by Nicki Ruth
Alexios stopped directly in front of her, their chests almost touching. His cock was still poking through the sheets. “Did you?” Alexios deep voice rumbled. “Hmm. Don't worry, all is well.”
She liked it when his voice vibrated like that against her, but he'd avoided her questions. Her eyes narrowed and she raised a brow.
“So, will you not answer me? What was it?” She squared her shoulders.
“So beautiful,” he whispered. His fingers outlined her ear and stroked its way down her shoulder and arm. He paused, then said, “Good lunar rising, Davina. Did you sleep well?”
She bristled at the sudden change in conversation. Then she stepped around him and headed to the door. “I slept fine,” she said over her shoulder, and she exited the room.
∞∞∞
The early morning intruder had completely upended Alexios’ plans. Although he'd searched far and wide, he never imagined his sire would return to Damurios. His sire had no love for his fellow vampires having been responsible for the slaughter of so many of them. Did that mean he was planning something?
But foremost on his mind was how easily Amelagar had breached his home. It meant his sirelings and all who lived on the estate were in danger, including Davina. Their safety was one thing he would not take any chances with.
He, Brandr, and Marius convened in one of their meeting rooms, mulling over the morning’s incident.
In a low voice, Brandr said, “He must have allies. How else would he have known you were on-planet? In any case, many on Damurios despise your sire, so it may be easy to find him.”
Marius paused his pacing. “We should find new accommodations, Alex. He could have killed you and everyone else whilst we slept. We’re no longer safe here.”
“Or anywhere, it would seem. I suspect he would be able to find us no matter where we go. Most likely one of his gifts.” Alexios drummed his fingers against the armrest of his chair. After a while, he added, “Davina sensed his presence and raced to my chamber.”
“What?” they exclaimed in unison.
He left out how deliciously naked she was, skin gleaming in the dim light, her dark nipples beckoning to him. “Oh, yes. Davina sensed something malevolent in my room and came barging in ready for battle. It seems she also has the ability to sense auras.”
Brandr and Marius held different expressions of surprise on their faces. He shrugged, still pondering his early morning visitor. His stomach turned when he thought of his sire hurting Davina. His sirelings peered at him curiously as he continued drumming on the armrest.
“It seems I won't have to go off-planet unless he does. I need to find where he’s holed up so that I can end this. I would like for Davina to be kept safe, so we should move her to a new location. You three will attend to her. I’ll stay here and send most of the staff away.”
They weren’t happy to hear that. After a couple of minutes of grumbling, Alexios continued, “However, Minister Parl is hosting a party next week. We shall attend and maybe learn something there.” Alexios eyed their furious expressions, but there was no argument.
Marius sighed. “Alex, about Davina, I discovered some things about House Zharim that you should be aware of.”
∞∞∞
Jason tried his best to entertain Davina, but his thoughts kept going back to the grave expression he’d seen on Alexios’ face. He had summoned the others for a meeting, asking Jason to look after Davina. It wasn't that he minded; he liked Davina a lot and often caught himself fantasizing about her. She was fascinating, and they had much in common. But he didn’t like being left out of important discussions with his father. He had every right to be there too.
Davina looked distracted as she threw rocks into the red pools formed by the falls in the garden, a frown etched across her brow. Was she the reason for the meeting? He hated feeling left out, like a child banished from the adult’s table. He was almost one hundred years old for heaven’s sake!
“Why are you so pensive today?” he asked.
She was quiet for a moment, then asked, “Have you ever felt like you don't belong? Like you just don’t . . . fit in?”
Jason raised his eyebrows in surprise. That was exactly how he felt. How he’d felt ever since he could remember.
“I grew up in a royal palace but never wanted to be there. I wanted to see the world, learn sword-fighting, languages, everything!” she said. “Now I’m in a strange time, without my friends or family, and I’m living on the goodwill of your sire.” She looked up into the twilight sky. “And again, I am an outsider. And . . . Oh, I don't know. I feel so out of place. I shouldn't be here!”
