by Sela Croft
My mind went to Callie, and my suspicion of her being allied with the vampire hunters, if she wasn’t one herself. Her appearance at the time of the attack could be co-incidence, or it could be linked. I had yet to determine what she was about.
“Where are they getting their power?” I said, but my brothers had no answer.
Valter stood up and crossed his arms. “I’ll find their lair and burn them out. A bunch of humans, magical training or not, are no match for vampire magic.”
“That’s not so easy,” Florian said. “The band of hunters disperses. I’ve learned that they don’t all live in one place, but that they move around. It’s a smart tactic really. It makes it difficult to trap them or to wipe them out.”
“Whereas, we are right here in Crystal City. There’s no trick to finding us.” I flopped back into the throne and looked up through the glass dome to the dark sky. “We pride ourselves on superior strength, uncommon magic, and unity.”
I looked at my brothers. “But is that enough? Can a lesser race gain advantage through strategy and key alliances?”
“Yes, that is their aim,” Florian said. “I don’t think they will succeed, unless…”
“Exactly,” I said. “The humans aren’t working alone. A much more powerful enemy is assisting in their mission to wipe us out.”
“That doesn’t narrow it down much,” Valter said. “We have a long list of enemies.”
I turned to Florian. “We need to discover more about the nature of the magic wielded against us, and trace it to its source. The only way to disarm the enemy is to know who is behind it all. I wish to be informed immediately about anything you uncover.”
“I will, brother,” Florian said, then vanished.
I faced my other brother. “And increase preparations for battle. Spare no effort in our defense.”
Valter’s eyes flamed with a thirst for battle, and I had faith that he would do as I commanded. The royal family stuck together, united against all foe. Yet I sensed that the nature of the war had shifted. Powerful alliances fueled by deception could be deadly. I vowed to learn who dared to undermine Shadowland and sought to destroy the magic vampires of the realm—then I’d destroy the perpetrator.
Chapter 11
Logan
Since I’d missed the blood feast with my family, I left the meeting and went straight to the feeding zone. It was housed in an expansive space on a lower floor called the pen. The humans were confined behind an electronic barrier.
A natural habitat was preferred over an artificial environment. Admittedly, the humans wouldn’t mill about awaiting their fate, but the atmosphere gave the impression of such. My royal family and our vampire entourage weren’t barbarians.
Over the centuries, we’d cultivated a refined palate. Drinking the blood of criminals or derelicts was banned, because it tainted our system. Our magic partly relied on our purity, thus, the blood of the human geniuses and artisans was relished.
The breeding on the human farms had taken eons to perfect, but the results were worth it. The blood was gourmet, and imbibing didn’t have any negative effect such as dizziness or unconsciousness. Its clarity was superb and poor substitutes rarely tolerated.
The space included gaming tables, food, drink, and comfortable chairs. Upon entering, I scanned the arena, breathing in the scent. As I’d heard of diners in restaurants selecting a lobster for boiling and eating, so I selected the humans I preferred.
As a rule, the human survived. Blood was precious, especially of the quality needed to feed the royal family. Drinking my fill from several drinking sources would quench my thirst, unless I was too depleted. I’d delayed my feeding, which was dangerous to the humans.
Yet I could exert control. I might devour more than my usual, as war and strife increased my appetite tremendously. I stalked through the feeding area, and the potential victims made an effort to ignore me, hoping to be overlooked.
Behind a hedge of fake greenery, I snatched my first human, bared my fangs and drank with fervor. Well past my usual feeding time, I nearly overdid it, but released his body at the last minute and went for the next. My tension abated, and my veins filled with the blood I sucked from those of my choosing.
Satisfied, I strolled back through the room, ignoring the buzz of low talk among the occupants. When I headed toward the exit, I sensed their relief. In the outer lobby, I sought out the front door guard.
“Earlier, you blocked entry to a young woman.”
