“Personally, I love it,” Delaney responded when the room fell silent.
“You’re so awesome, Saura,” Renny enthused.
She clapped her hands together. “Oh, good. You guys like it.”
“Lichpriest T’Eirick and Lichpriestess Saura D’Vaire sounds amazing,” Dra’Kaedan added.
“Well, that’s kind of why I wanted Aleksander here. You’re all just assuming we’ll live here, but we haven’t even discussed it, let alone filled out a sanctuary application,” Saura said.
Aleksander chuckled. “Come on, you’re family. Of course you’re welcome. In fact, I’d consider it an absolute honor if you decided to use the name Fate gave me.”
“Leolinnia was a warlock castle destroyed by the Cwylld elves and where we lost our lives. It belongs in the past. D’Vaire is our future,” T’Eirick stated. “We won’t ever forget the price we paid for our mistakes or for Carvallius’s evil in tricking the Cwylld to nearly kill all the warlocks, but we need to keep our races separate. You’ll always be our sons, but you need to remember we’re no longer the Leolinnias. They’re dead, and it’s your turn to be at the head of the coven that Fate gave you.”
Dra’Kaedan turned to his twin brother. “I can see it now. I’ll want some advice on something, and Dad will tell me I’m the Grand Warlock and he’s the Lichpriest, so I should figure it out on my fucking own.”
“In an attempt not to get into family squabbles, shall we deal with the most pressing problem as we work out the more minute details of the resurrection spell?” Vadimas asked. “We’ve come up with no idea for Carvallius and Latarian other than Del’s suggestion of using a sliver of Cwylld stone on the other side of the veil. It’s been two weeks. Does anyone have any theories about how that might be possible?”
Delaney grimaced. “I thought of one, but it’s rather barbaric.”
“It might be the only avenue we have,” T’Eirick said. “Let’s hear the idea.”
“The sad reality is that you guys have to cross the veil. Chand’s temporary resurrection will end and when it does, you’ll both crave deep sleep. What if we waited until you lost consciousness and well, kind of rammed it into your soul?”
“Push past the vessel and reach the core?” Saura asked. The room was silent as she nodded resolutely. “You know, its effectiveness may be in its simplicity. It wouldn’t be good for a sorcerer to do it. It’d be very draining.”
“Yeah, and I know none of us are going to want to wait very long to cast the resurrection spell, and we’re going to combine all our magic in the hopes of coaxing Fate to imbue you with a healthy amount of power,” Delaney replied.
“I can fix that problem for you. Dragons aren’t affected by the stones. I’ll do it. If that’s what it takes to get rid of these asshats for good and it won’t cause you pain because you’ll be unconscious, then I’d be more than happy to help,” Aleksander stated. His voice was stern, and his jaw was clenched. With each passing day, he grew more and more irritated by the fear they’d lived with since Latarian could not be found.
“Dra’Kaedan’s my mate, I’ll do it,” Brogan countered.
“There’s no fucking way I’m going to let you jam a stone into your mate’s parents. Think again and if you want to play ugly, I’m your king. What I say goes,” Aleksander retorted.
“Will it hurt you guys?” Dra’Kaedan asked his parents.
“We’ll be unconscious, dear. We won’t feel a thing. We’re going to need someone to hand it off to on the other side, though. When Carvallius is executed, we’ll need a person to jam it into his soul. The same for Latarian whenever she’s found,” Saura responded.
“Well, I’ve still been toying with the idea of shadow walking to speak with Derwin. I can talk to either the Coven of Familiars or the Coven of Warlocks and ask for a volunteer. I’m guessing I’ll have a line several thousand people long,” Dre’Kariston drawled out.
“At the very least. I think you should do it, Son. Start with the Coven of Familiars. Carvallius’s died long before any war was ever fought. He’d be the best bet as they once shared a magic source attached at the soul. Eldwyn would remember his name. Find my familiar, and he can help you plan it,” T’Eirick suggested.
“You wanted to shadow walk, didn’t you, Del? You could go with Dre’Kariston,” Grigori insisted.