Jason understood. It couldn't be easy to adapt to things so different and foreign, feeling like a stranger even among friends.
As the youngest of Alexios’ sirelings, he wanted desperately to belong but found it difficult at times connecting with his older brothers, who had spent a much longer time as vampires. But Alexios was his father in blood, and Jason would do anything for him, including keeping him safe. That’s why it chafed that he was excluded from a meeting that was clearly about something important—these days that meant Alexios’ sire.
Something Davina had said caught his attention. “Hey, there are swords in the armory. I could teach you how to wield one.”
She dazzled him with one of her bright smiles. “Yes! Yes, Jason. I would love that!”
∞∞∞
Marius had relayed to Alexios his discovery in the Royal Archives. It was hard to read his expression, but Marius had hoped Alexios could corroborate his findings. Unfortunately, Alex didn't say much, only asking him to continue his investigations. He wanted Davina’s royal heritage to be beyond reproach when the time came to reintroduce her to her people.
Marius was lucky to have been granted an audience with Sandar, one of Damurios’ oldest and most powerful mystics. He was confident he would get the answers they sought and discover exactly who Davina was and whether she could be trusted.
He arrived at Sandar’s forest hideaway and stood in front of a giant, hollowed tree where he had been instructed to wait until summoned. Although the woods were quiet this night, Marius was certain he was being watched and assessed. He stood patiently, and after a couple of minutes saw a dark, shimmering, and cloudy mass in front of the tree. The mass grew larger and larger, energy snapping and crackling at the edges.
“You may pass, Marius,” a gravelly voice echoed through the woods. “I will give you the answers you seek.”
It gave Marius goosebumps, but he walked toward the dark portal. As he stepped through, wisps of energy danced across his skin. The darkness cleared, and he found himself in a small, nondescript room—probably just a meeting room for the mystic.
There was no visible exit, or windows, or much furniture except for three chairs placed around a low-burning fire. The walls were made of wood, and so were the shelves, which had numerous glass containers and bottles upon them. Some of the jars contained blood. He didn’t care to guess what was in the others. He stood waiting for the recluse to show himself, and he was soon rewarded when a hooded figure entered from somewhere to the right.
“Welcome Marius, blood son of Alexios, born son of Aktatem,” the same gravelly voice said.
Marius was taken aback. Aktatem? He hadn’t heard that name in thousands of years.
A pale hand covered in red symbols pulled back the hood, revealing a man who didn’t look a day over twenty. His face was smooth, the same red symbols running up the sides of his neck, up his cheeks, and into his hairline. His eyes were black, contrasting with his hair, which was silver white.
“Shall we begin?” Sandar said, directing Marius to take a seat in front the fire as he did the same. “First, the offering.”
The mystic laid out his palm expectantly. Marius placed a dagger in Sandar’s outstretched hand. “You didn’t ask for much,” he said, looking at the toothy smile that spread across Sandar’s face.
Sandar gazed at the dagger. “I knew you had this
in your possession. It's one of only two left from Earth, and it has sentimental value to me.”
Marius eyebrows raised at that comment. Who knew the dagger he'd taken from a temple in Greece would one day prove useful? Marius didn’t ask why it was sentimental or why Sandar wanted it.
The dagger disappeared from Sandar’s palm, and he turned his attention to Marius, inclining his head. “So, your questions?”
“I seek information on the Zharim line and the nature of their ancestry. There are many myths about them, and I’ve heard their blood is quite powerful.” Marius didn’t want to reveal what he already knew.
“Ah, the Zharims.” Sandar leaned back in his chair and regarded Marius. “And why would you want to know about them? Most are dead and gone.”
“That’s my concern,” was all Marius said.
