by Sela Croft
It was better that she left. Things with her were going in directions I hadn’t anticipated. She was the one interrogating me. It should have been the other way around. Her questions appeared innocent enough. One thing was certain, she didn’t know where she was—not really.
If she was a vampire hunter or an infiltrator, she was certainly an expert. I walked to the blood reserve in the kitchen, thinking over the conversation I’d had with Callie. There was a frankness about her that I appreciated.
While she continued to hide her true reasons for being in my realm, it genuinely appeared that they were not to bring harm to me or my people.
I wanted to believe her, but I feared doing that. I finished off the last of the blood in the bag in my hands, then summoned two of my chosen counsel to help me gain a more objective opinion toward the human intruder.
When my advisers arrived, we met in my study. It was a large room, with bookcase-lined walls and filled with light from the chandelier hanging overhead. The two I’d chosen were my brother Florian and my cousin Dequan.
I enlightened my companions about the situation with Callie. “She claims to have no knowledge of where she is, or how she got here. She doesn’t seem interested in harming us, and as far as I can see, she would leave now and be on her way if allowed to do so.”
“And why isn’t she allowed?” Dequan said, stroking the wisps of hair that sprouted from his chin. His dark brown eyes, nearly as dark as his jet-black hair, revealed his inquisitive nature.
“It seems that she may be the key to the future—our future. Natasha has warned that she might have an important role to play in the war that rages on around us.”
“How can she play a role in a war she claims to know nothing about?” Florian said.
“That’s what I need you to help me figure out. I need you both to help me determine who she is—truly.”
After further discussion, I decided it was best to introduce Callie. It had been several hours, so she’d had some rest. This matter was more important than sleep. She’d have to recover more later, after we resolved this issue.
A servant went to retrieve her, and I hoped she would come.
“Please be careful how you speak and react to her,” I said.
Dequan scoffed. “Be careful around a human? Isn’t it she who should be careful around us?”
I shot him a warning look and his mouth snapped shut, just as the door to my study flew open. The second she stepped into the room, the air around us filled with her scent. I eyed my brother and cousin carefully, as they responded to the tempting onslaught.
Dequan’s nostrils flared, and the corners of his mouth lifted. Florian’s reaction was subtle. His eyes widened and his hand twitched, but there were no other indications of his craving.
It seemed as if Callie noticed the intense focus on her every move. As she crossed the room, glancing back at the human servant who hurried away, her shoulders stiffened. Her eyes darted back and forth over the three of us.
“Callie,” I said and extended my hand to her.
She stepped forward and took my hand. I introduced my companions, trying to swallow back my own reaction to her presence. Her hand gripped mine, as she smiled and nodded at Florian and Dequan.
“Pleased to meet you,” she said.
“They will help me answer any questions you have about our world,” I said.
“Yes,” Dequan said, stepping forward. “We would love to spend some time with you.” He inched closer to Callie, his eyes nearly protruding from their sockets. “Talking, of course.”
“Of course,” Callie said, pushing herself closer to me.
Florian moved in to get a better view and smell of our visitor. I could sense that their proximity was uncomfortable for her.
“Your eyes,” Dequan said, leaning in and moving his face close to hers. “They’re…”
“Step back,” I said, pushing my hand firmly into Dequan’s shoulder.
He moved, although not willingly. His eyes remained fixed on Callie. Something built up inside of me—jealousy? Rage? Protectiveness? Or, perhaps it was a combination of all three.
Although the conversation was tense and uncomfortable—for myself, at least—we were able to speak for a short time before it seemed too much for Callie. Her eyes began to close then she yawned.
“You were awoken too soon,” I said, leading her over to the plush leather couch in the center of the room. “You need to rest more.”
“No,” she said, holding onto my hand tightly. “I want to know more… about… more about…”
As she settled into her place on the couch, her eyes slid shut and her words drifted off. Her hand slipped from mine and fell lazily at her side. Taking advantage of the moment, I ushered Florian and Dequan from the room, eager to hear their conclusions.
“She seems harmless to me,” Florian said. “She doesn’t know anything.”
“You’re sure?”
“She didn’t flinch when we mentioned the Fae.”
“That’s because we didn’t tell her what they really are,” Dequan said.
“If she knew, we wouldn’t have to.”
“Perhaps it’s still part of her game.”
“You’re both proving to be of little help,” I said.
“From what I gather, she is who she claims to be,” Florian said.
My youngest brother had a talent for rooting out liars and finding the truth. His instincts for sensing deceit were sharper than others.
“Although, there is something she isn’t telling us,” he added. “I doubt if it is of any real importance, though.”
“Withholding truth is important in our world,” Dequan said. “Especially now. I would keep her close, Logan. But not too close. Not until you know her true intentions.”
Chapter 28
Logan
I thanked them for their words and sent them on their way. Dequan requested more time with her and had asked to speak with her privately to try to gain more information. I dismissed the idea immediately.
