by Sela Croft
The girl approached, brushing her hands over the lacy apron she wore. “My name is Lily,” she said. “I’ll be your personal maid.”
It seemed I needed a tour guide more than a maid. “Do you know who I am?” I asked.
Lily nodded. “Yes, you are our honored guest…Mirela Godwin.”
“Interesting…” The fact that she already knew my name meant that she likely knew more about me than I’d prefer. “What else do you know about me?”
“I’m only a servant, so I’m not told much.” Lily rolled her shoulder. “But you must be important, because I’m under instructions to make sure that you are satisfied with our hospitality.”
“You should realize that I haven’t been told much either.” I smiled at Lily, hoping to befriend her. “If you could tell me where I am, it would be very helpful.”
Lily perched on the edge of a nearby sofa. “I understand that this is all new to you. This castle belongs to our master. You are in the kingdom of Lumea, a realm under the Crimson Sea.”
I cleared my throat. “Uh, I haven’t heard of the Crimson Sea, yet I’ve studied geography.”
“Of course you wouldn’t have,” Lily said. “Our kingdom is not in your human realm.”
I supposed that was obvious, but it was good to have it confirmed. “Can you tell me about the kingdom and what part of it we are in?”
“I’d be pleased to,” Lily said. “The kingdom of Lumea is beautiful. You’ll see when you go out that it has dense forests, high mountains, seas, and rivers. It’s similar in many ways to where you lived…from what I’ve been told.”
It was reassuring to hear of familiar terrain. But it was a bit premature to feel at home.
“There are a couple of significant differences,” Lily said. “It is eternally dark outside, but there are stars and a moon to light the landscape. And the atmosphere is unique. It’s able to keep us safe from the sea that surrounds the kingdom.”
“I suppose it must.”
“Oh, and there is a lot of magic here.” Lily took a breath. “I guess when you come down to it, Lumea is quite different from the aboveground realm.”
“Yes…quite.”
“Shall I help you dress?” Lily stood. “You must be hungry, and the cook does make delicious meals…suitable for humans.”
I followed her to a huge dressing room, filled to the brim with dresses, hats, shoes, and other items. “The kingdom of Lumea must be quite large,” I said. “What sector is this castle in?”
“It’s called the rainforest.” Lily chose a garment and began to assist me. I stepped into the floor-length dress made of green velvet, trimmed in gold. “This estate is at the northern border of the forest.”
“What other areas are there?” Since Lily was helpful, I intended to learn as much as I could.
“Too many to describe. I’m sure you’ll be allowed to see a map.” Lily laced the front of my dress. “There are coastal areas and mountain regions, plus river communities.”
“After I dine, I’d like to go out and see more of the area.” I slipped my feet into some slippers. “I adore nature, and it would be so invigorating to walk through the forest.”
Lily shook her head. “I’m sorry, ma’am. That won’t be possible. It’s for your own safety.” She stepped back to have a look. “The estate is surrounded by an invisible barrier. Unless proper authority is given, no one can enter or depart.”
“I can’t leave?”
“That isn’t allowed,” Lily said. “Our kingdom is beautiful, but…it is filled with dangers.”
“I see.” That explained a few things. “Who is in charge?”
Lily guided me out of the dressing room. “That will be explained to you by Iris. I’ll escort you to the dining room, if you please. She will meet you there.”
The castle was expansive and had been designed in Gothic-style architecture. Lily guided me down long, wide hallways. My slippers hardly made a sound on the stone floor. While walking, I gazed at the pointed arches lining the long halls and the large expanses of glass. I longed to look out the windows to see what else was around, but that would have to wait.
Activity could be heard in various quarters, but I was unable to see what was going on. At last, I reached the dining room, which was quite large. Lily nodded at a tall, middle-aged woman. She wore a dress, similar to mine, with laces crossing the front, but hers was a pale blue.
Lily curtsied. “I’ve brought Mirela to you.”
