Embrace The Dawning (The Covenant Series Book 1)

by Betty Shreffler

  “Not destroy her. Liberate her! She belongs with us. She can change the tide that wishes to drown us. Vampires all over the world are clawing at the opportunity to reveal our secret and take control of all others species, not just humankind. The world has changed a great deal since you’ve been away! There are more vampires than ever before. They are forging numerous rebellions all over the world. Danika Panetierre is just a foretaste of what is to come.”

  Thorne sighed. “The world is always changing, Eva. Vampire rebellions are nothing new. You should know the way by now. Build your army and crush the rebellion.”

  “Those were my plans exactly, brother. Danika is a leader amongst the rebels. To take her down would be the example we need for all the rest. Your daughter can help me accomplish this end.”

  Thorne’s eyes narrowed. “How so?”

  “We kill her.”

  “Have you gone mad, Eva?!” Thorne couldn’t believe the words that had just filled his ears.

  Eva’s tone became unyielding. “Listen, brother. We turn her into one of us. She’ll become a force to be reckoned with once she has power over her vampire abilities. She was born from your blood, after all. Combine that with the skills descended from her mother, and we have complete control over our enemies.”

  “What I’m hearing is foolishness. You wish to use my daughter as a weapon. I won’t support it. She deserves to choose what her life will be.”

  “You know I’m right, brother.” Eva half smiled, as if he’d already been conquered. “She is fragile in her human form. Either we turn her and prepare her, or you risk the chance of losing her altogether. Is that what Katriana would want?”

  “Do not speak of her as if you understand what she would desire! Her leading concern was our daughter’s safety. I’ll see to it that Kayci stays safe, even if I have to take her away from here.”

  Eva softened her tone, making an effort to be more considerate. “You can’t keep running and hiding her from the world she belongs in. She’s a woman now, not a child. The decision is hers.”

  Thorne remained silent, jaw tensed, expression sullen.

  Eva continued. “My intuition tells me that the decision won’t be difficult for her. Are you aware of how much Adrian and your daughter care for one another? They remind me a great deal of you and Katriana. I imagine you recall what a formidable force the both of you were.”

  Thorne didn’t have a chance to respond. His body tensed the moment he heard the footsteps of a vampire approaching.

  The door of Eva’s room opened seconds later. Florence stood in the threshold, astonished to see Thorne standing before him. His eyes quickly transitioned to a bold gold color, and his fangs swiftly extracted.

  “So the traitor to his own kind has returned.” Florence spoke the last word between gritted teeth.

  “Traitor?” Thorne made a sound of snapping his gums. “The only traitor I see is the one standing in front of me. You and the other fools forced me to leave when you condemned my family to death!”

  Florence’s accent came out bolder with his increasing aggravation. “You broke the rules that we all decided upon together, remember? How could we enforce these rules upon others when one of our own Covenant members wouldn’t abide by them? You undermined our authority just by being alive.”

  Thorne grimaced. He had to admit there was truth in Florence’s statement, yet he wouldn’t be overcome.

  “Our rules lost their value to me because I finally had something to live for. What’s more, we had it in our power to change the rules. If you remember, I advocated for such changes and was swiftly disregarded. The Covenant was put together as a mechanism to control our population and to protect our species. My wife and daughter were not and are not a danger to our species.”

  Florence scowled. “That is yet to be determined.”

  Thorne glanced back toward Eva with an expression of exasperation and disappointment, then returned his gaze toward Florence and the exit. As Thorne approached Florence, Thorne stretched out to his full height, a few inches taller than Florence.

  “Looking back now, perhaps my actions were an excuse for you to overthrow the leadership of the Covenant. Perhaps you and Orrick thought one of you were more befitting for the role. Hunting and killing me and my family eliminated us as a threat altogether. Conceivably, we were never a real danger to the Covenant.”

  “Watch your words, traitor. I’m still debating why I should let you walk out of this room.”

