by Sarah Noffke
If Monet had taught her how to use that disappearing and relocating spell she could get have gotten out of there, but there’d been no time for it.
“No, I don’t need any more wishes. I’ve got a plan.”
“Are you walking through that door? Because that’s my vote. That wizard will probably strike you dead, and it will be too late for you to use your last wish. Maybe then I’ll be free. I’ve never had a master die before using all their wishes,” Bob said eagerly.
“No, it doesn’t involve going through the door.” Azure turned and held up her wand. “I’m going through the walls.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
When Monet pulled open the door, a woman with a pleasing rack and a beautiful face was staring at him. The woman wore her black curls over her bare shoulders, and her fitted blue dress hugged her hips. She batted her eyelashes and smiled broadly, not showing her teeth.
“Hello, Beautiful. Yes, you’ve come to the right place,” he said coolly, opening the door wide.
The woman’s skin was pale—almost too pale. Monet picked up a strange scent from her, something that told him she was different. He covered his observation as a man, finely dressed, stepped from the hallway and stood next to the woman.
“Oh, I see it’s not one of those deals. If you two don’t have a pizza, I’m afraid I have lost my interest in you,” Monet said, silently studying the man. He heard Ever rise from the couch behind him, and Manx’ wings flapped as he shifted to raven form. Laurel moved as well.
“Isn’t he lovely? I adore the green hair,” the woman said, extending her hand to Monet. “You may call me Cordelia. So nice to finally make your acquaintance, Monet.”
Ever was now by the door and stared intently at the couple. Monet didn’t take Cordelia’s hand, but slid his own into the pocket of his robes to find the knife.
“This must be Ever. So handsome! I daresay you’ll be even finer when we’re done with you.” The woman’s eyes became hypnotic, drawing both men’s attention to her. She was suddenly mesmerizing, as if she’d placed a spell on them. Monet found himself being sucked into her. Whatever she said next he would no doubt do. He’d do anything that she asked him to. Forever. For always. She owned him.
“You two will—”
The sound of flapping wings filled the air, and Manx darted over their heads and dove at the couple. They stepped back, shielding themselves as he launched at them, his clawed feet first. The man slammed his fist hard against the raven and Manx fell to the ground, where he lay limp.
Monet stepped backward during the commotion so that Ever was right beside him. They looked at each other, and in that moment they came to an understanding. They knew what had almost happened, and what could still happen if they weren’t careful. Monet shoved the knife into Ever’s hand and pulled out his wand. The Light Elf seemed to understand, and took a fighting stance.
The two vampires pushed their way into the suite. Laurel had a stick from the wood pile in her hand. She had pulled it from the fire, and it was burning at the end. With a strange new fierce look in her eyes the werecat ran for the vampires, brandishing the fire. She yelled like a warrior in battle.
Unflustered, Cordelia lifted her hand and Laurel rose off the ground several inches. She flailed, her legs kicking only air underneath her. Cordelia pushed her hand forward hard and Laurel shot back into a bookcase, where she slid to the ground, the fire extinguished by the force. Her head sank to the side; the impact had knocked her out instantly.
Cordelia unhurriedly looked back at Ever and Monet.
“Now, we could have done this the easy way, but it looks like we’ve decided to be uncooperative,” she said playfully, like they were playing a game. “As I was saying—”
Monet threw his wand up and directed it at the vampires, yelling, “Non-animi imperium.”
A loud crack filled the room, followed by a huge cloud of smoke.
Cordelia opened her mouth and then slammed it shut, looking irritated. She gazed at the man. “Hamilton, he’s stalled our mind control. What a crafty wizard!”
“It won’t last long—those spells never do. Only another few seconds,” Hamilton said. He stared at Ever, who had the knife out and pointed at him.
“We have your sweet Azure. She asked that we fetch you. You can come willingly or with force, but you will come.” Cordelia wrapped her arms around her body as if giving herself a hug. “We’re going to be such a happy family! You will all see.”
