“Wait. What about the witches?” Lillie asked.
“The witches… They’re unavail—”
“They’re not coming,” I interrupted. “We’re on our own.”
“Ouch. I bet that hurt,” she replied.
It did, but I couldn’t think about that now. We needed a plan. We needed to figure out a way to protect this house and everyone in it without any casualties, and that wasn’t so hard, right?
“About the spell… Without having something to tie the spell to, it’ll only hold its strength until daybreak. After that, it’ll begin weakening,” I said.
“Daybreak? That’s it? That’s all the time we have?” Lillie asked, pacing the floor. “You know, this is all your fault,” she said, pointing at Jasik. “You just couldn’t let her die—”
“Lillie—” Malik cut in.
“Why would you say that?” Jeremiah said.
“Enough!” Jasik said. “This stops, Lillie. Now! Nothing you say will change the past. Let it go, or I’ll find another resolution.”
Lillie gasped. “You wouldn’t!”
“We can’t work like this, and you know that. You’re angry at me. I understand that. I broke the law. I understand that, as well. But I will not be reminded of your hatred of Avah day after day. There will be more suitable covens for you to protect, if it comes to that.”
I was baffled. Lillie had been with this coven for years, yet he would send her away. He would trade her… for me. I didn’t know why I found that surprising. We were pretty much dating, but it still felt wrong. I didn’t want to be that girl: the one who got in the way, the one who destroyed relationships.
“Stop this! We have bigger, more serious, deadlier problems!” I said. I turned to Lillie. “You hate me. I get that. I still don’t care, so get over it!” I turned to Jasik. “And you. You’re not sending her away, because this isn’t going to happen again. No one in this room can change the past, so it’s time to get over it. I’m here, and I’m not leaving. Now can we please talk about the army of Rogues that are waiting outside our door?”
“She’s right. I’m sorry,” Lillie said, and for once, I believed her.
“Great, now as I was saying, the spell will only keep its strength until daybreak; then it’ll slowly start to lose power.”
“Why is that?” Jeremiah asked. “I mean, we’ve had spells protecting us for years. Why did they last so long?”
“They had an entire coven cast them, and they probably were tied to something. There’s nothing happening right now to tie the spell to.”
“Like what?”
“Like a full moon, a lunar eclipse, something. Believe it or not, there is more to a strong spell than simply tossing some herbs on the ground and saying some words.”
“All right. Worst case scenario: the spell weakens enough for Rogues to pass through. That happens at daybreak, but the sun will provide protection until sunset. That’s when they’ll come.”
“I think now’s a good time to talk about evacuation,” I said.
“Avah, they’ll never stop looking for you. You have eternity to run, but so do they.”
“No, not for me. For them,” I said, signaling to the house. “For the vampires here. We should get them out of here.”
Yes,” Jasik said, rubbing his chin. “That could work.” He seemed lost in thought.
“Or we could talk about a possibly really good plan that will very likely work, but I’m pretty positive you’re going to hate it,” I said.
The vampires stared back at me, curiosity in their eyes.
I swallowed hard and explained my plan.
I closed my eyes as the water cascaded down. I had woken before the alarm alerted me that it was three in the afternoon. I hadn’t been up this early since I had transitioned. The sun would soon set, and though I always welcomed night, today, I feared it. I knew my vampire housemates felt the same terror as they hurried down the halls, preparing for, what I could only assume to be, the battle of our lifetime.
We had stayed awake well into the morning hours, devising our plan, informing Amicia that we had no other choice. The Rogues were coming, and we couldn’t stop them. We couldn’t run from them. All we could do was fight.
Jasik immediately disapproved of my plan. I hadn’t assumed anything less when I laid it all out for them. Though, I hadn’t expected the others to side with me—especially not Malik, Jasik’s overly loyal brother. An even bigger shock came from support from Lillie.
I rubbed the back of my neck between my hands, massaging away the kinks that had formed overnight. Closing my eyes, I took several deep breaths. I was exhausted—mentally and physically. The magic I had used earlier drained me, and I didn’t have enough time to refuel. I hoped a few dozen blood bags after my shower would do the trick.
