Blood and Snow 11: Resolved to Rule

by RaShelle Workman

  My mother nodded. “It’s here so Sharra—the Vampire Queen can’t find us. It was built to protect those who stand against her.” In a lower voice, she went on. “It’s also here to protect you.”

  My hands shook. I didn’t know what to say. I knew what I wanted to do. Yell. Tell her she was mistaken. A liar. A coward.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to sit?” She indicated a couch.

  I got the feeling she carried a whole lot more than the strange-looking gun on her back, so I agreed.

  Once we sat, she continued, “When Silindra died Abernathy knew right away because Ryden brought him the necklace, the Seal of Gabriel. The others found out rather quickly. Titan. Oberon. But they believed in Sharra’s words, intrigued by her attitudes for a new world, one where we were all the same. That the lion and the lamb could lie down together, and be friends.” She shook her head, disgusted. “The problem with that thinking is that a lion is a lion—a predator who must hunt to survive. And the lamb is a lamb—the hunted. Can the lamb eat the lion?” she asked, and immediately answered herself. “Of course not. But Sharra spoke of growth, of progress. Saying that a unicorn could be a unicorn, but he could also be a horse. A fairy could be a fairy, but she could also be a butterfly. And so on. Evolutionary advancement was the term she used often.

  “It wasn’t until many of the magical creatures were nearly extinct, and became void of magic, that they began to realize Sharra’s plan wasn’t one of peace and friendship, but of power. Total domination. She didn’t want any of the other creatures to have any. She wanted it all.”

  “I get it,” I said. Silindra talked to Abernathy and Devoran about such things. That she believed Sharra wanted all the power. She’d been right.

  My mother continued, “Devoran understood her plans long before anyone else. He kept his people as far away from her as possible. But when her lies and deceit started to seep into his kingdom, he was frantic, and with the help of Abernathy, they built the realm of Mizu, and this city.”

  My eyes grew big, and I realized Abernathy wasn’t lazy at all. His words came back to me… “The answer is the same for all questions. Magic. I have it and I know how to use it.” I was beginning to realize magic was a whole lot more than words and spells. And I wondered how witches were created. They didn’t exist during Sharra and Silindra’s time. At least they hadn’t possessed one of the seven magics. Witches used Abernathy’s magic. Obviously. Cindy had his spell book. But how did that all come to be? How was the first witch created? Random questions that I would have to save for another day. I wondered if Cindy knew the answers. I hoped so.

  “Snow,” Arial prodded, her hand on my shoulder.

  I shrugged it away. “So what does this place have to do with me? Or you, for that matter?”

  She licked her lips, a very human thing to do, and I caught myself staring at her, checking to see if she had any hint of elf in her. Her frame was thin, willowy, like the elves, but that’s where the similarities ended. Her skin was the wrong color, as was her hair. The way she spoke did remind me of someone. It’d been while I spent time with Silindra.

  “What’s wrong,” she asked, studying me intently.

  And I remembered the mannerisms, the particular way she had of speaking. “You’re Devoran’s daughter.”

  “Yes,” she breathed, a look of amazement splayed across her features. “Which means you are his granddaughter.” My mother gazed at me in earnest. “Do you know what Sharra would give to have your lineage as her own?”

  I shrugged. “I guess. Which is why I don’t get what you mean about this city being built to protect me. If what you say is true, why didn’t you bring me with you?” I didn’t bother to tell her that Sharra had selected another as her Chosen, and that Sharra had in fact tried to kill me, but the Seal wouldn’t allow it. Instead, images of what life would’ve been like living here with my mother pummeled my mind. I could’ve helped her. At least spent my life with her.

  And I wouldn’t have been bitten.

  Would that be a good thing? If you hadn’t been bitten, you never would’ve met Christopher, my inner voice quipped.

  Maybe not. And I’d fallen in love with my Hunter.

  If I could go back in time, which would I choose? My mother, or a life with the seven amazing brothers and Professor Pops? A life without Cindy?

  An eerie tension coursed through my body.

  I shouldn’t have to choose, I thought angrily.

