Steam Union

by Patti Larsen

  “I see.” Charlotte’s blue eyes twinkled as my stomach heaved.

  “Just shut it.” I glared at the both of them, swallowing the bile threatening to climb my throat. I turned away from them on shaking legs, the crisp wind hitting me full in the face. It helped knock me free of my fear enough I could focus on where we found ourselves.

  Some kind of jagged mountain range, barren and cold. While extreme temperatures didn’t bother me anymore, I could still feel the chill. The narrow path carved from the rock twisted up the side of the mountain, the castle from my vision towering over me as I craned my neck back and took it all in. They must have used magic to hide it from the normals. No way would a place like this go unexplored otherwise.

  It was bigger than it seemed in the vision, more climbing stories than I could count, taking over the entire peak of the mountain. It kind of reminded me of the Seat on Demonicon in that way, though this was a marvel in spires and peaks, narrow towers almost delicate, and yet, at the same time, crude. A strange combination of old world and fantasy my mind simply accepted after a moment trying to quantify its appearance.

  The dark rock barely reflected any light, though the blazing yellow illumination from inside cast enough brilliance I didn’t need my demon’s heightened vision to climb the last twenty or so feet to the giant stone gate serving as the entry. Two large vampires in heavy armor—a mix of scrolling leather and plate mail with giant bristling manes cascading down the back—stood guard, tall pikes capped with vicious looking yet intricately cast blades crossed before me.

  This was exactly what I needed. Nothing like a good dose of righteous indignation and pissed-offedness to cut away the last of my fear.

  “I was invited,” I snarled, power shoving them both aside. They staggered, eyes wide, pikes jerking apart. I didn’t wait to see if they were going to put up a fuss, instead slamming my power against the gates and shoving them wide open. They screamed on their hinges, the squeal of protesting metal echoing back from the next peak.

  Way to make an entrance, Syd.

  A tall, slender vampire with straight, shockingly red hair and crystal green eyes waited for me on the other side. Her slim, long fingered hands folded carefully in front of her, the floor length gown she wore reminding me of a medieval queen. The gold wire tiara just added to the façade. I guess she had no idea it took way more than someone like her to impress me.

  Syd. Temper.

  “Sydlynn Hayle.” Her cold voice held contempt. “I’ve been instructed to guide you.”

  “No thanks.” I pushed past her, forcing her off the narrow path leading to an arching bridge, the big, wooden front doors to the castle on the other side. “I can find my own way.”

  She spluttered at me but I ignored her, continuing my progress without slowing a step. The two guards, dressed the same as their gate counterparts, must have thought better of trying to stop me because they stepped aside long before I reached them, the doors swinging wide in welcome.

  Warm light from dozens of glowing candles poured over me as I passed across the threshold. I was used to the stone construction of the castles I’d frequented in Austria and expected more of the same here. Instead, I realized I’d been right, that this place was carved entirely from the mountain itself. Arching ceilings trimmed with deep red embellishments curved overhead, the walls chipped almost smooth. The floor was rough around the edges, only a precise path down the center, leading into the grand foyer, shining as though made of glass. My sneakers slapped on the stone and only then did I feel self-conscious about how I was dressed.

  Vampires flooded the entry, all decked out in the most elaborate and revealing clothing. Dresses with plunging necklines and frothing lace, gold lamé jackets trimmed in velvet and silk, dripping jewels, perfectly coiffed hair, sleeves that brushed the floor.

  No time to do anything about my appearance, now. And, quite frankly, I seized on my rather plain t-shirt and jeans with enthusiasm. Let them see just what I thought of their little show.

  Not much, thanks.

  The vampire who attempted to escort us slipped past Charlotte and took the center of the room. There were easily a hundred vampires here, mostly female. Were there so many blood clan queens? Our guide’s anger was clear in her voice as she spoke.

  “You have been invited here as a guest,” she said, chill with fury. “And yet, you treat us with disrespect.” Her nose wrinkled in disgust at the sight of Charlotte and Sage, though the pair remained stone faced and silent. “How dare you simply barge in this way, bringing these unclean ones with you?”

