Tempting Destiny

by Sela Croft

  The blood slaves were men and women of all ages, even children, whose blood was a delicacy. Feeding on a donor under a certain age was carefully supervised. The idea wasn’t to kill the humans, after all. They were permitted to recuperate between shifts, so their blood would be rich and nourishing next time.

  For Draven, the process was natural. It had been so long since he’d known any other that he didn’t give it a second thought. I watched him enter a free cubicle, where a middle-aged woman kneeled before him and offered her wrist.

  The scent of blood wafted around me, urging me along. I found a strong male not far up the row. He seemed proficient in his role, so when I sat down, he offered both wrists, letting me choose. Suddenly, I was ravenous. The recent exertion combined with the smell of human blood fueled my thirst.

  I peeled back my lips and my fangs extended. Gripping the man’s wrist, I punctured his vein and took big gulps of blood. The aroma of heated blood assaulted my senses, and the taste of the life-giving fluid made me a bit crazed.

  I sucked at his wrist, reeling from the sensation of the blood pouring down my throat. The inflow made me a little dizzy, and I lost track of all but the feeding. Then my mouth was on the man’s throat, my fangs deep into his vein. I drank heavily from his neck, delirious with need.

  There was no environment, no others, only the blood. I couldn’t stop if I wanted to, such was my craving. The lust for blood went beyond addiction. It was like breathing the air; it was that involuntary. As the warm liquid flowed over my tongue and down my throat, I began to feel satisfied.

  I leaned back, taking care not to look into the man’s eyes. I wiped blood from my lips and stood to leave. Shame consumed me. What had I become?

  As a vampire, I had needs, and there wasn’t anything to prevent me from satisfying them. Starved, I would be forced to act. But it would be thoughtless and savage. Nature compelled me to drink from humans. That urge, in another setting, could be harmful even deadly.

  I drank as all vampires did, violating humans and taking from them. How was I any different from the others? Couldn’t the evil rise within me and overpower all goodness? I’d filled my veins with Draven’s blood, the same ancient blood he’d drunk from his father.

  It struck me with horror that I didn’t know my potential. I was part sorceress but just as much a vampire. Whatever the race was accused of, I was capable of too. The thought impacted me as much as my other recent discoveries. I would need to be careful not to overstep my boundaries.

  I exited to find Draven waiting for me. He’d fed well, as he appeared robust and vibrant. When he looked at me, I glanced away, not proud of what I’d done or what I’d do again. I stepped into the hallway and saw a soldier racing toward us.

  “Sir…you’re needed immediately.” The soldier nodded at me, then continued, “The water has been poisoned; soldiers have been killed.”

  Draven took my hand. We levitated to leave in a rush, then hurried to the army medic. He was tending to several soldiers. “It’s bad, sir,” he said. “I’m doing all I can.”

  Soldiers, strong vampires one and all, lay groaning on the beds. It was agonizing to watch, and I was helpless to assist. “What’s wrong with them?”

  “Poison,” the doctor said. “The water they carried on mission was polluted. Only…it was intentional.”

  “Tell me what you know,” Draven said.

  “The soldiers who rescued them told me that the Dark Fighters polluted the water with a poison that incapacitates them. It cannot kill, as vampires are immune, except it did make them ill,” the doctor said. “Then the enemy takes the opportunity to decapitate the victim while he is down.”

  “Guerilla warfare,” Draven said. “That’s Silvain’s style. I’ll meet with my men. We’ll have to screen all water before drinking, even the supplies we carry with us.”

  Draven waved at Spence who jogged over. “I need to attend to urgent matters. Please escort Mirela back to the castle.” Then he turned to me. “I’ll be a while. Stay inside the castle until I return.”

  Spence nodded, then guided me toward the castle steps. I didn’t need a guard but was careful not to say so. Draven’s comrade took his assignment seriously, so I allowed him to be my escort. At the door, I thanked him.

  “I’ll go directly inside,” I said. “I must change and refresh. My maid will see to my needs.”