  My mother sighed, her shoulders turned in. “The city isn’t to protect you from those out in the world, but to keep those who would kill you, in.”

  It was as though a light bulb clicked on in my head. Bright rays of light ignited my unanswered questions and memories. The day I ran Track with Christopher. It’d been raining. And I was trying to catch up with Christopher. Then I’d felt a prick in the back of my legs, and they’d gone numb. Christopher said I was poisoned. And he told me there were those who wanted me dead. Did he know about Mizu?

  Of course he does, I thought.

  She must’ve read the confused expression on my face. She elaborated. “Specifically, my father swore he would kill you if I didn’t leave you and return.” She sniffled, and I watched her eyes fill with tears. “He said he would kill you to punish me.”

  I clasped my hands together, hoping to alleviate some of my irritation. So Devoran was behind the attack. “He tried to have me killed anyway,” I said through clenched teeth.

  She shook her head. “No, he wouldn’t.” But her words didn’t sound very convincing. They sounded hollow, and I sensed she knew as well as I did that she was lying to herself.

  And why would Devoran be honest with her? I thought of the stories Abernathy shared, about my mother’s parents rejecting her. If they treated her badly before, why would they change now?

  They wouldn’t, my inner voiced huffed.

  In a whisper, I asked, “Abernathy helped you escape your family. Why would he build a city meant to imprison you, and keep us apart?” The dragon seemed much to good for that.

  Really though, what do I know about anything, I thought, irritated.

  “Abernathy believed the city was built as a safe haven for magical creatures—those who didn’t want to remain under Sharra’s rule. He didn’t know Devoran threatened me, or intended to kill you, until much, much later. Well, thirteen years ago.”

  I remembered the way Devoran was with Envy. How upset he was at how poorly her family treated her. I couldn’t imagine that elf was Ariel’s father. It didn’t seem possible. “There was this unicorn. Her name was Envy. Devoran was so kind to her,” I said slowly.

  She nodded. “He brings up that story all the time, about how he’s so empathetic, but the truth is, he’s only accepting with other people’s problems. If anything in his own life is imperfect, then he wants nothing to do with it.”

  “Why did he want you to come back then?” Her eyes were hooded, like she didn’t want me to see something in them. “Mom?” I asked.

  In a voice I barely heard, she said, “I’m bait.”

  “Bait?”

  “Yes.” She brushed her hands down the front of her pants, wiping away at something nonexistent. “Snow. I’m so sorry, but the truth is my father wants you here so he can use you to help him destroy the Vampire Queen. He wants to rule all magical creatures. He craves power just as badly, if not more, than Sharra. And he knew someday you’d come… for me.”

  I gulped down my fury. What was it about individuals and power? Once they’re given a little, they crave more. A lot more. Some is never enough. I exhaled heavily. “It seems that if you live long enough, you become evil. Right?” I stood, and walked over to the fire. Did Abernathy want me killed? Is that why he brought me here? Obviously my mother was afraid, and wouldn’t be any help. “I’ve had enough. I’m tired.”

  “Okay,” she whispered. “I’ll take you to your room.”

  “Oh, I’m not staying. I’m getting my friends, and we’re leaving.” I went to th
e door. But my mother grabbed my arm.

  “He won’t let you. Now you’re here, my father will stop at nothing to make you do what he wants.”

  I twisted out of her grasp. “Devoran has no say in the matter. I’ll leave when I want. I’m not a pawn. I won’t be doing his bidding any more than I intend to do Sharra’s.” The door released, and I strode in. “I’m disappointed in you, mother. You’re as big a coward as dad.”

  I wondered what that made me. If I was the product of my parents, and my upbringing, then did that mean I was a coward too? My thoughts turned to my stepmother. The way she’d always been such a bitch. In her way it seemed she might’ve helped me more than I realized.

  “I don’t think you understand,” my mother started, and I noticed her bottom lip quivering. “This city won’t allow you to leave unless Devoran commands it.”

