Maddox took them to a courtyard containing a large fountain surrounded by several tropical plants such as palms and ficus. It seemed strange that they could grow in a fortress surrounded by snowy mountaintops, but there may have been magic at work keeping them alive.
Either way, she followed her vampire escort inside with eyes anywhere but on her feet, staring at the arches in the ceiling and the elaborate carvings inlaid with gold and precious gems like garnet. They sparkled in the light pouring in through the towering windows, as did the various crystal chandeliers.
It was impressive, and more elegant than she'd imagine a vampire fortress to be. The only thing missing were the residents, at least, aside from a handful of mortals working to keep the place tidy.
Maddox stopped one, a thin, young man who seemed surprised to learn who they were and what they wanted. But he didn't hesitate to deliver the message, and left them waiting in the vestibule for about twenty minutes before returning with directions to adjourn to the throne room.
Apparently, Mathias was waiting for them inside.
Hearing this, Isadora took a deep breath. Maybe it was the elaborate double doors giving off a stern impression, or the uncertainty of what was about to happen, but her worries strengthened with each step she took.
And the throne room was just as exalted as the rest of the palace.
With vast columns, crimson banners, and vaulted windows on the far wall, the authority was easy to sense. But instead of a single throne, there were five seats, each sitting upon differing levels around an upraised platform at the center of the room.
Currently, all were unoccupied save one, being the throne directly opposite the double doors at the highest level, and Isadora's gaze immediately locked on the male seated there.
It wasn't easy to take in details due to the blaring light from the large windows behind him, casting a shadow over his body. Additionally, his right hand covered the lower half of his face as his elbow rested upon the arm.
Still, he exuded an ominous air of power, and Isadora had to force herself not to take a step back.
Yet the urge to retreat almost seemed strange. At first glance, the vampire didn't differ from any other male she'd encountered. With bronzed skin, wavy black hair, and an average, if not costly suit, he shouldn't have seemed so imposing.
But her inability to sense his presence served as a potent reminder of what he was and how wise she'd be to watch her back.
Taking the stairs to stand upon the platform, Isadora also got the feeling Mathias' gaze was solely fixed upon her. The notion was even more unnerving than his silence and complete stillness—but she almost wished he'd remained that way once his daughter tried to introduce them.
“Mathias, I'm certain you remember Isadora—”
“Leave us.”
Though he spoke on a normal tone, the room's acoustics caused his voice to echo with authority, and Maddox didn't disobey.
With a respectful nod, she offered Isadora a reassuring glance, then turned to leave, heels clicking across the floor until the doors open and shut with a thud that somehow amplified Isadora's uncertainty. She'd never regret her decision to come to Sutrelle if it meant aiding her sisters, but hadn't expected to be left alone with this ancient vampire—and fear wasn't the reason for her reluctance.
Instead, there was something … intriguing about this male. He hadn't said more than two words, and she couldn't even sense a life force present in the room aside from the decorative plants. Yet she found him curious.
It was a strange sensation, one she couldn't ignore, even as he spoke, “It was a mistake for you to come here, fae.”
“Why? Do you intend to murder me?”
“No, I don't intend on murdering you, but you're a strong temptation.”
She exhaled low, knowing he was right. Vampires didn't kill fae out of malice—why would they? If anything, she'd wager they'd rather keep a fae alive as long as possible just to enjoy her blood.
So no, the biggest factor was a lack of control.
Still, there was no time to discuss the nuances of the trouble between vampires and fae, and she had no compunctions saying so.
“Mathias, I didn't come here for any other reason than to thank you for your help, and request information for a time sensitive situation.”
When he remained silent, she continued, “When you found me at Dalris' estate, I was under the control of another, someone I can only vaguely recall, and I'm not the only fae she's captured.”
Finally, he remarked, “I know, I saw your sister.”
“Yes, and there are more,” Isadora retorted. “We're not sure how many, but it's troubling either way, and I can't leave them in such a state. In fact, I was hoping you might come with us to help.”
Because Mathias had been motionless since her arrival, his response was unexpected.
In an instant, the vampire was standing before her, having risen from his throne to move down the stairs like lightning until his face was mere inches from hers with a cold snarl sounding in the back of his throat.
Isadora flinched at the swiftness of his movements alone, realizing that whatever color his eyes were normally, they were now glowing red, his large fangs sharp when he demanded, “Is this truly a face you could trust to help, fae?”
Without stepping back or looking away, she stared directly into those crimson eyes, knowing he was right to ask. But she certainly didn't appreciate his tone, or his aggression, and answered the vampire's question the only way she knew how—by giving as good as she'd gotten.
— EIGHT —
A firm palm cracked across Mathias' cheek.
Though the force of Isadora's slap wasn't enough to turn his head, it certainly stung, and he stared at the fae in wonder as she asserted boldly, “Don't play the intimidation game with me, vampire! There's no time for it! My sisters have been enslaved, and if you won't help, then just tell me so I can wrap this up and leave!”
