by Sela Croft
Chapter 14
Callie
Even more challenging, I’d been unable to read Logan’s mind. Same for the vampire guard. Which lead to the conclusion that I lacked the ability to read a vampire’s mind. That was unfortunate, considering it was one talent that I could have used to advantage.
If I could read thoughts, then I’d know more than a vampire willingly revealed. So far, I hadn’t used my skill unfairly. And I was well intended, and thus, wouldn’t use any knowledge to harm another. But it would have been useful, while in custody.
Possibly, it was a temporary inability due to my over-stressed state. Yet even as the thought came to me, I dismissed it as wishful thinking. I’d tried to tap into Logan’s thoughts. But reaching into his mind had been futile. He was an impenetrable fortress, only accessible if he wished it.
That left gaining his alliance openly, meaning trusting and gaining his trust. The problem was that time was of the essence. I didn’t have years, or even months, to win favor with the vampire prince. Rosamon’s rescue hinged upon my capabilities, and how rapidly I could execute a strategy to locate her. It was up to me. I was all too aware of that fact.
The ache in my heart nagged at me. I had to get my sister back, as I couldn’t imagine going on without her. And I couldn’t face not knowing where she was or living with the possibility that she would suffer some awful end.
Since I’d arrived, there had been no sign of Rosamon. I sat quietly, relaxing my body as best I could. While taking deep calming breaths, I focused on my sister. If she was in Shadowland, then I should be able to contact her.
Since we were toddlers, I’d been emotionally connected to my sister. I’d been able to sense her, even if she’d been a distance away. We hadn’t tested the strength of the bond, as we hadn’t needed to. I had to see, just how powerful that connection was.
Reaching out, I mentally stretched as far as I could. If my sister was around, I’d pick up on it. That’s the way it had been, and still should be. Yet, try as I might, I could not feel her. I couldn’t tap into her mind. Possibly, she was too far away.
In this other dimension, how far could she be? I shivered to think of the possibilities. Dread washed through me. My sister might be in a place where I couldn’t get to her, a place too remote to access. I had no idea how to travel such a distance, especially when I couldn’t even walk into the hallway.
And even worse, I didn’t know what direction to take, or have even a vague idea where Rosamon was. Surely, she had been held against her will, because I had faith that she wouldn’t have disappeared without me—unless she’d had no choice.
While staring at my sleeping cell mate, an idea surfaced. The humans might be able to assist in my efforts. After all, being of the same species had to count for something. I was their kind, plus I’d already gained support of a human family.
The kindness of Gretl and Matteo was evidence that I was one of them, viewed as worthy of help. In a sense, the humans needed assistance as much as I did. After learning about the human slaves and the fate of the people in the kingdom, the urge to save them rose within me.
I didn’t understand why they put up with it. Yet I’d only been here a day or so. With the sky staying dark all the time, it was difficult to tell. But it didn’t feel as though I’d been here long, so I couldn’t expect to know the inner workings of the realm.
But my heart told me that forcing others against their will was wrong. I couldn’t see it any other way. Gretl and her family deserved better. And I wondered how many others there were. I’d have to discover how far reaching the condition was.
Before my grand ideas got the better of me, I refocused. Certainly, I would be unable to right any wrongs of the new culture I’d been thrust into, until I solved my own dilemma. My chances would be better if I had support from the humans, beginning with the one stirring in the narrow bed.
The person’s thoughts were easy to read. Scenes from the light dreams flitted by, so I tapped into the scenes. Humans were farmed and raised for feeding. An image of vampire fangs digging into the neck of a woman flashed into view.
I pulled back, wanting to block out the mind reading. It was more than I’d bargained for. Yet I was curious. I had to know if I had any hope of surviving my time here. It was important to know what I faced. The fear and sadness I gleaned were more than I cared to witness.
But this was not the time to buckle with horror. If I was to get a grip on my surroundings and find a way to conquer the adversity, it was vital to know about the conditions.
