by Sela Croft
Then as a further tribute to the unexpected our runaway brother appeared on the scene. Logan had others in tow. I recognized Callie. But there was a blond girl with her. Given the description, I assumed she was her twin who had finally been rescued. Noah walked protectively beside her. And there was a middle-aged male I hadn’t seen before.
With mayhem not far off, Logan strode up to us with confidence. “My brothers,” he said then gave each of us a brotherly hug. He waved his hand toward his companions. “You know Callie. This is Rosamon, who has escaped her prison—one that no longer exists, I might add.”
I dared not ask what Logan meant by that. Both twins appeared unharmed. Yet there had been a change. Callie’s violet eyes had an unearthly glow. A vampire? What had Logan done now?
“And this is Bramwell Mayfair, father of the twins and a powerful sorcerer,” Logan said. “Plus, Noah is with us. He was invaluable in aiding our escape, the least of which was transporting us to safety in his mist shield.”
I suppose that I should have been astounded that Rosamon had gotten out of a Fae prison, that she was finally reunited with her sister. Yet those family concerns hadn’t carried much importance for me.
Instead I stared at the father. His sorcerer lineage explained the special scent of his daughter’s blood. He had dark hair like Callie with deep brown eyes. For his age, he had no wrinkles and seemed rather timeless. More than that, I sensed a dangerous edge to him. I might have assigned it to an innate protective instinct toward his daughters. But I didn’t. I perceived that there was more to it.
“Bram had been imprisoned too,” Logan said. “And far longer than Rosamon. I’ll save those details for when we have more time. Or he can share the story himself.”
Bram didn’t seem inclined to share much of anything. He didn’t smile or attempt to shake my hand. Whatever his issue was, I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.
It struck me as odd that neither of the girls stood close to him or gave any sign of affection. If I recalled correctly, he was their father who’d died in a car crash. Yet it had turned out that he had been in a Fae prison, and was a sorcerer as well. There was large gap there. And much story with which to fill it, I was sure.
I was considered the skeptic of the family, prone to see the worst in others. Yet I had often been proven correct in my assumptions. My questions would have to wait though. First…there was a war to be fought.
Chapter 41
Logan
By the time we’d arrived, the battle had already begun. Our vampire troops and their human allies seemed hopelessly outnumbered. I would have launched into battle, but I had the others to think of.
Valter looked us over, taking special notice of Bram. I was certain he’d detected that Callie was a vampire. The smell of her blood would have told him that, plus, the new gleam in her eyes. He glanced at me with raised eyebrows.
“Later,” I said. “I’ll explain everything.”
Florian greeted us but seemed preoccupied with the situation—and rightfully so. There was not a moment to waste. “I don’t need to tell you that we are at a disadvantage.”
It was a relief to see Valter’s dragon fleet appear in the night sky, returning from deeper in the Fae realm. They gleamed in the starlight, their leathery wings beating against the wind. The fire-breathing creatures swooped down on the enemy, leaving fire in their wake.
“I must go,” Valter said, then jumped on Kaida’s back and took off for the heated battle.
“It’s time to create chaos among the Fae,” I said. “Noah, you stay close to the twins.” I glanced at Bram, who stood close to his daughters. “And you can help us,” I said to him. “If you have any magic at your disposal that can aid our cause, please use it.”
Callie wrapped her arms around me. “Come back to me,” she said. “You must survive the battle. I will do what I can from here.”
“Stick close together,” I said to Noah, but glanced at the other three. “I’ll return when the fighting is over.”
Without looking back, I used my ability for flight and traveled to the scene posthaste. I hated leaving Callie, but I had no choice but to trust Noah with her safety. And I reminded myself that she was stronger in her vampire form.
I arrived at the battle front and was in time to prevent a band of Fae from attacking a nearby village, filled with defenseless humans. My talent for lobbing heavy objects came in handy. The boulders I tossed at Fae soldiers put them out of action.
When I turned around, a Caith Sidhe faced off with me. The huge Fae feline was black as coal and as massive as a bear. It was paired with a Barghest. I hadn’t encountered the two types of creatures fighting in unison before—a new twist in the Fae world, no doubt.
The Barghest was a nightmarish combination of lion, goat, and dragon. It had three heads, a pair of mighty wings, and a barbed tail. The creatures’ origins had been hotly debated with some suggesting the abomination was a cruel jest of the gods. I tended to side with those who believed it was the twisted creation of forbidden sorcery.
I had no opportunity for hesitation. The Caith Sidhe arched its back and its shiny fur stood on end. The Barghest took an aggressive stance, breathing fire. I was not as immune to flames as my pyrokinetic brother. So, it was to my advantage to wipe out the three-headed beast forthwith.
The creatures attacked, so I launched into the air out of their reach. Then focusing my strength, I thrust the Caith Sidhe against the face of a massive boulder, knocking it unconscious, or possibly killing it instantly.
The Barghest breathed fire, nearly singeing my clothes. I reacted by wrapping my force around its long, barbed tail and flinging it high and far. The annoying creature landed with a thud that shook the ground under my feet. He wouldn’t be bothering me again soon.
