Shadows of the Keeper

by Karey Brown

  “I have hoped for so long that you would come. I thought . . . you blamed me.” Clutching the balustrade, she made her way down. Each step felt like her feet came down on shards of glass. Her girth was too vast for her to see the next step. At this pace, it would take her two hours before she made it down.

  Aedan bounded up the stairs, two and three at a time, and offered assistance.

  “Chaos rules Balkore. I have had much avenging to take care of, and, little one, my concern was the grief my presence would cause you.”

  Little one murmured throughout Broc’s hall.

  “That’s what he used to call me.” A slight shake of her head, Emily descended, grasping Aedan for dear life. “I’m going to hurt your hand and arm.”

  “Nay, lass. Ye’ hold on and I’ll guide ye’.”

  She’d abandoned the stairs, everyone coming up to her chambers to share meals and company. But the air had thickened a moment ago, a strange rousing and she knew. Hoped. “You came.” She stopped for a moment, fighting yet another wave of dizziness.

  “Lass?”

  Emily offered Aedan a smile. “Stairs. Murder on my feet. Babies weigh a ton.”

  “Aye. Only a few more and we’re done.”

  “Garreck? Could you have someone see our guests receive chambers? Maeve, with your consent, Cianna will see to the dining of my father’s regiment. Their food is . . . peculiar.”

  Another rippling murmur filled the hall, father.

  Inzyr cocked a white brow. His vaifyr proudly ambled with her great burden towards him. But she was far weaker than she or the Forest Lords realized, failing to understand what she’d gone without for too long. If he didn’t rectify the situation, the birthing would be her death. He handed off his javelin to a guard, returning his watch upon his offspring. She was as beautiful as her mother had been when carrying her.

  “Aedan, help me to show respect.”

  “As ye’ will.”

  Though awkward for her, and death gripping the young Fey—which Inzyr kept tight vigil on, Fey ancient enemies of Lumynari—Emily curtseyed low before her sire. Inzyr’s hand clasped her forearms, assisting her to rise. “You far outrank me, daughter, but I am honored you would cede deference.” He eyed surrounding humans watching his every move—waiting for an excuse to pounce he and his warriors. Fools. When they saw what was about to occur . . .

  “Don’t deny you enjoy the respect. I feel it due you, regardless.” Over his shoulder, she offered greetings to his retinue in Balkorian. Nods were bequeathed in return. One smiled. Odd. Lumynari never smiled. Okay, just before a kill, but no such event would be tolerated in her presence. Regardless the oddity of hospitality, she offered it anyway, assuring them their comfort would be seen to. Her eyes snapped back to the warrior. Wasn’t he the one who carried me, offering warmth when first marched to my father’s quarters?

  “You are welcome as friend.” She inhaled deeply, spots of light dancing before her eyes. Dizzy spells had intensified these past two weeks, though she continued keeping it hidden. Nothing, however, passed Cianna’s scrutiny. But, the woman had yet to say a word, though she gave her peculiar stares. “These aren’t true Lumynari, are they?” she whispered. Hades’ Elite Daemons, she would bet her life on it.

  “ ‘Tis her father. I heard correctly?” Finnegan whispered. Colin jabbed him with a well-placed elbow.

  “Your eyes leak. A sign of weakness, vaifyr.”

  “My body betrays me constantly.” Soft giggles escaped, followed with more tears and sniffing. “You cut your beautiful hair.”

  His solemn nod brought tremendous gratitude. Extremely rare for Lumynari, her father sheared his long beautiful hair, a public display of grief for a fallen comrade. She stepped closer, unable to raise her head, unable to staunch her tears.

  Inzyr eyed his guard feebly before sweeping his heavily muscled arms around his child, pulling her sideways against him, his hand resting upon his nestled grandchildren. “I am here. We stay as long as you need.” He kissed the top of her head, nuzzling his offspring.

  Men gawked. Maeve glared at them, then dabbed her eyes. Cianna followed suit.

  Even louder sniffing echoed from somewhere above. “I smell rot! Hmmm. Ah, yes, I have smelled this before. Lumynari be upon us!”

  Inzyr’s eyes ignited. “Tell me, Eldaryn, are you finally housebroke, or do you still require the occasional clubbing across your snouts with rolled paper?”

