Prophecy: Dark Moon Rising [A Vampires Realm Novel]

by F. E. Heaton

  She jumped when she found hands on her hips and was relieved to find it was Valentine.

  He grinned, exposing his canines as his blue eyes shone brightly at her. “Ready to fly?"

  She frowned at first and then watched the Aleaeries circling back around. She grinned back at Valentine and nodded.

  He bent over and locked his hands together to form a cradle. She placed her right foot into it and fixed her senses on the Aleaeries diving towards them. Closing her eyes, she waited and then put pressure on Valentine's hand.

  He launched her upwards and she opened her eyes as she sailed through the air. Flipping over backwards, she clutched her sword in both hands and shoved it through the Aleaeries’ back as she landed on it. It cried out and nose dived towards the ground at alarming speed. Pulling her sword out of it, she impaled it again and then cut its head off before leaping free at the last second.

  She landed heavily on a group of unsuspecting zombies and growled as she released thread after thread of magic while turning on the spot. Each thread sliced through its targets neck, decapitating it with a hiss of burnt flesh.

  Turning sharply, she couldn't see Valentine anywhere. She was surrounded by zombies and there was no sign of anyone to help her.

  Venturi growled and shoved his sword through the neck of the zombie coming towards him. He froze when he heard a scream and searched out the owner of it. He knew that cry. It made his stomach turn with fear and his mouth went dry as he broke into a run, following his senses and slashing at everything that stood in his path.

  Roaring, he hacked the zombies blocking his way to pieces, butchering them. He pushed the last one out of the way and grabbed Prophecy's arm, tugging her free of the group and hauling her to her feet. He wrapped one arm about her, holding her close as he fought the zombies that were coming at him. They lashed out at him, hitting him hard, but he didn't relinquish his grip on Prophecy. He held her tight, keeping her face pressed against his chest, protecting her. The scent of her blood filled his senses and he fought harder, trying to clear room in the battle so he could see if she was all right.

  He backed into the wall at the side of the room and growled threateningly at the zombies. He was relieved when out of the corner of his eye he saw two Watchmen coming towards him. Waving his sword, he caught their attention. They nodded in acknowledgement and began to attack the zombies, giving him time to check on Prophecy.

  Slowly releasing her, he slipped out of his vampire guise and frowned when he drew back a little. Her helmet was gone and there was a long gash across the side of her head. She winced as he gingerly pressed his fingers to it, gritting his teeth as he inspected it. It was deep and bleeding badly.

  "What happened? Are you all right?” he said, sheathing his sword and holding her shoulders with both hands.

  "Give me your hand,” she whispered and leaned heavily against the wall for support.

  He didn't question her. Pulling his left glove off, he held his hand out to her. He was surprised when she bit down on his wrist, holding it tightly and closing her eyes as she drank. When she released him and leaned her head back into the wall, he stared at her mouth and her bloodied fangs and lips. Licking his own, he fought for control over the tempestuous feelings of desire and need inside of him.

  She smiled when she opened her eyes and looked right into his.

  "Thank you,” she said and brought her hand up, pressing the amulet against the side of her head. The stone glowed purple and when she removed her hand, the wound was gone. “You really do have strong blood."

  He smiled and went to lick the wound on his wrist but she caught hold of his hand and brought it to her. He closed his eyes when she licked it, her movements slow and sensual, and then frowned when she pressed a kiss to his wrist while her thumb brushed softly against his fingers.

  Opening his eyes, he looked around him but she was nowhere to be seen. He swallowed hard and stared at his wrist, trying to make sense of what had just happened and cursing her for doing something now, at a time when he could do nothing in return and didn't have time to be distracted by her.

  Slipping his glove back on, he changed back into his vampire guise and drew his sword.

  He grinned as he threw himself back into the fight, his instincts taking over while his mind replayed the way it had felt to have her kiss his wrist. He had to find her and protect her like he'd vowed to, if only so they would both be there when everything was over and he could ask her what that kiss had meant.

  He growled when he bumped into someone and spun on the spot, bringing his sword around.

  His eyes widened when Hyperion deflected his attack and grinned at him.

  "I see your lady is fighting well.” Hyperion nodded across the room in the direction of Elena.

  Venturi looked there and saw that Prophecy had made it halfway to the witch. His eyes scanned the battle and he growled when he spotted Valentine was fighting his way towards Prophecy.

  "Interesting interlude you had.” The note of amusement in Hyperion's voice didn't go unnoticed by Venturi.

  "Don't you have better things to do be doing rather than watching her all the time?” Venturi decapitated a zombie and kicked it backwards into the others. They toppled to the ground, moaning as they tried to get up again.

  Hyperion gave him a broad smile. “It is not her that I watch. It is her two loves."

  Venturi turned to say something, desperate to know whether what Hyperion had said was true and Prophecy loved him, but the lord of Validus was gone. Roaring at the ceiling, he unleashed his frustration out on the nearest zombies, crushing their heads with a single punch and decapitating them with his claws.

  Prophecy spun to face the direction of the roar. She watched zombies sail through the air, missing limbs or their head. She knew who the owner of the roar had been. Leaving Venturi without an explanation had been a bad thing to do, but again she was running from her feelings. One day, she'd tell him how she felt, but today wasn't that day.