  Chapter 5

  A burning ferocity coursed through my veins, and I felt the power of the Seal. The palms of my hands radiated red. Was this truly what Devoran intended when he gave his eternal sight to Silindra? He said he thought everything through. Did that mean he knew one day I’d come? It seemed highly unlikely. Maybe he didn’t realize the power would become part of me. I didn’t think anyone realized that. Except maybe Abernathy. The dragon had a lot of explaining to do. He brought me here for a reason. He knew what I was capable of.

  I still trusted the golden dragon though. Whether that was a good idea or not remained to be seen. If he brought me, surely he could help me escape.

  I glared at my mother. “I don’t think you understand. And neither does Devoran. Maybe he hasn’t heard what happened to Oberon, the chayot leader, when he tried to take the Seal from me?” The power of the Seal pulsed through my veins. I was sure they hadn’t heard what I’d done to Sharra, burning her when she tried to kill Christopher. “No one will tell me what to do. I make my own choices.”

  “Your eyes,” my mother began, her breath caught in her throat. “They’re red.”

  I blinked. “I’m angry, mother. And sad. And more let down than you can possibly imagine.”

  She started to cry. It didn’t look right coming from the woman in front of me. Everything about her said she was hard, unfeeling, but the tears leaving her eyes were big.

  “I didn’t want any of this to happen. I believed my father when he said he would make sure you were never bitten. That you would be kept safe, away from all of this. I should have listened to the Unknowns.” She covered her mouth with a hand, trying to push down the sobs racking her body.

  “It looks like you believed in the wrong person,” I said, my voice stiff.

  She sucked in a large gulp of air, and blew it out slowly. “You’re right.” She went back to the couch, and I followed. “I don’t know if this will make sense to you,” she paused and smiled, “but I thought Devoran felt bad about the way he treated me when I was younger. At least, that’s what I wanted to believe. See, he was embarrassed that I look this way.” She pointed at her very human form. “He and my mom weren’t the most loving of parents.”

  I sighed, and sat next to her. How many years had she been harboring the pain so fresh in her eyes? I realized I didn’t know her age. When I was five I hadn’t cared. My father once said she died when she was thirty-five. But she didn’t look much older than me.

  “Abernathy told me what happened. The way your… they treated you,” I said softly.

  My mother blinked back tears. “I’m sure it was nothing compared to what you’ve had to go through.”

  I doubted that was true. Even though she hadn’t been around, I had others—Professor Pops, the brothers, Cindy, and my dad.

  She went on. “Growing up must’ve been so hard on you. But there’s no denying you’re incredible. I don’t think I could’ve helped you become any more amazing than you already are.”

  “Really?” My insides fluttered with pain, at hearing her say the words I’d always needed to hear.

  “Oh, yes. You appear human, but I sense your energy, your magic. You radiate power—everything beautiful and glorious as well as evil and terrifying. But there’s still so much humanity in you. Truly spectacular.” A worried expression pressed her brows together.

  What did she mean? And I wondered if her words were true, or just her way of trying to make me feel better. “Thank you,” I said softly.

  My mother leaned away, as though she were really taking me in. I immediately missed her nearness.

  “I’m really…” I began, but stopped. I wasn’t sure how to express all the feelings bottled up inside.

  She sniffed. “May I hug you?”

  The question seemed out of place, with all of her gear on, but I nodded.

  She moved closer so our knees were touching. Then she wrapped her arms around me. Her cheek pressed against mine. We stayed like that for several seconds. And I finally hugged her back, tentative at first, but then I pulled her closer. Tears clouded my vision, and my heart swelled with sympathy, care, and… love?

  Yes, I loved her. So, so much. And I missed her. Holding her in my arms filled me with joy.

  I was happy.

  In that moment I realized why Abernathy brought me into a city where the ruler wanted to use me. The dragon wasn’t betraying me, but trying to help. He wanted to give me back my mother.

  “Mom,” I whispered, hugging her tighter. I took in her scent—wild flowers. And the feel of her soft skin against my cheek. The way her fingers tightened against my back.

  After several more minutes she began to pull back. As she did, she whispered in my ear. “I’ll do what I can to help you and your friends leave. The Unknowns were right all along.” She smiled, and it was radiant.