“Yes, my prince,” he said. “She wasn’t familiar to me and didn’t seem to have business here.”
“You were correct, and I commend you for that.” I dread to think what might have happened if security hadn’t detained her. “The woman is of interest. What else can you tell me about her?”
“Very little,” he said. “She appeared at the door, demanding entry. Yet she had no authorization to enter. I ordered her back to work.”
“You did the right thing.” I turned and went out. The one person who hadn’t been at the meeting earlier was my sister Natasha. Puzzled by Callie, and unable to push the event aside as trivial, I went to seek council. My gut told me there was much more to know.
Chapter 12
Logan
Outside, I followed the walkway to the rows of boats, tied to the docks. They floated on the tranquil surface giving a sense of peace that provided false security. The city rose colorfully against the sky, radiating blue and subtle gold, reflecting on the glassy surface of the water.
Shadowland was my realm, and Crystal City my home. If the enemy could break through barriers and attack the troops, they might also broach the safety of my kingdom. As the prince, I was responsible for all I surveyed, including the inhabitants.
I passed the dock area and strode toward Natasha’s residence. My younger sister preferred the water, so a home had been constructed to her liking. I meandered up the path to the stairs. Flying wasn’t my method of travel, right then, sine the luxury of her surroundings was worth enjoying.
Three circular buildings rose on concrete stilts above the water, housing the above-ground portion of my sister’s home. She had views all around, so had chosen to plant gardens along the perimeter. Nature agreed with her, and she nurtured the foliage with an angelic love.
Below the surface was her private suite, a master bedroom under the water. After seeing hers, I’d considered something similar for myself, but other matters had been more pressing. The thick glass structure offered an underwater view, including the sea creatures thriving below.
I was at the bottom of the stairs then the top, foregoing the need to navigate each step, and avoiding the tedium of climbing stairs. When the door opened, I smiled at Natasha. My beloved sister was lovely, clever, and talented.
Her honey blond hair hung over her shoulders, and she wore a shimmery satin outfit. But when I gazed into her green eyes, my heart dropped.
Natasha’s talent was to see the future. As a seer, she had foretold many events over our long and tortured past. And she hadn’t been wrong. If her vision wasn’t clear, she would say so. But often her foresight was spine-tingling precise.
“I knew you would come,” Natasha said, then kissed me on the cheek. Her greeting was tender, a sister’s touch. No matter how loving she was with family, my sister was quite deadly to an enemy. In her inimitable way, she could raise a slender hand and rip apart a foe without emotion. I’d witnessed such often enough to declare that she was as formidable a protector as either of my brothers.
My sister glided across the polished floors to trellises of flowery vines and gazed out the curved window bay toward the mountains. I followed but didn’t interrupt her reverie. If she knew I would come, then she knew more. And I needed to hear the details.
Natasha fingered delicate white flowers on the trellis, still staring into the distance. She turned to face me. “You’ll want to sit.” She motioned toward a silver velvet couch.
I would have preferred to stand but thought better of it
. The most important thing was not to interfere with my sister’s vision. Her abilities deserved respect, so she was guiding the process.
Natasha sat across from me and looked directly into my eyes. Her expression held concern, but I kept quiet. After studying me at length, she spoke. “I had a dream.”
My sister’s dreams could be while sleeping or awake. Each was a vision, a glimpse into the future. I hoped what she had to tell me was encouraging, yet, guessed that it probably wasn’t. I knew her well, and had learned to read her face, see more in her eyes than she voiced.
“It must be important.”
“I sense that it is,” Natasha said. “In the dream, the realm was in upheaval from many quarters. You were at the center of it, but I was unable to perceive victory.”
My heart sank.
“It’s too premature to know. I may have more insight later.” Natasha looked over my shoulder, as if seeing something that only she could. “You are not alone. Your brothers are by your side. Yet…”
I held my breath.
