closer to actual answers. I can't give up now.

  Someone sits next to me and I see it's Lilith, holding her own crystal.

  "So, you have made your way into the secret den," she says, softly. "Be careful not to get in over your head. You may not be human, but you've led a very short human life that has not prepared you for this world."

  Our conversation is cut short when Nicholas takes the stage and addresses the crowd. The chairs are now full and everyone looks eager to see what will be up for auction tonight.

  "We have five very special treats for you this evening," he says, charm oozing out of him. "So, without further ado, let us begin."

  There is a chorus of clapping as Nicholas snaps his fingers and in a puff of smoke an ebony box appears on the stage, centered on a table. It's about the size of a bread box and covered in intricate carvings. It's also wrapped in iron chains and has a lock that glows blue and pulses with some kind of runes.

  "You've heard of Pandora's Box," Nicholas says, smiling. "A myth, of course, but not without basis in truth. This is the origin of that myth. The original holder of darkness. Open this at your own peril, for only you will be affected. It will give you the power of the dark, but at a steep price. Can I get an opening bid?"

  I stare at the box curiously as those around me bid aggressively. What would happen to me if I opened it? Would it corrupt me? Or am I already corrupted? What would it do to Adam, I wonder?

  When the winning bid has been announced, the item disappears into smoke to be replaced by something new.

  A gold necklace lying against black velvet. It is beautifully wrought in the shape of two serpents with open mouths that form a clasp in the front. The gold itself is studded with emeralds and diamonds that twinkle under the lights of the chandelier. It's a breathtaking piece.

  "Behold the Necklace of Harmonia," the Collector says. "Anyone who wears this necklace will be granted eternal youth and beauty. But at a cost. Legend says this necklace brings great misfortune to all who wear it. Is it worth the trade? Let the bidding begin."

  "Fools," Lilith says, as the bidding ensues. "They will beg to be released from the curse of that bauble before long. I have seen it happen too many times. There are better ways to attain eternal youth and beauty. Though none without a price, 'tis true."

  A beautiful, slim man with raven hair and reptilian eyes wins the necklace and preens like a peacock at his prize. I wonder what tragedy will befall him should he chose to wear the cursed jewelry.

  Once again, it disappears into smoke and a marble stand appears with a large tome atop it. The book is bound in leather and stamped with the symbol of a crescent moon lying on its side with a circle above it.

  Next to me, Lilith straightens her back and leans forward, clutching her crystal. It appears something has caught the vampire's interest.

  "Many of you have come for this treasure this evening," Nicholas says. "I expect some animated bidding for the Book of Thoth, a text said to have been written by Thoth himself, the Egyptian god of writing and knowledge. Whether he actually existed or not, this manuscript contains powerful spells and knowledge found nowhere else in either world. Though many such books were said to have existed, this is the last of its kind. Shall we start the bidding?"

  Lilith raises her crystal and a holographic number displays before her as she calls out the first bid. After that, the competition is fierce and the price climbs higher than anything that came before it.

  In the end, no one wanted it more than the mother of vampires herself, and though she spends a small fortune, she clearly feels it's worth it.

  "This is what I came for," she says, softly. "The greatest power in either of our worlds is knowledge. Remember that."

  My curiosity is piqued, and for a moment I consider asking Lilith to see the book, but then the fourth 'item' up for auction appears and my blood runs cold.

  I shift uncomfortably in my seat and don't know where to look or how to behave. This isn't what I was expecting, and I feel sick to my stomach. How can I remain silent? But what can I possibly do?

  Lilith notices my distress and puts a hand on my knee. "Do not play your cards just yet, my dear. This isn't the fight you came here for."

  She's not wrong, but holy hell how am I supposed to keep quiet?

  This auction item isn't a cursed necklace or powerful book or box.

  It’s a young woman.

  With cat ears.

  The one who served drinks upstairs and served herself down here.

  Now she is being sold to the highest bidder.

  The Collector traffics in people.

  Alive people.

  Not just trinkets and dead body parts.

  No one prepared me for this.

  "Feast your eyes on the splendor of this beauty," Nicholas says, displaying the girl like a piece of art. She is once again in her see-through body suit, her face neutral, her white tail twitching nervously behind her.

  "Many of you have tasted of her rare pleasures. Now, she can be yours forever. Let the bidding begin."

  The girl looks at me, and I can't pull my gaze from her as mostly men—but also some women—bid to own her. I can only imagine the things they will do to her.

  I break eye contact with her to glance at Lilith, who is impassive in the face of this atrocity. "Please do something," I say, feeling helpless even as my powers roil beneath the surface of my skin. I could unleash them here, but then I would ruin everything. What if the egg is the last up for auction? But how can I ignore what's happening?

  Lilith looks at me with unreadable eyes, then gives a brief nod and holds up her crystal, entering into the bidding.

  I scoot to the edge of my chair, desperate for her to win and free the girl.

  Another man in the audience outbids Lilith at every turn.