Mathias held her gaze, trying to gather his thoughts well enough to form a coherent response, but it wasn't easy. Isn't her departure what I wanted?
Indeed, he'd only behaved so aggressively to scare the fae into leaving for good. Just being in her presence was trying, and not simply because of her scent, or her beauty.
She was also proving to be more fiery than expected—and dear gods, her eyes were a shade of sapphire the likes of which he'd never seen, like the ocean glittering under the sun.
Damn it all, there wasn't a single thing about this female that didn't tempt him beyond reason, making it almost impossible to remember his good intentions—or respond before a third party spoke without warning.
“I hope I'm not interrupting anything serious.”
Mathias was so enthralled by the fae that he nearly jerked at the comment. But he recognized Heliger's voice without looking back, supposing the magician teleported into the room just after Isadora's slap.
So he answered as casually as possible, “Not specifically. Isadora was just leaving.”
Voice a bit closer now, Heliger sounded intrigued in asking, “Isadora? A fae in Sutrelle?”
“Yes. She came to ask for help with a problem in Terra, but I've none to give.”
Isadora was now staring just above Mathias' left shoulder as if curiously impressed by the magician, and Mathias forced himself to back away while leashing his fangs.
In turn, Heliger inquired, “Why not? We could use the help of a fae in exchange for … what is it you seek, madame?”
Exhaling a deep breath as if too impatient to repeat herself, Isadora returned, “Basically, some of my sisters are under the control of a witch named Sylva Abbott, and I'm trying to find them so I can help them.”
During her explanation, Mathias cast a passing glance at Heliger, but his vision quickly returned upon spying the magician's visage. Though his composure remained casual, there was a look in his fiery eyes that couldn't quite be named. Surprise? Concern?
Whatever the case, it was obvious Isadora had
captured his full attention.
“Sylva Abbott?”
Nodding, the fae asked, “Why? Do you know her?”
Heliger cast a look at Mathias, then turned his face aside and replied, “I should say so. I was her mentor.”
At his admission, Isadora's gaze filled with shock, mirroring Mathias' own reaction. He hadn't known the magician ever took an apprentice—not that he'd asked.
Still, it was surprising to learn that the person in question was someone Heliger likely possessed a great deal of knowledge about, and the fae didn't hesitate to take several steps closer in asking, “You're Heliger?”
Somehow, her quick dismissal of Mathias had a spike of envy cutting through him unlike any he'd ever experienced. In turn, he balled his fists, but not out of anger.
Instead, the instinctive reaction annoyed him, and he tapped it down to allow their conversation to continue uninterrupted.
“I am,” he confirmed, adding on a somber tone, “and I'm not pleased to hear you say Sylva has returned. By chance, do you know how long she's been back?”
“No, and I barely remember her for that matter. She had me under her spell, so my memories are fuzzy, and it took a witch with a scrying crystal just to get her name. All I know for certain is that she wanted my help, and she sent me to steal a valuable, bladed staff.”
“Bladed staff?” Heliger inquired. “What staff?”
“I don't know, but it's one of the reasons I came to Sutrelle. The staff was found in a vampire lair, so we thought Mathias could tell us more about it.”
She finally looked in his direction, and though Mathias had paid little attention to the item her sister stole, Isadora's description told him everything he needed to know.
He'd visited Dalris' gallery several times, after all, and answered, “It's the Staff of Factions, an old, valuable piece in terms of monetary worth, but it has no real meaning other than symbolism. Terran vampires once used it in ceremonies to anoint their magisters.”
“Are you sure?” she inquired.
“Yes. I'm as certain its sole value is money as I am that you're wasting your time here. For each hour that goes by in Sutrelle, a day and eight hours pass in Terra. So you need to leave as soon as possible.”
“But—”
“Mathias,” Heliger started, interrupting the fae as he stepped in closer.
In turn, Mathias craned his head back to meet the magician's gaze as he supplied, “I don't know what she's asking of you specifically, but you have a chance to put a dent in the environmental troubles Sutrelle is experiencing that isn't likely to come again. So I might suggest you bargain for an exchange of favors in this situation.”
“What favor?”
At Isadora's question, the magician qualified, “You could reverse the drought, or at least return a bit of life to the crops for a time. I'm sure you've already sensed some of the problems here, anyway.”
She didn't hesitate to nod, though her analysis of the troubles in Sutrelle were more dire than Mathias would've guessed.
“I have, and it feels as if this realm is dying. I didn't see much on the way to the Citadel, but I could feel it, and the land is just … lifeless.”
The words came out on a grim tone, suggesting she cared even though she'd never visited this realm before, and Heliger was quick to propose, “Then, once Mathias has offered assistance, perhaps you'd be willing to return and cultivate it for us.”
“Yes, of course,” she answered without pause. “My sisters' lives are on the line, and I'd do anything to save them!”
Despite realizing the proposal made a great deal of sense—a once in a lifetime chance, in fact—Mathias wanted to glare at Heliger for suggesting it. Damn it all, he was trying to distance himself from this fae, not work with her to save Sutrelle from devastation.