“Your future is entwined with that of a young woman, a human.” Natasha looked at me, her eyes a deeper green. “I’ve seen her. She was in the realm today.”
“Yes, I’ve detained her. If she’s trouble, I can put an end to it without delay.”
Natasha shook her head. “That wouldn’t be wise, not until we know the role she plays.”
“What could that be?”
My sister’s eyes were large, her pupils darker than ink, surrounded by a rich green. “Your actions should be carefully considered. This woman with the violet eyes and raven black hair is here for a reason. Her presence will affect the outcome of what’s ahead…for all of us.”
I shuddered. “That is very ominous. Is her influence good or bad? How is she important?”
“That has not been revealed,” Natasha said. “But you must keep her close. That much I’m certain of.”
My sister stood up, indicating that’s all she had for now. I hugged her. “I will watch carefully and heed your advice. Callendra Mayfair, the young woman you speak of, will not leave my sight until I’m certain of the role she plays.”
I left my sister tending her plants then stepped out into the night. I stood on her porch and gazed at the radiant stars, as if I might find the answer. A teenage girl held some sort of key to the future. It was unnerving, especially considering the attraction she held. Even though I was full after feeding, the memory of her scent filled my nostrils. It wouldn’t leave, and I was unable to forget her.
How was I to keep Callie close, and resist sucking her blood for my pleasure? The urge was strong, not to be taken lightly. I’d have to be cautious, since my strength and need could overpower her. Draining her dry, sucking out the last drops of her uniquely-scented blood was alluring. Yet I must abstain from that powerful elixir for as long as the human girl was of use to me.
Chapter 13
Callie
As soon as Logan commanded his guard to take me to detention, the brute dragged me from the room. An elevator swiftly took us to the bowels of this new land. Deeper and deeper it went, until fear of being buried beneath the city was overpowering.
The doors opened to a maze of hallways, a disorienting sight. The stairs lilted to one side, the prospect of sliding off quite real. The walls were ancient stone and the rooms were cordoned off by metal bars. For as modern and elegant as the main building was, this place was horrifyingly medieval in contrast.
The prison was a terrifying reminder of doom.
There was no need for excessive force, since escape wasn’t likely. With its aroma of human decay, the air was suffocating. Dim murmurs indicated the presence of others. Whether human or not, there was no way to be sure.
Before entering a cell, the guard searched for weapons. Hope faded when he found the weapon that Gretl had provided. It would be of no use now. Thankfully, he did not take the backpack which held some spare clothes and other items for survival.
Without a word, the guard shoved me inside the confining space and the metal bars clicked shut. I shuddered, fear gripping my belly. Whatever was ahead was unknown, fate the master of my destiny. A quick assessment of the room revealed another occupant on a narrow wooden bed under a blanket.
The room was dimly lit by wall sconces, casting shadows like a scene in a horror film. The room was cold, so I stepped farther inside and spotted a blanket folded on the other available bed. Dread filled me at the knowledge that was to be my place to rest.
I suppose it could be worse. For some undermined amount of time, I was safe—sort of. After wrapping the scratchy blanket around my shoulders, I sank onto the mattress. My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since that morning. Dining didn’t appear likely.
There was a pitcher of water on a table beside a porcelain bowl. It was horrendous that the gatekeepers hadn’t seen fit to install running water. Although thirsty, I was hesitant to take a drink. God only knew how long the water had been sitting, or how clean it had been to start with.
Depressed over my surroundings, I was nonetheless grateful to be in one piece. That might not last, so it was best if I made the most of my good fortune—such as it was. Sounds echoed down the stone hallways, vaguely resembling the human voice. Yet I couldn’t make out any words.
Attempting to sense human connection, I fingered the necklace under my jacket collar. The delicate chain reminded me of my dear sister and the predicament she was in. Whatever that was, it couldn’t be good. Not in a place like this.