“Thank you. I’ll take it from here.” The woman’s dark blond hair was in thick braids that were coiled around her head. I looked into her brown eyes to determine if she was friend or foe.
“I’m Iris, the steward in charge of castle affairs.” She gave me a nod then motioned toward a long wooden dining table. “Please be seated.”
A servant appeared and pulled out a chair, so I sat down. The table had been set, and there were bowls of fruit, muffins, and other treats. Two other servants strode over carrying trays of food, with fragrant aromas.
Hunger gnawed at my stomach. It seemed the change of environment and unsettling circumstances hadn’t affected my appetite. Politely, I waited for Iris to take a seat. She took the chair at the head of the table, adjacent to me.
I was astutely aware of the humans around me. I sensed the emotions of the servants and had a sense of Iris that went beyond the observable. It seemed my heightened sensitivity had returned. Possibly, for as long as I was in a kingdom inhabited by supernaturals, the ability would stay with me.
Although I’d only met humans, I was certain the others were about. I seemed able to perceive any supernatural presence before seeing any evidence of such. As confirmation, two guards entered the room, just after I’d felt such a premonition.
In contrast with the humans I’d met, the guards did not appear friendly. I recognized the glowing eyes, so realized the two were vampires. The uniforms were solid black, and swords with ivory handles hung at their sides.
“Don’t be concerned about them,” Iris said. “The guards are here to ensure your protection.”
I shuddered under the watchful eyes, doubting that protection was their sole purpose. Yet I didn’t want to offend my hostess, so I kept my mouth shut.
I sipped the juice from my glass, then began eating. Iris had carved a bite of ham and was scooping a forkful of eggs. Despite the regal setting, the tone of the meeting was informal. I enjoyed the meal, noting that the food tasted especially good.
Halfway through my breakfast, I looked over at Iris. “I trust that you will answer some questions for me.”
“I’ll try to.”
“First of all, can you explain how I got here?”
Iris dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “There isn’t much to describe. The entry to this realm is immediate with no travel involved, as you might have guessed.” She took a sip of tea, seeming in no rush to divulge more. “Lumea is accessible during moon tide, right after a full moon.”
I listened, hoping to learn something important—like how to return home.
“The enforcers were sent to retrieve you,” Iris said. “The clawed women have no political loyalties but can be hired for particular jobs.”
“So they were sent to get me?”
“Precisely,” Iris said. “Only those who know how to enter Lumea can cross the border. Once you were in hand, the women brought you here. The transition into our realm is instantaneous.”
“I suppose that’s why I can’t recall the journey.”
“You wouldn’t, because at the point of entry, humans go unconscious.” Iris pushed her plate aside. “I trust you found your bed comfortable.”
“I couldn’t say either way.” It was all very disturbing. “I woke up in a strange room, but I don’t recall the sleeping part.”
“No doubt you were in a deep sleep,” Iris said. “And you were out for a full day.”
Not only was I missing memories of the travel, I was missing time. “Anything could have happened while I was sl
umbering,” I said. “I find that alarming.”
“You were in excellent hands, I assure you.”
“Well, I know how I got here, but not why I was kidnapped.”
Iris smiled. “Ah, yes, I was getting to that.” She took a breath. “You are an honored guest of Silvain, the commander of the Dark Fighters.”
“I’m not sure that I like the sound of that.”
Iris went on to explain what Silvain’s fighters stood for, and what they hoped to achieve. I’d been trusting, so far. But when she relayed his plan to take over the kingdom, it revealed his greed and lust for power.
I listened with rapt attention while Iris educated me. It seemed that Lumea had been at war for centuries. The different vampire factions had vied for control, and the battles continued. Presently, the Dark Fighters smelled victory, if Iris could be believed.
“Silvain’s troops want to defeat the royal army and overthrow the king?” I was beginning to understand.