  Spence watched until I went inside and the doors closed. I turned to make my way to the stairs and the sanctity of my bedroom. Kerrie would be available, so would see to making me presentable. Although my attention remained with Draven and the issues with his soldiers.

  Still distracted, I walked down the long hallway. I was lost in my thoughts, wishing there was more I could do to assist the soldiers. There were a couple of vampire guards approaching, but I didn’t look up until I nearly ran into them.

  I’d seen them before, as recently as last evening. The one with the blond hair and silver eyes was Olek. Not long ago, he’d been posted inside the castle. And the short, stocky one worked with him. His name was Stephan. I wasn’t in the habit of socializing with guards.

  But I knew most of them by name, in case I might need assistance. And for politeness. But these two had looked at me a bit too closely in earlier encounters and made me uncomfortable.

  The previous evening, Draven had been with me, so I hadn’t even looked up. But now I was alone, so their ogling was unnerving. I should have felt reassured at their presence instead of unsettled.

  As I approached, the guards slowed. I recognized the looks in their eyes, as I’d seen such before—even when I was a human woman. I’d been told that I was beautiful, so was glad for Draven to think so. Yet in other circumstances, that attractiveness had been a detriment.

  The lecherous looks made my skin crawl, and I remembered the feeling of helplessness—of fearing that I might be violated. As a human, with no powers at all, I could have easily been vulnerable. I’d quickly learned to be careful, to steel myself not to encourage unwelcome attentions.

  I was not helpless in the face of these vampires. It was true that they were bigger and fiercer, but I was not without defense. I possessed skills of my own, so wasn’t as afraid as I would have been before. It surprised me that they didn’t turn away.

  After all, Draven would not tolerate rude behavior, or worse, any physical harassment. Yet the two kept walking toward me. As a woman, I was Draven’s other half, his strength, as he’d referred to me. Yet the very attributes I so lovingly shared were a weakness as well.

  The intent of the guards wasn’t lost on me, the way each viewed me, scanning me from head to toe, then smirking with approval. And if they were to pursue their desire, I was a potential victim. One of my greatest hopes was to have a child with Draven. Yet abuse at another’s hands could render me in such a state against my will.

  All of this, and the plight of women in general, crossed my mind in an instant. Yet I continued down the hall with my head held high. I’d been intimidated many times in my life by the likes of them and had no intention of being their plaything.

  The guards stopped in front of me, and I stared at them. I didn’t need to be a mind reader to understand what they were thinking. Their expressions gave it away. Yet the idea that I might fall prey to their charms, on the heels of such mocking, was ludicrous.

  “You’ll need to step aside,” I said.

  Olek leered at me, his silver eyes darkening. “We need to ensure that you are all right, ma’am.”

  “Where is Draven?” Stephan said.

  “That is none of your concern,” I said without flinching. “I have somewhere to be, so if you’ll kindly move out of my way…”

  Yet the two remained where they were, like roadblocks. Anxiety rose within me, and I feared a confrontation. It was poor judgment on their part, as Draven wouldn’t let an assault go unpunished.

  But Draven wasn’t there to defend me, and nor did I need him to. When Olek reached for my arm, then yanked me closer,
I made my decision. He leaned close, his breath in my face. “You are a pretty one,” he said. “Would you care to have a little fun?”

  I was outnumbered two to one, plus the vampires were larger than I, and soldiers at that. It was possible that I could overcome them anyway, as Draven had been schooling me in my vampire strengths. But I went with a different approach, one that the two would have no defense against.

  I looked into the guard’s silver eyes. “I can read minds, you know.” Then I looked at his brown-eyed companion. “I am aware of what is in your heart.”

  The two stared at me, and their lips thinned into tight smiles.

  “You think I’m bluffing,” I said. “I do not belong to you, and what you desire is traitorous.”

  Still they looked at me, unblinking.

  “I forgive you.” That seemed to throw them off. “I have powers beyond your knowledge, and I could destroy you.” I narrowed my eyes. “I will give you this one chance. You may leave this castle and this city. Wherever you go, make it far…and do not ever come back.”