My sister might be locked away somewhere, alone and afraid. I shuddered at an image of her, starved and brutalized. My mind played tricks on me, feeding answers from my overwhelming fear. It was better to hope for the best. There was every possibility that my sister was unharmed.
The loss of her produced a deep ache inside my chest. We’d been together since birth and had survived a lot. Yet I hadn’t predicted anything like the current circumstances. When Rosamon had been by my side, I’d drawn confidence from our connection.
Separated, I felt so alone. Together we could conquer any enemy. We had assured each other of that repeatedly. But divided, we were weakened. It was wrong and foretold of bad consequences. Although I didn’t know exactly what was to come, I instinctively knew that the future depended on us being together.
With my eyes closed, I daydreamed of better times. I envisioned the river at home, and the summer days my sister and I had spent there. We’d shared our innermost thoughts, desires, and fears. I strained to the deepest recesses of my mind for any hint on how to solve our current situation.
Rosamon had a talent for perceiving things before they happened. But she hadn’t mentioned any other world. Her visions had to do with the life we’d known. Not a dark, damp dungeon. Nor of being separated from each other.
I opened my eyes and flinched at the horrible cage that surrounded me. Bound in by metal bars, the prospect of getting to my sister was dim. Yet my goal to find her was stronger. After having a taste of what Shadowland offered, I wanted out.
But getting back home would have to wait. My first task was to find my sister. I was cold, hungry, and afraid, but I might have dealt with that, if Rosamon had been beside me. What rattled me the most and drove a spike of anxiety through my belly were thoughts of my dear sister.
I was trapped and helpless, but unharmed. I sighed. There was still hope that I’d be able to reunite with my sister. For as long as I kept my wits about me, I would figure out some way to find Rosamon. Whatever my situation was, my sister’s might be worse. No matter what it took, I’d succeed in locating her. I wouldn’t falter, until I’d rescued her.
Looking across the room and watching the steady breathing underneath the thin blanket, I took comfort in the fact that I wasn’t alone. It was likely that the person was human, since I’d already caught on that humans were lower class in this strange world.
I couldn’t be unlucky enough to be thrown into a cell with a vampire, or another such cre
ature. It hadn’t been long since the royal prince himself had loomed over me. Logan Bayne was an imposing figure. The sight of his fangs had been the least of it.
The prince had been intimidating, but that hadn’t been all there was to him. Despite his bluster and threat, he hadn’t killed me. Surely, he might have. That was a sign that he had mercy in his heart, giving me hope.
Admittedly, being thrown in a dungeon wasn’t good. But it did mean there would be another opportunity. When the door to the cell opened, a possibility would present itself. It had to, because while locked up I was powerless to help my sister.
I recalled Logan’s emerald eyes, and how they had pierced into me. Even though his gaze unnerved me, there was an attraction too. Looking deeply into his gaze, I had gained a sense of him. His raw need had been evident. Yet I hadn’t fully understood it.
Of any person I’d met, I had yet to contact anyone like Logan. But then, he wasn’t really a person, and certainly not mortal. My perceptions didn’t normally fail me, and I’d perceived a human quality about him. Considering, the odd day I’d had it might have been my imagination.
Yet I didn’t think so. There was more to the vampire prince than could be gleaned from the surface, or deduced from a first encounter. Instinct told me to stay away from him. But I was drawn to his fierceness, plus his unearthly handsomeness.
There was no chance that I’d stay away. It was likely that the prince could assist in my mission to find Rosamon. He had the power to do so; that much was clear. I was hesitant to tell him much detail, since I wasn’t certain what he’d do with the knowledge.
I’d have to bide my time to gain advantage where possible. So far, I didn’t trust Logan. He had seemed unpredictable, his temper volatile. With so little understanding of his realm or the nature of his kind, it was best to be cautious.
Being at a disadvantage and forced into self-reliance, I had to play it smart. Yet the gorgeous vampire with his formidable body and dark charm held an attraction that wasn’t easily put aside. That could be a problem.