“If only it was that straightforward.” Iris frowned. “The Guardians of the Immortals stand in the way of the Dark Fighters, as well as the Royal Army, so must be dealt with.”
“Why would they oppose the other factions?”
Iris thought for a moment, as if considering how to phrase her answer. “Death is a part of life,” she said. “To fight against it, or worse, to support immortality defies tradition.”
I didn’t care a whit about tradition, but what she said intrigued me. “Vampires are immortal, correct?”
“Yes, very true.” Iris clasped her hands together. “But the Guardians wish to extend the privilege.”
My eyes widened. “To humans?”
“To any deemed deserving,” Iris said. “Which would destroy everything. It would end our world as it’s been for centuries.”
I wasn’t sure that I understood the immortality issue. But I saw that the war involved conflict between those adhering to the old ways and those wanting change. “Which side are the Dark Fighters on…the Royal Army or the Guardians?”
“Silvain sides with neither. His faction intends to take control of the kingdom, and I daresay he will do a better job than King Alban has.”
It was all too new for me to form an opinion about the dispute. “What does all that have to do with me?”
Iris smiled. “You are very valuable, my dear.” She studied me for a moment. “It seems that the leader of the Guardians is smitten with you.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Who is the leader?”
“Draven Petrovic is their commander,” Iris said. “And he is apparently fond of you. Which makes you important.”
My pulse raced at the mention of Draven’s name. I was in his realm, and this woman knew him. I would be able to find him, at last. “I’m a pawn in your kingdom’s war?”
“There is no need to view it in such a negative way,” Iris said. “Draven may have charmed you, but I’m sure once you get to know us, you’ll see things our way. Or…we hope you will.”
I was speechless.
“I trust you have no complaints about your treatment here,” Iris said. “You can count on a comfortable stay.” She pushed her chair back. “It’s hoped that, once you assess matters, you will choose to be our ally.”
There was no chance that I’d side with Draven’s enemies. But it was best to bide my time and see what else I could discover. “Even if I agreed to ally with your cause, what possible use could I be?”
Iris stood and looked down at me. “That’s not for me to say. But if Draven was enamored with you, then you must be quite a treasure.”
Her answer didn’t explain matters. But it was clear that Silvain’s intention was to use me against Draven. If I wouldn’t aid them willingly, I had no doubt the dark leader had other ways to gain my compliance. The conditions at the castle weren’t as welcoming anymore.
It occurred to me that Silvain might intend to hold me for ransom—with the price Draven’s surrender. Just as horrifying was the prospect that the dark leader might attempt to coerce me into joining him and expect me to betray my true love.
I’d crossed into Draven’s realm, as I’d desired. Yet I’d arrived in the middle of a war and was, unexpectedly, involved in the conflict. I’d only sought to love Draven, to be with him. Yet it was abundantly clear that wasn’t going to be a simple task.
Chapter 4 – Mirela
When Iris stood up, it signified that breakfast was over—and the discussion, as well. She turned and left the room. A seven-foot-tall vampire guard escorted me out of the dining room. He didn’t appear chatty, but there was no one else to speak to.
“I’d like to visit the gardens,” I said, trying to sound casual.
The escort didn’t reply, but he turned down a corridor, and I followed. After a bit of a walk, he opened a massive door for me, and I stepped onto a veranda. The behemoth nodded, so I descended the steps. The property was surrounded by greenery, and the air smelled fresh.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Nature had a way of making me feel better. All around were precisely trimmed hedges, shrubs in decorative shapes, and colorful flowers. I’d been hauled into a foreign realm, but the gardens felt familiar.
There was no attempt to restrict my motion, which was a relief. I already felt like a bird in a cage. Having permission to stroll the grounds provided a sense of freedom, limited though it was. An enormous moon hung overhead, and myriad stars twinkled against a navy-blue sky.
The scenery was illuminated, despite the lack of sunshine. I marveled that the plants grew as well as they did. I walked along the paths, stopping to smell the flowers, or touch the leaves of the shrubs. My outdoor tour succeeded in calming my nerves.
