by Sela Croft
“But she’s here now,” I said. “Why be concerned?” I had a hunch what the king was going to say, yet wanted to hear it for myself.
“Why?” Alban’s face distorted with anger. “I’ll tell you why. I must break my son’s spirit, then I’ll easily overpower him. The way to do that…is to take Mirela.”
My heart fell. “You haven’t done so, even though she arrived some time ago.”
“I would have.” Alban spun to look at me. “She was held behind a force field, and I was unable to get my hands on her.”
“That was Silvain’s handiwork,” I said. “Maybe you should go after him and leave Mirela alone.”
“Not a chance,” Alban said. “I intend to wipe out Silvain and his Dark Fighters, right after I handle my son and his forces. He did me a favor, although unintentionally. He had Mirela abducted and brought her into the realm.”
“I thought you didn’t want her here?”
“I want her…just not alive.” Alban’s red eyes glowed. “I will take her, and then I’ll kill her…slowly. She deserves to be tortured for fueling my son’s vendetta against me.”
“But you’ll have to get past Draven to get to her,” I said. “Which brings us back to the original discussion, your problem with winning the war.”
“I don’t have a problem with anything.” Alban leaned toward me, and for a second it appeared we were going to go at it—my magic against his.
Tension ramped up between us. Behind the king’s blazing eyes, I perceived the flicker of insanity.
“I demand that you bring Mirela to me!” Alban roared.
I met his stare, seeing that he was serious. The king had commanded me to do his bidding. I was to enter the castle city as a friend and leave with Mirela in my company. Then bring her to the king’s palace and deliver her into his hands.
Alban glared at me, waiting for my agreement. I stared back, fully realizing that if I balked, I could expect him to act—and it wouldn’t be pleasant. The thought of Mirela, captive in the black palace, and at the mercy of the king, made my stomach turn. He waited…for affirmation that I would comply.
Chapter 9 – Mirela
The talk with Selene had affected me. I’d memorized the prophecy long ago and, despite my mother’s discouragement, hadn’t forgotten it. It seemed that my life had a purpose, and that motivation had led me to Lumea.
Calina had been talking about Nicolai, but my thoughts had drifted. “Do you agree with what Selene said?”
“There is no doubt that you are the woman destined to be with Draven.”
“But that’s romance, and could be nothing more,” I said. “How long has Draven known about the prophecy?”
“It seems like always,” Calina said. “He recited it when we were very young. Of course, our father wouldn’t allow him to speak of it—but that didn’t destroy his faith that he’d find you.”
“Is it true that he searched for centuries?”
“Yes, I witnessed it,” Calina said. “No other woman could turn his head; he has no room in his heart. It was only the woman with the lyrical name, the one in the prophecy, that he wanted. And that woman was you.”
“But when he found me, how could he be so sure I was that woman?”
Calina smiled. “Do you have any doubt that Draven is your soul mate?”
“How could I? He’s the only one for me.”
“Then you’ve answered your question,” Calina said. “Some things…you just know.”
“If it is true, and destiny calls,” I said, “then I cannot be passive. Selene was right: I must embrace my role in the outcome of the war and the future of this kingdom. Yet…”
Calina raised her brows. “You have doubts?”
“Since the moment I met Draven, life spun out of control,” I said. “If destiny is guiding me, then she certainly has a confusing way of showing it.”
Calina laughed. “So true. But remember, it’s up to each of us to guide our path.”
I didn’t have a chance to ask her more, because Nicolai entered. He strode to Calina and lifted her in his arms. He swung her around, making her giggle. I found him charming, so had no trouble understanding how Calina had fallen for him.
In my interactions with him, I’d discovered that he had a good sense of humor and was clever. He was a unique-looking vampire with slate-gray eyes and long hair that dusted his shoulders. Calina had told me that he was descended from royalty of another coven. But he’d sworn allegiance to Draven.
That was another reason to make things right in this realm: to ensure freedom for future generations. Nicolai’s career had inherent dangers. Yet he didn’t turn away. He’d sworn to preserve the kingdom, so he could have a family with Calina and others could raise children in safety.
“Oh, Mirela, I didn’t see you standing there.” Nicolai released his fiancée and grinned. “This lovely lady captures my eye, making me blind to all else.”
Calina laughed then took his hand.
“It’s good to see you, Nicolai. I’ll not interrupt your time together.” I smiled at the loving couple and thought of Draven. He’d had some matters to attend to but should return shortly. “Please don’t linger on my behalf.”
“We needn’t linger at all,” Calina said, then looked toward the doorway.
I turned to see Draven. He’d been discussing battle strategy; I could tell from his serious look. I was getting to know him better and better. My heart swelled with pride. He was an admirable leader, and so very strong.
His broad shoulders filled out his jacket, and his powerful build made me swoon. He’d recently trimmed his hair to a shorter, more practical style—in preparation for battle. It made him even more handsome. I went to him and wrapped my arms around his waist.
“We’ll take our leave,” Nicolai said, then swept Calina from the room.