Sandar smiled and licked his lips. “Well, the Zharims are indeed from an ancient line, the first to walk this planet. And they were indeed powerful, gifted with powers that lesser vampires could only dream of. Their bloodthirst was near insatiable, needed to sustain the enormity of their gifts. But the legend surrounding the Zharims is most curious.” Sandar paused, then stood up, looking at the jars on the shelves. “Marius, have you come across a Zharim?” he asked over his shoulder with a knowing smile.
Marius considered his response. He didn't want to anger the mystic, but he also didn't want to offer too much information. “My sire was once a soldier for a Zharim family that was massacred. He’s been seeking their history to see if any survived.” It wasn’t a lie.
Sandar hummed. He picked up one of the jars and took a pinch of whatever was inside. It smelled like some kind of herb. Then he sat back down and chuckled.
“Well, the Zharims were powerful, and there was to be one among them who, it was said, was to become more powerful than the rest.” He paused then shrugged. “This tale is so old it may just be a myth. But this powerful Zharim would be fated to become the reincarnation of the bloodgods. It is believed the bloodgifts of the damunaki would once again gather in this being, and when awakened, it would either be a great blessing or a great evil. It was said this creature would only be incarnated every couple of millennia or so. I heard the last one almost destroyed the planet because it could not control its gifts. But luckily, there are no Zharims left to birth such a terrible creature.”
Sandar eyed Marius then threw the herbs into the fire. Flames leapt into the air with an eerie hiss, burning red before returning to orange. “Let’s see . . .” Sandar looked into the flames.
Marius followed suit, not knowing what he was looking at.
After a few moments, Sandar smiled wide then cracked a laugh. “Marius, you have been withholding. I see who walks among you.” Sandar looked up from the flames and peered at Marius. “A precious one to be sure. But you must have a care; this one is temperamental and turns like a leaf on the wind. Your sire must be prepared, for much will depend on him.” Sandar rose abruptly and replaced his hood.
“This concludes our visit, but we will see each other again. You have given me much to consider.”
With that, Marius found himself back outside, in front of the hollowed tree.
Chapter 15
Vixton’s wife, Trella, and several others fussed about Davina, getting her ready for a party with Alexios. The gown was obscene! It was black and clung like oil poured over her body. The neckline plunged toward her navel, her breasts barely contained in the bodice. The gown parted at one side, revealing her upper thigh. There were no other adornments on the dress; it was like midnight shaped to her body. Trella insisted she wear this gown, saying Alexios would like it. From the smiles and knowing glances exchanged between the women, Davina knew they were up to something. Her curls had been tamed and swept into an updo, and her natural red highlights shone in the low light. A necklace was placed around her neck—a large ruby droplet pendant that dangled between her breasts.
Trella smiled in approval. “Davina, you are beautiful! No one will be able to resist you tonight.” Trella cast a triumphant smile to the other women, who chimed in agreement.
Davina did look alluring—if she were a courtesan hunting for a new benefactor! She shook her head. She never put much stock in her appearance, but she allowed the women to fuss over her. After debating how to let tendrils of her hair frame her face, they finally left. She gave herself a once-over in the mirror while waiting for Jason to escort her to meet the others.
A few minutes later, Alexios, not Jason, appeared at her doorway. He stepped in and stood before her, his eyes shimmering between black and red.
She turned to show off the gown, a bit nervous at what he would think. “Trella said this would be to your liking.” Davina smiled up at him.
“You’re absolutely breathtaking.” He took her hands in his and kissed her wrists.
Davina felt a tremor course through her, warming her blood. He stared at her, and she blushed. His eyes sparkled and he grinned, showing off his dimple. The tips of his fangs gleamed in the moonlight.
“Shall we go?” He extended his arm to her and they made their way out of the chamber.
