"Who did you see it happen to?"
He waved a hand absently. "Some young peasant a vampire was playing with. It was years ago before we took control."
Aria swallowed heavily. "But there is a chance—"
"No."
"I'm strong, Braith, stronger than most. I can handle pain—"
"This is more than just pain; this is death."
"Better than most people," she continued as if he hadn't spoken.
"Your insides twist into something different, your heart ceases to beat, and your body goes into rigor mortis—"
"I'm stronger than most people! I just beat a vampire in hand to hand combat. I can survive this."
"You won't have the chance to find out."
Aria sputtered as indignation filled her. His stubbornness was beginning to grate on her nerves. "If Saul can survive—"
"Saul?" he asked in surprise.
She folded her arms over her chest and tapped her foot. "Yes, Saul. I assume he was once human; he certainly appears older."
Braith's full lips quirked in a small smile. "Saul was never human."
"I don't understand. He has gray hair, wrinkles. Do you eventually age?"
His thumb stopped stroking her skin, and his hand turned in hers as he held her. His gaze focused on her hand for a moment. He studied it as if he’d never seen it before. He moved her fingers apart, deliberately tracing the bones of each one.
"Braith," she whispered, fighting against the reaction her body had to his tender touch.
"No, we don't age," he finally stated. "At some time in our twenties we reach maturity and stop aging. I was twenty-two when it happened. For some reason, Saul didn't stop aging until he was almost fifty. It's happened before, rarely, but it has occurred."
Aria's mouth parted on a small breath; what a strange and oddly fascinating bit of information. She never would have suspected such a thing could occur. "Has there ever been a vampire who never stopped aging and died?"
Braith’s hands moved leisurely up her arms as he pulled her closer to him. "It's a possibility; there were some vampires before me." His teasing smile melted her heart. "I suppose it could have happened then, but since I've been alive, I've never heard of it. One aged until he was almost seventy before stopping, but that's the oldest I know of."
"How is that possible?"
"Do you know the legend of the vampire race?" She shook her head no. "Have you heard of God?"
"I've heard of him, it, her? Some of the people in the woods would talk of God, they even had ceremonies, but most didn't understand what it was."
"That hasn't changed in a hundred years." The dry humor tinting his voice seemed oddly out of place.
"Was it supposed to?"
"No."
"Then what does this God have to do with anything?"
"It's said God created the first humans in his image. God also created angels to serve him, protect, and guide the human race, but between the two, man was God's favorite. One such angel, Lucifer, was cast out of heaven because he didn't want to play second fiddle. It is said on his way to Hell, to punish God and inflict pain and fear on the human race, Lucifer also created something in his image to walk the earth. A demon that looked like man but had the vast power of the angels and fed on man. He created the first vampire."
"Your speed and strength," she muttered.
"Yes, and our immortality and thirst for blood is all said to be tied to the demon Lucifer became. The quirks that sometimes affect our race are supposedly because there is also man within us."
Aria's head spun at this revelation. "You believe this?"
He shrugged absently. "It's what has been told over the years, but I don't know for certain; no one does."
"And if you change me, you believe I will become a demon or the demon is what will kill me?"
"You already are a little demon." He chuckled at the stern look she shot him. "But no, I don't believe that. I believe the loss of your blood, and the sudden influx of mine, is what will kill you. I believe the trauma to your system and the changing of it into ours is what will kill you, but I do not believe you will become a demon or become infected by one. Most of us are colder and more callous than humans; our needs are more intense, but we control our actions and aren’t ruled by some demon inside us. It is why Ashby loves Melinda, why my mother died for Melinda, and why Gideon established a system of equality. It's why I love you. If a demon ruled us, none of that would be possible. Some of us seem to relate more to their angel or human side, and some more to the demon one."
"I see." Though she was fascinated by what he’d revealed, she was barely paying attention to the conversation anymore as his hands clasped her face and he kissed her.
Chapter Nine
Braith stood silently with his arms folded across his chest while he watched Aria move about the room with subtle grace. She didn't know he was there as she studied the bindings of the books. With her hands clasped behind her back, she leaned back on her heels before tilting forward again. The wistful smile on her face enchanted him.
He didn't think he would ever get over the powerful effect she had on him and the sway she held over his deadened heart.
"Are you going to stand there all day?" she asked.
"I didn't realize you knew I was here."
The sunlight lit her features when she tilted her head to study him. "I'd know you anywhere."
For a moment, she robbed him of all sense of reason. His fingers ached with the need to touch her.
Standing on her tiptoes, she pulled a book from the shelf. "Would you like to read with me?"
He would like nothing more than to curl up and read with her, but that was not why he'd come here. She seemed to sense that as her smile slipped away, and she tucked the book under her arm. "What is it?"
"They're going to vote on whether or not they're willing to join us. I thought you would like to be there."
"I would," she agreed.
Her hand slid into his extended one. He held her for a moment and savored her as she watched him.
"What do you think they'll vote?" she asked.