  Growling erupted. The beast charged down wide stone stairs four and five at a time. Body mass rippled. Men yelped, leapt upon tables and one another. Emily ambled around, her arms out to ward off the beast’s attack.

  “You will move and allow me to rip out his throat,” Eldaryn ordered.

  “Touch my father and I’ll burn you down to your bones.”

  Eldaryn growled menacingly. “Your threats become redundant.”

  “S’blood! Have ye’ no’ learned not ta’ entice the lass’ temper?” Garreck roared, charging towards them. He threw himself in front of Emily, her own eyes glowing brilliantly. “Lass, ‘tis a mutt. He does not rationalize like the rest of us. An animal in dire need of a leash. Let it pass.”

  “One bite and you’ll no longer own a head.”

  Molasses slow, Garreck turned his head to look over his shoulder while raising emerald green eyes up, and up, and up. Two sets of eyes hungrily fixated on his skull.

  “Have I mastered human’s penchant for humor?” To Garreck’s horror and utter shock—and to the amusement of everyone else—a tongue lapped from Garreck’s chin all the way up to his hairline. Emily gasped. Garreck’s dark hair stood straight up and gooey. A few Lumynari snickered. Garreck erupted into spitting, spewing fury, babbling words in ancient Pict, Quemorian and Gaelic. Forest Lords roared, backslapping as their commander swiped his face free of beast-sludge.

  “I am ever-so-grateful, vaifyr, that you would place yourself in front of me.”

  Emily faced him. “He would have killed you.”

  Inzyr arched a white brow down at her.

  “Sorry. It’s not like you couldn’t skin him on your own.” They ignored Eldaryn’s snort and mutterings about Lumynari legs tasty when raw.

  “Now I am forced to have to maim you just to show my guards I am not so aged as to require a female to fend off beast or man.”

  Garreck’s fingers wrapped ‘round his hilt.

  Eyes still on Emily, Inzyr warned, “Forest Lord, your weapon would do better to decorate your mode of dress than to be pulled on me. My daughter realizes I but jest. She is more safe with this squad and myself than even the care you bestow upon her.” His eyes simmered faintly, before resuming amber, matching her own. His knuckles caressingly grazed her cheek. She appreciated the show of affection, a rare display for Shadow Masters, but it also served to prove her theory these were not Lumynari warriors standing at his back. He was too relaxed with his warmth. Good thing, for she was in sore need of the comfort his small gesture evoked.

  His deep exhale warned not all was well.

  “Indonin?” She reverted to Balkorian.

  “We must speak. Now. Haste is required and you will obey me or you will not live to see your twins.”

  She made to step away, but his large hand snaked out, grabbing her. His eyes swept over Garreck and . . . ah, the Fey creature’s name was Aedan. He addressed the man his vaifyr had used as a crutch. “I will not harm her. You will listen to me. Dezenial was far more than any of you realize. She has tasted of him, their souls intertwined. Her paleness isn’t the burden of pregnancy. She’s dying.”

  Gasps and crazed murmurs filled the hall. Men surged towards her. Urkani stepped from the cluster. “If he has passed, whom will she drink from?”

  The Elf’s knowledge almost surprised Inzyr.

  “Drink from? What the hell is going on?” Emily snapped. Her back throbbed, had been since late last night. The babies kept kicking her ribs until she just knew her bones were tenderized enough to gnaw. Instead of answering her, her
sire directed his glare on Garreck.

  “You will keep your men away from what I must do. She needs blood. There is no time to explain what is about to ensue—as if I would. The twins come. If she does not feed, you will be burying her by morning. And then, I will be burying you. In numerous pieces.”

  “Stand down your weapons,” came the clear command from the stairwell.”

  “Aye,” Forest Lords chorused, obeying the MacLarrin.

  “Do what you must, but one hair on her head harmed and you and I will battle like days of auld.” Broc quickly descended, long powerful strides bringing him across the great hall in no time. “Her heart may belong to another, but mine is with her. I will kill you, or die trying, if this is but trickery to harm her.”

  “Broc—“

  “No, vaifyr. I would not tolerate you being under the care of anything less than someone foolish enough to challenge me. Better a warrior than a coward, especially where you’re concerned.” Inzyr nodded his respect to Broc.