Wherever I went, eyes followed me. Guards were posted along the route and at the perimeter in the distance. There was no chance of wandering off unnoticed. Lily had made it clear that departing the estate was forbidden.
There seemed to be a magical barrier encircling the property in a translucent bubble. If she hadn’t mentioned the restricted access, I might not have noticed. But when I looked at the sky, the twinkle of the stars was ever so slightly distorted—as if I was viewing through imperfect glass.
The effect was barely perceptible, so I guessed that my blossoming powers allowed me to see it. That was encouraging, as it might mean that other abilities would follow. I walked for a while, then sat on a wooden bench near the rose garden.
The moon above was soothing, and its radiance seeped into my bones—similar to sunshine. I missed Washington and its deep green forests with sun dappling through the leaves, but I didn’t have the luxury of wallowing in homesickness. And nor did I dwell on missing my loved ones.
There were more important things to focus on. If I’d had the opportunity, I’d have asked Iris more questions. I’d been ecstatic to hear her mention Draven. She spoke of him as a worthy opponent, and thus very much alive.
I’d clung to that hope, but what Iris had told me was reassuring. It seemed that Draven posed a threat to the Dark Fighters. That had been music to my ears, as it meant he lived and breathed. Yet that didn’t reveal who had captured him. I’d witnessed the enforcers scoop him off a cliff, so someone had hired them.
But who? And where was Draven now? Was he safe?
I supposed that safe was a relative term. From the little I’d learned, Lumea was not safe at all. I longed to know if Draven remained in captivity and how he fared. There would be other chances to ask questions, so I hoped to learn more.
Unsettled, I rose from my seat to resume my walk. I wasn’t ready to return indoors, uncertain about what I’d have to face next. A lush green arbor beckoned, so I went that way. Since I’d woken up in the castle, I’d sensed inner strength that I hadn’t previously possessed.
It was tempting to test it out. I gazed at the few clouds drifting in front of the stars. I lifted my hand, and the clouds ceased moving along their path. I waved to the left, and the clouds slowly moved back, in the opposite direction.
&n
bsp; I hadn’t lost my ability to control the weather. I wished to do more but dared not. It was too early to reveal my powers. It was best to allow my hosts to think of me as a vulnerable human. I’d rather that they remained unaware of my potential.
An additional ability had emerged. I’d noticed when I was around Lily or Iris that I picked up on things they thought but didn’t say. It was a new talent, one I’d have to hone. But it could come in handy. I’d be able to glean more from conversations.
Draven had exhibited the ability to visit in my dreams. He’d been telepathic, to the degree that he’d been able to communicate with me. His visits had ceased, but I wondered if I might develop a similar skill—yet maybe that was reaching too far.
It was wise not to be greedy. The better approach was to cherish my newfound powers and nurture my skills. I resolved to make the most of what I had. Not everyone was talented in the same ways, so not every person was graced with the same powers.
In addition to my specific abilities, I was generally stronger. The strength seemed to come from the inside out. It was mental and physical, as though I’d taken some high-potency vitamins. I rather liked the feeling and looked forward to putting it to good use.
It was enough that I wasn’t tired, despite transporting into another realm. And that I wasn’t mentally fatigued, even though unanswered questions nagged at me, and Draven’s avowed enemies held me captive. I was still very human, and my would-be opponents were large, as well as armed.
The moon gleamed, and I was tempted to try other weather tricks. Yet I thought better of it. Anything too dramatic would attract attention. That was something to avoid. I turned to head back to the castle, then spotted a man across the lawn.
He appeared to be human, so I walked over. “Hello.” I offered to shake his hand.
The man was tall, so I had to look up at him. He had deep brown eyes and dark hair. By the look of him, he was in his mid-thirties. The bit of scruff he sported gave him a very masculine appearance. His shoulders were broad, and his arms were well muscled.