  She's starting to look pissed.

  "Please keep going," I say. "You can't let him have her."

  "Oh, I won't," she seethes between her teeth.

  When the price becomes more than my mind can compute, Lilith stands up and bids an even higher amount, then takes off a ring she's wearing, holding it up for Nicholas. "I also offer the Ring of Dispel as payment. A one-of-a-kind wonder that, when worn, dispels any enchantments. It's said to have been given to Sir Lancelot by the Lady of the Lake. I can attest to its power."

  The man who had been bidding against her huffs. "That's not right. She can't do that," he complains, his lusty eyes consuming the poor girl on stage.

  Nicholas can't take his gaze off the ring, and I can see how badly he wants it. "Agreed," he says to Lilith, who hands over the ring with a shrewd glance at me.

  The other man storms out of the room, and the cat girl looks to me and Lilith in curiosity and fear. Likely, she is wondering what will become of her.

  The girl looks at me, eyes wide, before Nicholas snaps and she disappears. "Done." He slips the coveted ring onto his finger and smiles.

  "You wi
ll free her, yes?" I ask Lilith.

  Lilith looks at me. "I will do something with her."

  I frown. "What does that mean?"

  "It means, the girl probably doesn't have anywhere to go once she's freed. But I'll sort it out." She rolls her eyes at me. "You have a soft heart, Eve. Don't let it get you killed."

  "And for our last—and truly most incredible—item for auction, behold the wonder that is the Viden," the Collector says and waves his hand with a flourish. From out of the mist appears a greyish-green creature at least ten feet in length pinned to a stone slab. It has a face like a deep-sea fish and the body of a snake, dozens of tentacles sprouting from its sides.

  "This magnificent being can read into the hearts and minds of any being to answer their most burning questions. But the truth isn't always what it appears to be," the Collector cautions. "Captured from the deep seas near the edge of the world, the Viden is said to be the last of its kind. Who would like to volunteer to demonstrate its powers?"

  Several hands go up, but I just stare as the creature's black, beady eyes lock onto mine, and I feel the pull of the darkness within it, as if it is calling my name.

  Eve.

  Eve.

  Eve.

  Lilith nudges me, snapping me out of the trance I was in without realizing. "What's going on?" I ask.

  Everyone in the room is looking at me, and the Collector is holding out his hand to me. "Miss Oliver, would you join me on stage?"

  I want to say no, but if this creature can answer my questions, maybe it's worth it.

  I reluctantly stand and make my way forward, then take the seat in the chair provided, directly in front of the creature.

  "The Viden will answer any three questions you have. Are you ready?" Nicholas asks.

  I nod and prepare myself for whatever is about to happen.

  But nothing can prepare me for the creature being released from the stone slab and crawling over my head, covering my face with its body, wrapping around me until I can't breathe.

  Invisible cuffs hold me to the chair, and I try to scream but nothing comes out.

  Fear takes hold of me and I pull out my power, but nothing happens.

  The creature's voice fills my mind.

  Eveeeeeeeeee, you have questions for me. What are they, Eveeeeeeee?

  I can't speak, but as I think my first question, the creature seems to understand. And though I can't breathe, somehow I do not run out of air.

  Where is the missing dragon egg? I think.

  The creature hums in my head as if searching for the answer.

  It is nearer than you know but farther than you are. Seek it in the place you will be, when your world is about to crumble.

  Of course. Of course, the answers would just be more riddles.

  Next question Eveeee. I cannot release you until you ask all three.

  What am I?

  It seems amused.

  Delightful and doubtful and despairing of truth. You are all of them and more and none of them in lore. You cannot be hidden or brought out. You are the answer and the question.

  For the love of all that's holy, I'm so tired of this. Okay, I get one last question. Maybe a yes or no will give me a clearer response, though I'm not optimistic.

  Is my brother evil?

  The creature sniffs. Evil is as evil does. Does motive or madness matter? Do ends and beginnings tell the same story? Nothing is at it appears. Least of all, fate's twins.

  And with the last question, the creature removes itself from my head, leaving me sticky with its tentacle goo, which has completely destroyed my mask and costume.

  Nicholas notices my disheveled state and waves his hand over me. In a rush of magic, the goo disappears, and my costume is restored. He reaches for my hand to help me to my feet, and though I don't want to touch him, I'm too unsteady to rise on my own.

  "Well, my dear, did you get the answers you were hoping for?"

  His grin is maddening. He knew what kind of response I would get from the Viden, but I don't want to play his game. "Oh yes. It was most illuminating. Particularly in relation to what I am," I whisper.

  He flinches, stepping back.

  Dizziness overtakes me as I attempt to walk back to my chair, and Lilith steadies me and guides me out of the auction room and through a door leading outside. Once there, Cole greets us.

  "What happened to her?" he asks, lifting me into his arms when I sway and nearly fall.

  "Nicholas punished her in his own way," Lilith says.