  “You men and your stupid battles.” Emily swayed. Inzyr grabbed her, steadying her. “Indonin, I don’t feel well. Haven’t for weeks. My ears ring.” White spots zigzagged in front of her.

  “Vaide. Come.” Of his group, the most lethal, yet most beautiful to behold stepped forward. “No, Emily, remain. You are daughter of Lumynari, granddaughter of a goddess . . . and the widow of a Daemon-God. You will not cower.” Inzyr’s eyes ignited, silencing eruption of whispers regarding his revelations. “You must feed.”

  “Drinking from Dezenial,” her eyes squeezed shut, for mention of his name bruised her, “led to,” she eyed those within hearing. Bastards were suddenly very enthralled by her every word. Well, hell. “Erotic sex.” There. It was out. Her face heated. She felt like she’d just confessed to a bunch of nuns.

  “The scent of blood will have the desired effect.”

  “Yeah, okay, ‘cept, all this testosterone forever sword playing, there’s been plenty of blood to smell and not once has it triggered—“

  Inzyr slashed a small blade across Vaide’s neck. Forest Lords took a collective step back. The Daemon didn’t even flinch from Inzyr’s assault. Nor did his mesmerizing gaze waver from Emily. Thin river of blood captivated her.

  “Tell me, daughter, do you smell your nectar?”

  She licked parched lips.

  “Daemon blood, vaifyr, will set your own to boil. Drink your fill, he is here for you, gifted from Hades. You will use him often, or you will die.” He shrugged. “If sexual release is needed, he is most adept in that as well.”

  “Dad.”

  “Lumynari, daughter. Remember our differences from your human sensitivities.”

  “Dezenial . . . promised I was not . . . a vampire. The sun doesn’t make me burn.” She had yet to remove her gaze from blood now saturating Vaide’s collar. Slowly, he removed silky tunic, allowing it to whisper to the floor. That simple act had to be the most erotic thing she’d ever witnessed. His body equated a chiseled from stone warrior. His neck arched ever-so-slight.

  He knew, oh how the cretin knew, flow of his blood increased.

  Her gums itched. Throbbed. Mouth parted as her fangs began to pull.

  “Lass?”

  She was deaf, roar of blood coursing through the Daemon’s veins. Mouth salivated. Fangs elongated, her head tilting back. Inhaling deeply, her eyes closed, his scent intoxicating.

  “Come to me, Vaide,” she said in a voice none recognized.

  The powerful male dutifully sank to his knees, bowing to his queen like a knight from the dark ages. Tilting his head, a slight smile parting his mouth, he swept his long, glossy black hair aside. Forever graceful, Emily gently pushed his hand away. “I’m feeling the need to dominate.” She cupped his smooth face, looking deeply into his yellow eyes. “You truly belong to me?”

  “There will be times you will need to feed,” his baritone, heavily accented voice kindled something deep within her. “I am here to protect and to satisfy . . . all of your cravings.” His large hand caressed her swollen abdomen. Her twins kicked him.

  “They approve.” She swallowed again. Her breathing hitched.

  “They know I serve their father, and save their mother. Drink, my queen, and I will hold them as you feed.” Strong arms encompassed where her babies nestled, relieving her of having to hold their weight. Just that alone was a wonderful relief she’d not enjoyed ever.

  “Vaifyr, if the children arrive and you haven’t fed, you will not survive. I command you drink now!”

  She refrained from pure rapture no more.

  Her fangs sank deeply into hot flesh. Her eyes closed. Mindless, she suckled for long, long moments. None dared make a sound. Vaide growled, knowing it heightened the flavor, her Lumynari blood stimulated, domination rearing. Harder, she pulled blood from his neck. Oh, how she missed tasting this nectar! For too long, she’d not felt this alive! At long last, she released her bite, licking the droplets of blood until none continued to spill. Even his flesh tantalized her mouth. Emily rested her head against Vaide’s, weakened from the overwhelming nourishment she’d not realized she’d been lacking. “Thank you.”

  “My queen, your time. My apologies we did not arrive sooner.”

  Emily looked down at him. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to take so much.”

  “He is pure Daemon, not some human punishment for a lifetime of atrocities. Toxic to any other, for you, he is the sustenance you will require when weakening from breastfeeding your children. And, daughter . . .” Inzyr looked around at the Outlanders, switching to Balkorian, “the lover you may need to satisfy lusts awakened in you that no human will live through, should you seek release.”