∞∞∞
Alexios couldn't take his eyes off her. And he wasn’t the only one; several at Minister Parl’s party had eyes for Davina. Alexios glared at anyone who dared to ogle, and he grew increasingly irritated by the males, both young and old, who openly flirted with her. Everyone was curious about who she was and sought his permission to dance or speak with her. He begrudgingly allowed her to dance with a select few; he could tell she was annoyed by his interference. He stood off to the side, watching her smile and bat her eyes at Hansil Parl, the minister’s son. Hansil was handsome enough, he supposed, but such a vain, bumbling fool of a vampire. Alexios growled low in this throat as Hansil touched the small of Davina’s back yet again. He would have words with that clown later, maybe rip off the offending limb and beat him with it.
“Stop being an ogre, Alex.” Marius suddenly appeared at his side. “She’s having fun and making friends, just like we wanted. She’s the talk of the party.”
Alexios scowled and pinned Marius with a hard look. “Shouldn’t you be gathering intel instead of being a pain?”
Marius chuckled. “Shouldn’t you? Here you are brooding in a corner, glaring daggers at anyone who dares approach her.”
Alexios continued to scowl, but Marius simply shrugged. “Lieutenant Farc was looking for you. I’m sure he has some information we can use. And Minister Lorquis’ wife is hoping you will pay her some attention. Her lips will loosen once you sweeten her tongue.” Marius winked at him.
Alexios sighed and straightened.
“Don’t worry. Jason is around to keep an eye on Davina. You may have noticed he's formed quite an attachment to her.”
Alexios frowned. He hadn’t noticed, and he didn’t want Jason forming any kind of attachment to Davina. He glanced at Marius’ knowing smile and bared his fangs before stalking off. Marius could be so annoyingly smug. Alexios found Laurena Lorquis near the library and plastered a smile on his face.
∞∞∞
Winded and a bit overwhelmed, Davina sneaked out to the gardens for some cool air. She had danced and smiled and engaged in conversation, but she had never liked formal parties where it felt like everyone had an agenda. She spied a bench among the bushes and sat down, inhaling the sweet fragrance of the night-blooming flowers. The stars seemed especially bright and so close she could touch them.
Something brushed against her legs, causing her to jump. She looked down and saw emerald eyes in a ball of fur. It looked like some kind of cat, but it had three bushy tails and pointed ears that were as long as its body. It sat near her feet, looking up at her.
“Well, hello there. Who are you?”The creature let out a sound, less a purr and more a gargle. Davina stroked its soft, downy coat. “Are you alone?”
It stretched its neck and gargled again, apparently enjoying the attention. Then it turned and bounded off a few yards into
the garden. It stopped and looked back at her, tilting its head.
Davina laughed. “Do you want me to follow?” It only blinked in response. She looked back at the mansion and decided she didn’t want to go back just yet. So, she followed the creature. “OK, OK. I’m coming.” It let out another gargle and trotted off.
As she caught up to it, it came and rubbed itself on her ankles again. “There you are. Where are you going?” They were several yards from the house now, hidden in the dark along a copse of trees.
“You've found Clarisse,” a gravelly voice said behind her.
Davina whirled around. The animal jumped into her arms and burrowed into her chest. A hooded figure stood before her. She hadn’t heard anyone approach and chided herself for being so careless.
“Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you. Come, Clarisse, you must stop wandering off.” Pale hands extended to the animal, which showed no intentions of leaving Davina’s arms. “I’m sorry she is being such a bother,” the hooded figure said.
Davina said nothing and simply stared back.
“Oh, where are my manners? I’m Sandar. Clarisse and I live nearby.” The figure removed his hood to reveal a young man with dark eyes peering back at her. Strange red symbols covered his hands and the sides of his pale face.
“No bother,” Davina said, beginning to feel uneasy in his presence. “Clarisse and I only just became acquainted. But I must go now. My friends will be looking for me.”
She deposited Clarisse on the ground and moved around the young man to head back to the party.
“Don't go, Davina, not when I’m finally able to meet you.” Sandar smiled.
Davina froze. How did he know her name? Was he a guest at the party? She would have remembered him.
“We’ve not met before, but I knew your mother. She and I used to be friends.” Sandar watched Davina closely.