It struck me that something was different. I’d been able to read minds for most of my life. But it seemed my ability was stronger. My subject’s mind was an open book. It’s not that I could read a few thoughts but knew all there was to know. Nothing was held back from me and I wasn’t prepared for that.
The horrors of the society were no longer any secret. Stunned by what I saw, I pressed my hands to my temples to stop the images—but failed. Once begun, the subject’s innermost experiences and thoughts were mine. My mind reading talent had become a sort of mind transference.
Enlightened about where I was and what I faced, the future was dizzying. The powers that ruled were frightening, as was the life I was a part of—even if temporarily. Terror rose up my spine. The magnitude of what I’d have to deal with was beyond what I’d envisioned.
I flopped back onto my bed and covered my face with my hands. Why was Rosamon here? And what would she be used for? The vampire society considered a human’s blood to be their essence. The humans were farmed, bred for their blood.
Quality blood was cultivated, and the humans were bred for the best blood. There could be none better than Rosamon’s. She was lovely, inside and out. My sister was goodhearted and smart. She had talent and ability. And…oh my God, could that be it?
If her inclination for premonitions had been known, the cherished ability could have made her a target. Maybe the visions she had were valuable. Her talent was more than mind reading; it was seeing the future. On a perverse level, kidnapping Rosamon to force her to use her skill made sense.
Vague concepts of why my sister had been taken provided little reassurance. I had no definite answers. And each theory about what had happened brought up more questions. I didn’t have any idea how my sister’s talents had been known, or by whom.
Why bring her to Shadowland? What was the ultimate purpose? I didn’t really care beyond the fact that the more I knew the better chance I had of finding her. My greatest desire was to rescue my sister and take her home.
Whatever dark purposes existed, I’d just as soon escape without uncovering them. Yet I feared that wouldn’t be possible. It was naïve to think I could enter a realm, uninvited and unwelcome, and recover my sister without a fight.
But I was getting ahead of myself. First, I had to find her, and I suspected that wasn’t going to be simple. Considering what I’d learned since my arrival, it was more likely an impossible task. Brushing aside any negativity, I sat up. Impossible or not, I intended to succeed. But I didn’t have a clue how to make that happen.
Chapter 15
Callie
Two eyes stared at me. My cell mate had woken up. She was much older, about mid-thirties was my best guess. Her hair was cut short, her face plain, and her clothes drab. The gauntness of her form was alarming.
She sat up and put her feet on the floor, then sighed. “I hate those drugs.”
Since she appeared harmless enough, I decided to make friends. She didn’t need to hear that I’d read her mind, as that might put her on guard. “What drugs?”
“I take it you haven’t been in a cell before? It’s easier for the guards if you’re drugged. Then you won’t make trouble. And they can toss you in whatever cage they want to.”
That prospect wasn’t good. If drugged, my options would be limited. “My name is Callie. What’s yours?”
“Sienna Longford, and it’s good to see a human face. I’ve been in here for two days and be
ing alone is driving me crazy.”
I could sympathize with that. “I’m relieved to have someone to talk to. This is all very strange to me. Why are you in this dungeon?”
“The usual…I resisted. The vampire militia expects to have what they want,” the woman said. “But I hid my daughter from them. I don’t know if she’s safe or not. Won’t know until I get out…whenever that might be.”
“What did they want with your daughter?”
“They like the pretty ones, and her blood is pure.” Sienna stated it simply, assuming I’d understand.
Since I’d accessed her mind, what she said made sense.
Sienna stood up and paced in front of her bed. “You should be careful. With your beauty and those intriguing violet eyes, they’ll be after you next.” She paused. “I’m surprised you’re in a cell. What got you tossed in here?”
I clasped my hands together. “It seems I annoyed the prince.”
My cell mate’s eyes widened. “And you lived?”