  I took a breath. “If you do this, I won’t report your disobedience to Draven until you are well away. But your life is worth nothing if you return.”

  The vampires leaned back, just slightly, with curious expressions. It was obvious that they weren’t certain if I could carry out my threat. And how in the world could I, a frail woman, destroy them?

  “Listen well,” I said. “I will call upon the gods to strike you down.”

  With that warning, I lifted my hands. I hadn’t tried to work my magic through stone walls before, yet I prayed that I’d gained enough power to do so. With a wave of my hands, thunder erupted outside. Its volume was so loud, the air so violent, that the castle walls seemed to shake.

  Then lightning burst through the windows and seared the curtains. The first bolts were followed by others, until it seemed as if the heavens had opened up and released their wrath upon us all. Then heavy rain poured down, flooding the hallway.

  It had all happened so quickly, and unexpectedly, that the guards stood mute, their feet frozen to the floor.

  “I warn you. The next bolts will go through your chest. Now…be off with you!”

  The guards ran down the hall with vampire speed and vanished out the door.

  I smiled. “And don’t come back.”

  The hallway was a mess, but that could be fixed. I walked to the stairs and took them up to my room, looking forward to seeing Kerrie. A friendly face would be welcomed.

  I entered my room and rang the bell. Kerrie appeared without delay. “Can you notify the staff that the hall window is broken? The floors will need some cleanup.”

  Kerrie nodded. “Of course. I’ll see to it immediately.”

  “And come right back,” I said. “I’m in need of company and require your assistance to change into something…dry.”

  I took a deep breath. That was close. But I had managed to avert disaster. It was possible that I should have handled it differently, fought the guards or escaped to get help.

  Yet I found the outcome satisfactory. It gave me confidence that I could do my part, even though I wasn’t all muscle and brawn like the males of the species.

  Kerrie returned promptly. “What happened?” she said. “You’re all wet.”

  I laughed. “I got caught in some weather.”

  “Let me help you change.” Kerrie was concerned about me, and it occurred to me that I hadn’t asked much about her.

  I hadn’t lost my human connection. Jason, my guide through the rainforest, held a place in my heart. And I hadn’t forgotten Lily, and fully intended to rescue her when I could. Even my friend from home, Lana, was human. I cared, so hoped that any improvement in my condition would also benefit them.

  Ending the war should improve things for everyone. As Kerrie assisted me to get out of the wet clothes, I chatted with her. “Where are you from? Do you have family here?”

  Kerrie was willing to talk about herself and her life. She had a husband and two daughters. Each had a role within the castle city. She didn’t seem unhappy, which intrigued me.

  “If you could change your status in life, would you?” I said, looking at her.

  “I am fortunate,” Kerrie said. “In the castle city, humans are not abused as they are elsewhere. If one was unlucky enough to be in Silvain’s employ, or worse, the king’s, then there would be cause for complaint.”

  “An interesting attitude,” I said. “That pleases me. So, you don’t mind serving Draven?”

  “We are in his employ, so I don’t object,” Kerrie said. “I was born in Lumea and don’t know anything different. It’s my home.” She paused. “But for the rest, those who are treated only as slaves, to be misused and abused on a whim…that is a condition that should be remedied.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Kerrie smiled. “I’m sure you will. You have a good heart, ma’am.”

  CHAPTER 48 – MIRELA

  I had just gotten dressed when there was a knock at the door. It was a message from Draven. He was delayed, so I should stay with Calina until he returned. “She should be easy to find,” I said to Kerrie. “She has her favorite places when she’s at the castle. And I can check in the library, in case she’s working.”

  “Calina spends a lot of time at the castle. With Nicolai away, I can understand why.”

  I looked at Kerrie, sure that she knew much more of what went on in the castle than I did. Maids heard things, as many spoke without considering their presence. It was something to remember.

  “I’m much more comfortable now,” I said, brushing my hands over the wool skirt.

  “That rose-colored dress goes well with your eyes,” Kerrie said. “We’ll have to find more like that.”