The spell was wearing off—Monet could feel it. He searched for another way to fight these vampires. His potions were on the table in the corner, but there was nothing there that he thought would work. He backed up in unison with Ever as Cordelia and Hamilton advanced on them.
“Azure doesn’t want to be a vampire, but when you two have been turned she’ll beg to join you. That’s how it works. We’ve seen it time and time again,” Cordelia said, pausing and looking at the table of potions curiously.
She reached for a bottle of blue liquid. “Tick-tock. Your spell is almost over, and then it’s our turn to play with your minds.”
Monet narrowed his eyes at the potion, trying to remember which one it was, and in the cauldron on the table he saw something move. He twitched in sudden nervousness. There was something inside the empty cauldron, but what?
Hamilton looked at his watch. “Five, four, three, two, and—”
From the black cauldron something leapt, a howling sound ripping from its mouth. It was black and white, and its claws were extended. Then Monet saw it clearly: Finswick landed on Cordelia’s back, his claws piercing her shoulders.
She screamed, mostly from shock, and dropped the potion to the ground, where it exploded. She scrambled to get the cat off her, but Finswick had already jumped away and vanished under the sofa. Ever had taken this opportunity to dart forward with the knife, and he thrust it straight into Hamilton’s chest. The vampire stumbled back, his face shocked. His hands grabbed the hilt and frantic worry covered his face. He tugged once, twice…three times at the blade.
“Hamilton my love, is that…” Cordelia rushed to him and grabbed the blade, pulling it from his chest. She held it up, her eyes fuming. “An orc’s blade? No!”
Hamilton’s hands covered his chest as he sucked in a breath. “It nearly killed me, but it missed my heart.” He looked at Ever, wicked triumph on his face. “You’ve lost your chance. The next blow will be mine, and I won’t miss.” The vampire seemed to be fading, the knife wound having greatly injured him, but he lifted his hands to his side. Crack. Hamilton disappeared, replaced by a flying bat. Its wings beat the air before it darted out the open door.
Cordelia turned to Ever, venom in her smoldering brown eyes. “You nearly killed my lover, and now you will pay with your lives. I thought you would join us in eternal life, but I’ve changed my mind. Instead of becoming a member of our coven, you will simply be my dinner.”
The vampire looked at Monet, and again he felt the strange trance settle over him. “Monet, you are under my influence and will do—”
Thundering footsteps filled the hallway, overwhelming Cordelia’s voice.
Monet and Ever backed up farther, both intently focused on the doorway. What was approaching? It was loud. Menacing. Sounded destructive as it approached.
Cordelia impatiently looked at the hallway, her hands on her hips, and the head of a green dragon appeared in the doorframe. It narrowed its eyes on the vampire, flicking its forked tongue at her.
Cordelia started and backed up as well. The dragon brought its body around to join its head. Its shiny green scales caught the light; they were beautifully iridescent. Searching frantically for another way out—one that wasn’t blocked by a dragon—she shot her hand at the bank of windows on the far wall, shattering them. Cool night air leaked into the suite, along with the sounds of the busy street below.
The dragon let out a horrible screech and its wings unfolded, nearly knocking into the walls close by. It rocked onto its hind legs, wings s
till outstretched, and when it came down the ground under it shook, making the building rock violently and sending objects flying off the shelves. Books fell onto Laurel’s unconscious body and Monet and Ever stared at each other, unsure if they should fight the dragon or the vampire. Then, divining what was going to happen next, Monet grabbed Ever by the arm and yanked him hard to the side, darting behind the sofa to use it as a shield.
The dragon opened its mouth and let out another ear-splitting shriek, followed by a blast of white-hot fire. It filled the space where they’d just been.
At first Monet was certain Cordelia had been torched, but then over the rush of the fire he heard the squeak. Flying close to the ceiling was a tiny black bat. She beat her wings hard and dove, nearly flying into Monet’s face. Her claws scratched his forehead and tugged through his hair before she escaped through the broken windows.
