He nodded. “Yeah, I know. This is a little freaky.”
Freaky was the understatement of the year. Then it dawned on her. Could it really be? Was this possible? Straightening her posture, she asked, “What were you doing before you were summoned here? I mean, were you thinking about your soul mate?”
If only she could see his face to gage his reaction. Did he think she was crazy? “Well.” He scratched his head. “Yeah, actually. Aaliyah had talked to us about the prophesy and our soul mates so I had gone to bed wondering about that.”
Aaliyah? As in Lazarith’s wife?
“But I’m pretty sure that I fell asleep.” He leaned back. “Sometimes I dream up the craziest stuff.”
She wanted to reach out and touch him. “I’m not a dream, I can assure you.”
“Wait…what?” More head scratching. “Are you saying that we’re here in this…this place because we were thinking about our soul mates?” He motioned between the two of them. “That we’re soul mates?”
Why was it so impossible for him to believe they were soul mates? “It’s possible, don’t you think? I mean, what are the chances that we both know Lazarith and end up here after wondering who our soul mate is?”
His hand fell from his head, leaving his hair a ruffled mess. “You know Lazarith?”
Oh, how adorable. “Yes, he’s our sire.” The silence that followed her statement left her on edge.
After what felt like an eternity, he spoke. “What’s your name?”
“Serienna.” The moment she spoke, the air shifted around them. The spot where Vaughn sat rippled like the ocean’s water.
He stood and took two steps back. “What?” The question hung in the air as the ripples settled, and their faces became crystal clear. “Damn, you’re beautiful.”
There were no words to describe how she felt at that moment. When their eyes met, a fire burned within her. The void she hadn’t known existed in her heart suddenly filled with love for him. She stood and closed the distance between them.
“I think you’re right, Serienna.” Lifting his hand, he traced the line of her jaw. “I think that you are my soul mate.” Rubbing his nose against hers, he gazed into her eyes. “I have dreamt of the day that we’d meet for the last week.”
The corners of her mouth lifted. He’d thought of her. That warmed her heart. Curious, she asked, “Do you think that what happened to us is a power that soul mates possess to summon the other?” She would love to know if this was common or if it was something special between the two of them.
“I don’t know. As far as I know, none of my friends have experienced this.”
Friends. If he had four friends, then per the prophesy he’d be her soul mate and his friends would be the soul mates to her friends. True, Earadessa had not said they were the chosen ones but she had a gut feeling they were. “Friends? As in you have four friends that are now considered your brothers?”
“Yes…Let me guess. You would be one of the five girls that Lazarith just sired?”
Serienna nodded. Was this really happening right now?
“I can’t wait to finally meet you.” He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her tight against his body.
“Me either, Vaughn.” His name felt good rolling off her tongue. Resting her head on his chest, she listened to his heart beat. It was like a song that called out to her. Soon her heartbeat synced with his and their hearts beat as one.
This was the moment Serienna became absolutely certain Vaughn was her other half.
“You’re going to think I’ve lost my mind but,” he swallowed, “I love you.”
The twinkle in her eye brought a smile to his face.
“I can’t explain it, but your voice does something to me. It connects with my heart.” He rested his forehead on hers. “I feel so empowered by your presence.”
She didn’t think he’d lost his mind. The pull he had on her heart was strong. “I feel the same.”
He looked over his shoulder like he’d heard someone calling out to him. “I don’t want to go, but I feel my body trying to wake.”
No. She gripped his shirt as if that would keep him there with her.
The longing in his eyes matched hers. “Can I kiss you before we part?”
There was no hesitation. Her head bobbed up and down like a bobble-head.
Cupping her face in both hands, he moved in achingly slow. Butterflies fought in her belly. Her eyes stayed glued to his lips as they inched closer. This kiss could not happen quick enough. Why was he dragging this out?
The instant their lips met, electricity zig zagged through her veins. Lava pooled in her core, and she clung to him, never wanting this moment to end. Fireworks lit up the sky, giving testimony to their love.
He pulled back, breathless. Serienna was shocked at his translucency. “I’m fading. I can feel my physical body stirring.”
Her fingers slipped through his shirt as he faded. “Promise me that we’ll meet again tomorrow evening.”
His promise was the last thing she heard before he vanished.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
What Serienna just described gave Tanya goosebumps. “Oh, my gosh.” She had been rendered speechless listening to that encounter. It was the most romantic story she’d ever heard and that included movies and books.
Serienna discarded the napkin she’d nervously shredded and took a sip of her orange juice. “Okay, Earadessa, am I nuts or is he my one true love?”
Earadessa’s mouth hung wide open.
Fidgeting, Serienna nudged her. “Come on, Dessa.” She peered up at her new friend. “Don’t leave me hanging. Tell me that I haven’t lost my mind, that he wasn’t just a figment of my imagination.”
Closing her mouth, Earadessa rubbed at her temples, deep in thought. Before she spoke she let out the breath she’d been holding. “That was an astonishing story, Serienna.”
