by J. M. Kearl
My blood roared in my ears waiting for his answer. His black eyes never left mine, his mouth twitched and his throat bobbed. “No.”
My ring glowed and my heart sputtered. I slowly backed away from him which drew a confused expression from him. “Why are you—”
I held up my hand, “This ring glows when someone lies.”
His eyes averted, and he was the one to take a step back now. I think he grew more nervous than me. Did he think I would try to kill him? Perhaps I should, but I didn’t have the urge to hurt him even if I was slightly afraid.
Lifting his gaze, he stood a little taller. “It’s not a simple answer, Princess Visteal.”
His response floored me. “Either you’re one of them or you’re not. And since that was a lie, you are.”
“What if I am but it wasn’t by choice?” His voice wavered and a glimmering line filled his eyes. “What if I was turned against my will? What if I’ve never killed anyone for blood? Will you condemn me? End me?”
In that moment, I couldn’t find words. My mouth went dry and my heart sank, not because he admitted he was one of them but because he didn’t have a choice. If I were turned against my will, would I be killed?
“Is this him?” my Papa asked, suddenly appearing. I turned and stepped in front of Kyan. Papa had his sword drawn, ready to strike.
“He’s not Senica,” I said hastily. “This is Kyan.”
“I know who he is,” Papa said, narrowing his eyes. “He trains with Madison and me after classes. I’m asking if he threatened you.”
“He protected me,” I answered.
Face softening, Papa put his sword away. “Thank you for doing that, Kyan.”
“Of course, Sir,” Kyan said. “And Senica is no longer here. He went home.”
Surprised, I turned to Kyan. In my mind I questioned if by going home, he meant he’d killed him but I didn’t ask aloud.
“That’s a relief,” Papa said. We all three stood in silence for a moment. “Well, I’ll go back inside. I’m going to pay my respects to God.” I’d forgotten it was Sunday. There was a worship room here at the academy that Papa faithfully prayed at every week. Sometimes I went with him.
When he’d gone, Kyan and I resumed walking. I knew his secret and he likely wondered what I would do with it. “So you’re not all blood-crazed monsters then?” I turned to him. “I’m not trying to be offensive, we fought and killed three of them yesterday outside the wall and they were intent on hurting us. They almost killed my friend Freya.”
His eyes shot wide. “You were attacked yesterday?” He then muttered more to himself, “Outside the wall.”
“Yes, on our way back from Henalae.”
“No, not all of us are like that but many are ruled by their inner demons. The blood lust.” The muscles in his jaw tensed. “Especially if they are newly created or those like Senica who weren’t good people before they turned.” He paused for a few breaths. “Are you going to tell the professors what I am?”
“No,” I didn’t even hesitate. “As long as you don’t attack anyone.”
“I won’t,” he said. “At least not to drink their blood. I attack plenty in sparring matches.” His first smile appeared since we left breakfast but I didn’t think this was a time to joke.
“Don’t you have to drink blood to survive?”
His features drew grave once again. “Yes, usually I drink the blood of animals. There are some humans in Collweya who offer their blood freely.”
“Anyone here?” I asked, trying not to sound as ill as I felt.
“Yes,” was his only reply.
I didn’t inquire further. I didn’t want to know. “Is Senica… dead?”
“No, but he’s no longer a problem.”
This felt like an interrogation but I had so many questions that no one else knew. “How many of you are there here?”
He pursed his lips. “Not many but we have a code not to tell on each other. We keep each other in check and no humans die.”
“What about Finnick?” I snapped, unable to keep the anger out of my voice. “He died.”
Kyan seemed genuinely surprised. “I thought he fell out his window... but if he was killed by one of us, it was likely Senica and he’s gone now. Don’t worry.”
“Good.” But I was still worried and would still keep my guard up. The only time my ring glowed was when he said no to being a blood drinker. Everything else he said so far must have been true, at least to his knowledge.
