I sighed as she took a draught of my Blood, the peculiar sensation sending a tingling throughout my body. She picked her head up, licking her lips with delight. “Mmmm,” she said as the two tiny puncture holes at my neck healed almost immediately. “I have missed you,” she whispered, her eyes now burning with a different fire.
I smiled and mumbled something that neither of us caught, and she lowered her head again, this time offering the smooth skin of her neck to me. I closed my eyes, breathing in the scent of her as I extended my fangs and sank them gently into her taut skin so much like perfectly sculpted ice, blemish-free and smooth as glass. I carefully gauged my drink, for I could suck her almost dry if I didn't, and I enjoyed the wonderful bite of her Blood as it tumbled down my throat.
The taste of power was strong, a buzzing jolt like putting your tongue to a nine-volt battery, and I savored it. I caught a flash of the last time we’d been together; it was a powerful, happy memory that rocked me to the core. “I love you, Gisele,” I whispered as I slipped inside her. In response, she moaned and bit into my neck once more.
4 consequences
When I awoke the next evening, Gisele was gone. She is always up by the exact minute of sunset, sometimes before it. A blessing of these caverns is the protection from the sun, a place where half the day isn't off-limits to us. Very few revenants take advantage of this, so I asked her about it once. She was silent for a long time, so long that I thought she was ignoring me, before she finally offered, in the slightest of whispers, that she’d spent enough time sleeping to satisfy several revenants.
Instantly alert this evening as soon as my eyes opened, I sensed another presence in my chamber. Since there are very few revenants in the Ekhaya who would enter my chamber while I Slumbered (I could count them on one hand with fingers left to spare), I had a pretty good idea who it was before my revenant senses confirmed it. “It’s good to see you,” Kane offered, standing at the foot of my bed, and I was surprised that he’d risen from Slumber before me.
Now is as good a time as any for the details about Kane that I promised earlier.
As mortals, Kane and I had been the closest of friends, as close as if we shared the same blood, though we did not. Ironically enough, once we did, our friendship waned, dealt a nasty blow by the fact that I had been his Blood donor. That I’d done it to save his life didn’t make a whole lot of difference; Kane was deeply bitter about my role in his immortality, and I accepted that. If I could’ve taken it back, believe me, I would have. I made that decision as a frightened, uncertain fledgling who desperately needed everyone who reminded him of his lost mortality. It had been a tense, frantic and confusing situation, and I’d reacted solely on instinct.
Yet another fledgling mistake that I am bound to pay for eternally.
Because I’d Converted Kane while I was still very young in the Blood, he wasn’t a powerful revenant. Out of guilt, and perhaps pity, I’ve offered him my powerful Blood several times, but he always refuses. If his intention is to wound me, it works.
I remember thinking of that briefly as he stood there. “That isn’t my intention,” he replied gruffly, placing his hand on one of the posts. When we were mortal, Kane had an annoying habit of walking in and out of my mind, and because of that, it never failed to irritate me when he did it.
Fighting that irritation with only marginal success, I forced my voice to be neutral as I replied, “Why then?”
Kane shrugged his broad shoulders. “Because I don’t want anything from you now. Because it will ease your guilt. You deserve that guilt.” The entire time I’ve known him, Kane has always been honest and upfront with me, and I appreciate that even when it cuts me in half.
“You’re right about that,” I answered calmly, hating bitterly that it was true, but he didn’t come to reopen old wounds. “What’s up?” I asked, wanting to address the issue behind his unannounced visit, something extremely rare of late. Where he disappeared to during the evenings, I didn’t know, but I can’t say that it made me unhappy. Seeing him is a constant reminder of many things I’d rather forget.
“Octavian’s on a tear. I’m surprised he hasn’t come in here already.”
“He wouldn’t dare,” I said at once, knowing instantly that Octavian knew about Alicia and was using her as the latest excuse to display his rage for me. As much as the realization angered me, the fact that Octavian could easily have read my unshielded thoughts to discover her location also filled me with something very close to dread. “Is he still here?” I inquired, swiftly jumping from the bed and donning my clothing.