Delaney grabbed his hand and squeezed. “We’re not mated yet. We need to be bonded before Chand’s going to let me,” he said, then turned to Dre’Kariston. “Don’t wait on me. We’ve got a short timetable here. T’Eirick and Saura will run out of time soon. Grigori and I just met.”
“There will always be a next time, right?” Dre’Kariston responded. “Okay, we’ll start making plans to get that done. Let’s start figuring out the exact method we’ll need to get the stones across with Aleksander’s help. On the other side, they will need to trap Carvallius’s soul as he dies. So when we know he’s going to be executed, we’ll give them a heads up.”
“His transformation to being corporeal isn’t complete. He’s getting closer but it’s so random, it’s difficult to pinpoint a timetable,” Alaric supplied.
“As long as we have a plan in place, I can be patient,” Dre’Kariston remarked.
“Speaking of dying, I know none of us wants to talk about it, but I don’t want a big fuss. We’re going to cross the veil, but we’ll essentially be right back. We’ll need let’s say a day or so to make sure we’ve located whoever needs to have the two stone slivers,” Saura commented.
“No. Killian the Dwyer was gracious enough to light your pyre, which was done with thousands of other warlocks pointlessly destroyed. This time, you’ll have a full warlock funeral rite. One befitting the Grand Warlock and Grand Summoner,” Dra’Kaedan argued. “We need it as much as you deserve it. Like you said, we need to let go of the past. When you died, Dre’Kariston was lying in a bed ravaged by Carvallius’s magic and barely holding it together. My identity was stolen, and I didn’t even know who you were. I think it would benefit all of us to have that closure. It’ll free us to fully welcome you as darkfallen.”
Saura glanced toward T’Eirick, who nodded. “If that’s what you think is best. I just hate seeing you all sad.”
“We won’t be when you return. We’ll cry our tears and let go of our previous lives just as you will. For over six hundred years, our family was torn apart by the selfishness and cruelty of others. Now, we rise as D’Vaires, united together,” Dre’Kariston said. His voice was thick with emotion, and his navy eyes were blazing with a mix of fury and pain.
“I hope every person in this room—those who use the name D’Vaire and those we consider extended family—knows how it humbles me to have you as part of my family. It still amazes me that from six dragons shunned by Court Ethelin, then all of dragonkind, we’re now this large and amazing group who can truly do anything they put their minds to. My heart overflows with the love I have for each one of you,” Aleksander commented.
“What the fuck, Bigfoot? You just waltz into one of our meetings and bring us all to tears?” Dra’Kaedan demanded.
“I do my best, Squirt, and we really do need to find a name for this group of yours,” the D’Vaire king responded.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. We’ll get to that. Right after we figure out how to make dark menders, glue Carvallius to the afterlife, hunt down Latarian and do the same to her, make some magic stones, and whatever else is on our to-do list,” Renny threw in.
“Not my fault you weren’t content enough to stop with making me immortal and creating fallen knights with dragons,” Aleksander tossed back.
“Speaking of which, we need to discuss Immortalis,” Idris interjected.
“You know the rules. It’s your potion. Who do you want to recommend?” Chander asked.
“I’d like to start with Worth,” Idris replied. “Are there any objections?”
“Not from me, and I appreciate you voting on my middle brother since I’m already stuck with Somerly for eternit
y,” Aleksander commented.
“Blame Fate, she gave me the Grand Summoner as my mate,” Somerly said.
“Let’s vote,” Idris stated. Worthington D’Vairedraconis was unanimously granted the ability to drink the Immortalis potion seconds later. “The next person I’d like us to vote on is actually a family of three. Lex and his parents. I know his folks are next door at Court Bera, but the Reverent Knight’s parents who run it already drank the potion.”
“Oh, thank goodness. I don’t know what I’d do without my best friend, and I’d hate for him to lose his folks, Duke Drogo and Duchess-mate Emmeline,” Somerly enthused.
Idris asked for and received another vote; this one gave immortality to three more people. “We have only one warlock who isn’t immortal. For that reason, and because he’s a very nice guy, I’d like to recommend Wullem. As his familiar, Leopold’s lifespan would be extended as well.”