“So it appears,” I said. “But my future is uncertain.” It was tempting to tell her about Rosamon, but that was too risky. I kept silent about that.
“This should be quite a story,” the woman said, then sagged onto the bed. “How did you manage to gain an audience with the prince?”
“It wasn’t willingly I can assure you.” I proceeded to tell my new friend about the guard blocking my entrance and what ensured after that. She watched intently as I recited the details, omitting any mention of my sister.
Sienna narrowed her eyes. “You took a big risk. What did you have find out that was so important?”
“That’s what I refused to tell Logan.”
“You’re on a first-name basis with the ruler of the realm?”
“I suppose. It’s not that big of a deal.” I leaned against the wall and hugged my knees. “He’s rather short tempered. It didn’t take much to get on his bad side. And I wasn’t about to tell him anything private.”
“Smart girl.” After a beat, Sienna said, “What’s his interest in you? Why didn’t Logan just kill you and be done with it. I’ve heard that he isn’t a patient man.”
“I suspect it has something to do with liking my scent.”
“He said that?”
“Yes, he seemed unsettled by it.”
“Oh, dear girl, that’s not good.” Sienna wrapped her arms about her waist. “Vampires are dangerous when they crave blood, but I’m sure you know that.”
Her admonishment made it very real what Logan wanted from me. Yet I refused to think that was all. “Vampires can smell human blood?”
Sienna gazed in disbelief. “There is something different about you isn’t there?”
“I’m from the outside. My home is in Astoria, Oregon.”
“That can’t be.” Sienna rubbed her temples. “Humans don’t enter this realm. It’s against the law.”
Another strike against me. “Well, I’m here, but I can’t say I’m happy about it. Getting home may be a tougher proposition.”
Sienna had no ready response to that.
“Are the vampires here like ones I’ve read about in books? Are they immortal?”
“That’s not the half of it,” Sienna said. “Their longevity would give them enough power over us, but there’s more to it. The vampires are not only immortal but are imbued with magic.”
My situation seemed to grow worse by the minute. “I’ll have to defend myself against magic?” I nearly asked what kind of magic, but what I’d learned was enough. It was a lot to process.
With my hand over my eyes, I tried to calm down. Memories of my sister filled my mind. All the times we’d hugged, laughed, and shared secrets seemed like so long ago. My past grew ever more inaccessible, and my future more uncertain.
I wished with all my heart that my friend Noah was with me. He’d know what to do. So many times, he’d protected us, so he’d figure out what to do in this strange world. But he wasn’t there. I was alone and overwhelmed. Thoughts of Emma and Ian flooded my mind, causing me to sorely miss my adoptive parents. I longed to be in Emma’s arms or hear Ian’s words of encouragement.
Dreadfully homesick and discouraged, I held back tears. It would do no good to cry. If I had any chance of saving my sister, I had to stay strong. Weakening under pressure was a luxury I didn’t have.
A boney arm wrapped around my shoulders. I opened my eyes to see my cell mate sitting next to me. “I can see that you’re troubled,” she said. “And I can’t offer much help, considering that I’m locked up.” She took a breath. “But I think you’ll get out of here, because the prince has had a whiff of your blood. I doubt he will forget.”
“I hope so, because someone I love dearly is depending on me.”
“If you do get out, make connections with humans. We have our ways and maybe someone can help you.”
I managed a tight smile. “I’ll do that. I promise.”
There was a tiny space in the corner with facilities. Sienna got up and disappeared behind the partition. I walked over to the front of the cell, then wrapped my hands around the bars. Resting my forehead against the cool metal, I tried to think.
Fighting anxiety, I gripped the bars, holding them so tight that my hands hurt. I wanted out; I needed to be free. This was wrong. While staring at the lock on the door, I shook the bars with ferocity. There was a lot of noise, but the lock didn’t budge.