“Yeah. His shield was flaky, and I think he wanted to go and deal with her, but even he isn’t that stupid,” Kane replied. “You should probably talk to him,” he suggested, his unspoken words louder.
“I’m done talking, but I will handle this,” I bit out, my rage inflating like an airbag. This had the potential to become a very nasty, very violent meltdown. Kane nodded his head slowly, looking as if he wanted to say something else.
“What?” I snapped, storming past him and out of the chamber without waiting for his reply. I could feel him right behind me as I stalked toward the Great Chamber, where echoes of Octavian’s anger emanated like a heartbeat. I was still deciding the best way to deal with him when Kane put his hand on my shoulder, and I almost tore his arm off without thinking, barely managing to hold myself in check as I whirled around. “What?” I yelled, deriving zero satisfaction from watching him flinch.
God damn Octavian!
I took a deep breath, shaking my head to clear it. It didn’t help a bit, but at least I was trying. “What?” I prodded, softening my voice, secretly thankful for his interruption because it gave me a chance to cool my heels a little.
“He has a point, Jason. Are you sure you’re ready for the fallout over this?”
“I know what I’m doing, Kane,” I glowered, dismissing his questions with a wave of my hand. So much for cooling off. Fuck it, I didn’t want to cool off! I wanted Octavian to feel the full power of my rage. I had allowed this petty game to go on far too long, and I was done playing.
“Do you?” he asked quietly, his face stony. His jet-black hair fell over his forehead, making him look unruly and unkempt. His clear, brown eyes were neutral, and his massive jaw was set firmly.
“I appreciate your candor, Kane, but back the fuck off,” I warned, my voice harsh and raspy, the last four words nothing but a savage growl. He thought about my warning for a moment and then raised his hands in surrender.
“Just asking.”
Without another word, I continued on my way. Kane was still close behind, though I knew he didn’t really want to see what was about to take place. Open displays of my power (some might call them tantrums) frightened Kane and set him on edge for hours if not days. I’ve never really dwelled on why, but I’d imagine it has something to do with Kane being physically superior to me when we were mortal.
How quickly things change.
When I entered the Great Chamber, I could hear the tail end of Octavian’s speech. “...sure he should be allowed to do this?” To his credit, he fell silent at my approach, but I was already beyond the point where it made a difference.
I was on him immediately, without hesitation or uncertainty, hurling him into the wall beyond with a flick of my wrist and a mighty snarl. As soon as he struck with a dull THUD, I was there, an iron hand clasped around his throat, my face inches from his. His own hands came up and clamped on my wrist in an attempt to dislodge my hand, but there was little chance of that happening. Even without the benefit of rage, I’m easily two or three times stronger than he. “I’ve had enough!” I shouted, fangs extended, cold spittle flying from my lips. “You forget yourself! If you touch her, or cause her harm in any way, it'll be the last fucking thing you ever do!"
I must have been quite a sight to behold, because I’d never seen fear on Octavian’s face before, even when I was breaking his legs. It was there now, deeply etched right alongside embarra
ssment; I’d never upstaged him so thoroughly or viciously in public. “Am I clear?” I yelled, squeezing his throat for emphasis. Had Octavian not been an Ancient, my grip would have crushed his neck into fine, white powder.
He looked around the Chamber in a silent and desperate plea for help, and when no one made a move, he saw no other options and relented. He nodded his head slowly, as much as my grip would allow, and I held him there for ten or fifteen seconds before releasing him. As he fell to his knees, retching with pain, I turned to face the others.
“That goes for everyone! Even the attempt to hurt her will be the end of you, without reprieve or explanation, and I don’t care if that means I’m the only one left in this goddamn place!”