I headed toward fighting that wasn’t far off, to give aid to my fellow vampires. Raulia appeared by my side. “We meet again, my prince.”
She was in her wolf form, all the better for fighting. Her thick red fur was matted, indicating that she hadn’t newly arrived. Her blue eyes sized me up. Then she sniffed. “You seem different…better somehow.”
“You are right about that,” I said but had no chance to elaborate. A giant appeared before us, armed to the teeth. He was as large as the side of a mountain, dressed in leathers, and carrying a club the size of a tree. His weapon was likely some magical sort. And he’d need as much magic as he could muster, behemoth or not.
I glanced at Raulia. “I am much more powerful than when you last saw me.” I dodged the giant’s first swing of the club. “We can take this beast.”
“I’m happy that you’re back,” Raulia said, before leaping at the giant.
His girth was a deterrent, but since drinking Callie’s blood my strength had increased exponentially. There was thrill in tossing the creature about, much to his surprise. Once immobilized, he was no match for my wolf-shifter friend. She finished him off.
We moved on to other targets, doing all we could to protect and defend. The roar of battle raged on, with the vampire race fighting for their lives. I was unable to tell if the Fae armies were being depleted. I could only hope they were.
Chapter 42
Logan
Above us, Valter’s dragons divided into teams then ruthlessly attacked the Fae. The giant Fae birds and bats took to the air, daring to challenge the fire breathers. It was a mercilessly bloody battle with casualties abounding.
I fought with all the might I could muster, and my strength was greater than I’d previously experienced. What I’d told Raulia had been the truth. I was a new man, a better man. My memories of what had happened while drinking Callie’s blood were fading.
But my love for her was constant. The bond we had was more powerful than any other. That ignited my desire to win the war. I wanted to win for my race, for my kingdom, and for the woman I loved beyond all things.
As I fought the enemy, wielding my power and taking them down, my mind raced. So much had happened and so much
was different. My brothers had noticed but didn’t know the magnitude of the change.
When peace came, if it did, I’d have a chance to tell them everything that had transpired. The short time since Callie had become part of my life seemed longer than it had been. For centuries, I’d been burdened with the survival of my race.
Like water wearing away at stone, the vampires had been thinned away until extinction hadn’t been far off. I had done what I could. I hadn’t shrunk from my responsibilities. Yet all that I’d done hadn’t been enough.
The war between the darkness of the Fae and the light held in existence by the vampires had seemed endless. Surely, I’d know that there would be some finality to it. But I hadn’t dared contemplate what that might be.
At every turn, our enemies had seemed to gain advantage. Some of our allies had turned against us, aiding the evil Fae. Even my cousin Dequan had sought to partner with Amalia for his own advantage. If there was no unity, no loyalty, then what was left?
Admittedly, I’d lost hope. But I hadn’t given up. Right up to the moment that I had relinquished my throne, I’d continued to strive to save my kingdom. Yet I’d failed to envision overthrowing our enemies for good.
Callie had taken me by surprise. Her very presence had raised doubts and suspicions. But I’d learned that she was to take a vital role in the future of my kingdom.
And she had done so. It might have seemed that leaving my throne empty had been unwise. Yet Natasha in her wisdom had supported my decision and told me to follow my heart—as if I’d had any other choice.
Life’s journey had taken me with Callie to Morrigan’s castle then to the prison. I’d been willing to drink Callie’s blood and have her drink mine. The result had been to make each of us stronger than before. And as I fought, I dug deep into my newfound strength.
For the first time since I could recall…I could envision a future. For so long, I’d been afraid that my race would die out, that my kingdom was doomed. I’d struggled to hang onto any shred of hope, to persist in my efforts to save my people.
Yet it hadn’t been until Callie’s sorceress blood mixed with mine, renewing me like a magic elixir, that I perceived a better outcome for all. My new strength was physical, but also mental and spiritual. My previously bleak outlook had vanished.
At last I had the power required, the energy needed to make the world right. I perceived a chance to reinvigorate my people, to imbue them with the hope I felt. I wanted to lead them and was certain I was the one who could.
My father had chosen me to lead for a reason. I was beginning to see what that reason was.
My joy over being with Callie and my pride at rescuing her sister had been great. Yet the war wasn’t over. The future I sought would only come to pass if we won against our Fae enemies.
The battle roared on with a fury that gave me pause. I rose above the melee for a clearer view and my heart sank. The Fae continued to attack in great numbers. My vampires retaliated with courage. Yet, even with the help of our dragon fleet, it appeared that we were losing. The vampires wouldn’t be able to hold off the Fae horde for much longer.
Chapter 43
Callie
The battle was loud and frightening. The reason I’d become a vampire was to rescue the innocent and use my new state to save the kingdom. Yet I stood idly by, as helpless as a lamb. I had no idea what to do or what my abilities as a vampire were. I hadn’t had the opportunity to test them out.
Rosamon looked to me for encouragement but I had little to give. My sister was safe and sound. Yet that was temporary. If the Fae conquered the vampire armies and stormed into Shadowland, no one would be safe. I shuddered to think of our future.