  Cole growls under his breath, and the feel of his chest rumbling is soothing to me. My head flops against his torso and the world fades in and out.

  When darkness takes me, it is Cole's darkness that I feel. Cole's that I fall into blissfully, forgetting all the horrors of the night.

  I regain my consciousness—and my memory of the evening—several hours later and wake to find myself in front of a fireplace in the library, a knitted blanket covering me. Matilda is crocheting in the chair across from me and smiles when I wake. "Welcome back," she says. "You've had quite the adventure."

  I sit up, clutching my head as I do to keep it from rolling off my shoulders or exploding.

  "There's a potion for you to drink," she says. "It will help."

  I see a mug on the table before me and pick it up, sniffing. "Ugh. What is this?" I ask, crinkling my nose.

  "Something that will remove the demon you brought home within you," she says nonchalantly, as if commenting about a headache.

  "Demon?"

  She nods. "Oh yes. He's hitched a ride and needs to head back to where he belongs now. Drink up."

  I take the vile liquid in like I'm doing the longest, worst-tasting shot in the history of shots. And then my body convulses, and I see a bucket next to the couch that I grab to vomit into.

  The vomiting seems to last days, but it doesn't faze Matilda.

  When there's nothing left in me, I look into the bucket and see that's it's all black sludge.

  She sets her crocheting down and comes to me, feeling my head and examining the bucket. Then she says some words and does a symbol above the sludge, and it all disappears.

  "There. All gone. How do you feel?"

  Like shit. But also…"a bit better. My mind isn't as muddled."

  "Sounds like you had an interesting evening," she says.

  "That's one word for it," I say. "I… think I need to go to bed. And brush my teeth. My mouth tastes like demon."

  Matilda nods, as if this is all par for the course. "Sleep well, dear. You'll feel much better in the morning."

  My body aches and I feel exactly as one might expect to feel after having a demon exorcised from their body. I do as promised and scrub my mouth clean until I can only remember the taste of vomiting up demon.

  Then I try to undress. Holy shit. It takes me forever to figure out how to undo all the pieces of my gown, and once I'm naked I soak in a hot bathtub for a long time, letting the warmth melt away all my aches.

  But a bath can't help the pain in my heart.

  There were other girls there that night who were likely owned by Nicholas. Other girls he will abuse and sell and trade. I can't leave them there, but what can I do? How can I fix this?

  I close my eyes, trying to sort through it all, when someone very close to me clears their throat.

  I startle and look up to see Cole standing at the edge of my bath with a half-smile on his face.

  "If I wasn't here on very important business I would be so tempted to ask if I could join you."

  His words light up something inside of me, and I wonder what it would feel like to have him in the bath with me, to feel his skin against mine, our bodies becoming one.

  I shake my head to dispel those thoughts. "What are you doing here?" I ask.

  "I have a surprise for you," he says. "But you have to come with me."

  "Right now?" I ask.

  He nods. "It'll be worth it, I promise."

  There's something in his eyes that
convinces me it's worth going, so I stand up and his eyes take in my body as he hands me a towel. I dry and dress as quickly as I can, despite needing sleep very badly. "Where are we going?" I ask.

  "Not far."

  He takes my hand and pulls me into his arms. "Do you trust me?" he asks.

  I look into his too-dark eyes and nod, because for some reason, despite everything, I do.

  "Then close your eyes and hold on tight."

  I do as I'm told, and with our bodies pressed together, I feel his power move through me, and then…it's as if for a moment we are in another realm made of air and smoke and shadow. And then I feel solid again and I'm standing in a room made of stone. A thin sheen of dust covers the walls, telling me that no one has been here for some time. A door to my right leads...somewhere. From the window I can see the top of the castle and the surrounding grounds. "Are we in the eastern tower?" I ask.

  Cole nods.

  And when I turn, I see what his surprise is.

  Nicholas Vanderbilt is slumped in the corner, tied up, blindfolded and gagged.

  "What is this?" I ask.

  "A gift," Cole says. "He tortured you with that creature, sent you home demon possessed, and sells girls as sex slaves. He deserves to be punished. I thought you might like to do the honors."

  I step forward, looking at the man who does indeed deserve a thousand cuts with the sharpest blade. My anger flares within me and fire appears in my palms. I hold my hands up, studying the flames. I could release them on his flesh. Burn him alive. Make him pay for all he's done.

  "Can he hear us?" I ask.

  "No," Cole says. "Would you like him to?"

  I shake my head. I don't know what I want right now.

  Cole comes up behind me, his mouth at my ear. "It will feel so good to unleash your magic on him. And he deserves it, doesn't he?"

  "Your brothers wouldn't like this," I say, holding my fiery hands in front of me, visualizing the Collector burning alive.

  "My brothers don't understand many things. They are limited by their own self-imposed rules. You should not be bound by those."

  The temptation overwhelms me. I could so easily do it. Who would know?

  "What happened to the girls he held prisoner?" I ask.