Monet and Ever felt the warm heat from the fireplace at their backs and the stinging fire blasted in front of them. The dragon closed its mouth, extinguishing the fire at once. Still, everything the fire had touched was ablaze.
Monet aimed his wand at the dragon, unsure if he should attack it. The creature darted its black eyes to him, a curious, almost taunting expression on its ancient face. Then Oak appeared behind the dragon, wand in hand. He flicked it at the fires, making them all go out at once.
Everyone was silent for several seconds, the two men doing their best to breathe, having covered their faces against the smoke. Oak surveyed the space, his eyes studying every aspect.
“That’s your dragon?” Ever said, both a question and a realization.
Oak reached down and scooped up something. “Of course she is. I thought she might be of use, since vampires hate fire. It reminds them of their eternal damnation.”
The wizard strolled forward, the limp raven form of Manx in his hands. “The little guy is breathing, but will need mending. He took an awful blow, it appears.”
Monet rushed forward, taking the pooka from him. “I have a potion that should help. I’ll administer it right away. See to Laurel, please.”
At that same moment the werecat stirred and pushed away from the bookcase. She stared in bewilderment at the chaos around her, and at the dragon who had curled up on the floor and was taking up a large section of the room. “What happened?” she asked, finding Ever by her side. Sparks of light had trailed behind him as he quickly moved to assist her.
“That’s my question as well. Oak, how did you know to help us?” Ever asked, helping Laurel to her feet.
“I saw a bat fly from the main entrance. I was just outside, readying the carriage. I knew there was trouble brewing in here, especially after the vampire attack the other night, so I decided to bring Micky up here to investigate. She loves a field trip and hates vampires.” Oak indicated the dragon, who looked beautifully peaceful, her head resting on her front legs, her horned tail gently flicking. Dragons were certainly majestic creatures, more intriguing than almost anything on Oriceran.
Monet filled a dropper with potion and squirted the contents into Manx’ mouth after opening his beak with his fingertips. The raven stirred, but was still insensible.
“Will he be all right?” Ever asked, one arm around Laurel’s shoulders.
“He needs rest, but yes, he will be fine,” Monet said. He disappeared into a side room and returned with a towel, wrapping the bird in it and cradling him against his chest.
“He can’t stay here. None of you can.” Oak snapped at the dragon, who lazily lifted her head and stared at him with droopy eyes. “I’ll take you to the carriage. You’ll be safe there for the night. There’re enchantments on it which none can break. No vampires will get to you while you’re inside.”
The dragon stood, seeming to understand, and slipped through the doorway into the hall. The group nodded, following Oak as he led the way. Monet grabbed a bottle of vodka from the case next to a side table, but he stopped in the entrance.
“Are you coming?” he said to the seemingly empty room.
Finswick peeked from under the couch. “I was going to catch up. I’m kind of enjoying my freedom.”
“I was wondering when you were going to turn up. Just been lurking around, have you?” Monet asked playfully.
“I’ve been keeping an eye on things between my own adventures,” Finswick said, strolling out from under the couch. He looked up at Monet when he reached his feet.
“Thank you for attacking that hot-ass vampire. I nearly succumbed to her control,” Monet said, readjusting Manx in his arms.
“You’re welcome. I’ll always have your back, or will jump onto the back of the offending vampire to help you out,” Finswick said.
“You should come with us tonight. Azure will want to see that you’re safe when she returns,” Monet said, looking at the devastated suite. It was utter chaos. The bank of windows on the far side was completely gone, and glass covered the floor. The bookshelves were in complete disarray, and fire had singed a large portion of the room.
“When she returns. Are you certain of that? I heard what Cordelia said. She has her,” Finswick said, real worry in his words.
“Yes, when she returns. They may have her, but she will find a way to escape. And if she isn’t here by morning as we agreed, then I’ll mow their kingdom down to find her.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Azure appraised the wall before her and put her ear to the surface, listening hard for any sounds on the other side. She was sure she’d heard something from the adjacent wall, which meant someone occupied the space.