Braith shook his head. "I don't know. Those creatures have been taken care of, there may be a few left out there, but they're not much of a threat. I think I passed their test and proved to them that, though I’m blind, I’m still deadly enough to lead."
"Do you think they suspect you can see when I'm near?"
He shrugged. "I don't think so, though Xavier saw far more of our relationship than I intended for him to. I don't think he will say anything. For now, he prefers to watch, listen, and learn."
"What does he want to learn?"
"Everything and anything. Xavier's bloodline has always been the record keepers; he knows more of our history than anyone. His leaving was a huge blow to my father. Xavier sees far more than most and processes things differently. He'll keep what he saw to himself until he can figure out what to do about it."
"Do you think he'll do something bad with it?"
"Not if he wants to live. Xavier, though his original loyalty was to my father, is a man of learning, not one of action and violence. He is logical and fair. He will come to me when he is ready to confront me about you. He'll look for answers before he goes to the others with what he witnessed."
"I think you're right; he seems very curious about us." She rocked back on her heels again. "They will agree to help us."
"And what makes you so certain?"
"Because it's impossible not to follow you."
He chuckled as he clasped her arm in his. "I'm glad you believe so."
She tugged on his arm, causing him to stop in the doorway of the library. Her hand tightened on his arm, and her eyes filled with determination. "I don't believe so, Braith, I know so. They'll follow you because they know strength when they see it, because they'll believe in you, and you'll win."
The amount of faith she had in him, humbled him.
Then, a smile lit her face and caused her eyes t
o sparkle as she playfully bumped his hip. "Just don't let it go to your head when you become king."
He couldn't find the words to remind her that he had no intention of becoming king. Her gaze darted toward the dining room where they’d all been meeting. She squeezed his hand before reluctantly releasing it and nervously tucking the book under her arm.
"You can do this, Braith," she whispered.
He was pretty sure he could do just about anything with her at his side. He wanted to reach for her again, pull her back against him, and walk proudly into the room with her, but he’d already allowed too much to slip in front of Xavier.
Aria entered the room first and walked to her brother's side. William studied her before nodding to Braith. The others had already gathered around the table, and the chair at the head was empty as it waited expectantly for him. Braith walked over to it and rested his fingers on the table as he faced the powerful vampires whose help he desperately needed if they were going to have any shot of winning a war against his father.
"You've all made your decisions?" he inquired.
"We have," Xavier confirmed as his dark eyes flickered briefly to Aria.
Frustration filled Braith; his momentary loss of control in the hallway earlier had placed Aria in greater peril. She met Xavier's inquisitive glance with a lift of her brows that made her appear more innocent and unknowing. But Braith could see Xavier didn't buy it.
"I'll fight with you," Xavier confirmed. "You've proven you are capable enough to earn my allegiance, and I have never agreed with your father's policies. I believe yours will be more just."
"They will be," Braith assured him.
"I will also fight with you," Barnaby said. "I've been waiting for this moment for a very long time."
Braith felt a tug of apprehension; he still didn't know what to think about Barnaby, but at least this time he was taking a stand instead of cowardly waiting until the end. Perhaps the past hundred years had changed him. Ashby made a slight face but remained silent.
"I would like to confer with my people, but I believe they will agree to help," Saul said. "We've built a good home here, but we are aware it is tentative at best. The king still randomly sends search parties after us, and there is no guarantee we will not be uncovered and ousted at some point. War offers no promises, no peace or stability, but the hope of a future filled with security will probably sway them, as will the chance to leave The Barrens and return to a home most of us still miss."
Saul folded his hands into the sleeves of his cloak. He had always been tranquil, reserved, and possessed an air of dignity enhanced by his seemingly vast years, even though he was almost two hundred years younger than Braith.
"I was in before we went after those creatures," Calista said. "I want my homeland back. We've established a good system here, but I'm sick of dust and heat and sand. I assume those of us who join with you will be rewarded."
"Your wealth will be returned to you. The Council will be established as the ruling body again, you will return to your seats on it, you will have an equal say on it, and the majority will rule," Braith assured them.
"Even the humans?" Frank inquired.
Braith nodded. "What you have established here will be the model our new rule will be based on. Humans will rule with us, vampires and humans who do not obey the laws will be punished accordingly."
"And blood slaves?" Frank pressed.
Despite his determination not to look at her, Braith’s gaze flickered to Aria as she shifted uneasily. Though few people in this room knew she’d once been his blood slave, it was still a touchy subject with her.
"If we are successful, no human will ever be forced to be a blood slave again," Braith promised.
The slight tremor of Aria's chin was her only sign of distress. He couldn't take her days as a blood salve away from her, even if he could, he wouldn't. If she'd never been captured and brought to the palace as a slave, he never would have met her. He wouldn't be standing here, and neither would she.
She was in danger now, but her life had been nothing but uncertainty. He hated it, but for the first time he saw things from her perspective and understood her total lack of fear toward anything.