A puff of air left Serienna. “So, am I crazy?”
“No honey.” Earadessa squeezed her hand. “See, what you experienced is called dream walking.”
“Dream walking?” Everyone asked in unison.
“Yes.” Fascination and awe lit Earadessa’s face. “This power is very uncommon. In fact, only two others have ever possessed it.” She paused. “Those two are Lazarith and Aaliyah.”
Gasps filled the room, echoing down the hall. An unusual power? One that only Lazarith and his wife have ever possessed? Tanya had never been so stunned in her life.
Earadessa stood, placing both of her hands on Serienna’s shoulders before elaborating further. “Honey, what you can do is astounding. You have the ability to walk into anyone’s dream so long as you focus all of your strength on that person.”
As the words sank in, relief washed over Serienna. “So, I’m not crazy?”
Earadessa rubbed circles on her back. “No.”
“Vaughn is my soul mate, and I actually dream walked to him?” Serienna clutched her chest, over her heart. “Sweet.” Something had occurred to her and she stopped her happy chair dance. “Could I also dream walk to our sire?”
“Yes, you can. It works on anyone, human or vamp.” Earadessa patted Serienna’s arm. “Be warned though. Older vampires can block out forces that try to invade their minds. So, if you go probing into Lazarith’s dreams, he may just kick you out before he recognizes that it’s you.”
The smile that had been on Serienna’s face fell. “Oh.”
“Serienna, this is an astounding gift to have.” Earadessa squatted to Serienna’s eye level. “Especially if you were to ever get separated from your sisters.”
“Oh wow.” Understanding dawned. “Yeah, it would come in handy if I ever needed help.” Serienna sat back in her seat, looking pleased with herself for having such a powerful ability.
&nb
sp; Abruptly changing the subject, Makinzee asked, “Serienna, you said that you asked him about his brothers. Did he tell you anything about them?”
“That, Makinzee, is for me to know and for you to beg out of me.” The grin Serienna gave her let her know that she was proud to finally have something to hang over her head.
Stomping her foot, Makinzee grunted. “You are so mean.”
“Yeah, well, I love knowing something that you guys don’t for a change.” Serienna giggled. “I also love knowing that this will bug the crap out of you.” She stood and gathered her dirty dishes, carrying them to the sink. “I promise to tell you…eventually.”
Moans came from everyone.
“For now, we have a more important story to attend to.” Serienna looked to Earadessa.
Standing, Earadessa motioned for them to join her. “Follow me, and we’ll continue with Lazarith’s story.”
They followed her back to the sitting room and formed a circle.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
After Damion was born, Lazarith and Aaliyah were the happiest they’d ever been. They loved him with every fiber of their being. Holding him gave them a contentment they’d never known.
As Damion grew, he wondered why he was the only child in the kingdom to not have any siblings. One night he asked when he would become a big brother like the rest of the kids he played with.
Aaliyah was saddened by his desire to have siblings. At times, she longed to give him a brother or a sister, but she was also perfectly content just focusing all her energy on Damion. Being a pure vampire, one who was born into this life, he needed extra attention as he grew into his powers. Without the proper training, he could abuse his abilities and become greedy for more.
By the time he turned sixteen, he had already ascended into his full power. It was at this time Lazarith began to notice a change in his son’s attitude and decided to do some probing — mind reading.
One of Lazarith’s many powers was the ability to read the mind of anyone, human and vampire alike. Not only could he hear what people were thinking, he could also feel their deepest desires.
One evening while sitting down for dinner, he began searching his son’s mind to see what his future held. What he felt greatly disturbed him, for there was a vast amount of anger. Damion was furious he would not be the king since his father was an immortal being. His deepest desire was to be king, even if it meant killing his own father to achieve that goal.
Inwardly, Lazarith cried at what he saw in his son. It troubled him that Damion was already making preparations to kill him just to satisfy his longing to take over the throne and rule the kingdom.
Several nights later, Lazarith confronted his son. “Damion, I feel the darkness in you. I know that you long for the throne.” He shook his head in disgust. “I know you are preparing to end my life for the crown.”
Damion said nothing but his smirk said it all.
Lazarith had to set limits, he had a kingdom to protect. “I will not allow this madness. If the throne is truly what you desire, then you must compete for it.”
Surprised by the turn of events, Damion agreed.
“Son, I will allow you the use of your powers.” His eyes hardened. “Keep in mind that human’s will be gathered in the courtyard for our sparring match. If you, in any way, reveal our true nature to them…” He stepped toe-to-toe with his son. “I will end you myself.”
“I understand, father.” The way he said father gave Lazarith goosebumps. Evil seeped from his son’s pores, taunting Lazarith. He could not believe the hatred his son held for him. “What is my prize if I win?”
“If you win by injuring me, then I will hand over my kingdom. I will gather your mother, and we will leave this land, never to return.”
Damion grinned. This was what he truly wanted.