I had a couple of items in my backpack, so went over to retrieve a hair pin. But picking the lock was useless. I should have watched movies a little closer to see how the thieves did it. The hair pin bent, but the lock was as tight as before.
Despair engulfed me like a heavy cape, weighing me down. I was a caged bird, trapped and defenseless. Magic vampires ruled the realm, so my sister’s destiny, as well as mine, depended upon their whims.
Logan held the most power. He could be appealed to. Even a vampire prince wasn’t without feeling. He couldn’t be. There must be some goodness or quality of mercy in his heart. I refused to think otherwise.
I needed a plan and whatever scheme it was included allying with the vampire royalty—especially Logan Bayne. He had the resources to help me, if he wanted to. I might be able to create an alliance with him with the purpose of saving my sister. Yet I didn’t trust him. So how was that going to happen?
Chapter 16
Logan
After hugging my sister, I slowly retraced my steps. What she’d said was a puzzle, as no human had played a meaningful part in our fate before. Ambling down the stairs, lost in thought, I contemplated the mystery of Callie Mayfair.
Yesterday, I hadn’t heard of her, nor had she been here—if I believed her story. It was forbidden to bring humans into Shadowland and had been for centuries. I had no idea how Callie had entered, or whether her claim of being from the outside was true.
And if it was, then how had it happened? A teenager from Oregon couldn’t accidentally step into the shadows and end up in the realm. Protections had been carefully constructed to avoid such mistakes. For so long, there’d been no reason to be concerned about the security of the barrier.
Yet it was possible that someone had violated the strict law and allowed the occurrence—beyond merely allowed—but had caused it. If there was a reason that Callie’s presence was important, it wasn’t known. And I couldn’t fathom what the purpose might be.
My mind wandered to my parents. My father Cedric had been murdered, the result of an evil trick. The Fae had been behind it, and the death had yet to be avenged. But I hadn’t forgotten, and the perpetrator would eventually suffer the consequences.
Before I could avenge, I had to learn who the murderer had been. The Fae’s ability to shift and change, to disguise their intent and even their form, made the task difficult. But I was not to be deterred. I would learn the truth and seek the long-awaited revenge.
Callie’s appearance struck a chord with me, although I couldn’t get it clear in my mind. It seemed her arrival had been ordain
ed by fate. My sister’s dream substantiated that she had some role to play in our world. My mother Raphina still lived but had been in hiding since my father’s death.
When I had last spoken with my mother, she’d voiced trepidation about the future. She was a seer like Natasha. The talent had been passed from mother to daughter. It hadn’t only been my father’s untimely demise that had alarmed her.
My mother foretold of disaster in our world. Vampires were threatened from all sides and extinction was inevitable—if, the race continued along the path it was on. That much I could have predicted on my own. I strained to recall her exact words.
There is hope, but it will come in an unexpected form. You must stay alert my beloved son, and grasp onto opportunity when it is presented. Your father cast you into the role of prince for a reason. Your wisdom and leadership ability will guide you well, if you gain favor with powerful allies.
It had been a vague, since the powerful allies weren’t named. I suppose that was left up to me. With current conditions in the realm, it seemed there were more enemies than allies. All my royal family attracted were those that wished to wipe us out for good.
As I walked along the dock, I gazed at the water’s surface. If only the glassy reflection was a crystal ball, permitting a view into the future. For all the magic that vampires possessed, we didn’t have a portal to see what was to come.
Hints and premonitions were insufficient. A ruler of a kingdom needed certainly, yet I would have to create my own. Destiny loomed ahead, and I was committed to averting the disaster my mother had foretold.
An image of Callie surfaced in my mind. I could drink her blood, then crush her with one hand. Yet I sensed something in her violet eyes. She hadn’t backed away from me, as she’d had every reason to do. Another human would have.
She was unique and possessed some rare quality that I couldn’t put my finger on. Appearances were deceiving, because as fragile as her situation was she posed a challenge. For one thing, her blood was ripe for addiction.
