by T. E. Hodden
“Then wake up!” She gripped my collar. “Wake up while you can.”
“Wait...”
“No! Don't wait! If you wait it means it is eating!”
“Cylder, listen. It isn't just killing me. It will kill Ashel, but it will use Corvus to unleash a weapon on the Court. They want to use Earth to hunt. Do you understand?”
“Yes!” She kissed me, in a way that could have been a goodbye kiss. “Go and stop them, before they do anything to Corvus.”
She gave me a shove to the chest, and knocked me back out of my dreams.
*
I landed on the floor of the laboratory with a jolt that bruised every bone in my body. I opened my eyes. Lorean the Vampire was stood by the well, with Corvus. His fingers were on the back of her head, as she wound the chain down into the well. He whispered commands at her.
Ashel was laying on the floor, twisted as a rag doll, lost deep in her dreams, as her soul was consumed.
I rose to my feet, and drew out my knife. “Lorean! Let her go!”
“How can one mortal be so troublesome?” He gnashed on the words, letting Corvus go and marching towards me.
I was not quick enough ducking aside. His fingers wrapped around my throat, choking me, as he lifted me from the floor. His grip tightened like a vice, grinding against my bones.
My knife slammed into his chest, between his ribs to his heart. His eyes widened as I let go of the restraints on my mind, and let the flames flood out. They burned white as they consumed the Vampire, feeding on his magic, and sucking away all of his power. They turned red as they consumed his flesh. The flames burned so hot I had to let go of the knife, as it melted into the Vampire.
His hand broke away from the charred body and I landed on the floor. The ashen skeleton in the heart of the inferno crumbled into sparks, the last remains of my knife vanishing with it.
“I told you to leave my sister alone,” I gasped, choking on the pillar of smoke. “Corvus?”
“Robert?” She let go of the chain. There was a splash as the Wraitheart fell back into the well. She turned around. “Mum?”
“I'm okay...” Ashel sat up and rubbed her head. “Did somebody kill him?”
“I...” I felt my throat turn dry, and my whole body grow heavy with the realisation. “I had no choice. He was killing you, and unleashing the Wraitheart, and...”
“Good.” She spat on the ashes. “That was not my husband.” She spat again. “And my husband was a lying little-”
“Mum, what do I do with the weapon of mass destruction?” Corvus barked.
“Take it home. Destroy it.” She shrugged. “Tell the Empress that everybody failed in their horrible little designs.”
Epilogue
Snow was falling over London.
I walked along the embankment beside the Thames, sipping coffee from a cardboard cup, and watching the festive lights flashing in shades of red and green, adding a touch of sparkle to the grey and white of the morning.
I sat at a bench, and pretended to be on my phone.
Things are going well? Maysan asked, sitting beside me.
I had been seeing her more clearly since my trip between worlds. She said it was an effect of the crossing. Parts of my mind were shifting to adapt, and a little more of my father's influence was showing up in my biology.
“The investigation into Emily's death is closed. The Police are looking for her boyfriend, but he will never be found.” I rubbed my head. “There are questions I could not answer for the Police, but they don't think they will ever find answers.”
I meant with you.
“I miss Corvus,” I laughed. “Don't ever tell her that, but... part of me hoped she would have chosen to stay after she was allowed home.”
And part of her wishes you would have stayed in the Court, to take up your mantle.
“If they call me Robert, Bastard, or Sir Robert, there is work to do, and I am needed here.” I swigged my coffee. “Is there any news from the Hadal Reaches?”
The Tribes are cleaning house. They do not relish how close one of their tribes came to war. The same tribe you met in Scotland. That is worrying. I am investigating corruption in our Court, looking for the rebels who worked with Braccus.
“What is expected of me, now?” I asked.
As you said. You have a job to do. Perhaps it is time you left that little apartment behind. My Safe House is more befitting your rank, and has... fewer bad memories. Use it.
“I lost the knife you gave me.”
You killed the Vampire. That is a rarity. Are you coping?
“It stops me sleeping, and when I do, there are nightmares waiting.” I felt my cheeks redden. “I am grateful I do not have to face them alone.”
You are growing close to Cylder. I hope... Maysan considered her words. I hope you both find happiness, as it is hard earned and well deserved.
“Is there anything else, My Lady?”
Not for now perhaps, there is nothing more to worry about. I could not see her face, but I could have sworn she smiled behind her veils. But tomorrow... Ah...Tomorrow will always bring something new, and you, Robert, shall have to be ready to greet whatever new wonders or nightmares find their way here.