“I’m biased, but I think he’s great too. Still very quiet but he’s slowly coming out of his shell. I think he’s naturally shy, and all those centuries of hiding have only made him turn more inward, but he’s definitely a D’Vaire. Leopold has become very close to him and while bashful, he’s been a terrific addition to our home as well,” Dra’Kaedan said. Idris tallied up the raised arms as Wullem and Leopold were granted eternal life.
“I have one left I’d like us to consider: Carter. I know he’s young, but he’s committed to our family,” Idris stated.
“My brother’s definitely not going anywhere. He’s become entranced by the idea of working with wizards and magic,” Mac added. “And I don’t think you’d get him out of D’Vaire with a sledgehammer to the face. He’s even become good friends with a young dragon training apprentice named Jeremiah who’s been helping him recognize the signs of the beast he can barely feel. Jeremiah’s unshifted as well, but he’s much closer to losing his drakeling status.”
When the vote was cast, and Carter was added to the small list of people who were about to have their mind blown by learning of an immortality spell they all kept private, Aleksander said, “As you all know, I hate secrets in my household. With your additions today, it means we’re left now with only a single D’Vaire who lacks immortality and hasn’t been granted Idris’s potion.”
“I apologize, Aleksander, but I simply cannot recommend Duff,” Idris responded. “I don’t want to be mean or single him out. However, I still have reservations about his commitment to D’Vaire. It’s imperative this potion remain a secret to the public. It was very difficult to create, and there simply isn’t enough to spread around to all shifters and magickind. Since his arrival, his behavior has been somewhat erratic.”
“I know he’s caused some trouble, but I did point out to Del that at eighteen he’s probably still discovering himself. He’s trying new things and seeing what fits. That may account for some of the erratic behavior you mentioned,” Grigori remarked.
“I agree with you. His sexuality’s a perfect example, as is his desire to hang out with other young people who are in the same stage of life and exploration,” Aleksander commented.
“I think he should experiment. I also think he should take advantage of every new opportunity that comes his way. He’s young and should revel in it but the reality is, we’re talking eternity here. Duff’s a kid whose main goal is to go out and have fun. He’s not ready for this kind of commitment, and we don’t know if he can keep our secret,” Dra’Kaedan said.
“Everyone knows there’s no love lost between us, but I’ve got a feeling D’Vaire’s not his destiny,” Delaney added. Something told him Duff’s path would lead him from their court. Or maybe it’s just wishful thinking, a nasty part of his brain shouted.
“I have no other people to recommend,” Idris stated unequivocally, calling an end to the discussion as well as their meeting.
“Come on, darkfallen. Let’s go see what Larissa can come up with for your fancy Council clothes and eveningwear,” Dra’Kaedan coaxed.
“Speaking of which, when are we going to tell the Emperor about our little plan?” Aleksander asked as he stood.
“Sometimes it’s easier to say sorry than ask for permission. We’ll tell Chrys when Saura and T’Eirick are back,” Chander said. “Unless, as his king, you feel you need to tattle.”
Aleksander chuckled. “No, I’m good. I can’t imagine him being upset. T’Eirick and Saura created the damn Council.”
Delaney turned from their conversation to Grigori, who was staring off in the distance. There was no emotion to be found in his faintly azure gaze. “You all right?”
Grigori swiveled his head slowly and though he smiled, it was off somehow to Delaney. “I’m fine. Just thinking. Numbers and letters in juxtaposition with different mathematical symbols. The usual places my brain goes.”
Leaning close, Delaney kissed him. “Write it down this time so you don’t lose it.”
“Anything for you.”
Oh how I wish Grigori really meant those words, Delaney thought as he got to his feet and left the conference room with the sexy vampire at his side. It was the place he would vote to spend eternity if he could.
Chapter 21
Grigori shoved his goggles up and grinned. His newest trial blood had lasted a full five minutes before it separated. He might not have found the right formula yet, but he was one baby step closer. It filled him with confidence that he could figure out how to get it to a single drop or, if he was lucky, less with enough experimenting. After rinsing out his instruments, Grigori took stock of his surroundings. His back was crampy, as if he’d held his body in one position too long, so he peeled off his lab coat and hunted down his phone. It was on the desk he rarely used since he was normally hunched over the long table he used to mix things on.