  “By all means, Florence, do as you will.” A wicked smile appeared on Thorne’s face, welcoming Florence’s challenge.

  Florence wasted no time and immediately attacked Thorne, fangs bared. Thorne used his speed to help combat Florence’s strength. Thorne swiftly ducked a hard blow aimed for his face. The force of the swing brought Florence forward a couple steps. Thorne whipped around Florence’s flank, placing him in view of Florence’s back. Thorne clawed at Florence’s neck, shoulder, and spine. The flesh split apart like worn fabric. Florence groaned from the pain as the blood gushed down his back, but refused to yield. He quickly rotated his body and grabbed Thorne’s arm. With an unshakeable grip, he pulled Thorne forward and with immense force kicked Thorne’s abdomen.

  Thorne lifted off the ground and flew back several feet. He cleared the threshold but landed on a decorative wooden stand in the hallway. Thorne recovered quickly and grabbed a large chunk of wood splintered off from the broken stand. He rushed through the threshold and lunged at Florence. The sharp chunk of wood tore through Florence’s chest, breaking apart flesh, muscle, and tissue. Thorne knew he pierced Florence’s heart when Florence immediately dropped to the floor, grasping his chest.

  Thorne leaned down next to Florence and spoke sternly. “Consider yourself fortunate. I only wanted to wound you. Not kill you. In spite of everything, I still have loyalty toward my Covenant brethren. More than I can say for you.”

  Florence’s head drooped. His lips trembled. The wound began to heal around the chunk of wood. Florence unsteadily gripped the outer part of the splintered wooden stake and pried it from his chest. As the wound reopened, blood poured out onto Florence’s hand, wrist, and chest. Florence gasped from the release of pressure.

  Thorne matched Eva’s stare. “I won’t be running any longer. I’m here to stay. But you must know…”

  Thorne reached his hand down for Florence to accept it. Florence glared at Thorne, then reluctantly took his hand as support and stood himself up. The gaping hole in his chest was quickly reducing in size.

  “If any of you consider harming my daughter, I’ll be inclined to change my position in regards to my loyalty.”

  Thorne made eye contact with both Eva and Florence to ensure their understanding, then took his leave before more vampires joined them.

  Chapter 23

  Eva gazed out the window at the bright city lights that used to charm her. Now they created a reminder of a world that she no longer wanted to be a part of or thought she belonged to. It saddened her that her brother and niece were entering her life at a time when she had already decided to embrace the Dawning. It wouldn’t be long now. She nearly yearned to feel the sun on her face. In spite of this, work still had to be done. She needed to lay a path for Kayci to follow and ensure her acceptance among the Covenant members. She knew Vladimir and Beatrice would welcome her. However, Natalia, Orrick, and Florence would be a challenge.

  Eva turned away from the window as the other Covenant members entered the conference room they had used several times during their stay in Naples. The Covenant members sat in their usual chairs around the dark wooden table. A small fire crackled in the fireplace inside the wall behind them.

  As Eva took her seat, she made eye contact with the members, gauging their moods, then addressed them as one. Her posture confident and regal, as was customary of her nature.

  “I’ve called this meeting to share important information with each of you, as well as to propose new orders for the Covenant.”

 
“We’re listening,” Florence taunted while eyeing her with a cryptic stare.

  “The important information is that my brother, Thorne, is alive and has come out of hiding.”

  Everyone but Florence reacted with gasps of surprise.

  “He has made it very clear he has come for one reason, and that is to protect his daughter. I believe it would be in the Covenant’s best interest to not regard Thorne or his daughter as enemies or to waste our valuable energy on destroying them, but to instead regard them as allies. The incessant number of rebellions and rogue covens is becoming increasingly dangerous to our existence. The rising number of missing humans that Danika alone has caused has led to increased police investigations and media hysteria. In an effort to regain control and eliminate public threat, I propose that we utilize every asset at our disposal. I propose that we offer Kayci Pierce a seat on the Covenant. Having her abilities aligned with our goals would be a significant advantage for us.”

