“I’m not happy about what I have to say,” Clyde finally states while sitting up. Leaning forward, he supports himself by clinging to the edge and looks down at the gurgling fountains far below. “We’ll keep doing what we’re doing until Bob comes back with more information. Luther can back him up if he wants, but I’d rather send someone else to be safe. Not that I don’t trust you, Grathan, but I’d rather you work solo as usual. Then again, I’ve heard that you tend to go to a certain bakery owner before coming to me.”
“Chastity helps me organize my thoughts,” Luther calmly chirps in his bird form. Walking along the edge, he ruffles his feathers and stretches his wings. “She’s in Nytefall now if you want to hear what she knows about the situation. We were supposed to meet earlier, but you called for me and Titus first. I do have a few temples that I want to spy on to make sure this isn’t a new campaign by the Duragians. They’ve been quiet ever since we started our own campaign against Nyte. Do you mind if I leave now?”
“Go ahead since I left a few minutes ago,” their grinning leader admits before the illusion disappears.
“Where in all of Windemere do you think he went?” the forest tracker asks as he returns to his normal form.
Titus yawns and heads for a trapdoor that opens to a rickety ladder, which promises splinters to those who dare to use it. “Where do you think? Just another fight between partners who really should kiss and make up. Meet you by the southern wall and we can start taking bets on who will win this round. At the very least, we can make enough money to repair whatever damage those two cause this time.”
*****
The four-story building looks no different than those around it, except for the window shutters being on the inside. A winged hound statue sits on the flat roof and leans over the eave, its eyes locked with a matching piece across the street. Clyde stares up at the red-eyed decoration while blindly waving to those who excitedly greet him. Licking his lips, he kneels in front of the door and picks the lock in a few seconds. He still pushes it open as carefully as possible in case there is a chain, which he snaps with a simple flick of his finger. The vampire slips inside and nearly bumps into a pile of bags that are leaking silver coins. Closing the door behind him, Clyde is amazed at all of the treasure that is left in the hallway and rooms. A bedroom to his right is filled with jeweled armor that nobody would wear for battle, the metal visibly fatigued from having so many gems fused to its surface. Moving without a sound, he takes in the sight of jewelry hanging from hooks and goblets meticulously stacked to the ceiling. He stops at the entrance to what used to be a bathroom and has now been turned into a storage place for a ten-foot tall fountain that once stood in a Gaian courtyard. Heading for the second floor, Clyde can see that the nearby kitchen has been left untouched by the widespread hording as well as uncleaned. A sniff of the air tells him that the mess is recent and is a combination of chocolate and hot sauce. Unnerved by the unfamiliar pairing, he moves with more caution and keeps his right fist ready to strike.
Reaching the third floor, Clyde hears the tinkling of coins falling and makes his way to the end of the hallway. He is about to enter the room when it finally dawns on him that he probably should have knocked before entering the house. The former thief scratches his head and turns towards the stairs only to look back at the door. With a shrug, Clyde creates an illusion of a loud bang at the front door and leans against the wall. It is only when he glances at the floor that he spots discarded clothes on the rug, including a hydra-skin jacket. Before he can hide or move for the stairs, the door opens and Mab walks out. Muttering curses, the brown-haired Dawn Fang is completely naked and fails to notice her old partner until she is halfway through with putting on her underwear. Neither of the vampires are sure of how much time has passed as they stare at each other in horror and discomfort. Clyde regains his senses and opens his mouth to talk, but he is immediately blinded by a clawed swipe to the face. He slumps to the floor as the burglar gathers her clothes and rushes back into the room, the door slamming hard enough to knock over several teetering piles of treasure throughout the house.
“What the hell, Mab!?”
“Don’t barge into my house!”
“First of all, I broke in. Second of all, are you bathing in coins?”
“I was counting my latest haul.”
“Why were you naked?”
“It’s hot in here!”
“Then open a window.”