I squeezed my sister’s hand. “The vampires will win. They must.” Even as I said it, my heart seized. Logan was out there fighting gargantuan creatures created of the darkness. His strength and ability were great but might be no match for the force of his enemies.
The thought of losing Logan, of witnessing harm to my sister, and the ultimate demise of this magical realm made me angry. I was no longer a vulnerable teenager. I’d changed and become morally convicted to the cause I supported.
Drinking Logan’s royal blood had transformed me into a new state. I had yet to experience what that was like. So far, it was all new and awe inspiring. But I was aware that I was stronger.
Walking, talking, moving, breathing required no effort. My attitude toward life and besting any adversity was much improved. In a sense, I felt like I could conquer the world. That might be extreme. But I certainly had the confidence to go against any enemy.
I was a different and improved version of myself. And I had every intention of using that for the good of all. That had been the only compelling reason for agreeing to the transformation.
But with all that I loved threatened, my need to take action soared. There must be something I could do. Whatever it was, it must be done swiftly.
My father turned to us with a concerned expression. “You must join with me to end the war.”
I was more than willing. “Tell us what to do.”
Noah looked askance at my father but didn’t interrupt.
“The vampires cannot win. You cannot argue that fact.” My father paused.
I was anxious for him to continue. If he had any idea of how to prevent the slaughter, he needed to share it now. “What are you suggesting?”
“I have the expertise to cast a spell that will prevent either side from killing each other, anymore.” He narrowed his eyes. “But I need your help. Rosamon, you have my sorcerer blood in your veins. And Callie you have the same, as well as vampire blood.”
“That’s useless unless it provides a way to stop this disaster,” I said.
“Our combined power will be enough to cast a spell that is strong enough to achieve that goal.” Our father hesitated.
“I’m willing,” Rosamon said. “I’ve learned some magic, as you know. If you guide me I’m sure I can do what you tell me to.”
“We shouldn’t delay,” I said. “Every second counts.”
Noah looked on, not missing a thing. Whether he agreed with the plan or not, I didn’t know. He’d known me long enough to tell that I wouldn’t be dissuaded. He kept quiet.
Before further instructions were given, a horn blared. Noah widened his eyes. “That is from our side. It’s a signal to retreat.”
“Did you make that happen?” I said to my father.
“Of course, because it’s important for the opposing armies to return to their own realms.”
I looked up to see that even the dragon fleet was returning. With my new laser-sharp vampire sight, I was able to see the vampire armies responding to the call. Alarmingly, some of the vampires didn’t appear to be falling back. Maybe in the noise of the battle, they hadn’t heard the horn.
I panicked at what might happen to any vampires caught behind enemy lines. “Noah?”
“Yes, I’m on my way. I’ll warn those that haven’t heard and tell them to retreat, right away.” Noah disappeared to execute his mission.
With that matter tended to, I turned back to my father. The look on his face was…indecipherable. It appeared to be satisfaction. But the spell had yet to be cast. Could it be that he was joyful at the prospect of stopping the war? If so, I was most certainly his daughter, as I felt the same way.
But my father didn’t speak. He seemed intent and a bit distant. It occurred to me that I didn’t know him well at all. He hadn’t been a part of my life for over twelve years. Even then, Rosamon and I had only been five years old. What could we have known of our father?
When my father looked at me, I didn’t sense joy at all. He appeared rather stoic and emotionless. But it was best not to dwell on that. More urgent matters were at hand.
“My daughters,” he said, “we will cast a spell that will end the bloodshed, once and for all. Be aware of your power and take pride in what you are about to do.”
I could care less about pride and
wished that he’d just get on with it.
“The border between Shadowland and the Fae realm has a special characteristic,” my father said. “You wouldn’t perceive it, unless you know it’s there.”
Rosamon and I glanced at the border. I didn’t see anything unusual. “What do you mean, exactly?”
“There is a barrier between the two realms, just as there is a barrier between Shadowland and the human realm outside.” My father continued to share his knowledge of this unseen barrier. “The barriers between realms keep the kingdoms separate, as it should be.”
“I suppose if the different realms insist on fighting and are intent on having control and power over others, then keeping them separate is a solution,” I said. “Although, it seems that they should be able to co-exist without war.”
My father smirked. “That theory is as old as time. But it has been disproven. The only answer is to separate the kingdoms.”
I had no brilliant argument for his theory. With lives at risk, any debate of the matter would have to wait. “If the barrier is unseen, what good is it?”
“It is unseen but that can be rectified.” My father gazed toward the border. “Not just anyone can sense the barrier. But you have my sorcerer blood, so my magic will enable you to perceive what you otherwise wouldn’t be aware of.”
Rosamon frowned. “I’m not sure.”
I nodded to my sister. “Let’s try. If anything is there, we might be able to sense it. Tell me if you can see it and I’ll tell you if I can.”
My father glared at me, sending a message that childish games weren’t called for. I was a vampire with sorceress blood. My perceptions had heightened. Maybe he was right that I’d matured beyond trying to do something. Likely I could achieve much more than I’d. dreamed.
At first, the border seemed no different than it ever had. But I brushed aside any concept of failure to find what I needed to see. This plan needed to work. I dug deeper within and tried again.