She’d been given the idea for her plan by the barrier walls in the Sphinxes. What she was planning wasn’t an easy spell, especially without muttering the incantation, but she couldn’t risk Ata’s hearing her. She felt a pang of guilt toward the wizard, who was being held hostage by Cordelia and Hamilton. She wanted to free him, release him from his enslavement, and she would—but not yet.
Thinking of enslavement reminded her of Bob. She’d considered asking him to release Ata and then it would be a win-win, but she was pretty certain that the genie would say it violated Section Thirty-three of Article Whatever. No, she’d have to find a different way to free Ata. Truthfully she had to fight the root cause of the problem first or Cordelia and Hamilton would just find another witch or wizard to enslave. At least she knew Ata now, and more importantly she knew the history that had started this new epidemic.
Azure stepped back and secured her bag across her chest. Bob had retreated into his lamp, where hopefully he’d stay quiet. Aiming her wand at the wall, she mouthed an incantation.
The wall in front of her turned translucent and the other side came into view. To Azure’s relief, the room was empty. She stepped through, feeling as though she were walking through a crowded wardrobe.
The wall solidified as soon as she was on the other side. This room was exactly like the one she’d been in. As she had suspected, this was a hotel.
With quick steps, she made her way to the far wall, but she could hear a murmur of voices on the other side so she checked the other wall. It was quiet, which was good news because this next room would have a different hallway than the one where Ata stood guard. He was Azure’s major concern at this point, since he could paralyze her. The vampires couldn’t touch her, but, as Lux had proven, they could knock her out.
Azure flicked her wand at the wall and again stepped through. She was halfway to the door when she heard a voice, “Queen Azure, what are you doing here?”
Azure whipped around to find Nenet sitting on the ground, rocking back and forth. Her feet were crossed, and her hands were resting on her knees as if she were in meditation. She was beside the bed, which was why Azure hadn’t seen her when she entered the room.
“Nenet, you’re here!” Azure checked her out. The new vampire looked as she had on the night she’d led them to the Sphinx.
“Yes, my founder lured me here the night we met. I’ve mostly been at this hotel ever since.” A strange expressi
on crossed her face. “Are you a vampire? Did I fail to recruit you to help Chibale?”
Azure shook her head. “No, I’m not a vampire.”
“But I don’t smell your blood or have the desire to feed on you, like I do with the living,” Nenet said.
“It’s my necklace. It protects me.” Azure indicated the ruby hanging around her neck.
“Oh. Well, what are you doing here? Were you caught?” Nenet asked.
“Yes, but I’m trying to get away.” She pointed to the door, which lead to a different hallway.
“I’m going with you, then,” Nenet said, standing and grabbing a long shawl from the bed. She wrapped it around her head, her green eyes framed by the garment.
“You’re going to leave? I didn’t think that was possible.”
“It isn’t possible, or not for long, anyway. I can’t leave Cordelia. I’m bound to her for all eternity. However, I can help you to escape,” Nenet said.
“It sounds as though the person you were still lives inside you,” Azure observed.
“I died and lost my magic. I have a thirst which kills. I think in time that the things I must do every day to survive as a predator will change me, make me cold and calloused, but for now I still remember what it felt like to live, breathe, and care for others. I still remember your kindness towards me. I still care for my people, and most of all for my sister. Those emotions have not yet faded,” Nenet said, her words like the verses of a sad song.
“And you think those feelings and memories will fade over time?” Azure asked.
“Tonight I drank the blood of an old man. He was feeble and going to die soon, but my bite would have killed him in a few days even if I hadn’t taken all his blood. A person cannot do these things on a daily basis and keep their humanity,” Nenet stated, her voice haunted by what she’d done.
“And you might not always have the choice of who you feed on,” Azure said, and regretted it almost at once.