“And let a burglar sneak in?”
With his eyes nearly healed, Clyde gets back to his feet and waits for Mab to come out of the room. A minute passes before he senses that he is no longer alone, the familiar sensation giving him enough of a warning to let a sigh slip from his lips. He does not fight back when a hand emerges from his shadow and yanks him through by the ankle. A world of darkness and floating monsters greets him for an instant, but he is quickly shoved into a nearby pinprick of light. He lands upside down in a plush chair on the fourth floor of Mab’s house, the surrounding room oddly sparse compared to the rest of the treasure-filled building. He rights himself as the burglar walks in through the door, her jacket buttoned even though it is too warm to be wearing the garment. Throwing open the window, she waves to a curious neighbor before putting a foot on the sill and tightening her boot laces.
“I think we should talk,” Clyde says as he stands. Walking to part of an old table, he runs a finger along the names that are etched and crossed off. “Thought we were keeping this in the castle. Let me guess. You don’t think I should have it since I’m no longer acting like a member of the gang. This could have been solved by you leaving me in the ground, Mab. Not to mention, you were with me on making this Dawn Fang thing bigger than the gang. I have a kingdom to look over now, which means I can’t-”
“Go running off to have fun like you promised we would,” the burglar interrupts, her voice bitter and cold. Hearing a chorus of voices in her head, she growls and smacks her ears a few times to silence them. “After all these years, I still can’t get the dead to leave me alone when I’m stressed. Can I not hear the excuses about responsibilities again? The only times you’ve left Nytefall in the last few years is to visit Gregorio, which is depressing. The war with Xavier isn’t moving very quickly since we can’t get to him, so life is stuck like this. All I wanted was for us to get away for a day or two, which is what you said you wanted too.”
“So, you’re more disappointed than angry with me?” Clyde asks, joining his partner at the window. Feeling her hand on his stomach, he moves away before she can shove him out of the building. “Okay, you’re still a little angry. Not sure what you want me to say. I’d like to go on a fun heist with you, but I’m worried that . . . Have you noticed the messes I make when I’m in the mortal world? When I get too excited, I start to lose control. People die and things tend to get destroyed. The last thing I want is to go too far and bring the rest of the world down on our heads.”
“Because you keep thinking like a warrior or a ruler or a pompous bastard instead of a thief like you really are,” Mab says, taking him by the hand. She sinks them through the shadows and has them reappear in the kitchen, which she begins cleaning. “All I’ve asked of you is to put some time aside for us to run a few heists. They’re fun, especially if you try to do it without using your powers. It’s like we’ve become Dawn Fangs and now we have to completely redesign ourselves. Just the thought of not being able to go back to our old lives makes me angry because I didn’t ask for this new life. All of this treasure around me, a big house to call my own, and I’m more miserable than ever. Wish I knew what my life was missing.”
Grabbing a sponge from the sink, Clyde climbs onto a chair to clean the surprisingly dirty ceiling. “I know what you mean. The castle is huge and I can always find something to do, but it feels . . . empty. Not long ago, I told Luther and Titus that I feel like a prisoner. At times, this life reminds me of being trapped underground. The only difference this time is that I can’t see the walls keeping me insi
de. You know, I did have an idea for us if you think you can be patient for a few days.”
“You want me to check on Bob and we’ll go on a heist once I get back,” Mab casually answers. She stares at an icebox that is locked and struggles to remember if there is food or riches in the container. “I heard about the strange incidents and figured you would send either me or Luther. Shows that we know each other too well. At least I understand you. So, I wait until Bob gets back with news and then what?”