We started back inside. My memory drifted back to the vampire man who tackled me into the mud and how his strength so closely overcame my own. If my magic wasn’t burning his skin, he’d have bitten me, perhaps ripped out my throat. “Given that there are less than friendly vampires outside the wall, we need more protection enchantments so they can’t get in here.”
Kyan shook his head. “It would seem the ones existing have kept them at bay or they likely would be in here already.”
“If that’s the case, how did you and Senica get in if our wards protect against your kind?”
He tugged on the hem of his neckline and revealed a sun-shaped tattoo and surrounding it were seven symbols I didn’t recognize. “My daylight mark, and the symbols allow me to pass through wards that would otherwise keep me out.”
I studied his tattoos until he pulled his shirt back up. “Let’s hope that none of them figure out this magic.”
“Few know it and those that do are careful who they give these protections to.” He pulled open the door for me, and most of the breakfast hall had cleared out. All of my friends had left to either worship or play since there were no classes. “Senica didn’t start out a killer but he wasn’t the best human. I think the power, the strength of being what we are, got to his head.”
I didn’t have a chance to eat and I groaned at my usual table being cleared. My stomach rumbled quietly and if I didn’t hurry I’d have to sneak into the kitchen. A nearby door clicked shut and we both turned toward the noise. Zyacus stood off to the side with a plate of food in hand. He stared at me, a silent invitation to go to him.
“Since we’re being honest, I need to tell you something.” Kyan touched his hair nervously. “I took part of your memory so you wouldn’t know what I was. I am sorry.”
My cheeks flushed with anger. “How dare you.” I clenched my hands. “What memory?”
He recounted what happened with Senica and a young girl in the bathroom and I felt sick. He put me in more danger by doing that. “Is this magic or a vampire ability?”
“The ability to mess with memories is unique to me only. My gift.”
Raging inside and I wanted to strike him but I kept my hands at my sides. “Don’t ever do that again. I should have you thrown out for that. I can’t believe you did that to me.”
“I won’t, I promise. I’m sorry. Please don’t send me away or tell what I am.” His eyes fell to the floor.
I took in a deep breath. I wanted to send him away. I wanted him to be punished but a part of me knew he only did it because he was afraid. “I won’t this time.” Only because I didn’t want him to die. If the professors or Headmaster knew he was a vampire they’d probably kill him.
He lifted his gaze and smiled. “Thank you.” His attention went to Zyacus who was still waiting. “Not that it’s any of my business but is there something between you two? He always seems to be interrupting.” His onyx eyes slid to mine. “He’s protective of you. Which initially surprised me given that he’s your rival.”
At this point, I didn’t know what was between Zyacus and I or if I wanted to continue a friendship with Kyan. I enjoyed our time at the tournaments together but after he took my memories, and learning he was a vampire… to say I was wary was an understatement. Sure, he was fun and there was something about him that drew me, like a moth to a flame but I had a feeling it was the allure of what he was. And that scared me. Something a natural predator had to lure its victims.
Then there was Zyacus, years of bad bl
ood between us that was becoming something else, not exactly romance but that line was becoming hazy and my mother warned me to be careful with him. With anyone. I was a princess, every move I made would be judged. Every potential courtship would be subject to scrutiny and could send a message that would be received well or a potential disaster. People would expect me to marry someone from Delhoon, a magic-born warrior who’d proved himself worthy. And a princess wasn’t ever courted by someone who didn’t seek potential marriage even at my age, at least to the public eye.
In answer to his question about Zyacus, I shook my head. “We’ve known each other for a long time but there is nothing between us.”
Kyan’s eyes lowered to my hand. “It would seem your ring disagrees.”
Eyebrows drawing closer together, I brought my hand up and stared at the glow of the red jewel. I blushed furiously. “The prince of Hesstia and I are not romantically involved.” The glowing dimmed. Traitorous ring. “Anyway, I’m going to see what he wants. And I won’t tell the professors what you are or what you did to me but I’m not happy about it.”
