Alamir: Blood of Kaos Series - Book One

by Nesa Miller

  Etain’s eyebrows puckered, giving Faux a strange look. “Why would he need one?”

  Faux placed an imaginary pen in her imaginary shirt front pocket. “To protect his pocket.”

  Etain rolled her eyes. “I think you’re the one missing the marbles.”

  Faux sighed and let it go. “Did you find anything?”

  “Maybe. I believe he’s still alive and that Dar-”

  Etain vanished.

  “Very funny.” Faux placed her hands on her hips. “Now come back.”

  “Was the one who...” Etain trailed off. Shielding her eyes from a single spotlight aimed in her direction, she turned, trying to make out the rest of the room. There were no windows or furniture, other than a raised throne currently occupied by a dark figure.

  “Welcome to Sólskin, milady.”

  Watching him descend the stairs, she reached for a hilt that wasn’t there. “Damn,” she murmured. Taking a defiant stance, she said, “I told you I would not play your game.” When the man came into the light, she recognized his face, the black leathers, and the great sword strapped across his back. “Oh, it’s you.”

  “Somewhat.” He lifted a hand and stroked her cheek. “I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, Lady Etain.”

  “What?”

  Running his fingers along the silky length of her hair, his blue-eyed gaze held hers. “I wonder…”

  “Dar, are you okay?” He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close, his hand delving into the silvered mass on her head. Etain stiffened, pushing away from him. “What the hell are you doing?”

  Tilting her head to the side, he extended a talon and cut the leather of her top. Her flesh was warm against his lips, her scent intoxicating. Her body pressed into his, struggling against his hold, encouraged the darkness within him, the need to taste, consuming. His sharp incisors sank deep into her shoulder, the rush of the blooding taking him by surprise. He staggered and withdrew, staring at her beautiful face as he gently laid her on the floor. After all this time. Yet, he had to make perfectly sure.

  The demon girl appeared in the great hall, the sudden change in scenery making her uneasy. “Etain?” Seeing her sister on the floor, unconscious, she crouched, checking if she was okay.

  “Usually I would say I didn’t do it.” The deep voice made her jump. She looked up, watching the dark figure come down from his perch. “But I so obviously did.”

  A fire-induced sheen glowed from the tattoos on her shoulders. Her tail loomed overhead, ready to strike. “What did you do to her?”

  “She will be fine.”

  She took a defensive stance over Etain. “You’d better hope so.”

  He chuckled, looking her up and down. “Ironic.”

  Faux’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

  “It wasn’t so long ago I stood over her, fighting to bring her back from a lethal wound…” He walked around the vigilant demon, “inflicted, I’m sure, by that intriguing tail.”

  “We made up.” She turned her head, following him.

  This made the big man laugh. “She deserves better than either of us.”

  “Who the hell are you?”

  He flashed a toothy grin. “Lord Darknight, at your service,” he said, bowing his head. “You may call me Dar.”

  “If you’re Dar,” she eyed him from head to toe, “why didn’t Etain just bring us here?”

  “Because this…” He spread his arms wide, “is my new home. She has not had the pleasure.”

  She looked down at her sister. “I doubt pleasure would be how she’d describe it. What happened to the old place?”

  “The time had come for a fresh start.” His hand shot out, but Faux dodged it. “I won’t hurt you. I promise.”

  “Come any closer, I promise you’ll get all kinds of hurt.”

  A fireball flew from her outstretched hand, exploding against the wall where Dar had been.

  “Back here.” Turning, she came face-to-face with the leather-clad lord. “Good moves, but not fast enough. Let me teach you better ones.”

  “Let me teach you not to mess with us,” she hissed, intensifying the flames. In the next instant, his deep blue eyes had her mesmerized long enough for him to grab her by the throat, her feet dangling. “Let me go,” she rasped, astonished he was unaffected by her fire. Her tail swung forward, but he caught it mid-strike. “What do you want?”

  “First things first,” he said, turning her head to the side. “Just a little pinprick.” Again, his teeth sank into soft flesh. This time, he drank until the blood ran down his chin. Swiping the back of his hand across his mouth, he dropped her to the floor. Seeing the gloves tucked into her pants, he smirked, confiscating the gift meant for another. “These are not for you. But she no longer has a use for them, either.” The gloves disintegrated in a puff of smoke.