With an impish grin, Clyde creates an illusion that transforms the kitchen into a vast treasury. Marble columns are at the edge of the pentagon-shaped chamber, the stone crackling with active lightning spells. The ceiling is covered in a layer of pink energy that makes it difficult to see the circular symbol emblazoned on the stone. Wanting to make it clearer, the vampire erases the prismatic hue and reveals the picture of a rearing beast that has the lower half of a tiger, the upper body of a leopard, and the head of a lion. The sight of the royal crest of Fornyle causes Mab to squeal in delight and she spins in place as mountains of treasure rise around them. Cat-shaped statues slide out of the walls and sprout fist-sized gems in place of their eyes. The familiar smell of long-contained riches fills her nose and makes her practically drool at the thought of claiming even a handful of them. The burglar stops her gleeful celebration when Clyde pulls a scroll out of his sleeve and unfurls the plans that she has spent the last two years putting together.
“I thought I threw this out after our last fight,” Mab admits as she takes the parchment. The illusion gradually vanishes as she takes a seat on the counter and runs her hand across the detailed pictures. “They say the royal vault of Fornyle is the first true burglary challenge of Windemere since the Great Cataclysm. That city is in the running to be the new capital of the Calican nation too, which means it’s going to have a massive, beautiful hoard. I don’t want to take it all, but I’d die happy if I could get just one set of statue eyes. You swear that we’ll take this on together once I’m done with Bob. Just you and me like the old days.”
“As long as nothing goes wrong,” Clyde says while claiming a nearby apple. Spotting a flicker of anger on his partner’s face, he holds up a hand and takes a quick bite of the slightly sour fruit. “Let me rephrase that. If you finish with Bob and come back to say something needs my attention then that comes first. Once it’s taken care of, I’ll be all yours. In a partner thief way, of course. The gods only know that I could use an escape from Nytefall. I don’t even know which room I’m supposed to sleep in these days. By the way, I’m sorry about barging in and seeing you naked.”
“Guess we’re even then.”
“How so?”
“You know how you’re naked when you spar with your illusions at night?”
“Yes, but how do you know?”
“I may have shadowed in a few times and slipped back out before you noticed me.”
“Now I feel a lot less guilty.”
“I promise to join you next time it happens.”
“You want to do naked sparring with me?”
“I . . . No . . . Not the naked part . . . I mean . . . I’m going to look for Bob.”
Porcelain cheeks blushing brighter than she realizes, Mab grabs a bag filled with blood bottles and oranges. She puts out her hand for Clyde to shake, which they realize is a fairly odd gesture given their history. Licking her lips, the burglar heads for the door, but turns around to give her partner a hug. She looks up in time to catch him leaning forward a little, the action similar to how he used to kiss her on the top of the head. The silence goes on for what could be a minute or an hour as they listen to their pounding heartbeats, the sounds gradually synchronizing without their control. For a brief moment, there is a visible spark between them that they are sure came from Clyde’s illusions. The tension is broken by the collapse of a nearby stack of ornamental urns, which shatter against the floor.
“I’ll see you when I get back,” Mab says before flashing a toothy smile. Patting Clyde on the stomach, she pushes herself away and hides her disappointment that he does not try to pull her back. “Don’t forget to lock the front door. Check the windows too if you can. Never know when a thief is prowling around.”
“Yeah . . . Who knows what those Dawn Fang burglars can steal around here?” Clyde replies with a sigh.
*****
Chastity runs her brush along her ankle-length hair, which shimmers whenever it is struck by the light. She is wearing her favorite black dress with pink handprints, the markings gradually moving around her body. Wanting some fresh air, she wiggles her fingers at the window and opens it with her telekinesis. Seeing an attractive half-elf across the street, the curvy Dawn Fang stops her primping and leans back with a goblet of sweetened blood. With a smirk, she causes his hat to fall out of his hands and land where bending over gives her a perfect view of his rear. The distraction is not enough to take her mind off Clyde, who continues to pace from one side of her apartment to another. Turning away from her potential toy, Chastity gets to her feet and strips off her dress before grabbing a fluffy robe. The lack of even the slightest glance from her friend fills the seductive woman with a dangerous combination of hurt, curiosity, and annoyance. Giving in to the stronger of the three emotions, she flicks a finger at a pillow and sends it bouncing off the thief’s head.