Draven smelled like the outdoors. I could tell that he’d been drilling with his troops. The fragrance of earth and sweat made me dizzy with desire. He was all male, and a formidable vampire at that. I refused to be the type of female to be coddled and protected. I vowed that my strength would rise to match his, and that I’d be a worthy partner.
I took Draven’s hand, and we sat on the sofa. It was enough to be in his presence, but I was aware that I was surviving on borrowed time. The war took precedence over all else.
Draven took the opportunity to fill me in on the briefings, and on the army’s strategy—what he thought I could understand of it. It was right that he included me. I’d made it clear that I wanted to play an active role.
It seemed that the Dark Fighters were attempting to break through and overrun the coastal region. Troops had been placed along that border, and there were ongoing skirmishes. The dark ones hadn’t backed off but were being held at bay.
It was the royals that were of immediate concern. Alban seemed more committed to victory, in as short a time as possible. He’d ramped up his efforts, calling on many avenues of attack. He was forceful, but also a brilliant commander. He’d had centuries to perfect the skill.
When there was a lull in the conversation, Draven looked into my eyes. I saw admiration and love. He leaned over and kissed me, searing me with a passion we couldn’t fully express right then. “I am on my way to the battle line. The royals have begun to encroach on our region.”
Draven took my hands. “I would leave you in my sister’s care, but she will be with Nicolai until he leaves for his next mission.”
“I am going with you.” There was no way that I was going to stay within the city walls while Draven went off to war. We’d been separated too many times.
“Are you sure that you’re up to it?” Draven said. “It’s war, and dangers abound.”
“I am going.”
“All right, I’ll see to the preparations,” Draven said. “We must feed before we leave. Once in the field, we’ll stay behind the line, which should be safe enough. I won’t have you in the middle of a battle.”
I didn’t argue. I�
�d won my battle already. Draven had agreed to take me with him. I was up to the task. I pushed aside any nervousness and put on a brave face. Draven had said that I was his strength, and that was exactly what I intended to be.
After dressing for battle, Draven took me to his comrades and the army faction that would accompany us. I’d also changed into battle garb. I couldn’t very well appear at the battlefield in a lacy dress and slippers. The horses were saddled, and we prepared to leave.
Quin organized the troops, while Jon checked the weapons. Spence discussed the route with Draven.
It was all very exciting, and my heart pounded. Yet I tried to appear calm. I was no longer on the sidelines. If I was to have a hand in destiny, this was a good time to start. I’d see battles up close and get a better sense of the war.
The gates opened, then we were on our way. I witnessed Draven in battle mode, a side of him that I hadn’t seen before.
“Have you done anything like this before?” Spence said.
“Gone to war?” I shook my head. “I’ve been through my share of trauma, as you know. But I haven’t intentionally headed for battle. It’s quite a heady feeling.” I didn’t want to sound like a woman, but it was the truth. Possibly, the men took battle in stride, but it was all new to me.
“It’s important to stay behind the battle line,” Spence said. “If there is fighting to be done, the troops will take care of it. I warn you, it’s treacherous out there.”
“I’m aware of that.”
“Alban is a formidable opponent,” Spence said. “It isn’t only his Royal Army, but so many others he’s inducted into his service.”
“I don’t understand why he has so much support.”
“Take a look at history,” Spence said. “Might is right, if you wish to view it that way. If a ruler can muster enough force, most won’t fight against him. And in Alban’s case, he’s pushed that to the limit.”
“But you still think he can be defeated?”
Spence rolled a shoulder. “It’s not for me to question. I’m loyal to the Guardians, so will give my all to ensure victory. But to achieve that we must fight more than the king’s army.”
“What do you mean?”
“Death mongers lurk everywhere,” Spence said. “The king employs vampires of wide variety to do his bidding. They spy throughout the kingdom. His advance scouts infiltrate our region, fighting guerilla warfare and creating havoc wherever they can.”
I listened, hungry for insight into the war.
“And while the royals are an insidious threat, as difficult to stamp out as a plague,” Spence said, “the dark ones continue their efforts to break through our line.”
I saw Draven up ahead, talking to Quin, so I was glad for the conversation—as well as the information.
Then Jon rode up beside me. “What fairy tales are you telling her?” he said to Spence.
Spence laughed. “More like horror stories.”
“Word has come that the battles aren’t too far off,” Jon said. “I’ll give you plenty of warning,” he said to me. “Just stay behind us, and you should be fine.”
I looked in the distance, and far away, peaks rose high into the sky. It was the first time I’d seen the mountainous region. The craggy peaks were like spears into the clouds, and the tops were covered with ice and snow. It reminded me of winter scenes back home, with a major difference.
The mountains rose to a dark sky, lit only by the stars and moon, and never to feel the warmth of the sun. The ice must be frozen solid. The peaks were narrowly carved into spire shapes. They looked more like spears to impale any intruders than mountaintops that were traversable.
I stared at the king’s domain, wondering at his choice of location. It was an ideal place for a castle, as it would be easy to defend. Not many could climb to the top, and even so, would be seen before they arrived. I had a sense that the ice of the scene matched the coldness of Alban’s heart.
Draven dropped back to check on me. “Are my comrades entertaining you?”
“Very much so.” I smiled.