Still, just as Isadora would do anything for her sisters, he'd do anything in his power to ensure Sutrelle's survival. After the war, The Five vowed to protect the realm, and that protection wasn't limited to the effort of keeping invaders from finding it and taking over.
After all, if things deteriorated in the manner Isadora suggested, they'd have no realm to protect, leaving his hands tied.
Yet he got the sense Isadora wasn't thrilled to request his help from the start, particularly when her blue eyes locked on him in asking, “So … do we have a deal?”
Mathias didn't bother hiding his frustration by exhaling a low sigh. Like it or not, he'd have to contend with the temptation this fae presented just a bit longer, and tried his best to prepare for it in giving his answer.
“Yes, we have a deal.”
— NINE —
For better or worse, Isadora had just made a deal with a vampire.
Not that the terms were disagreeable. She was happy to provide help to a dying realm, though it was questionable how much she alone could do, at least as far as making a lasting difference was concerned. One fae couldn't change the course of a world, and though cultivating the land wouldn't be difficult, the moment she left, things would likely revert to its current state.
Instead, Sutrelle would need all types of fae looking after it, and it was doubtful she could convince any to visit a world of vampires, much less stay permanently.
Then again, there were alternatives, and if Mathias helped save her sisters, he wouldn't be the only person she'd need to repay.
If not for Aislinn's intuition, she never would've followed Maddox to a vampire realm where Heliger resided—and when the magician announced his intentions of traveling with them, she knew the witch's intuition was spot on.
But though the news delighted her—they needed all the help they could get—Mathias seemed surprised, giving the mage a questioning look in asking, “You're going? After vowing never to return to Terra?”
“If I recall correctly, I said I would return for a single reason. I simply never stated that reason was my former apprentice.”
With that said, Heliger waved a hand in Isadora's direction and went on, “In a way, it's my fault her sisters are under Sylva's control. I don't know how she exerted such influence, particularly over the mind of a fae. But Sylva was always determined, and I have a personal responsibility to help correct these problems.”
As he spoke, Isadora had the keenest urge to ask what he knew of the methods used to bring Sylva back from the start. But the time differences between Sutrelle and Terra made it a better idea to discuss the matter after returning to the mortal realm.
Mathias didn't seem inclined to wait either, returning his attention to Isadora to ask, “Do you have any idea where Sylva has taken your sisters?”
Pursing her lips, she admitted, “Not precisely, but I remember traveling on a truck through the desert, and I was in Egypt when I was taken captive. So my best guess is … somewhere in the Sahara.”
She knew just how vague that was. Saying they were located somewhere in the Sahara was like saying somewhere in North America. It was too large an area to easily search, and Mathias' reaction wasn't unexpected.
“Well that's specific,” the vampire muttered, casting his gaze at Heliger. “I believe a few supplies are in order, including a key to Sutrelle just in case the search goes awry.”
With a nod, the magician remarked, “I'll return momentarily.”
At that, he teleported away to collect the items mentioned, leaving Isadora alone with Mathias once again. It was no different than Maddox's departure at her sire's command, but now, she had nothing to discuss with the ancient vampire, eliciting a sensation that could only be described as … awkward.
Before today, she'd never been alone with a vampire, and couldn't help wondering how to conduct herself in this one's presence. Considering his age, shooting the breeze probably wasn't on his list of favorite things—and she didn't like him enough to make the prospect seem appealing from the start.
However, she did have a question, and asked if only to break the awkward silence.
“Mathias, why did you save my life?”
It was amusing that human movies painted vampires out to be pale, deathly beings considering the one standing before her had bronzed skin as if sunbathing was a favorite pastime. The deep tone made his clear, silver eyes seem luminous, like two tiny mirrors, offering his handsome visage a mysterious touch.
Actually, he was rather appealing—a surprising thought. Isadora had always found the opposite sex curious, and met several men she'd describe as handsome, while others seemed more or less average. But never once had they seemed appealing, and it made her wonder.
What was so different about this one? Could it be a specific feature, or a result of those features combined? He was taller by at least a foot, with a powerful build she should've found intimidating if only because of what he was.
And yet, she didn't fear him.
In fact, the way he regarded her had a peculiar sensation rising from the pit of her stomach and into her chest. It wasn't unpleasant, but it was unfamiliar, and she couldn't find the words to describe it.
Regardless, his gaze shouldn't have warranted such a reaction, a notion that made her realize she'd been staring—and he still hadn't answered her question.
So she snapped herself out of her curious stupor with a groan, muttering “Fine, don't say a word. Just keep pretending to be a statue, and who knows, if you do it long enough, someone might just stand you in the corner and—”
“Why did you allow my daughter to bring you here?”
His sudden question caught her off guard, the words taking a moment to sink in—and she almost answered without qualm. After all, he had every reason to wonder why a fae would come to a place where vampires flourished.
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