  “My heart is wherever Dezenial—“

  “We are not talking about the heart. We are talking about Lumynari lust. Especially when you feed. Only Vaide will be able to accept what you will do. Only Vaide has Dezenial’s permission.”

  “Permission—aaahhhh!” Emily grabbed her side, panting. She clutched Vaide’s shoulder for dear life. Teeth clenched. “Shit . . . hell . . . damn!”

  Vaide quickly stood, her father moving to her side as did the laird.

  “Her time comes!” Eldaryn shouted. Buoyantly, he dashed away, bounding up the stairs. At the mouth of her corridor, both heads barked several times. It sounded more like thunder. Windows rattled.

  Emily’s mouth hung open, unable to inhale, pain unreal. Grasp of her father’s arm turned to clawing as spasm after spasm seared her back and lower stomach.

  First gulp of air, she screamed. Bloodcurdling.

  Hades’ protectors back away.

  Several immortals charged in different directions. All wanted to help; none knew which way to go. Maeve rushed to her side. Cianna, forever calm, looked to Inzyr and made her way to the stairs.

  “Help . . . me.” Emily started to sink. Pressure unbearable. Water gushed from her. Again, she screamed, clasping the weight of her stomach.

  “Emily!” Broc shouted. “Urkani, your herbs!”

  “Show me to her chamber, Outlander, now!” Inzyr swept up his daughter, shouting commands over his shoulder to the Daemon Elite. They followed at a close gait as the Shadow Master trotted across the expansive great hall with his burden, hastily following where Broc led.

  “I’m . . . too heavy.”

  “Do I look to be faltering?”

  “My mother . . . scared . . . she died.” Perspiration bathed Emily’s face. Again, she exhaled rapid short breaths. She drew in, another spasm of pain making her fold and buck.

  “Vaifyr, do not do that again. Bite into me, hit me, pull my hair, but do not buck. I’ll have you upon a bed momentarily.”

  Emily bit into her father’s very large shoulder. Band of his arms tightened.

  “I’m going to die . . . just like she did.”

  She was being laid upon a bed. When had they even entered the long, winding corridor? Softness enveloped her. Cianna was near, slipping from shadow and into the light.

&nbs
p; “Vaifyr?” Proud Lumynari assassin wore such a stern look upon his face, had it not been for her knowledge of his love for her, she’d have given into fear and screamed until insane.

  Pretty much like the pain was making her currently do now. Pain ripped through her. Cianna had the buttons undone of her gown. When? Had she blacked out?

  “Emily?” Inzyr called again. She opened her eyes. Naked, save for the blanket covering her. How long had she slipped away?

  “I have come for . . . fusing. You will not pass as your mother did. Do you accept?”

  Her eyes landed on Vaide. A slight nod from him, he remained against a far wall, arms crossed. “It will bind me to him . . . as mate.”

  She held her breath, head thrashing side to side as she pounded the bed with her fists during the worst pain yet. “You . . . knew. Time today. Or course. Now . . . your words make sense.”

  “As it should be. Now, do you accept?”

  “Dezenial . . . would never forgive—“

  “Hades has chosen and sent Vaide. Which means, vaifyr, Dezenial most approves!”

  “He said he would send . . . yes, I accept.” She bucked, screamed, then grappled her huge stomach and breathed as if asthmatic. “You . . . better explain—“

  All she could do was jab towards Broc. Her intent, comprehended.

  Inzyr scowled. “I explain to no—“

  “Would,” Lightning speed, Emily yanked her father close by his jerkin, “you like to see how much your bloodline has taken over during this pregnancy?” She collapsed, releasing him.

  “I would not advise you accepting her offer,” Allen stated, appearing. “Most treacherous, our suffering since coming into her power.”

  Vaide pushed from the wall. Emily waved a hand. “He’s . . . ally.” Inhale. “What are you . . . doing in here, Allen?”

  “My Queen, the children,” Cianna softly said, leaning close and waiving Vaide closer. “Your time is now.” She gently pushed Emily into a sitting position, she and Vaide piling pillows behind her.

  “I need drugs,” Emily hissed. “Shit-hell-damn! Give me scotch, or something!” Bloodcurdling scream echoed around the room. Allen clapped hands over his ears.