The Vampire Fate (Dark World: The Vampire Wish Book 4)

by Michelle Madow

  She thought Jacen was planning on drinking from me.

  “I have a bag of it in the car.” He placed his hand protectively on mine. “I don’t drink from the vein, and more importantly, Annika can’t afford to be weakened during this journey.”

  “Good.” She nodded. “There’s a fridge inside the boat. You’ll find an ample amount of weapons to choose from.”

  I immediately went on guard. “Why will we need weapons?” I asked.

  “You didn’t think getting the Holy Grail was going to be easy.” She smirked. “Did you?”

  “Of course not,” I said, although when I imagined the Tree of Life, I imagined a peaceful place—certainly not a place where I would need to use weapons.

  I realized what a stupid assumption that was. Around supernaturals, it was always a good idea to have weapons. And after the encounter with the troll on the bridge, it was clear that my stake—despite having been previously owned by a powerful original vampire—wasn’t going to cut it.

  “How do we find the Tree of Life?” Jacen asked. “Is there a map?”

  “Of course not.” Iris huffed. “We couldn’t very well leave a map to the Tree of Life hanging around for anyone to find, now could we?”

  “No,” I agreed, staying serious despite the ridiculousness of her tone. “That would be extremely irresponsible.”

  “It would,” she said. “Especially when it’s so simple to tell you how to get there. You just need to take the boat directly northwest. Stay the course, and you’ll eventually reach the mist. Don’t let the mist frighten you—you must remember that it’s part of the spell to deter people from finding the Tree. As long as you hold onto that knowledge, you’ll pass through unharmed.”

  “Thanks,” I told her, secretly glad that the directions to get to the Tree weren’t complicated. I doubted GPS would work in the open sea, and I’d never been good with directions. “I really appreciate your help. But I can’t help from wondering… why are you helping us? You’re from another world entirely, so why do you care if we succeed on our quest?”

  “A heady question,” Iris said. “Especially because the answer isn’t one you’re yet ready to hear.”

  “But we can tell you this,” Dahlia chimed in. “If you fail, Earth won’t be the only realm in danger. You must succeed—not just for Earth, but for all of us.”

  “Wow.” I let out a long breath and looked out at the sea. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”

  “You are.” Jacen’s gaze was strong and steady—he was confident in me. “You’re the bravest, most resilient person I’ve ever met. You can do this. Fate wouldn’t have chosen you if you couldn’t.”

  “Thanks.” I couldn’t help but blush at the compliment—as if I were still at the palace competing for his hand in marriage instead of working with him to defeat a mysterious threat that could destroy the world as we knew it.

  “We have faith in you, too,” Dahlia said. It was perhaps the nicest thing she’d said to me since I’d walked through her door. “You’re the final Nephilim. This destiny has always been yours.”

  They gave us some sandwiches to go, and then Jacen and I situated ourselves in the boat, thanked the mages again for all of their help, and we were off.

  Karina

  It was impossible to sleep on the plane flight to India, and it wasn’t because the jeans and tank top I’d bought at the airport were uncomfortable, or that I’d been shoved into a middle seat in coach class like I was in a heard of cattle.

  It was because all I could think about was that with each passing minute, I was getting closer and closer to being reunited with Peter.

  I still had access to my bank account, so it didn’t seem like King Nicolae knew yet that I’d gone rogue. The vampire court of the Vale must have decided to stay silent about Laila’s death. It was a smart move—one I would have suggested myself. The Vale was in a dangerous spot with the threat of the wolves looming near—the sudden death of their leader would only result in panic.

  However, it wouldn’t be long until the truth came out. So I’d removed a hefty sum of cash from the bank—enough to last me for a long, long time.

  Not that I’d need much of it, since compulsion was a handy way to get everything I wanted without having to pay.

  I got off the plane—along with my backpack full of cash and my treasured mini-portrait of Peter—and headed straight for the taxi line. It was long, and full of humans who were sweaty and smelly after a long travel day.

  Not even the delicious scent of their blood could cover up the awful body odor.

  I ignored the line and headed straight to the man up front, despite the protests of bleary-eyed travelers who’d been waiting in the line for who knows how long.

  The man looked me over and said, “You need to go to the end of the line, ma’am.”

  “I’ve received special permission to skip to the front.” I spoke in the native tongue—languages had always been of particular interest to me—weaving the magic of compulsion into my tone. “Call me a taxi, now. One with air conditioning.”

  The air conditioning wasn’t for my personal comfort—vampires were tolerant of extreme temperatures—but because I had a long drive ahead and hoped that one with air conditioning would stink less than one without.

  I was wrong.

  After what felt like forever, the driver arrived at the address I’d given him. It was the furthest away from civilization one could get without driving straight into the national park. There was only one small country house around, and since no lights were on inside, it appeared that its inhabitants were fast asleep.

  The driver turned around and told me how much I owed.

  Before he finished speaking, I leaned forward, pulled his head back, and sunk my fangs into his neck. He went limp in my arms, thanks to the calming effect of my venom. It had been so long since I’d had a drink—I couldn’t take one on the plane or in the airport, at least not without drawing attention to myself—and I relished in the velvet taste of his blood. It had a nice little kick to it, as if he ate spicy foods on a regular basis.