I didn’t miss the subtle glare that formed on his face when he beheld the Hesstian Prince. “I don’t blame you. And thank you for keeping my secret. I hope you have a good rest of your day. Maybe we’ll see each other around.”
“Maybe. Goodbye, Kyan.” It felt like a final goodbye of our friendship.
∞∞∞
Zyacus motioned toward a table in the now empty dining hall and we sat across from one another. Pushing the plate he’d had in hand in front of me, he drawled, “You’re ever popular with the males at this academy, Princess but I thought we discussed you staying away from that one.”
“First off, I’m not popular with the males. Hardly any of them talk to me.” The plate of food in front of me was calling my name, and I debated on what to eat first. Ruled by my sweet tooth, I picked the pastry then I’d have some eggs. “And I was getting information on Senica. He’s gone now by the way.”
“They don’t talk to you because they’re scared. The Delhoon boys because you’re their princess and they don’t think they are worthy.” He smirked. “Most of them aren’t. And everyone else because they think you’d turn them down flat.” He chuckled. “I’m not sure why fangs has balls big enough to go for the Princess of Delhoon.”
“Well, he’s not.”
He lazily tapped his fingers in a quiet drumming motion. “Think what you like but I know how males are. Anyway, how can we trust his word? The word of a bloodthirsty beast.”
“When did this become a ‘we’ thing?” I bit into the frosted delight and savored it.
He let out a short ha and arched an eyebrow. “I distinctly remember you asking me to aid you in keeping your heart beating or is your memory a little foggy?”
There was not an ounce of fogginess to that moment. The moment our lips nearly touched. The moment everything could have changed for us. I didn’t even want to consider the complications that would arise if Zyacus and I ever were more than… whatever it was we were. Friends? I wasn’t sure. Allies seemed more like the right word. Both with a common goal to protect this academy and those in it.
I hid the smile pulling at my mouth by taking another bite. “I haven’t forgotten. And I suppose since this is a ‘we’ thing I should tell you what happened yesterday on our way back from Henalae.”
That typical arrogant, gorgeous half-smile he always seemed to have, faded bit by bit as I told about my encounter with the blood drinkers. Until it was apparent he was furious. Even his bright blue eyes seemed to darken like storm clouds. And for once he didn’t have anything to say. His jaw was clenched and he stared out the windows where I noticed black clouds forming. Odd.
“Why are you so angry?” I finally asked.
His eyes flicked to mine. “I think you’re right about that hunting party.” He pushed up from the table and stalked toward the exit.
I scrambled to my feet and jumped over the table to grab him before he could get away. “My grandparents specifically said not to tell anyone. Not even you so you can’t go gallivanting off to put together a hunting party.”
A sly smile. “Your parents will be informed so should mine.”
I released his shirt. “They will be but not by us.”
“Perhaps your parents don’t discuss the affairs within your kingdom with you but mine do.” His voice took on a regal tone I’d only heard him use a few times. “I will rule much sooner than you. My father is not magic-born; he will not live hundreds of years. I am training to be King of Hesstia now and a king would not sit back and let a threat like this fester.”
I let my anger simmer before I spoke. He was correct that my parents didn’t speak to me about Delhoon affairs unless it was necessary and that wasn’t often. Apparently his father trusted him more than mine. “I’m asking you to keep this quiet.”
“Like I asked you to keep Aric’s secret? He’s my best friend. My family.”
“I only told her when she thought he was a vampire and the former seemed like a better option.”
Zyacus locked eyes with me and stepped so close I could smell his wonderful scent. “I won’t say a word if you tell me what it is that you’re hiding about Aric.”
Heat slowly rose into my cheeks. The door flew open and several students clamored in. “Not here.”
Chapter 23
My heart felt like it might seize up or explode at the rapid pace it thundered at. I still debated on what to say, how to tell him. Debated on whether I trusted him enough to know my secret. Zyacus led me to his room and said to the boy in there, “Get out.”