  Charlotte’s power flared, Sage’s beside her, as clear and bright as my own, the taint of sorcery long gone. The faint shift of rainbow light within it made the vampire queens gasp softly in surprise, eyes widening. I felt their focus twist from anger to doubt and a hint of fear. The vampires felt what I did. And I was suddenly glad I’d brought the pair of werewolves with me, so the queens could fully understand just what the weres had become. Let them screw with Charlotte and her people now.

  This, Charlotte sent. So worth it.

  She almost made me grin. But I couldn’t allow for amusement right now. Grasping my anger and indignation firmly in both hands, I added my own magic to the werepower and boosted it.

  “From what I understand,” I snapped, power rippling out of me, forming a soft rainbow mist at my feet, “we’re on a tight timetable. So you’ll forgive me if I’m not into the pleasantries while my friend and sister is being accused of something of which I’m certain she’s innocent.” I glared around the room, fishing for info. But not one of them flinched.

  Damn. What kind of trouble was Sunny in?

  “And keep your damned vampire paws off my wereguards,” I said, though Charlotte grunted her disappointment in my head. “You touch them, I touch you. You won’t like how that ends.”

  We hardly need the protection, she sent, though with laughter in her voice.

  Quit it, I sent back. I’m trying to be a bully.

  How’s that working for you? Charlotte’s faint giddiness wasn’t lost on me.

  I couldn’t look at her. Bursting into laughter would ruin everything.

  “We had been informed of your lack of respect for others.” The redhead’s flat tone whipped my head around.

  “And I have been informed of the rudeness and arrogance of the vampire queens.” That made them gasp. Served them right. “Considering I only found out about Sunny—Teresa—and her trial a very short time ago, you’re lucky this place is still standing.” She glared at me while I looked her up and down in practiced disdain. “What did you say your name was again?”

  Syd, my vampire choked on a horrified laugh. Carefully.

  Screw that, I sent.

  The vampire queen drew herself up, long hair shining in the candlelight, her spirit power rising to cast a white glow around her. “I am Sarameia,” she said. “Queen of the Goreck Blood Clan, First Lesser Monarch to the Empress of all vampires.”

  Well, la di da.

  “Which means,” I said, beginning my forward motion again, “you’re not the one who contacted me.” She tried to block my progress, her power flaring. And, I had to admit, she was pretty strong. I might have had a real fight on my hands if I wasn’t a maji. But, as things stood, she was so far out of her league she might as well have fought me with a feather.

  “You will only pass when I allow it.” Her teeth grit, face elongating, fangs appearing as her vampire form began to show. I’d only ever seen the true shape of this paranormal race a few times, once with Sunny herself when she fought the thrall of the Brotherhood, and I really wasn’t into enduring it again. Instead, I shut her power down with a rough grasp of her magic and moved her firmly aside.

  “Don’t push me,” I snapped. “I’ve had a rough day. Now.” I scanned the crowd. “I’m looking for her boss.” My thumb jerked in Sarameia’s direction. “Stop yanking my chain and take me to your leader.”

  “You are here as a courtesy,” one of t
he other vampire queens snarled at me, frothy pink ball gown shimmering with jewels. A ripple of unhappiness passed through the gathering, fangs showing, power pushing against me. “That courtesy can be revoked.”

  I laughed in her face. I think maybe that was what saved me. Because, if I was being honest with myself, if they decided to attack as a group, I was screwed. Knowing how fast vampires were, I might not be able to get the three of us out in time. And there was a lot of old power in this room. If I’d reacted with anger, I’m sure this would have devolved into a fight I wouldn’t win. But my amusement seemed to take all the wind out of their sails as they shrank back from me.

  Your reputation precedes you, Charlotte sent with her own good humor in her stern mental voice. I can smell their fear.

  Indeed, the mental touch I first encountered joined the conversation, the weight of her ancient magic tinged with what felt like interest. It has. You wish to speak to me directly, Sydlynn Hayle.