The bathroom door opened, and I heard Jasik’s voice.
“Should I wait for you?”
“Yeah, I’m getting out now,” I said.
We walked in silence into the dining hall. The empty halls were eerily quiet. There were no service providers, so we helped ourselves to the stock of blood in the walk-in refrigerator. Our supply seemed dangerously low. I assumed I wasn’t the only vampire hoping blood would give me the strength I needed to survive the coming hours. Jasik and I drained a dozen bags each within minutes. I still felt hungry, and he urged me to drink more.
“You’re weak from your spellcasting. You must refuel, Avah,” he said.
“Our supply is dwindling. We’ll need the rest for… for after.” I looked at the ground, nervously picking at my nails. I didn’t know why I was so scared. Something else was haunting me. In the pit of my stomach, something felt wrong. I knew Rogues were out there, probably closer than we realized, but something else had been nagging at me ever since I had told the Hunters of my plan.
It felt like something else was out there, watching, waiting, buying time. I couldn’t shake the feeling.
“I’m okay. Really,” I said, flashing a fake smile. “Let’s just get ready.” I closed the door to the refrigerator and walked toward the basement. I took the steps two at a time and walked into the training quarters. The other Hunters were already there, busily strapping on weapons.
We all dressed identically. I supposed it marked us as Hunters. Though we were scantily dressed, it didn’t feel as such. When adorned with weapons, one couldn’t help but feel powerful, strong, covered.
I could have worn anything, and I found it ironic that I was drawn to wear the outfit I chose. I had begged Jasik to give me another option when he first tossed these clothes at me. Now, they felt empowering. While wearing this outfit, I faced my biggest threat: me.
“Let me help you with this,” Jasik said, holding the scabbard. I slipped my arms through. It fit snugly, tighter than before. I wondered if Jasik made alterations after my last… encounter with it.
“Thanks,” I said, smiling.
I opened the cabinet containing various scabbards and strap-on sheaths, pulling several out. I slipped one onto each leg, tightening the straps so they fit snugly around my thighs. The black fabric seemed to disappear against my spandex shorts.
I slid an ankle sheath over my black tennis shoes and secured a small blade. I grabbed two daggers and put them into my hip sheaths. Briefly, I wondered if I was overdoing it. I glanced at Lillie, who had just finished strapping a katana on her back. She looked up as I counted her blades, and when our eyes met, we shared a small, knowing smile.
The katana on her back glistened in the light, and I found myself missing my old weapon. It had broken in the vampire fight, and I hadn’t had time to get it repaired before I changed. I knew I’d never see it again, and I found that oddly discomforting.
I shook the feeling away by walking to the wall of weapons. My baby sat there. Clean, untouched since it last violated me and my trust. I imagined Jasik spending countless hours cleaning it down here while I slept. The thought made me smile.
I grasped the handle of the seax with my hand and pulled it from
its spot on the wall. I took a few steps to the side so I could watch myself in the wall of mirrors.
This was it. This was my test.
I closed my eyes and twirled the blade in my hand, focusing on the grooves of the handle and how they skidded across the sensitive skin on my palm. My body moved as twirled the weapon, my hair whipping around as I spun. It moved beautifully with me. The blade matched my rhythmic thrusts, twists, and turns, and as I spun the weapon up and brought it down toward me, it slid into its sheath. My arm fell to my side, and I opened my eyes. The other vampires were watching me, and as they nodded in approval, Jasik simply smiled. In that moment, I knew everything would be okay. I knew the Rogues were out there, I knew we would soon go into battle, but most importantly, I knew we would win.
We walked upstairs in silence. Silence was something I was beginning to get used to while living in this house. There never seemed to be the right words.
The vampires of the house were piled in the foyer, waiting for their next command. Amicia stood at the top of the stairs, her guards on each side of her. The floor cleared as we walked into the room, the vampires parting like the Red Sea. They looked nervous, frightened.