  Focusing on the battle again, she blasted her way through the last of the zombies between her and Elena, and found herself face to face with Valentine.

  "Thank the Devil you're here,” she said and went to go towards him, but stopped when he didn't move or say a thing.

  She frowned and wrapped her arm about herself when cold crept into her veins and a shiver spread through her.

  She stared into the dark eyes watching her, and realisation came fast and shocking as it sunk in.

  It wasn't Valentine.

  She barely had time to roll out of the way as the sword arced dangerously quick towards her. She came to her feet and jumped, clearing the second swipe he made. Landing hard, she stumbled a little and breathed hard. Her eyes locked with Valentine's, searching them deeply for a sign of what move he would make next.

  She told herself repeatedly that it wasn't him. He didn't kill her and she didn't kill him. It all made sense now.

  Raising her hand, she called the magic, strong and dark. The almost black threads encircled her hand, weaving in distorted patterns around her fingers and waiting for her command.

  She had to prove her theory, had to make sure she was right.

  Pulling her arm back, she shoved it forwards again and cried out when she released the magic. It zoomed towards its target and she held her breath, waiting.

  She grinned the moment Valentine raised his hand and easily deflected the spell. It shot off in another direction, and she shot towards Valentine.

  Attacking fiercely, she rained blow after blow of her sword down on her enemy. She licked her teeth when her blade sliced through his arm and the scent of human blood filled the air. For a flicker of a moment, Valentine's face shifted back into Elena's.

  Prophecy didn't give the witch time to heal herself. She kept attacking, alternating between using her sword and using her magic. Before long, she'd backed Elena up onto the platform.

  Then it hit her.

  This was all too easy.

  Something wa
s wrong.

  She shook off the feeling and continued, masterfully defending herself with her sword and using her amulet to deflect any spells that Elena cast. She grinned when she cut through Elena's leg, but when the witch didn't cry out, Prophecy again got the feeling that something wasn't right.

  Clashing swords with Elena, she shoved her backwards, her nose practically pressing against the witch's.

  "This ends tonight,” Prophecy ground the words out.

  "Prophecy!” Valentine called to her and she glanced out of the corner of her eye at him where he was fighting at the edge of the platform.

  He nodded towards something.

  Prophecy's eyes widened when she saw the massive blue portal behind Elena. How could she have been so stupid? How could she have not noticed it? Elena must have called it up when they were fighting and that's why she'd been so easy to attack. She was using all her magic to call the portal.

  "I have to agree,” Elena whispered by her ear and Prophecy's eyes widened when pain rocked her body, shooting out in all directions from her chest. The metallic tang of blood filled her mouth and she choked on it. She stared into Elena's eyes. “This does end tonight. This whole world does. Child of light."

  Prophecy fell to the ground when Elena twisted the sword, bending the metal breast plate of her armour, and then pulled the sword out of her chest. She struggled to stifle the fear, telling herself that she couldn't die from such a wound. Her magic raced to heal herself but nothing happened. She pressed her hand against her chest, feeling the sticky coldness of her blood coating her fingers. She coughed as it filled her throat.

  Her eyes filled with tears and all her strength left her as she stared helplessly at Elena.

  The witch grinned at her and held up the sword.

  Prophecy frowned when symbols shone through the blood coating the blade. The witch had stolen her power. How could she have been so stupid?

  Elena plunged the sword into the heart of the portal and turned it.

  Her blood was a key.

  It was the key to Hell.

  That's what her vision had been showing her.

  She tried to get to her feet and failed, falling back to her knees and swallowing down the blood that had made it into her mouth. She could feel her body trying to heal itself, but without the magic able to help, it would take days.

  She groaned in pain when someone picked her up. She knew it was Valentine. She could smell his scent and feel the fear in him as though it was her own. She wanted to tell him that she would be fine, but she couldn't take her eyes off the portal.

  A red wave emanated from the point where the sword had been shoved into it. It spread outwards along the ripples, turning the whole portal the colour of blood, and then the centre of it shone orange like fire.

  She closed her eyes when shadowy shapes appeared on it and Elena withdrew the sword.

  Hell was coming.

  The battle was lost.

  Or was it?

  Pushing away the pain, she gritted her teeth and tried to focus on what Venturi had told her about the prophecy but couldn't remember any of it.

  She grunted as Valentine placed her down on her feet and held her, helping her stand.

  Looking around, she sought out Venturi and was thankful when she spotted him close by. She pointed to him and Valentine nodded.

  "Venturi!” he hollered and then his attention returned to her, his eyes showing her how scared he was. She didn't need to see it. She could feel it.

  Pressing her hand against his chest, she managed a smile. His head shot up. She saw Venturi approaching, bringing several Watchmen and Hyperion with him. They surrounded her, fending off the zombies and buying her some time to think.

  Venturi looked at her with eyes that betrayed his concern. He stood close to her and she could almost sense how helpless he felt.

  "The prophecy,” she said and swallowed down the blood in her throat. “I can't remember it. There was something important in it..."