  “I’ve listened to you rattle on for the last few minutes about how you want to spare your brother and niece. I may have been willing to agree to your nonsense, but offering this creature a seat on the Covenant is absurd!” Florence seethed between gritted teeth.

  “I agree with Florence,” Orrick stated. “You’re suggesting we make exceptions for your family because they are your family.”

  Eva narrowed her eyes at Orrick. “You believe you would not ask for the same consideration if it were your family? I remember how distraught you were to have lost your family after being turned. I recall it was I who gave you new purpose for your immortal life after you had spent nearly a century wandering alone and detached from the world around you. After knowing the pain and loss of losing your family, you still wish to destroy mine?”

  Orrick remained silent, clearly considering her statement.

  “The young woman could be a valuable asset,” Beatrice suggested. “If she has a portion of her mother’s skills, then we could utilize her power to locate and dispatch several problematic covens. That doesn’t even take into consideration how she could help with persecuting Danika.”

  “What about the fact that she is a half-breed?” Natalia asked. “We’re all full-blood vampires, are we not?”

  “I’ve taken this into consideration,” Eva responded. “I believe she will transform on her own, and if not, I believe she could be persuaded to turn.”

  “At that point she would be a vampire sorceress?” Vladimir asked indifferently.

  Eva nodded, knowing how that sounded to some of them. “Do you understand why I would want her to be an ally and not an enemy? Killing her could prove to be troublesome. Her support is growing, and I must admit I too do not wish to see her harmed.”

  The Covenant vampires eyed one another, waiting for the next to speak up.

  “I see no valuable reason to kill the girl,” Vladimir stated frankly. “I agree that she could be a valuable asset.”

  Beatrice began to speak but was interrupted by Florence.

  “I can come to terms with not killing the half-breed, but I do not concede to having her as a member of this Covenant! She is far too young and unpredictable. We do not know where her loyalties lie. If she is anything like her father, then she can’t be trusted.”

  Eva’s composure transitioned, becoming tense. Florence’s comment insulted her brother’s longstanding integrity and loyalty to the Covenant. She wasn’t going to let his comments go undefended.

  “Watch your tongue, Florence. Thorne was a member and leader of the Covenant four hundred years before you became a member. My brother kept the Lunar Peace Treaty intact for two millenniums. He saved my life and yours. His loyalty was insurmountable. As was his character. Perhaps my brother’s suggestion of your desire to overthrow him was correct? Perhaps my trust is misplaced in certain members of this Covenant.”

  Florence’s lip raised. He let out a snarl. “I’ve had enough of your preposterous accusations and fatuous ideas. Do what you will with the half-breed, Eva. Just know, she is not welcome as a member of this Covenant. Not as long as I’m alive.” Florence rose quickly and stormed toward the large wooden doors. The hinges splintered as he slammed one of the doors behind him.

  “I agree with Florence, Eva,” Natalia added. “Your judgment is clouded by your affection for the girl. She is still a possible threat and needs to be monitored.”

  “I’m still not convinced she should be allowed to live,” Orrick stated. “It won’t be long until her existence is known. We should decide on how that should be handled, or eliminate the problem before it begins.”

  Eva hid her growing impatience and frustration. She instead held her composure.

  “We shall meet again tomorrow, once you all have had time to consider my proposal.”

  Natalia and Orrick stood, nodded their farewell, and then departed.

  Vladimir and Beatrice remained seated. Each of them waited until the others were no longer within hearing distance. After the elevator sounded their descent, they spoke freely.

  “Eva, I believe you’re right about a necessary change for the Covenant. I fear loyalties are shifting,” Vladimir shared.

  “There’s an obvious split between us. Now more than ever,” Beatrice added.

  “I’m concerned that the others’ resistance to change is detrimental to our reign,” Eva said, resting her chin on her clasped fingers.

  “This is true,” Vladimir agreed.

  “What of your sister?” Eva asked him.

  “She’s become withdrawn. I find her confiding in Florence and Orrick more than myself.”