The Hunters and I made our way to the front door and turned around to face them. I didn’t know what to say, and I wasn’t sure anyone else did either. I licked my lips and cleared my throat. All eyes fell to me.
“I know you’re all scared,” I began, unsure of what to say next. I looked up at Jasik, hands shaking. Sure, public speaking wasn’t my forte, but this was getting pathetic. How was I to lead them into battle when I didn’t even have the strength to make a simple speech? Jasik grabbed onto my hand, sliding his fingers between mine, and squeezed. He smiled at me and nodded, urging me to go on. We didn’t have much time now. The sun was already setting.
“I know you’re all scared, and honestly, I was, too. When I came here, I was terrified. Everything I thought I knew had been taken from me. My world shattered in a matter of minutes. And then I came here, and I met all of you. I was still scared, but at some point,” I looked at the ground, shaking my head, “and I don’t even know when,” I looked up, meeting the gaze of a small blonde who looked no older than fifteen, “my fear was replaced with something I had longed for. I finally found my place here, with all of you. I don’t understand much about being a vampire, and I don’t know why I’m here, why I survived the change, or why I’m different, but I do know one thing…”
I paused. I lowered my jaw as my fangs lowered. I tapped into The Power within me and felt it radiate off me in waves. The vampires surrounding me gasped and stepped backward.
“No one threatens my family and lives.” There was an anger, a power, a ferocity to my voice—one I had never heard. I threw my head back and bellowed. My arms out beside me, I pulled at The Power nestled deep within me. The Power was strong and yielding. As it blasted from me, the house shook from roof to foundation.
I heard the rumble of footsteps outside. The Rogues were coming for us. My display of power wasn’t enough to make them change their minds—a mistake they’d only make once.
I met the gazes of the other Hunters. With glowing irises that seemed to burn into mine, with elongated fangs and hands clutching blades, they were ready to fight—and die—for this coven, just as I was.
I turned back to Amicia’s guards and said, “Keep her safe.” They nodded, clutched her arm, and began pulling her toward the basement.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she grabbed onto my hand and said, “It has been an honor knowing you, Avah. You will make one hell of a leader some day.” She smiled, and then she was gone, her vampire guards following closely behind her as they escorted her to safety. I had learned of the hidden rooms in the basement long before we needed an escape plan. The secret tunnels were only an added benefit.
“Take your places,” I said, and the vampires broke into groups, leaving the foyer.
The Hunters before me took a step back, lining up. In unison, they lifted their right hands and placed them across their chests, their clutched fists resting against their hearts. I didn’t fully understand the meaning behind the action, but I was honored they had bestowed it upon me. I mirrored their actions before turning to walk out the front door.
“Avah,” Jasik said, grasping my wrist and pulling me to him. I fell against him, our lips meeting as if that were their natural resting place. His hand clutched the back of my neck, pushing me harder against him. The embrace was passionate but short-lived, because almost as soon as it began, he pulled away and whispered, “Be careful.”
I nodded and walked out the front door. The Hunters followed suit. I didn’t look back until I reached the gate that surrounded our property. The gate served as the spell’s barrier, and once we stepped beyond its borders, we were no longer protected by my magic. I looked behind me and to my right, where Jasik stood. Jeremiah stood behind him and to his right. I looked behind me and to my left, where Malik stood. Lillie stood behind him and to his right.
The Rogues approached, standing only yards from the gate’s door. I faced them. They walked with a sly arrogance, like they knew they’d win this war. I smiled on the inside, because I knew they were wrong.
“You’re even more beautiful than I remembered,” a man said as he stepped forward. I remembered him from the night they attacked the ball. Sticks cracked underfoot. Briefly, he was distracted.
“Did you just come here to talk? Because I’ve heard it all before,” I said, hoping to divert his curiosity from the world behind us.
He laughed loudly, gripping his stomach in a dramatic showcase. I rolled my eyes.