“We don’t intend to walk right into the middle of a battle,” Draven said. “We’re here on reconnaissance and so my army can see me, know that I am with them.”
“But I will see fighting?”
“It should only be from a distance,” Draven said. “I’ll hang back with you, well behind our forces. It will be safer.”
“I didn’t know the purpose of war was to be safe,” I said.
“It can be,” Draven said. “There is a time for fighting and a time for staying back from the action. Strategy involves being clever, not just bold.”
Up ahead, I heard shouting and loud bangs. Although I couldn’t see the battle, it was near enough to hear. The war was very real. The noise of battle was alarming, much more than I’d thought it would be.
Draven and I dropped a bit farther back. It was clear that he did so to protect me, not wanting me too near the action. I didn’t wish to argue, as I was hardly prepared to walk into a full-out battle scene. All my thoughts of strength and bravery seemed to evaporate.
The route was steeper, and we hadn’t even reached the mountains yet. The royals protected that region anyway, so wouldn’t let us get that close. The battles raged far beyond the base of the mountain range. Our army escort was up ahead.
Draven rode by my side, while his comrades went ahead. Rocky hillsides lined our route, and the area was thick with trees. When the path narrowed, I ducked under a low-hanging branch, urging my horse to follow Draven’s.
A large boulder loomed, so Draven went around it. Before I could follow, I sensed the presence of others—but it was a second too late.
The attack came without warning. A swarm of vampires swept me into their midst, and one placed a hand over my mouth to prevent me from screaming. I had the eerie feeling that they saw me as quite a prize. My vampire abilities surged. I was fast and strong, but quickly realized that tactics were just as important.
The enemy had lain in wait, then seized the opportunity. But I wasn’t going to make it easy on them. It was possible that my attacker didn’t realize that I wasn’t a frail human, so I had some element of surprise of my own. I gripped his arm and squeezed with all my might.
My strength served me well, as the vampire released me. But two others leapt forward. I levitated high above them, evading their attack. It occurred to me to create a hailstorm and pound them out of existence. Yet the stress of battle had rendered me unable to work my magic.
Before I could move, to swiftly fly to Draven, a fierce vampire levitated and caught me in midair. I had the abilities of the race, but then, so did my enemy. He had his arm around my waist—and was about to dig his sharp fangs into my throat—when his arm fell from his body.
Draven was there, holding a bloody sword in his hand. I lowered to the ground and watched as Draven pounded his fist into the vampire’s chest and ripped out his heart. The other vampires moved to attack him, and I stared into his glowing eyes.
My love was a terror unleashed. With a deep growl, he grabbed a vampire in each hand then broke their necks. As they dropped to the ground, another stabbed a knife at Draven’s heart. He evaded the thrust then held up his palms.
Bright white light, in the shape of a two-pronged fork, lasered forth, severing the other vampire’s head from his body. Blood spewed, but Draven was not done. He drew his sword and flew at another attacker, faster than my eyes could follow.
One vampire lost his head, then another. Draven was vicious and focused. He lifted his palms toward the last of the group. I yelled, “Wait!” So unexpected was my shout that he stopped for a flicker of a second. The vampire in his sights appeared stunned.
The crazed look in Draven’s eyes told me that he might not stop until any living thing in sight was dead. The bloodlust evidenced that he was his father’s son.
I looked into Draven’s eyes, and our gazes locked. I spoke to him in a firm yet tender voice. “It’s okay now. I’m
safe.”
The other vampire hesitated, unwilling to face such a beast.
Draven looked at me and seemed to respond to my voice. “We should keep one alive to gain information.” I paused a beat. “He can be interrogated.”
At that moment, Spence and Jon came around the boulder. They surveyed the bloodbath. “I see you’ve taken care of things,” Jon said. “We didn’t see you, so came back to make sure you were okay.”
“We’re taking a prisoner,” Draven said. “Secure him.”
“I’m unharmed,” I said to Draven to further calm him.
“It’s the king.” Draven’s eyes blazed like blue-hot fire. “He sends death’s minions to kill. And…you were nearly the victim.”
I stared at him, realizing the depth of his hatred for his father. That I could have been killed magnified the seething rage against death’s march. His brutal killing would have been unstoppable; his blind rage and lust for blood unleashed with ferocity. Had I not been there to calm him, who could have?
In this situation, Draven had protected me, and had killed in the heat of battle. Yet I’d witnessed his craving for it, a side of him that I hadn’t seen before. He was a soldier. But would that rage always be guided toward good? For all the right reasons, he could become the image of his father, a product of the evil running in his veins.
He might do all the wrong things for the right reasons. And in a flash, I saw my purpose. He’d responded to me, listened to me. I was his softer side, his kinder half. His strength and power were indispensable. I just had to ensure that tolerance and compassion weren’t obliterated.
Draven wrapped me in his arms. I could feel his heart pounding in his chest. “The king will pay for this. You were terrorized and could have been killed. The grip of death reached out…” He looked into my eyes. “Death nearly stole you from me.”
I put my palm on his cheek. “But it didn’t. You protected me, just as you promised. I still live and breathe.” I kissed his lips. “I’m grateful you fought for me.” I took a breath. “I am safe.”