  He held his hand up and she fell silent.

  "Save your strength,” he said and then frowned as he stared thoughtfully at the floor. When he raised his head again, she could see he'd remembered. “A dark moon will herald the birth of a prophecy. Great powers will rise and grow. With the return of the long night, Hell will be unleashed. Our species will be decimated. Only in death can the light be released and the balance of power restored."

  She mulled over his words, wincing as she tried to stand without assistance. The hall around her was filling with the growls of the beasts the portal had released and the sound of death filled the air.

  She frowned.

  "Only in death can the light be released...” She looked up into Valentine's eyes. He looked confused. “The light ... the day ... I'm the key. The child of light. My blood opened that portal, my blood has to close it."

  "How?” Valentine said.

  "I have to die."

  He shook his head.

  "You have to turn me,” she said, but was again met with a shake of his head. “Please Valentine, the fate of the world depends on it."

  "You do not know that and we do not know whether you would come back if I tried to turn you. You are vampire as well as human. There is a chance that you will die. I cannot—"

  "It's a chance I'm willing to take, Valentine. It's my choice. I have to do this. I have to die to stop the gates of Hell from fully opening."

  "I cannot,” he said, his voice barely there and distant. She could feel the pain she was causing him by asking him to do this and it went straight to her heart.

  The look on Venturi's face told her that if he could find the ability to speak, he'd be telling her the same thing as Valentine. Neither of them would risk her death, but she had no other choice.

  She had to die.

  "It's the humanity in my blood that has opened that portal. They call me the child of light, not the child of Hell. It's my humanity doing this."

  Valentine again shook his head. “Do not ask me to do this. Please?"

  "I have to. You promised me once remember? You told me that you'd never let me die and you'd never let me grow old. It's time you kept that promise."

  "But what if...?” His eyes searched hers and it broke her heart to see the unshed tears in them.

  Reaching up, she cupped his cheek and sighed.

  "If I don't come back, at least I knew love.” Tiptoeing, she pressed a kiss to his lips and then whispered against them, “I love you."

  She drew back a little and looked into his eyes again. He closed his and sighed, and when he reopened them, they were vivid blue.

  She gasped when he bit down hard on her neck and grabbed his shoulders to support herself. His arms wrapped about her waist, holding her to him as he drank down her blood. She swallowed the pain she could feel in him, and her own hurt, and told herself that she would come back. Death was only the beginning. He released her neck and offered his wrist to her. She sunk her teeth into it and drank as much as she could, and then frowned when he bit her again. She could feel her body weakening as he drank, stealing her energy away and making her head spin. The world seemed to fade with her strength. Fear stole into her heart, cold and sharp. She closed her eyes and told herself again that she would come back from this. Valentine would never kill her.

  Valentine held the blood down as he felt her slipping away, her body becoming heavier in his arms. He collapsed to the floor with her, holding her tightly and forcing back the tears that wanted to come. He cradled her in his arms as she went limp and buried his face in her hair when he could no longer sense anything.

  She was gone.

  He'd killed her.

  He pulled away and stared at her ashen face, her lips almost as white as her cheeks. She had her eyes closed and looked so peaceful.

  And he'd killed her.

  Dropping her body to the floor, he turned and threw up the blood he'd stolen from her. He dug his fingertips into the flagstones and cursed himself for what he'd done. It sic
kened him, making the taste of her blood on his tongue like bitter poison. He retched again, trying to get it out of his system.

  His heart ached when he felt the spell over him lift and he pressed a hand against his chest.

  The Devil he'd killed her.

  He looked up at Venturi and Hyperion. They were staring at him with stunned expressions, both clearly shocked by what he'd done. He ground his teeth and anger swept through him when he heard Elena laughing.

  Standing up, he stared straight at her where she was waiting on the platform by the portal. He watched as it began to close and felt a small sense of satisfaction when Elena stopped laughing. Prophecy had been right. Her death had closed the portal.

  He looked down at her where she lay on the floor and blinked, sending tears cutting down his cheeks. Bending down, he brushed the hair from her face, and then picked up his sword.

  Elena had done this.

  "Take care of her for me.” He turned to Venturi. He knew he didn't need to ask, but he did need to show Venturi that he trusted him with her.

  "You know I will,” Venturi said, his gaze dropping to rest on Prophecy.

  Valentine didn't look at her. He tightened his grip on his sword and shifted his attention to Hyperion.

  "Protect them,” he said.

  Hyperion nodded. “Where are you going?"

  Valentine pushed past the Watchmen that were still fighting the zombies around them.

  He set his sights on Elena.

  "To end this."

  Chapter 30

  "Welcome, child of darkness.” A voice drifted out to her through the haze and Prophecy moaned as she tried to move and pain shot through her.

  Fluttering her eyes open, she squinted at the blurry shifting shapes around her and then frowned when a rush of noise hit her. She tried to flinch away from it but it seemed to surround her, closing in and suffocating her. She was thankful when someone caught her arm, lifting her as though she weighed nothing more than a feather. They held her, supporting her and holding her close.

  Her knees wobbled and she almost collapsed, but the man's hold on her tightened to stop her.