  A surge of absolute affection cut through my heart, leaving it raw and tender. I wanted to leave. I wouldn’t be used. But I wanted to be with her too. “You’re coming with us, right?”

  A look, one I couldn’t read, crossed her features and vanished immediately. “Yes,” she said. “Of course.”

  Chapter 6

  We stood together. She grabbed hold of my hand, and squeezed. We walked to the elevator-type opening, and the doors slid closed, sealing us in. At once it moved up, and then started moving sideways. After a few seconds the elevator seemed to slant downward.

  “What is this thing?” I asked, my brows bunched together the way my mom’s did.

  “Basically, it’s an elevator. You might as well settle in. We’ll be inside a while.”

  “It reminds me of rollercoaster, only not as bumpy.”

  She smiled.

  Something kept niggling in my head. I had to ask. “You’ve said, Unknowns, twice now. What is it?”

  My mother appeared startled. She glanced down, brushing her hands over her slick black clothing. “Not an it, but a who. The Unknowns are what we call Sharra and Silindra’s parents.”

  “Oh?” I’d seen them when I was inside Silindra’s mind. They didn’t seem real. More like ghosts or apparitions.

  “No one knows what exactly they are, so we call them the Unknowns. Kind of silly, I guess.” She shrugged.

  “But you’ve seen them? Like with your own two eyes.”

  “A couple of times. They came to me the first time right before you were born, and again a few days ago.” She sucked in a deep breath. “They’re a little creepy.”

  I laughed. That’s exactly what they were.

  “So, what’s it like to be a vampire?” she asked, changing the subject.

  I blinked, unable to answer. The question was so surprising. Her lips danced, as though she were fighting back a laugh.

  “It’s… fine,” I answered, wondering how much she knew about vampires.

  Her face grew serious. “How far along are you in the process?”

  I bit down on my lip. “What do you mean?” What process?

  “Have you fallen in love? Did you drink your true love’s blood? You’re eighteen. You must be relatively close.”

  I blushed. “Um…”

&nb
sp; “Talk to me.” She glanced around, crossing her arms, seemingly uncomfortable. “I know you don’t know me—not really. But I’d love to hear what’s going on with you.”

  “There is someone,” I said. My face burned with heat.

  “And you’re in love, I can tell,” she said, smiling. “Who is he?”

  I glanced at my feet, uselessly studying the tips of my Converse. It wasn’t that I felt defensive, but I was nervous. “His name is Christopher Charming. He’s got… had hazel eyes, and hair the color of a soft, sandy beach. He’s tall, and really nice. He…” I thought about what word to use to describe Christopher. Sure he was completely gorgeous, caring, and utterly kissable, but he was so much more.

  “He what?” my mother asked.

  “He gets me,” I finished. That was it. More than anyone, he and I were the most alike. He understood my craving for blood, what changing had been like. He accepted every part of me.

  “I see,” she said, her lips tight. “And have you drank from this boy?”

  My face got hotter. If I became any more embarrassed I might turn into fire.

  “Well,” she asked, her voice concerned.

  “Yes, but its no big deal,” I responded. It was crazy that I hadn’t seen her in thirteen years, but she was still able to make me feel like a little girl. “He and I are—” I paused. I didn’t want to say, made for each other. That was just too cheesy. Cliché. But it was how I felt.

  “Have you kissed him?” There seemed to be some hope to her voice. And I remembered Professor Pops said if I kissed my true love I would be changed back. Become a human again. I nodded. “Yes, we’ve kissed.” I touched a hand to my cheek. It burned with uncomfortable emotion.

  Her eyebrows lifted. “You’re still a vampire.”

  “Probably because of the Seal, or, I don’t know.” It was all so complicated. The whole idea of kissing my true love. Drinking his blood. Eating his heart. I’d kissed Christopher before I was the Seal, and nothing happened. If anything I craved blood, his blood, more. At first I hadn’t loved him. Only lusted. Now that I knew I was in love, I was the Seal. It seemed reasonable to believe the Seal made it so I couldn’t change. Either that, or Professor Pops lied.