  I only took what I needed, breaking away before taking more blood than he could afford to lose. I watched as the remains of the venom on his skin finished up their job, healing the twin pinpricks on his neck. It would be sore tomorrow—as if he’d slept on it funny—but other than that, he would have no idea that anything was amiss.

  I didn’t even need compulsion to convince him that it had never happened. Like all humans, he was dazed enough from the venom that after emerging from the haze, he would forget everything. He’d find a logical way to explain the empty space in his memory, as they all did.

  I leaned back, wiping any excess blood off my lips. “You were feeling generous today and decided not to charge me,” I told him, laying on the compulsion and smiling as I spoke. “Thank you for the free ride.”

  “My pleasure.” He smiled back at me, although his eyes were hazy from the venom and compulsion. “Have a great day.”

  “You too.” I got out of the taxi, slammed the door closed, and watched him drive away.

  I felt bad for not paying, especially after drinking from him. But there was no saying how long the cash I’d removed would last me—I might need it later for something I didn’t anticipate now. I needed to save every penny I could.

  I wasn’t yet at the Haven, of course—the Haven was far away from any roads and enchanted to keep humans away, since the vampires there couldn’t risk being near humans and smelling their blood.

  Therefore, I removed my flip-flops and headed there the only way I could—I ran.

  Karina

  The vampires of the Haven were quick to bring me to their official meeting room, where a pitcher of animal blood and a tray of snacks were laid out on the table. One whiff of the animal blood made me glad I’d had that drink from the taxi driver while I still could.

  It baffled me how the vampires of the Haven survived on such rancid blood. I certainly wasn’t to
uching it, although I did have some of the garlic naan with some water. Indian food had always been one of my favorites—their seasoning and spices were absolutely divine.

  Back when I’d been human—over a century ago as a peasant in Romania—I never could have dreamed that food could be so delicious. I’d since made it a mission to try food from every culture imaginable.

  I was still enjoying the food when the door opened, and Mary stepped inside.

  I dropped the piece of naan onto my plate and stood, since the leader of the Haven outranked me.

  “Princess Karina.” She smiled, although her eyes were full of question. “Shall we have a seat?”

  I did, although I fiddled with the hem of my poorly made shirt, feeling more nervous than ever.

  “To what do I owe this honor?” Mary asked, the concern in her eyes growing stronger by the second.

  I’d been planning this moment since the drive to the airport in Canada. Everything I told the leaders of the Haven would be confidential, and every vampire in the world knew that Mary was trustworthy with secrets. It was why everyone trusted her—and this place—so much. She was more than just a leader. She was the mother of the Haven, and she’d earned that trust.

  In my present situation, I needed a safe haven more than ever.

  And so, I told her everything.

  “Interesting,” she said once I was finished, taking a sip from the glass of animal blood that she’d poured while I’d been speaking. “I’m not sure what I’d expected, but it hadn’t been that.”

  “I love Peter.” I sat forward, swallowing after speaking his name. “I couldn’t refuse the offer King Nicolae gave me—the chance to make a wish on the sapphire ring once he had it in his possession. But the entire time I was reporting to the wolves, I hated that I was betraying the vampires. I also learned that the wolves aren’t at all like I used to believe. Many of them—including Noah—are kind and good. The return of their Savior gives them hope. Who am I to take that hope away? Especially now that Laila’s gone. There must be some kind of compromise that can satisfy everyone and avoid war.”

  “There’s certainly a lot of work to do to ensure peace, although I always believe that there’s a solution to everything—the challenge is simply in finding that solution.” Mary studied me with her wise eyes that felt like they could see straight into the depths of my soul, and I fidgeted in place under her gaze. “But you’re not truly here to help the Haven negotiate peace,” she said. “Are you?”

  “No.” I looked down at my hands, my cheeks flushing in shame. “I’m not.”

  “I suspect I know why you’re here,” she said, and I looked back up at her, glad to see that she appeared to understand—not to judge. “However, if you’re looking for something, you need to be the one to ask. It’s only once you ask that we can try to find a solution.”

  “I want the same thing I’ve wanted since the beginning of this mess,” I said. “A chance to wish on Geneva’s sapphire ring and ask her to bring back Peter.”

  “And you know that Annika came to the Haven, because you heard her command Geneva to bring her here when you were in the throne room.”

  “Yes.” I sat forward, anxiety rushing through my veins with how close I might be to that ring. “Is she still here? If she is, I promise not to hurt her. I’d never do that—especially not on Haven grounds. All I want is a wish on that ring. One wish. That’s all.”

  I sounded desperate, but I didn’t care—I sounded that way because I was. In the Carpathian Kingdom, we were always taught to control our emotions and rein them in. But if showing my feelings was the way to get Peter back, then I’d broadcast them to the entire world.

  Guilt also tugged at my middle, because I’d told Noah that I was going to try to get that ring and bring it back to the Vale to help the wolves’ cause. Which I still might try to do.

  It all depended on Mary’s answer to my question.

  “Annika is no longer in the Haven,” Mary declared.