So much anger. I felt like I was on fire, gasping for breath as I eyed each revenant in the chamber. I certainly had their undivided attention. Maximilian’s eyes were wide, but he didn’t move, and Gisele was nowhere to be seen. Azriel, another Ancient, was seated at one of the mahogany tables, legs crossed as he eyed me with only casual interest, his curly black hair held back by an even blacker ribbon. Celeste, the last of the Ancients, looked from Octavian to me and back to Octavian. Her mouth was set in a deep scowl, and her reddish-blonde hair was a mess, but she always looked like that. None of the other Ancients made a move to interfere, and I’d pretty much counted on that.
I felt Octavian moving behind me, and I whirled just as he was about to pounce on me. Would he never learn? I batted his arms away with little effort and struck him square in the face, attempting to put it through the back of his head. His head snapped back, bones cracking and dark Blood raining on my face.
BloodHunger ignited like an inferno, adding to my considerable temper, and I snatched him close, latching my mouth onto his neck, piercing his skin, and drinking a tremendous amount of his Blood in one great gulp. I’d never taken so much from an Ancient all at once, and he slipped from my grip as my head began to swim.
Brilliant lights flashed behind my eyes, and I reached out to grab the wall and steady myself. Blood roared in my ears, my heart thundering away like a freight train as I fought to push aside the onslaught of his memories. My legs felt like cooked spaghetti, and I leaned my head against the earthen wall, gasping for breath. I caught a faint, grainy image of Gisele from a deep recess within Octavian’s mind.
Gisele, breathtakingly beautiful, her skin still bearing mortal color; an ancient memory from the brief time before their long Slumber. She wore an elaborate garment of simple fabric, gold and jewels, her gleaming, black hair falling straight as hay to her waist. She was the very vision of a deity, outshining even the most flattering portrait of any goddess ever conceived.
Deep emotion swirled around the memory, adding a wispy fog to the vision, rendering the entire image completely ethereal, as if this memory was completely fabricated by Octavian’s mind, this perfect image that he held of her. There was nothing fake about it, mind you, but it was just too overwhelming to seem real.
I don’t think I’m doing the moment justice, but I'm severely limited by words. I’m trying to convey the power of the revelation that made everything come clear: Octavian harbored intense emotions for Gisele that she didn’t return, that she may never have returned. Those feelings had been his only comfort during the long Slumber, his only relief after being awakened to a completely foreign world and time. My relationship with Gisele, my very existence had been slowly chiseling away at them, and they were now too thin to sustain his fantasy.
It explained so much.
When the rush subsided, I heard him gasping and wheezing at my feet, and I realized I’d nearly sucked him dry. I looked down for a moment, watching his eyes bulge and his mouth open and close like a fish on land. His hands were clasped at his throat in an attempt to cover the deep gash I’d made by dropping him without unclenching my jaw, and I saw it was healing very slowly. Only a few thin rivulets of Blood trickled from the wound.
Completely offered up to my rampage, I had a sharp urge to stamp his face into paste and incinerate his remains, projecting every last ounce of rage into his miserable body, but even as his Blood jolted around inside me, the rage began to dissipate. He looked like a miserable husk of a being, and I was slightly ashamed for reducing him to that. He was, after all, a revenant elder, even if he acted like more of a child than anyone.
I dropped to my knees, grasping his head between my hands and bringing it to my neck. “Drink, Octavian. Drink,” I said, pressing his lips to me. Timidly, he bit into my flesh, drawing back as the first wave spurted into his mouth. Patiently, I drew him close again, whispering the mantra over and over as he drank. He drank slowly because of his weakened condition, and I let him take back all of his Blood and then some. When he finally pulled his head back, the gash at his throat had healed, and we shared a moment, staring at each other.
It wouldn’t be necessary to have this conversation again.
He was unsteady as I drew him to his feet, supporting his weight. “Celeste,” I said calmly, turning to her. Her face was neutral, and if she hadn’t already been shockingly white, I would have sworn that it was paled by what had just taken place. I could hear the collective breath expelled by all the revenants in the chamber. Tilting my head at Octavian, I gestured for her to come. “Help him to his sarcophagus. I’ll check on him later.”