“Sorry, was I talking over you?” Clyde asks, unaware that he has been silent since he entered the house. Seeing the beautiful woman repeatedly nod at a nearby chair, he takes a seat and leans back to stare at the ceiling. “I don’t know what I’m doing. Being a leader for an entire race doesn’t feel like it’s right for me. Waiting around for someone to come to me with problems leaves me bored and we know how dangerous that is. Not to mention that I keep breaking my promises with Mab, so I’m fighting with her. How am I supposed to lead the Dawn Fangs when she isn’t around to help? All my bluster and ego are going to waste since I can’t punch, trick, or threaten my way out of this one. What do you think I should do?”
“Mab before you two go insane,” Chastity bluntly replies. Lifting a leg into the air, she grabs a large powderpuff and pats the limb until all of the shiny spots are gone. “Don’t glare. You wanted my professional opinion and we both know what my job is. Since pastries and beer aren’t the answer, I recommend the type of sex that will bring a building down. If that isn’t your style then stop being an idiot and keep your promises. I love you with all my heart, Clyde, but you need to act like the top predator here again. Most of the Dawn Fangs don’t notice you getting a little pathetic, but your inner circle is getting worried. All of us think you could use a vacation from Nytefall.”
“I do feel like a shell of my former self,” he admits while turning to check himself in the vanity. Baring his fangs, he taps at them and wonders if they are losing some of their sharpness and luster. “This has been hard on Mab too. You and the Vengeance Hounds seem to be adapting to our world fairly quickly. I’ve even heard of Gregorio going out in public more often. There’s something about me and Mab that is making this new life a challenge. I’ve been beating my head against a wall trying to figure it out. Feeling . . . weak and full of doubt isn’t me. Makes me angry and impatient.”
The buxom Dawn Fang flips off the couch and lands in Clyde’s lap with her legs folded beneath her. “And that is why we’re worried. You, and Mab to a lesser extent, need adventure and physical challenges. Neither of you are the domestic types, which is why you always worked together instead of alongside the rest of us. You two would follow your hearts’ desires while Titus led his side of the gang on official jobs and I handled the information gathering. Now, you’re in the position of being not only a leader, but a ruler. Most people think it’s different than running a small pack, but it’s actually the same. Just on a larger scale.”
“That sounds like a pretty big lie.”
“More of an embellishment.”
“Why are you on my lap?”
“This is where I usually sit when cons
oling my clients.”
“I’m not one of your-”
“Then stop whining to me like one of them.”
Chuckling at the smiling woman, Clyde stands and makes a quick spin to gently place her on the chair. He is about to go back to pacing when he feels a slight pull on his legs, the unexpected resistance disappearing as soon as he relaxes. Taking the subtle hint, he puts up his hands and walks to a pitcher of water. He pours himself a glass, but holds it above his head instead of taking a drink. Catching the light, Clyde has the beams wind around his arms, but his mind shatters the illusion before it can take hold. Unable to trick himself for even a minute like he would do before the Great Cataclysm, the Dawn Fang takes a seat in the window and hides himself from view. Only Chastity is able to pierce his spell while the passing citizens see nothing more than a closed shutter.
“I need to get out of Nytefall,” Clyde admits before having his drink. He shivers as thoughts of battle and killing slip into his mind, the images causing a red mist to briefly rise from his body. “The Lord’s Rage doesn’t like to be restrained for so long. With Xavier hiding behind his wards and his people staying away from me, I have no enemies to entertain me. It’s like water building up behind a fragile dam. My nighttime sparring sessions give me some release, but I need to feel flesh and bone break beneath my fists. I miss the thrill of danger and wondering if I’m about to walk into a trap. Tell me you have some information on these attacks that I can sink my fangs into.”
Lost (War of Nytefall Book 2) Page 3