She feared nothing because she’d lived with the constant threat of death every day of her life; it remained the same now, but there was finally hope for her. Finally, there was a light at the end of a tunnel that had only been dark before. She would do anything for that light, anything.
She’d been trying to make him understand this was a battle she embraced wholeheartedly and with a determination that might exceed his own, but he had been too stubborn to listen. He needed to give her more freedom, or he would crush the beautiful spirit he’d fallen in love with in the first place.
The thought of losing her was almost enough to drive him to his knees, but he realized he'd rather see her dead than destroyed by his inability to let her be who she was.
He almost went to her but thankfully came to his senses before he did something careless. Her life may not be any more precarious now than it was before, but if he revealed his feelings for her any further, it would be.
He turned forcefully away from her as he focused on Frank once more. "You and David will have a say in how things are run if we’re successful. You will both have seats on The Council to represent your people. If there are other human leaders amongst the rebels, I'm sure David will bring them to my attention."
"There aren't any others," William informed him.
"The humans will have the same say as vampires?" Frank persisted.
"Yes, humans will have an equal say," Braith assured him.
"And a leader will also need to be appointed." Gideon's hazel eyes were turbulent when they met his.
"With a council established, there won’t be a need for a leader." Braith stared at Gideon, silently warning him to back off.
"There is always a need for a leader. A leader will have to carry out the results of any vote, and they will have to squash any internal squabbling. A leader will be needed to make sure that justice, fair justice, is carried out. And everyone, people and vampire alike, will require someone to follow. There is a need for a strong leader who can rule during what will be a difficult time of transition for everyone. They will be necessary to put an abrupt end to the uprisings I’m sure will follow this overthrow, and to make sure all traitorous persons are hunted down and dealt with appropriately.
"There is a need for a leader if what you envision, what we all envision, is to be successful. We will need the strongest among us to carry out this vision. Someone who is just and not simply seeking power; someone who knows how government and politics works, someone who is recognizable to everyone, as many of us would not be known among the humans anymore. "
Astounded by the fervor of Gideon's speech, and frightened by the sway he felt in those words, Braith remained silent. Aria gazed at Gideon before turning her attention to Braith. The pride gleaming within the bright depths of her beautiful eyes caused his gut to clench. He knew what she expected of him, but if he rose to power, she would never be accepted at his side.
He would give up anything for this cause, except for her.
Beside her, William looked as amazed as she did. His gaze moved from Gideon to Braith and then finally to his sister. An almost painful look crossed his face before he turned away.
"We should select a new king so to speak, here, now, amongst the leaders who have been elected to speak for our people," Gideon continued.
"Not all of those leaders are here," Braith reminded him, unable to keep the aggravation from his voice as Gideon tried to railroad him into a position he did not want.
"Either I, or William, can vote for our father in his absence," Aria said. "He trusts our judgment, and if he doesn't agree with us, then he can have his say when we reunite."
He wanted to tell her no, there would be no vote, but the others were already nodding their agreement. A cold chill swept down his spine. He was not a coward, he had n
ever shirked his responsibilities, but he did not want this.
Maybe he was getting ahead of himself though; they hadn’t elected him yet. Gideon had just given a rousing speech that had swayed everyone in the room to his view. After Braith, Gideon was the eldest vampire in this room. The leaders here knew Gideon well and worked with him over the past hundred years. All Braith had was his older age, his power, and his pedigree to sway their vote.
"I think that's fair," Xavier said. "They came as representatives for their father, after all." His gaze fixated on Braith. "I'm sure he would respect their vote."
"He would," William confirmed.
"Jericho is also an option as a leader," Braith reminded them. "My brother has lived amongst David's rebel faction for the past six years. He’s part of the royal bloodline, and David's people trust him."
Saul chuckled as he shook his head and spread his hands before him. "I'm sure Jericho has matured greatly over the years, Braith, but I do not believe he is up for this responsibility. Nor was he ever groomed for it. We represent our families now because most of our family members are dead. Barnaby's youngest cousin, and my sister, are the only others who survived the war, subsequent slaughter, and exile. Neither of them is prepared to lead, and neither is Jericho."
"That is yet another thing we can discuss when we're all united," Xavier said. "I'm sure Jericho is not the boy we remember, and if there is to be true equality amongst us than we should consider him. If he wishes to be considered."
"Then we agree, for the most part," Gideon asserted. "We'll vote now. Ashby who would you vote in as the next king?"
Ashby’s eyes flickered between Aria and Braith before his shoulders slumped a little. "Braith started this, he has led us this far, united us, and defeated most of your enemies. He'll see us to the end; he'll take down his father. My vote is with him."
Braith remained unmoving, and his body grew steadily colder as Gideon went through the room. He somehow managed to stay impassive and unflinching every time his name was said.
William and Aria were second to last to vote. They spoke briefly with each other before Aria quietly said his name. It was like a stake to his heart; she didn't know what she’d just done.
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