  “Yes, I would like that. Well, I’ll leave you to your tasks,” I said then left to find Calina.

  The main ballroom was upstairs, on the other side of the building. I was drawn to it, remembering the wonderful time I’d had with Draven and his proposal. I’d cherish the memory, just as I was sure he would. In no rush to get to Calina, I detoured to spend a few quiet moments in the ballroom.

  The room was as I remembered, with expansive polished floors and rich rugs. Only it was empty now, with no food trays on the long tables, and no servants hovering to attend to my needs. It was very quiet, which I found pleasant.

  So much of my life was tumultuous, and a few moments of peace were welcomed. The crystal chandeliers shone in the pale moonlight from the windows. In the corner, I could almost imagine the violinists playing romantic songs.

  I looked at my engagement ring, then turned my hand to watch it sparkle. Draven’s extra effort in having it crafted for me touched my heart. The feel of his arms around me lingered, as if he was still with me. And I recalled his expression as he’d asked me to marry him.

  “Draven…my love.” I walked over to windows to look out. The ocean shimmered under the starlight, and the distant cliffs looked like jagged sculptures. The moon was vibrant, the upheaval in the kingdom not affecting it at all. Staring at its luminous beauty, I calmed down and found serenity within.

  I thought of what Kerrie had said, and I understood it. I’d been a guest at Silvain’s castle and witnessed the treatment of the staff. The atrocities had been kept from me, but I’d observed the anxiousness and fear. Iris had supervised, and the others had trembled with the knowledge of what the dark leader would do if they annoyed him.

  I hadn’t been to the king’s palace but could imagine what that would be like. It would be a horror to be human and serve in the royal court. Alban’s threat would hang over the person’s head, with pain and torture a breath away. And the king would be all too willing to dish out suffering.

  It wasn’t right, although it had been the way for centuries. Who was I to think that I could change things? Yet in a kingdom where I ruled by Draven’s side, changes could be made. His goal in overthrowing his father’s regime was for that very purpose. He suppor
ted life, not death, in opposition to the current monarchy. Surely, victory would mean a better existence for the humans, as well as the rest of us.

  The weather had been nice, other than my micro-storm, which had only drenched one part of the castle. I opened the glass-paneled doors to step onto the balcony. A breeze wafted by, so I breathed deeply. The fragrance of the flower garden below perfumed the air.

  Then I sensed an unfamiliar presence. I would recognize Draven or Calina, but it was neither. Possibly, a servant had entered, intent on some chore. Yet the arrival wasn’t human. I’d long had the ability to perceive supernaturals before I saw them.

  I turned to scan the ballroom for motion. Leaning against the railing, I peered into the room, but could not see anyone. That was odd, so I took a step closer. Still there was no motion, and the room was quiet.

  Yet I didn’t turn away, because I was certain that someone was in the room. An eerie feeling settled over me. “Hello?” I said, and my voice echoed within the vast interior. But I heard no reply.

  A bit spooked, I went into the ballroom to look around. It was empty, but I felt watched. After my unwelcome encounter with the guards, not long before, I prepared to defend myself. As a warning, I reached up and, with a wave of my hands, intended for thunder to erupt.

  But it didn’t. Panic gripped me. For some reason, my powers were blocked. As a test, I tried to levitate, but that didn’t work either. Whatever wished to attack me could have its way, because I had no means of defense.

  Alarmed, I moved toward the door, thinking it best to find Calina. But I stopped before going three steps. Mist clouded my view of the room and blocked my way to the exit. I didn’t understand the meaning and wished that I hadn’t lingered in the empty room.

  I felt suddenly weak and realized that my vampire strength had left me. What could do that to me? I hadn’t known that it was possible. Barely breathing, I struggled for a quick solution, but none came to mind.

  The mist began to take shape, and I watched in awe. One feature at a time, two males appeared in front of me. One looked like an eighteen-year old with brown, wavy hair. He was handsome, like a movie star. I stared into the depths of his eyes and had a fleeting sense of understanding the universe.