  Eva studied them, believing in their devotion. “I must ask a great favor from the both of you if the Covenant is to survive what’s to come.”

  Vladimir and Beatrice looked at one another and then back at Eva.

  “Of course,” Beatrice accepted.

  “How can we help?” Vladimir asked.

  Chapter 24

  Elise uncorked a fresh bottle of wine she and Kayci had gone to the liquor store to get. She poured the wine into a glass for each of them.

  “Well, if I have to avoid you until Danika is caught, then we might as well make the best of tonight.”

  Elise raised her glass toward Kayci’s. “To new love and crazy vampire bitches not getting in the way!”

  Kayci let out a laugh as she tapped her glass against Elise’s. They both took a long swallow and then let out a giggle.

  Elise set her glass down and pointed to a page in the leather-bound journal. “How about this one?!” she asked, excited. “Can you make it rain!”

  “Let’s find out.”

  Kayci rummaged through a small brown bag from Rosemary’s shop, with several bundles of herbs with white labels on them, until she found the herb she was looking for.

  “Let’s go outside. If it does work, I don’t want everything to get wet. Grab a lighter…” Kayci started to tell Elise and then realized she would be able to light the herbs on her own. “Never mind. I won’t need it.” She winked at Elise.

  They both walked out onto the porch with the journal and dried fern. Elise set the journal on the railing. Kayci stepped in front of the journal and held the fern outstretched in her palm. She concentrated on the energy at her core. She quickly felt it come alive. The warmth immediately spread up through her chest, down her arm, and into her hand. An amber color appeared. Soon after, a pulse of heat escaped her hand, sparking the herbs and then igniting them. Tiny flames filled her hand and surrounded the herbs. Little puffs of smoke lifted into the air as the dried fern burned.

  Elise was awestruck. She stared at the tiny flames with a childlike sparkle in her eye. “That’s incredible,” she muttered.

  Kayci smiled at what she assumed was the same expression she had when she first performed the spell. Kayci’s attention shifted back to the journal. She read the incantation below. “Waters from the sky find me now. Descend from the clouds upon this place. Aquae de caelo invenient me nunc. Descende de nubibus super locum i
stum.”

  As the last of the herbs burned, Kayci lifted her hand into the air and let the remaining flakes drift into the wind. Kayci stopped willing her energy into her hand and let the tiny flames extinguish. Elise stuck her hands out into the air and waited. Moments later, Kayci saw a sprinkle hit Elise’s hand, and then another. It wasn’t long before infrequent droplets turned to rain.

  “That’s freaking amazing!” Elise squealed as she let the rain fall onto her hands.

  “Yeah…it is.”

  She watched the raindrops hit the porch railing, steps, and flowers around the porch. She looked up toward the streetlight, mesmerized by the stream of light shining down through the rain. It caused every drop of rain that traveled through the stream of light to gleam and sparkle. For some reason it reminded her of her mother. She smiled as she watched the glimmering rain. She realized how content she felt. How happy she was in this moment. Perhaps a half-breed sorceress really was who she was meant to be.

  Kayci’s shoulders tightened, and her body went rigid. She sensed the presence of a vampire. She peered through the rain into the darkness. As soon as she recognized Adrian, her shoulders dropped and her body eased off its defensive stance. Adrian dashed to the porch with vampire speed, avoiding the rain around the porch. He looked at the scene in front of him.

  “I thought you may have done this.” Adrian pointed to the rain. “Impressive.” His smile held approval. “I assume you met with Rosemary?”

  “I did meet with her yesterday. I didn’t have a chance to tell you about it. You were right though. I am a witch. Actually, I’m a sorceress, according to Rosemary.”

  “You didn’t tell me you were a sorceress, and what is that exactly?” Elise asked.

  “It means I’m able to do more than most witches can. I can manipulate the elements, cast powerful spells, necromancy, alchemy, and much more that I still need to learn about. My mother was a sorceress.”