He left, clearly displeased with my refusal.
When I returned to the study, I found her awake. She sat on the couch, with her knees pulled up to her chin and her arms wrapped around her shins. Her striking violet eyes met mine.
“I expected you to be asleep.”
“I couldn’t. I tried. I did, for a little while, I suppose. But those other vampires... did they want to… I mean, it seemed like they were going to…”
“You have that effect on us,” I said, “All of us, it would appear.”
I crossed the room and moved to sit down next to her. She shied away from me. It was a sharp contrast from the girl who wouldn’t release her hold on me, just moments before. She didn’t seem sure of how to react to me, much like I was unsure of how to react to her.
It was a strange paradox. While there was a level of trust on the verge of forming, there was still much doubt and apprehension separating us.
“What do you mean, that effect?”
“Do you remember the first time we met?”
“When you threw me against a wall? Yes, I definitely remember that.”
“Do you remember what I said to you?”
She leaned away from me and wrinkled her nose. “Something about my scent? Do I smell like something special to all of you? Something you want to eat?”
I could tell that my current approach to calming her was not working. If anything, it was only making her more nervous. I shook my head and got to my feet. What she needed now was a distraction from what was going on around her, not a reminder—a rather crude reminder, at that.
“Let me show you something,” I said.
I led her out of the study and to the rooftop of my private quarters. It was located high above the rest of the city. She followed me out into the cool night breeze and gasped in amazement. Her eyes scanned our surroundings.
The entire city was at our feet, illuminated in the soft blue glow that spread from the heart of the lan
d. The buildings glimmered, under the blanket of stars overhead.
I walked past her as she gawked at the sight. Once I reached the ledge of the rooftop terrace, I let out a loud, sharp whistle. It didn’t take long for my pet to arrive. And she did so with flourish.
Callie and I both looked up at the beautiful beast circling overhead. I stole a glance in her direction. There was a mixture of wonder and fear in her expression. I moved to her side as we waited for the dragon to approach.
Kaida’s wings fluttered, sending gusts of wind whipping around us as she landed. The scales running up and down her body glistened purple and gold as she shook herself out, then turned to greet us.
Callie shrank away. But I stepped forward and reached my hand out to pat the small dragon.
“She’s friendly,” I said. “Her name is Kaida.”
“Kaida?”
“It means little dragon.”
“She doesn’t seem little.”
I laughed and scratched Kaida’s neck. She let out a soft purr, smoke billowing from her nostrils as she nestled into my touch.
“She is smaller than the average dragon,” I said. “She was the runt of the litter, I guess you could say. I’ve had her since she was no bigger than you. Come on. Come say hello to her.”
Kaida continued to purr and another puff of smoke flew from her nostrils.
“I think she likes you.”
“Don’t little girls get sacrificed to dragons or something?” Callie asked, taking a step back.
I laughed and shook my head. “No. Nothing like that. You’re much too small to satisfy her appetite anyway.”
I held out my hand to her and beckoned her forward. She moved closer but kept her hand out of reach. She fiddled with her hair as she looked up at Kaida, who returned her stare with a joyful huff.
“What do dragons eat?” Callie asked, then tentatively reached her hand out.
“Cattle, bison, whales,” I said. “They’re big game hunters.”
She nodded as she took one last step forward, resting her hand on Kaida’s neck. She scratched it softly, sending Kaida into yet another fit of contented purrs. Callie laughed, and her eyes sparkled.
“It’s not like I thought it would be,” she said. “I imagined the scales would be rough—like, well, scales, I guess. But they’re soft.”
She continued to scratch Kaida’s neck, then giggled when the dragon danced around, craving every ounce of attention.
“What was that?” Callie asked, stepping back quickly.
“What was what?”
“I heard something. A voice.”
“That was Kaida. She can communicate nonverbally.”
“In my mind?”
“Yes. In your mind.”
For a second, I was thankful that only Kaida’s thoughts could be perceived. It would not serve my purpose if Callie could tell what I was thinking.
Chapter 29
Logan
I couldn’t take my eyes off Callie. There was such an innocence about her. The way she laughed when Kaida’s nose expelled a puff of smoke, the way her eyes lit up when she smiled at me over her shoulder, the way the soft light fell across her face and cast an elegant glow around her—it all captivated me.
There was something pure about her. She was strong and defiant and brave, but kindhearted and humble at the same time. She claimed to be in a world she didn’t know. It felt as if she was telling the truth. Although she had handled herself with an air of confidence, she also allowed her insecurities to show.
I knew there was still something she was hiding from me—her true reasons for being here. But, I couldn’t imagine them being vicious. As I watched her nestle her face close to Kaida’s neck, I realized I couldn’t imagine her doing anything that would bring harm.
Still I had to know. I had an entire realm looking to me to guide them. I couldn’t let my own, potentially misguided, perceptions determine the future of everything I was responsible for. I had to be sure that I could trust her.