“My offer still stands. Your life for their lives. It only seems fair.” He flashed a wide smile. He was confident I’d give up my life for my family. In a way, he was right. I would die for them, but I’d take the Rogues with me.
“You know that’s not going to happen,” I said.
“I thought you might say that,” he replied, and with the snap of his fingertips, his army of Rogues fled from the shadows and raced toward our gate.
I reached back, yanked my seax from its sheath, and twirled the weapon in the palm of my hand.
“Leave him for me,” I ordered, and in a dash, we left the safety of the barrier to end this.
I watched Jeremiah’s shield go up around the manor as an added extra precaution. The night we planned today’s defense, he had told me he’d die before he’d let his shield fall. I only hoped that would never be the case.
I brought my blade down on a Rogue, slicing through his neck. His head fell to the ground beside his body. I brought my blade up again, slicing through another’s torso. He fell to the ground. They surrounded us. It was five against what seemed to be a hundred. Their numbers rolled down the hills toward us, with no end in sight.
I fought my way toward the leader, killing Rogues as I passed. The first step in hunting was to determine the leader. The next step was to eliminate that threat. As I made my way toward him, my mind began to clear. I focused on only him—and the thought of my blade slicing open his neck.
I skidded to a stop as two Rogues hauled toward me. With the flick of my wrist, I sheathed my seax and quickly took my two daggers in hand. When they were only feet before me, I jumped into a high backflip. They passed below me but not before my daggers slid into their eye sockets. I landed on my feet, pulling my seax and slicing it forward. They dropped to their knees, dead. I re-sheathed my daggers and scoured the ground for the leader. I knew he couldn’t be far. As more Rogues approached, I knew I didn’t have much time.
I scanned the crowd, sidestepping a Rogue. I twirled my seax and slid it behind me. She cried out and fell to her knees. I brought my arm back up, pulling the seax from her gut. She was dead before her limp body hit the ground. My eyes found Jasik. He and Malik were cornered. Malik’s gift as a seer made it difficult to defeat him, but I could tell Jasik was relying on his ability to heal. Pain flashed across his face as the Rogues attacking
him landed a hit.
Rogues were savage creatures. They relied on their hands and strength to fight, not weapons. Stupidly, I had thought weapons would be our advantage, but I couldn’t imagine the power of their fists. From across the field, I heard Jasik’s jaw break when a Rogue’s fist landed its hit.
I reached his side in seconds, slamming my foot against the back of the Rogue’s calf. He fell to the ground. I wrapped my arm around his head and twisted. His neck snapped, and I drove my blade into his skull. I killed the final Rogues that cornered him and dropped to Jasik’s aid.
“Are you okay?” I said. In a quick twist, he realigned his jaw, and it began to heal.
He nodded and stood.
I quickly searched the ground. We had killed a few dozen Rogues, but we had barely made a dent in the number of our attackers. I brought my blade down, beheading a girl who stupidly jumped in front of me, and made eye contact with Lillie.
Lillie, plan B.
I couldn’t call out. I couldn’t elaborate. I could only hope she was reading my mind at that moment. I knew Jasik wouldn’t listen. I couldn’t go to him. He had hoped we could end this ourselves, but I was growing tired. I was weakening, and so were they. We needed to be realistic. We needed our coven. Calling upon them came with unavoidable consequences, because we knew they wouldn’t all make it.
When I explained my plan to Jasik, he had told me there would be no way Amicia would agree to it, but as soon as I explained how my magic could help them, he was more hopeful. When we brought the plan to Amicia, we hadn’t expected her immediate approval.
“We have a plan,” I had said. “We’re going to ask the vampires of this house to fight for it, but a piece of me will be with each of them. I’ll bless their weapons and bind my power to each of them with runes. That will give them the strength they need to make the kills, and if they stay in groups, they should be fine. We shouldn’t lose many.”
“All right,” she had said, and I was sure my jaw hit the floor.
“Really?” I had said. “You’re okay with it?”
Blood Rose (Blood Books Book 1) Page 14