  “If it’s not too much trouble.” I kept the sarcasm to a minimum, though I chose to speak out loud, just so everyone was on the same page. “Your Empressness.”

  My demon snorted and even Shaylee giggled.

  Syd, my vampire choked. You are the worst.

  Don’t piss me off, I sent to them. Respect is earned.

  The crowd of vampire queens and their flunkies parted down the center, Sarameia clinging to her place at my side and refusing to join the others. I wished she’d just go away already.

  Four more guards stepped forward, carrying a throne between them. I almost rolled my eyes at the arrogance of it all, only to stop and stare, and to finally feel a breath of respect.

  The ancient woman on the throne looked more like a weathered doll than a person, draped in a thin robe of the palest pink silk. While her body appeared small and frail, her pinpoint bright, black eyes were full of intelligence and interest. Paper thin skin, as white as fine cotton, clung to her narrow bones, lips ridged from the teeth hiding behind them.

  It’s her, my vampire sent.

  No kidding. I bowed my head to the ancient undead and she returned the gesture, her glossy black bob the only part of her that seemed alive, aside from her eyes. One claw-like hand rose, index finger tipped with a sharply pointed nail jabbing the air in my direction.

  “You know who I am.” Her voice was soft, clear, surprisingly youthful.

  “I do,” my vampire answered, taking over. “I remember you.”

  Her eyes lit with spirit fire. “And I,” she said. “I remember you.”

  ***

  Chapter Nine

  She didn’t seem to move, to do anything, and yet the entire attitude of the gathering changed. The collective queens stepped back, bowing their heads, turning to engage in conversation as though I wasn’t among them any longer. Only Sarameia remained, her anger a physical thing next to me.

  “Great Empress,” she said, fury barely contained. “Surely we shall not tolerate—”

  And stopped talking. Her eyes bulged briefly, whole body rigid as the Empress turned her head slowly, glittering black eyes tracking to pin the younger queen in her gaze. I instantly admired—and feared—the intensity of her casualness, the way she didn’t react with even a hint of emotion while Sarameia clawed at her chest, sinking to her knees beside me. The conversation in the room felt to silence, everyone staring with flat, judging eyes.

  “Enough,” my vampire said, ever so softly. “She is young, yet. Perhaps unworthy of her position. But we are ancient and meant to tolerate the errors of youth.”

  The Empress’s sharp gaze returned to me while Sarameia collapsed, freed from whatever press of power her ruler held over her.

  “Only from you,” she said, “would I tolerate such chastisement. And even then…”

  “Not chastisement,” my vampire said with great sadness. “Grief. It was I who made you. And I am sorry.”

  The Empress shifted forward suddenly and my estimation of her frailty vanished. She might have been wasted and thin, but there was nothing slow or reduced about her.

  “I,” she said with a hint of joy in her dusty voice, “am not.”

  My vampire bowed my head. “Then I am grateful to know of your survival. And that you do not blame me for altering the course of your life.”

  Was that a smile curving the old Empress’s lips? “You saved me from an existence of toil and hardship,” she said. “From a life as a slave, doomed to rape and endless babies before dying of childbirth or some hideous ailment at a young age.” The Empress sat back on her throne, tone returning to flat and composed. “I have been a part of you for so long, I barely remember the girl I was when we first met.”

  “Happy to oblige,” I said, taking over. “And I’m sorry to interrupt this lovely family reunion.” My vampire hissed at me, but the Empress simply nodded. “As much as I hate to break up the party, I was asked to come here for a reason. And I’d like to know what’s going on.”

  The Empress gestured to Sarameia who had regained her feet. In a much more subdued tone, with her head bowed to her ruler, the red haired vampire gave me my answer.

  “The defection of Piotr Wilhelm has led to a questioning of Teresa’s monarchy. He has challenged her for her throne on the basis of his loyalty to the blood clan—which has never altered, unlike hers—and to prevent further damage to their spirit magic through experimentation with Sebastian DeWinter.”