My sister’s words came to my mind. “Your future is intertwined with that of a young woman.” My future determined the fate of my people. That meant that Callie’s future would too.
I decided to be more forthcoming, in hopes that she would do the same. After sending Kaida away, I moved toward the ledge of the rooftop terrace and watched her fly into the distance.
When I turned to look back at Callie, I was standing directly behind me. She peered over my shoulder, attempting to get a better view, without risking getting too close to the edge.
“Don’t be afraid,” I said.
“Easy for you to say. You can fly.”
She took another step forward and leaned against the stone block wall. It reached her waist, which seemed to make her feel a little better. “It’s beautiful,” she said. “From here, at least.”
“I know you find Shadowland frightening,” I said, and stood next to her. “There is a lot you don’t know about it.”
“I don’t know if I want to know more,” she said. “I simply want to go about my business and get home.”
“I wish I could let you do that, but I can’t. One or more of my enemies is after you, Callie. They want you; they tried to take you once already.”
“Why me?”
“I don’t know. All I know is that I can’t let that happen. We are at war here. And while it may not seem like it to you, my kind remaining in power is the best thing for the entire realm.”
“It doesn’t seem like the best thing for the humans,” she said. She crossed her arms over her chest, then turned to face me.
“We need the humans to sustain us. I know you may not like that fact, but it is the truth. There is no other option. We need them to survive so we can continue to pursue our purpose.”
“And what purpose is that, exactly?”
It was impossible to miss her sharp tone.
“We stand between the world of light and the world of darkness,” I said. “It’s a war that has been going on for as long as I can remember. Those who live in the darkness wish to conquer the light and extinguish it.”
“And, you—the vampires—live in the light?”
I nodded.
She frowned. “I never associated vampires with light. You can’t even go out in the sun.”
“The sun isn’t the only thing that gives light, Callie. The light we have here is different—stronger, purer. It’s light of the soul. And we need to protect it.”
“From the things that live in the dark. And who, or what, are they?”
To tell her the truth would only immerse her more in the trepidation she already felt. The enemy was terrifying, even to me. I couldn’t reveal all, not yet. She still viewed me as the villain.
I could see it in the way she looked at me. Even if at times her glances seemed to be filled with something else, there was always fear mixed in. Even if she looked to me to protect her, she still feared that I would be the one to ultimately do her harm.
It was better that way. I still found myself drawn to her—tempted by her. I still hadn’t convinced myself that it wouldn’t be me that brought her harm one day.
“They are called the Fae. But you don’t need to concern yourself with them,” I said, dismissing the topic. “For now, I only need you to understand that you must to remain here. It is your safest option.”
Chapter 30
Logan
The night air was brisk and refreshing. The stars overhead glistened as she looked out over the city. Did she know it was night in our city? The difference was minimal, the light slightly dimmer than usual. How much did she really know about our realm?
A calm silence had fallen between us as she contemplated the city and I contemplated her. It was strange sharing a moment like that with a human. There was something intimate about it.
Coming to that realization was uncomfortable.
“I still don’t know much about you,” she said, turning around and leaning back against the wall. She flicked a str
and of black hair from her face and her deep violet eyes met mine.
I turned to face her, leaned against the wall, and thought for a moment. “I don’t know much about you, either.”
“There’s nothing to know. I’m from Oregon. I’m in high school. I hate high school, but who doesn’t?”
I looked at her blankly.
“Did you go to high school?”
“There wasn’t much time for school when I was growing up.”
“Oh.”
An expression of sympathy flickered across her face. Perhaps it was my tone. I had given away more than I’d intended with just a few words.
“Well, you still seem pretty smart,” she said.
I laughed, appreciating her attempt to break the awkwardness. There it was again—that innocent sort of purity she had about her. Even someone such as myself, her captor for all intents and purposes, deserved a kind word in a moment of emotional distress.
“I had to learn,” I said. “We all did.”
“Learn what?”
“How to survive…how to fight. As I said before, all of this started a very long time ago. I’ve been locked in this war, all my life.”
“No wonder you don’t want to count the years,” she said.
“Exactly. Although, I can assure you, they are many. It started when I was very young. We lived in the light, even then. We had to protect it from those outside who wished to extinguish it.”
“The Fae?”
“Yes, the Fae. They live in the dark. While our light shines, they remain under control. They cannot move about freely; they cannot overtake the entire realm. Although, their efforts are relentlessly. There was a time when they got close. I was about your age when things started to look bleak for us.”
“For the vampires?”
“No,” I replied. “We weren’t vampires then. There were no vampires during that time. We were nothing more than mere mortals, trapped in a world that was quickly beginning to swallow us up. If the Fae had been successful in overthrowing us, in taking control of our lands and blotting out our inner light, then we would have been lost. Darkness would have consumed the land.”