  I deflated. It was all because Marigold had refused to transport me straight here. I couldn’t say for sure, but I had a feeling that if I hadn’t had to spend all that time traveling here the human way, I would have been here before Annika had left.

  “But you don’t need to be so sad.” Mary held up a hand, as if that could halt my devastation.

  “Do you know where she went?” I needed a clue—anything. This was the only lead I had on the girl, and I didn’t intend on wasting it.

  “I do know where she went,” Mary answered. “But where she went is irrelevant for what you seek. Because while she was here, she left Geneva’s sapphire ring with me for safekeeping.”

  “She gave you the ring?” I blinked, not buying that it had been as simple as that. “Why?”

  “She had her reasons, and they were good ones. But surely that isn’t what you care about right now?”

  “No.” I straightened, because she was right. “Where are you keeping the ring?”

  “I’m keeping it right here.”

  She reached for the delicate chain around her neck and pulled out a charm that had been hidden beneath her shirt—Geneva’s sapphire ring.

  Karina

  I gaped at the gleaming sapphire, wanting to grab it and take it for myself.

  But I couldn’t do that—not to an original vampire, and especially not on Haven territory—so I took a deep breath, controlling myself.

  Mary wouldn’t have told me she had the ring just to dangle it in my face and torture me. Of all the original vampires, Mary was by far the kindest.

  So there was only one reason I could think of why she was telling me she had the ring—she must want to help me.

  “You met Peter when he was alive,” I said. “I don’t know if you’ve ever been in love before, but Peter is my soul mate. I’ll never love anyone but him. So I’m asking you—no, I’m begging you—for one wish on the ring. Just one. It’s all I ask.”

  “I have been in love before,” Mary said slowly. “I’ve fallen in love many times, although nothing as strong as what you claim to have with Peter. So yes, I’ll give you your wish.”

  “Really?” I asked. “Just like that?”

  “Not quite.” The words were like a knife to my heart, but she said them so calmly that I didn’t lose hope entirely. “I’ll do it in exchange for something from you.”

  I wanted to tell her that I’d do anything, but I held my tongue, since saying such a thing could do nothing but get me in trouble.

  “What do you want?” I asked instead.

  “A future favor,” she replied. “Sometime in the future, when I need you do to something for me, I’ll let you know. You’ll be bound to do as I ask, no matter what.”

  “I can do that,” I said, since it was far from the worst thing she could have requested from me. “As long as you don’t ask me to do something crazy, like kill myself.”

  “I hope you trust my character enough to know that I would never ask you to do such a thing.”

  “I do,” I said, since it was true. Mary had founded the Haven because of her insatiable desire for peace and harmony between kingdoms. She cared about not just supernatural lives, but for human lives, too.

  If there was one person I trusted to promise a future favor to and not be unfairly taken advantage of when it was time for me to fulfill that favor, it was the leader of the Haven.

  “I’ll do it,” I said, and with that, she brought out a knife, and we made the blood oath.

  Karina

  Once the blood oath was made, Mary rubbed the sapphire ring, and out came Geneva.

  The witch was dressed in the same black flapper outfit she’d been wearing when Annika had called on her in the throne room of the Vale. But her hair was smushed and her eyes were red—as if she’d been crying.

  “What?” She sniffed and rubbed under her nose, glaring at Mary.

  I had no idea what was wrong with Geneva, but truthfully, it wasn’t my problem. All I cared about was her completing my
wish.

  “I know I promised to give you space while you grieved.” Mary spoke calmly and softly, as if talking to a child. “However, Princess Karina has come to me with a request, and it simply cannot wait.”

  “Get on with it, then.” Geneva crossed her arms and raised her chin, waiting. “Although I’m sure you know that while you wear the ring, I don’t have to do anything she asks.” She tilted her head toward me, scrunching her nose as if I smelled bad.

  After my long travel day, I likely did.

  “I’m aware,” Mary said. “Which is why I’m commanding you to bring the love of Karina’s life, Peter, back from the dead.”

  “No can do,” Geneva said simply. “I can’t bring people back from the dead.”

  “You can’t?” My stomach sunk, and I glared at her, ready to grab the knife from the table and attack. But I controlled myself, since violence wouldn’t get me anywhere in the Haven. “Or you won’t?”

  “I can’t,” she said. “No witch can bring someone back from the dead—not even me. It’s beyond our capabilities.”

  “How do I know you’re telling the truth?” She had to be lying. I’d come too far for her not to be able to do this.

  “Because I’m bound by the spell on the ring to do anything its owner commands,” she said. “If I were able to do it, I’d have to do it. Also, you’re not the only one who’s lost someone you love. If I were able to bring people back from the dead, don't you think I’d have done it by now? Witches can’t raise the dead. Trust me, I wish it were otherwise, but it isn’t.”

  “Fine,” I said. “No witch can bring Peter back from the dead. But if a witch can’t bring someone back … who can?”

  Geneva shrugged, looking wistfully back at her ring. She clearly wanted to return there so she could get back to her private little pity party.

  She seemed pretty tough, so I assumed that whatever she was crying about had truly shaken her to the core.