When he checked the time, it was after nine in the evening. He’d missed dinner, so he pulled his protective eyewear off and headed for the kitchen. Tigglesworth kept it stocked with plastic containers of yumminess, perfect for an absentminded scientist who never wore a watch. He found some thick stew and popped it into the microwave. As it turned and heated, he tried not to feel disappointed. Despite the late hour, there were no calls or texts from Delaney. Was it too much to ask to have Delaney miss him?
He might be a bit oversensitive where Delaney was concerned. It’d been difficult to sit in the sorcerers’ meeting and hear him tell everyone that they’d only just met, and their mating ceremony was far off in the future. Grigori tried to shrug off his disappointment, but it was not turning out to be an easy venture. His heart was lost to the wizard, and it was discouraging to be alone in his feelings.
There was no way to know how long it would take Delaney to love him back, which dampened his mood. He tried to pretend it hadn’t hurt him, but Delaney had realized he was upset. Grigori had shrugged it off and tried to convince him he was just concentrating on his formulas. There was no way to know if Delaney bought his excuse, but he hadn’t pressed the matter.
After his dinner was ready, he stabbed a fork into a square of meat and stuffed his face. Delaney might have plenty to do to fill his time, but after he was finished in the lab, Grigori was at loose ends. Despite the tumult inside him, his favorite activity was still hanging out with Delaney and as he chewed, he decided there was no way he was sleeping alone.
He would simply teleport home to D’Vaire and sleep right alongside his handsome wizard. In the past couple of weeks, they hadn’t spent a night apart, and he wasn’t about to start now. Delaney always welcomed him with open arms and when he thought about the way he greeted him with kisses, Grigori grew hard.
Rolling his eyes, he finished off what was left in the container and rinsed it out. While sex was amazing, it was not the only reason he preferred Delaney near. Being close to him as he slept was just as important. Since he already had half his wardrobe in Delaney’s room, he didn’t bother grabbing anything before teleporting there. He found his wizard curled up with Greggory, watching a movie with an obnoxious amount of blood. Wh
en their gazes locked, there was surprise in Delaney’s black depths.
“Hey,” he offered, suddenly unsure of his welcome. Not even Greggory flew over to shower him with affection as he usually did. In fact, there was a certain tension in the air as the dragon suddenly rose from the bed and disappeared into his private space. He used his teeth to pull the black velvet curtain closed. Grigori didn’t know if the strange vibes were coming from his disheartened state of mind or if Delaney was upset about something.
“Hi.”
“I’m sorry. I know it’s late, I was in my lab and lost track of time.”
Delaney pushed his blanket down and ran a hand through his hair as he sat more upright against the velvet headboard. “How did things go? Finish anything major?”
Sweat pooled as he stared at Delaney. He struggled to understand why it was so awkward between them or why they were not acting as they normally did together. It was terrifying, and it was the first time he’d ever wanted to run from Delaney’s side. Trying to shake off his strange reaction, he focused on Delaney’s question. “I got my latest blood solution to last five minutes. All the others separated a few seconds after I mixed them.”
“So one step closer.”
“Yeah.”
“That’s good.”
“Should I go? I mean I didn’t call first or anything,” Grigori blurted out as he swiped his palms over his jeans. He hated when his body went haywire—especially when he had no way to explain it.
“What? No, I just wasn’t expecting to see you. I guessed you were engrossed in your lab.”
“I should’ve stayed at my parents’. I’ll go. This feels weird and I don’t like it. It’s not supposed to be this way between us. We’re normally on the same page. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Grigori was fully prepared to teleport out, but it was Delaney who shimmered away. Seconds later, he materialized right in front of him and Delaney grabbed his arm. “No, don’t go. Sorry, it’s me. I was just thinking about stuff, then you showed up. I just need to shake off some shit, and we’ll be back to us.”
Becoming D'Vaire (D'Vaire, Book 11) Page 17