  A delicious aroma drifted into the room, rousing the women. Disoriented, both sat up, and looked at each other.

  “Are you okay?” Faux asked, rubbing her neck.

  “Aye. Except for a tender shoulder, I’m fine.” Etain noticed the bite marks on her sister. “You?”

  “Are you sure that’s your Dar?”

  “He’s not my Dar.”

  The man walked into the room. “Good evening, ladies. I am glad you’re awake. You must be hungry.”

  Etain scrambled to her feet, fire in her eyes. “That’s all you have to say? Good evening and let’s eat?”

  “So, you're not hungry?”

  Oh, how she wanted to slap the grin from his face. He caught her by the wrist before her raised hand made contact, but she was ready with a counterstrike. Her dagger came at him from the other side, its sharp edge breezing past his cheek. Releasing the one, he made a successful play for the other, spinning her around and pulling her arm behind her back. She held onto the blade until Dar yanked to the point she felt her shoulder would pop from its socket.

  “Bastard,” she grunted.

  He clucked his tongue, keeping an eye on Faux. “Such language from a member of my Warrior Caste.” He placed his lips to her ear. “I'll have you know, my mother and father were married long before I was conceived. Watch your words, or I shall make you eat them instead of the delicious meal I've prepared.” His abrupt release made her stagger into Faux. Dar picked up the blade and handed it to her, hilt first. “Now, as I said, you must be hungry.”

  Etain rolled her shoulder, watching him leave. “I don’t care if his parents were married a thousand years before his birth. He’s a bastard.” She sighed and returned the dagger to her boot. “And he’s ruined a perfectly good shirt.”

  “Let me see if I can mend it.” Faux held the leather in place and fired a single finger.

  “That won’t fix it,” Etain said, rolling her eyes. “Maybe we could find something to pin it together.”

  “Then can we eat?”

  “Faux, don’t be fooled by his false courtesy. This is a side of Dar I’ve never seen before.”

  “Would that be the forgetful side? Looks like he forgot you’re not in the clan anymore.” Faux looked around the room. “And it looks like we’re not gonna find any pins in here.”

  Etain sighed. “The man doesn’t forget anything. Ever.”

  “Well, maybe he doesn’t know.” Etain gave her a sharp look. “Wouldn’t be the first time a chieftain’s most trusted stabbed him in the back. But we’re here, and I’m hungry. How about we make the most of a weird situation?” The grumbling of her stomach seconded her remark. “Maybe we can get to the bottom of his dastardly behavior and ask for something to fix your shirt.”

  “Fine. We’ll eat, but then we go.”

  They wandered down the hallway, unsure of which door belonged to the dining room.

  “In here,” Dar called out.

  They found him standing at the head of a large table set for three. “Please, come and enjoy.”

  Etain remained at the doorway, watching as Faux walked in and took the seat to his lef
t. Giving her food a quick inspection, she looked at Etain and shrugged, then placed the napkin in her lap. Fork in hand, she dared a taste, smiled, and dug in. Etain’s gaze moved to Dar, standing behind his chair, his eyes on her.

  “You can glare at me all night, but it won't fill your belly,” he said.

  “You ruined my shirt.”

  He almost grinned. “I could loan you one of mine.”

  “I like this one.”

  Dar considered her for a moment then turned toward a sideboard sitting along the wall behind Faux. Etain exchanged a glance with her sister. Faux mouthed, “What’s he doing?” Etain shrugged. She heard the scrape of a drawer as it was pulled out, but couldn’t see past Dar’s body.

  He turned and walked toward her, stopping in front of her. His hand came up, holding a small metal skewer. She flinched when he reached for her shoulder. “Be still,” he said. Placing the skewer between his teeth, he pulled the two cut ends together then weaved it through the leather, bending the ends to keep it in place. With a cock of his brow, he returned to his chair and sat down.