Without a word, Celeste took Octavian away, and all eyes watched as the two left the chamber. Once the pair was out of sight, those remaining in the chamber turned their attention back to me. They were waiting for me to say something. I wasn’t really sure what I should say, but as usual, that didn’t stop me from talking.
“I never chose to be what I am, neither revenant nor ruler of the Ekhaya, but I won’t back away from my responsibility. I run this show. I am the supreme authority here,” I warned, my voice laced with both conviction and assurance, “but I don't believe that gives me the right to do whatever the hell I please. Destroying Octavian would’ve been a mistake. I’ve made my share, just like the rest of you, but I won't make this one.” I paused to let this penetrate.
“Mistake or not, I'll destroy anyone who touches Alicia. Anyone. Every leader is permitted certain indulgences, and mine will not endanger you in any way.” Falling silent, I once again regarded each revenant face staring at me, and within all of them I recognized understanding. Sparing Octavian had been the wise thing to do, and that show of mercy had garnered a great deal of support from the general population, making it easier for them to accept my words. Even Azriel looked impressed, and that is not an expression he wears often.
Of course, I was angry that they had all expected so little of me, but I stayed silent, and the room began to clear, most of the revenants leaving to feed. By giving Octavian so much Blood, I provided the Hunger with a foothold, and it dug in. After perhaps a minute or two, only Maximilian, Azriel and I remained, both of them regarding me with a mixture of awe, approval and curiosity. I said nothing, the silence awkward, but I let it linger, knowing they would say what was on their minds when they were ready.
After a time, Maximilian went first. “Well, that was interesting, though I dare say it was bound to happen sooner or later.”
“It’d be better for everyone if I had your support,” I offered quietly.
“Rest assured, Jason. You always have. I do not agree with your relationship with this mortal, but I understand why you desire it. I have no problem permitting you this indulgence. You have stated that you will not shy away from your responsibilities, and I believe you,” he offered congenially, his words a gentle reminder that he expected action on my part if my indulgence should ever become a problem. “My liege,” he stated with a smile, bowing formally with a limited amount of jest and winking at me as he straightened. I thanked him with my thoughts and assured him that I would keep my word. Nodding his reply, he exited the chamber.
I turned my full attention to Azriel, who still held his gaze fixed on me. I made a gesture asking if I had his support as well, and, of
course, he didn’t answer right away. Everything was a goddamn game to revenants, everything a matter of posturing and politics. He continued to stare, his mind probing mine.
After a time, he stood up with a swift, economical movement. “You have a great deal to learn, Jason, but you have made progress today. You have shown the promise of wise leadership, and I stand behind that promise. For now,” he added, the last two words almost an afterthought. Or a veiled warning. Whatever it was, he said nothing further and left the chamber.
I was alone.
Closing my eyes, I took several steps backward until I came against the wall and leaned my head against it, releasing a sigh. More than anything, I wanted to go to Alicia, to leave this all behind for a while. I didn’t want to make these decisions, but I had little choice. Thrust into this position without guidance and without any real explanation, I resented it; of course, I resented anyone else being my leader, as well, so I suppose I was in a damned-if-I-do-damned-if-I-don’t situation for which I shared a great deal of the blame. That added to my anger, and I had to work to calm myself.
I have never enjoyed being angry; it takes too much energy, and even revenants don’t have enough to go around most of the time. I realize this may seem contradictory to what I wrote earlier, but it is actually not. For a revenant, anger is very different from rage. Anger is depleting, a byproduct of mortality that we can never quite shed, but rage is empowering, elevated to an entirely new realm by the BloodHunger it fits with like bullets to a gun.
Or maybe ‘plutonium to a nuclear warhead’ would be a more accurate comparison.
I was lost in thought for a while before realizing that I was no longer alone. My eyes snapped open to Gisele sitting in the seat vacated by Azriel, left ankle tucked beneath her right knee. She wore a sad, guilty smile, her manner apologetic, and I instantly realized exactly why that was. “You told him,” I stated flatly. “To drive it home once and for all, and to test me.”
Corrupting Alicia Page 10