“Damion, if by chance you lose.” Lazarith knew that chance was great. “Then it will be you who will be banished from the kingdom. If that happens, you will never be allowed to step foot into this land again.”
The evil gleam in his son’s eyes made Lazarith want to vomit. When had his son become this vile creature?
Damion held out his hand, and the two shook, sealing the deal.
That night, Lazarith went to Aaliyah and told her of their son’s plans to take over the throne. With a saddened heart, he also told her of the deal he’d made with their son.
Naturally, she was heartbroken, but she understood what must be done. Their own flesh and blood had betrayed them. If they turned the other cheek and allowed him to stay without punishment, he would end up destroying everything their name stood for.
Lazarith and Aaliyah secured the door to their sleeping quarters and knelt at the foot of their bed to pray to their goddess for help and guidance.
Ratri appeared before them. “Do not fear, my children, for I have heard thy cry for help.”
Aaliyah was the first to gaze up at the goddess.
“I have seen the evil that is in the heart of your son. You, Lazarith, have made the right decision in banishing him from the land.”
Hearing the goddess speak of the evil residing in their son, Aaliyah began to weep.
Lazarith understood her pain. This was their child. Damion was a part of them both. It grieved him their own flesh and blood would take the path of malevolence instead of righteousness.
“Your son has learned to master his abilities and is very wise and powerful, but you,” she rested her hand on his, “Lazarith, you have the power of me, your goddess, inside you.”
“What does that mean? I have the power of you in me?” Lazarith did not understand how her power could possibly be inside of him.
“My son.” Taking him by the hand, she helped him rise. “I am a living spirit. I am everywhere at once.” She gave him time to let her words sink in. “I will be with you during your battle with your son. You are good, pure. I will not allow Damion to take over what you have so diligently and faithfully worked for.”
Ratri said nothing else. She simply stooped over to give her children a kiss to the forehead before turning to mist and vanishing.
The next evening, Lazarith and Damion met in the courtyard for their battle.
Damion was very large and strong, which was his greatest power. Using this to his advantage, he put in a few good blows to Lazarith’s midsection.
Lazarith, on the other hand, had the advantage of seeing inside of his son’s mind. He knew when to escape danger and when to strike.
After hours of unproductive fighting, Lazarith saw that Damion was about to leave himself wide open. Lazarith prepared himself for the strike. Aiming just below Damion’s arm, Lazarith struck him in the ribs, knocking all air out of his lungs.
When his son doubled over in pain, Lazarith grabbed him by the other arm and swiped his feet out from under him. Damion fell with such force his hip fractured with an audible crack.
As much as it pained Lazarith to banish his own son, he aimed the spear right above Damion’s heart. “It is finished, my son. You are to pack your belongings at once and flee, never to return. For the day that you step foot in the kingdom I will be forced to punish you to the death.”
A guttural growl rumbled in Damion’s chest, but he stood, brushed himself off, and left to pack his belongings.
Lazarith awaited him at the palace gate. Damion was his only son, and he loved him more than words could say. This was not the path he wanted for their lives, but Damion had chosen his path, and Lazarith would not allow his son to destroy his kingdom.
“My son, this pains me terribly. You have betrayed your mother and me. I will always love you and long for your repentance.”
Damion shoved past his father.
Lazarith gritted his teeth at his son’s actions. Breathing deeply to calm his rising anger, he said, “Did you
not understand that when you were full-fledged I would have happily handed down my kingdom? It has always been my will for you to rule our people.”
“Lies,” Damion spat.
How could his son say such a thing? “Your actions have disgraced us all.” Lazarith watched his son step through the gate. “If, in the future, you decide to repent, then all can be forgiven. Until then, I had better not even hear of your presence here.”
Damion bared his fangs. “I will never repent.”
Chapter Forty
“A few years after Lazarith turned his back on his son, he and Aaliyah began to make for themselves a new family. We are all very close to one another even though many of us live in other parts of the world.” Earadessa smiled at the mention of her family. “Your sire has always kept an eye out for his son. For many decades, there has not been one trace of his violence.”
“Oh wow.” Regina leaned forward onto her hands. “What are you saying?”
“Well, we have recently learned of a group of rogue vampires that Damion has working for him. They are out to overpower every one of us so that Damion can get to his father.” Earadessa shook her head in disappointment. “He has once again made the decision to take the throne away from his own father.”
Tanya was beyond disgusted. How could anyone have so much hatred inside them? Not only that, but to attack the one who is responsible for your very existence. Who does that?
“Now, ladies, this brings me to the five of you.” Earadessa made a point to look at each of them. “As you have learned, Lazarith was told a prophesy the day of his awakening. He was told that he would find five young women and five young men that would eventually save the world.”
The five of them nodded. She’d shared that with them last night.
“If you have not figured it out already, you are those five.” She paused to gauge their reaction. “It is your destiny, along with your soul mates, to take down Damion and save us all.”
Princesses of the Night (Royal Blood Book 1) Page 13