  Rumblings from Etain’s stomach forced a resentful submission, but she took her time, almost dragging her feet as she walked. Her hand on the chair to Dar’s right, she scraped it across the stone floor with as irritating a sound as nails on a chalkboard, sat with the grace of an aristocrat, and scooted up to the table like a sullen child. Ignoring Dar, who was obviously ignoring her, she looked at Faux, who didn’t appear to be suffering from any harmful side effects. After a few cautious bites, Etain found the fare edible.

  Faux ventured into conversation. “This is good.”

  “Glad you like it.” Dar smiled, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “It’s a family recipe I prepared myself. I hope you enjoy the wine, as well.”

  “I’m no connoisseur, but it’s going down pretty good.” She nodded toward his chosen glassware. “Do you usually drink wine from a mug?”

  “Not usually.” He sat back, mug in hand. “I’ve chosen a rare Krymerian grog instead of wine.”

  Etain set down her knife and fork. “No victimized minions to serve their lord and master tonight?”

  His blue eyes sparkled. “A night off.”

  She dabbed at her lips with her napkin. “Just because we’ve accepted your hospitality, don’t think we’ve forgotten what you did.”

  He leaned forward, placing his mug on the table. She could feel his eyes on her, but refused to look at him. “Etain, where is the boy?”

  “Huh?” She blinked and met his gaze. “What boy?” Hearing Faux cough and sputter, she looked across the table.

  Dar turned his head, as well. “Aye. That boy.” He looked back at Etain. “I believe you called him…Freeblood?”

  Her heart skipped a beat. She’d effectively written him off. “Oh…him.” Etain emitted a not so humorous laugh at his raised brow, chewing the inside of her lip, wondering what the hell she should say. “Well…”

  “She erased his memory, then told him to go away and never come back,” Faux blurted. Etain gave her a scathing wide-eyed look. She shrugged, returning the glare. “He’s going to find out anyway.”

  Dar leaned back. “I see. And to where did you send him?”

  “I didn’t send him anywhere. He just…took off. I had Faux, so the trouble was averted.”

  “Tell me, Etain.” His fingers drummed on the table. “What were you doing in the human realm?”

  Her mouth opened. She was torn between being a snitch and telling him how his High Council had obviously given orders without his approval, or taking the brunt of his anger now and dealing with the Council herself later.

  Dar cleared his throat. “Let’s try an easier question. Who is responsible for him coming to the Alamir?”

  She didn’t like his tone of voice. However, she could answer this question with a clear conscience. “At least he’s in the Alamir realm now. I figured the Ambassadors would catch him eventually. Let them deal with him.”

  “That does not answer my question.”

  She stared at Faux, willing the girl to look at her, but she wouldn’t bite. Etain rolled her eyes and looked at Dar. “I was trying to save his life, not turn him Alamir. How was I supposed to know my blood was so…so powerful?” She grabbed her glass, downing the wine.

  His lips pressed tight together, he closed his eyes, and inhaled. “It is forbidden-”

  “I couldn’t let him die!” She slammed down the glass, breaking it at the stem, and came up fast, her chair crashing to the floor. “Is that what you would’ve preferred? Letting an innocent die when I had it in my power to save him?” Tears of frustration brimmed in her eyes. “I felt his life force pulsing, flowing through him, flowing out of him. He was so full of life. Bloody hell, he glowed with it! But within moments, he was fading. All I could think was what a waste it would be.” Swiping at her eyes, she gave her hair a proud toss, lifting her chin. “So, I saved him.”

  Dar opened his eyes. “And left him to the Bok.”

  “No!” she yelled. “He will not go that way.”

  His blue-eyed gaze penetrated hers. “Etain, he has not been trained. He does not know anything about the Alamir world.”

  Faux snorted. “From what I saw, he looked pretty clued in to me.” A sharp look from Dar made her shrink in her chair. “Just saying…”

  Etain shook her head. “No. After the transfusion, I felt more than just his life force. He doesn’t tolerate evil.” She ran a hand through her hair. “Okay, he’s a bit mischievous and he did cause some trouble, but…” Her eyes went to Dar. “He isn’t evil. He won’t turn.”