  Well, wasn’t this just peachy then? I’d told Sunny to kill the traitorous Piotr ages ago. At least boot his damned ass out of her blood clan. She’d always told me to mind my own business. I knew they were friends when she first became a vampire, that they had ties beyond their blood clan. But he’d gone over to the dark side a long time ago.

  They were right about one thing, though. Sunny left the Wilhelm blood clan well before I was born, joining the DeWinter clan and Sebastian. Only with the death of her old queen, Yvette, at the hands of Batsheva Moromond did the opportunity arise for Sunny to take the throne herself. Did that mean her loyalty was in question? I didn’t know enough about vampire law to answer that.

  The bigger question was, why didn’t she tell me? A wave of desperation passed through me as I reached for my vampire.

  You know Sunny, my demon answered instead. She tries to handle everything herself.

  As it should be, my vampire sent with mild chastisement. She is a queen, after all.

  Doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have made sure Piotr had a convenient accident, my demon grumbled.

  I agreed with her, but my vampire was also right. “You do realize,” I said directly to the Empress who waited with patience as still as a stone, “the changes Sebastian DeWinter and his blood clan are undergoing only strengthen your race?” Mutters of anger. Didn’t like that, huh? See how they took what I said next. “That, according to your creator, what he has become is, in fact, the final and intended step in your evolution?”

  That pissed them off. The gathered queens snarled and spit at me, their fangs flashing, long claws appearing as they slashed the air in my direction. I ignored them, focused fully on the Empress before me. Her brow wrinkled, black eyes sparking with white fire.

  “Is this true?” She spoke directly to the vampire inside me.

  “It is,” she said with my voice. “And that, I fear, is my greatest failing. That upon your creation I was too young, too hurt, to understand the truth of my existence. And exactly what you were meant to become.”

  They fear change, the Empress sent directly. Teresa and her blood clan’s ability to remain awake when the sun rises and even walk brief moments in the daylight have them terrified of her power.

  I knew exactly who she was talking about. Doesn’t mean change isn’t a good thing.

  Agreed. She sighed in my head. This is troubling. Though I’ve considered the possibility many times since hearing of the DeWinter issue. Like he was a problem for her to unravel. There may be a way to halt all of this, here and now.

  I’m open to suggestions, I sent
.

  Bring him to me, she sent. So that he may speak for himself and allow the queens to examine him.

  I winced inwardly, knowing she felt it. That could be a problem. He’s missing. Along with his entire blood clan.

  She didn’t seem surprised. I had thought perhaps you knew of his location, she sent, almost hesitant.

  So this is why I’m really here. It wasn’t a question.

  I admit curiosity about you, she sent, the palest breath of embarrassment in her mental voice. And about him. She paused again, this time with real regret, as though knowing my answer before asking the question. He is truly gone?

  I wish that wasn’t the case, I sent. I have a lot of people looking for him, powerful people with means beyond the ordinary. And I’m sure you’ve been searching for him yourself.

  She didn’t answer that, but she didn’t have to. Then, she sent, I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do. They will not relent without proof of this evolution you speak of. They need Sebastian DeWinter.

  You’re the Empress, I sent, trying to prod her with pride. They’re scared to death of you.

  Vampire law has kept us from destroying each other for as long as I can remember. She actually sounded sad. And even I cannot oppose it for fear of setting off a war between blood clans. Unless you would like that responsibility? One of her eyebrows arched. I understand you are quite capable of starting such fights and finishing them.

  That was a dig if ever I heard one. Classy, I sent.

  She actually smiled at that, thin skin crinkling around her black eyes. I’m sorry I didn’t summon you sooner, she sent. I have greatly enjoyed our conversation. And forgive the subterfuge of bringing you here at this dire moment. I truly care what happens to Teresa and have always admired her. And our meeting was necessary, if orchestrated to preserve face.

  Don’t talk to me about saving face, I snapped back. I get enough of that crap from witches.

  Regardless the circumstances, she sent, it has been enlightening. And I do hope to see you again. I didn’t know if she was talking to me, the vampire inside me, or both. But I’m afraid we must return to the business at hand.