He obeyed, keeping his eyes averted as he hurried. Zyacus waved a hand and a chair appeared, knocking me on the back of the legs so I fell into it. I let out a huff of air. “Some warning would have been nice.”
He ignored me and plopped onto his bed. Putting his hands behind his head he laid down like someone should be feeding him grapes and pouring wine into his mouth. How can his lying in bed even be pompous?
“Now about Aric. Keep in mind if I knew something about Legacy, how much would you want to know? You love her like I love my cousin.”
He had a point and I couldn’t believe I was about to reveal my curse of premonitions to the Prince of Hesstia. “Sometimes,” the word stumbled out of my mouth. “When my skin comes into contact with another. I get a vision.”
“Your gift,” he said.
“Yes.” I nodded. “But I call it a curse.”
His perfect calm broke. “Why?”
“I see how they will die.”
Eyes shooting wide, he sat up and leaned forward resting his forearms on his thighs. “You saw Aric’s death?”
“Sort of.”
Then he shook his head as if just realizing something. “Have you seen how I will die?”
“No,” I said softly, nearly breathless. “I only see a person’s death if it will be soon.”
His throat bobbed and he sat erect. “Aric will die soon then?”
I thought back to the vision; of what I knew. Small details, but nothing definitive. Nausea rose like a gust of wind in my gut. “Maybe. I don’t know.” I shot to my feet, and began to pace. “In the vision you were there, as was I. Aric was running from what I assumed were blood drinkers. They were just shadows in the trees and it looked like we were going to be fighting them. But you pulled me away before I could see more. I didn’t see Aric actually die. I almost thought I might be viewing my own death because I’ve never been in a premonition before. I thought he might be the one to kill me but I don’t think that now.”
Getting to his feet, Zyacus rubbed the back of his neck. “Damn.”
We stood in silence for a moment. I stared out the window and watched the rain pelt against the glass. A leaf stuck to it then inched down. Lightning tore across the black clouds in the distance. My memory slid back to the attack, to when Freya screamed while being torn into. To when I chopped the thing’s head off.
“
If we kill the filthy vampires outside the walls and get rid of any inside, it won’t happen right? We can change the outcome. Stop the attack.”
Tears welled in my eyes when I looked at him. “I’ve tried,” my voice wavered. “I’ve tried to stop it before and I’ve never been successful.”
Firm hands wrapped around my arms and he looked me in the face. “I will not sit by and allow this to happen.”
“Just me telling you could play a part in it. You don’t understand.” I wanted to fall into his chest and cry but I stood strong. Tried to hold myself together. “When Finnick was killed, he only turned his back because I called his name. I ensured his death. We can try to avoid Aric, try to kill the vampires, all three of us could go our separate ways, we could even shut the academy down and something would likely happen to bring us all together. I have never been wrong.”
His fingers loosened their grip. “So we do nothing?” He didn’t sound angry but astonished, sad even.
“Nothing” didn’t feel like an option. It never did but then I ended up sad and heartbroken. But I realized it wouldn’t matter if I ignored it or tried to change it, I would be heartbroken regardless. So I should at least try. “No. We increase the protective enchantments, we get more guards, we keep an eye on Aric and we… try.”
Slowly, he caressed my cheek with the back of his hand, wiping away the few tears that fell. “What it must be like for you… to see these things.” His voice was tender and raw like I’d never heard it. Filled with emotion. Those walls he always had up were crumbling, and with wet lashes I looked into his beautiful icy-blue eyes. His gaze dropped to my lips and I was barely breathing. I wanted to lean in and push away. I wanted to run, to hide, yet I wondered what his lips against mine would feel like. I wanted him and I wanted to get away from him all at once. The emotions were like two dragons in a vicious battle for dominance, and the one my logical mind screamed at was losing.
I looked away first and that made him step back, breaking the trance. Practically running, he bolted for the door and threw it open. “You should go.”