  Dar came to his feet, causing both women to start. “I shall hold you to your word, milady. For your sake, I hope you are right. For now, it is time to retire. I have rooms I think each of you will find to your liking.” He walked to the door. Faux popped up from her seat, hot on his heels.

  Etain hesitated. “We are not staying. We’ll go back to Laugharne.” Her vexation stopped at the doorway, causing his shadow to bump into him.

  A corner of his lips twitched. “Do you have any idea where you are?”

  She blinked, a rosy glow blooming on her cheeks.

  “It is late, Etain. I know you’re tired, and I have plenty of rooms.” The doubt in her eyes obliged him to extend the one assurance she would accept. “I give you my word as the chieftain of LOKI. No harm will come to either of you this night.”

  Faux piped up. “Come on, Etain. I’m beat.”

  Her gaze narrowed. “Does your word extend to tomorrow’s light?”

  “Tomorrow is a new day. Who knows what it will bring?” Without another word, he turned and left the room. Shrugging, Faux dutifully tagged along.

  Etain lagged behind for a short time, but soon caught them up in the south wing of the manor. Dar stopped before three nondescript doors.

  “If you need anything, please let me know,” he said, pointing at the middle door. “I will be in my room.” Turning to Faux, he bowed, gently taking her hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you, milady.” Leaving a light kiss on it, his eyes lit on Etain’s disapproving glare. “Good night, ladies. Sleep well, and pleasant dreams.”

  The sisters looked at each other. “It doesn’t look like it matters who sleeps where.” Etain motioned to the door on the right. “I suppose you can take that one and I’ll take the other.”

  Faux swished her tail. “I suppose we can check it out before we make any decisions. This place is heavy on the man’s touch, but you never know…” Opening the door, she sucked in a breath. “Wow!” She ran to the black lacquered bed, diving into covers of deep purple. “What a great room.”

  Etain turned in circles, taking everything in. The walls and ceiling, lined with alternating folds of crimson and violet silk, gave the exotic appearance of a sultan’s tent. Tiffany lamps of black and red added an erotic touch.

  A dark hearth, surrounded by black stone, pulsed with energy. Although a fire had not been lit, heat emanated from its surface. With
her fingertips millimeters from the mantel, a huge fire came to life in the grate. She snatched her hand back, staring at the sudden flames.

  Laughter filled the room. “You’re such a sucker, Etain.”

  She smiled to herself and turned, narrowing her eyes at Faux. “I’m a sucker? Easy to say from way over there.”

  Maybe it was the wine or the exotic surroundings, but she felt carefree for a change. It felt good. She dashed across the room, grabbed a pillow, and proceeded to bash Faux about the head and shoulders. Her sister returned the volleys with equal exuberance. Finally collapsing, they lay across the covers, chatting, taking in the splendor of the room.

  To their left, an expanse of bronze-colored velvet drapes lined the wall. Curious, Etain rolled off the bed and went to investigate. After an involved search, she located a split in the draperies, glanced back at Faux on the bed, and reached through the opening. Her fingers touched the smooth, cool surface of glass. “It’s a window.” She disappeared behind the curtains. “A big window.” Her voice muffled. “I think it spans the entire wall.”

  “Can you see anything?”

  “There’s something out there. It’s too dark to see, but it sounds like waves.” Etain emerged through the opening. “We must be by the sea.” She glanced around the room and noticed something she’d not seen earlier. “Hello. What have we here?” Just to the right of the bed was a black door.

  Faux joined her and bent down, peering through the keyhole. “Maybe it’s a secret room where he performs ritual sacrifices.” She gave Etain a knowing look, eyebrows raised. Seeing the expression on her sister’s face, she laughed, turning her back on the mysterious door. “You know, it’s like this room was made especially for me. Do you think…?”

  They hurried to the room on the other side of Dar’s. Paneled walls of sage surrounded an enormous bed of amethyst. An oversized Persian rug covered creamy travertine, adding to the warmth of the elegant room. Near the bed was a similar black door.

  Faux peeked again. “Hmph.”

  Etain waved her over to chairs upholstered in dark bronze sitting in front of a roaring fire. “Someone’s done their homework. It’s…” She shivered, “creepy.”