by Aneesa Price
Sylvain noticed the wonder and quiet acquiescence, then continued, “We’re magickal, completely magickal. Our magick is neither dark nor light, it just is. It is the oldest, purest form of magick that ever was and ever will be. We’re also a very secretive bunch, having learnt before the time of witches, wizards or any other supernatural creature, that it served our continued existence better. We have no desire for human or supernatural politics, living much more harmonious on our own. So, we’re insular and selfish. Our focus is our magick and preserving it.”
A sliver of sarcasm crept into Sylvain’s voice during the latter part of his speech but disappeared quickly and Anais wasn’t sure if she’d imagined it. “I appreciate your honesty, Sylvain,” Anais stated solemnly. “On behalf of everyone here, I can assure you that we’ll honor your trust in us. We know what it is like to be different and to live in secret, especially today in the world of Google, YouTube and social networking. I don’t think any of us want a flash mob on our doorsteps. Thank you for your confidence in us.”
“I had no doubt that I could trust you all.” Sylvain inclined his head in her direction. “We live in fae hollows or villages, always in the middle of natural landscapes like forests, hills. The purity of it matches our magick and suits our preference for isolation from non-fae. The fae can fight, though, and we have enough warriors to assist you. So, having said that, I propose that we all move to the fae hollow tomorrow.” At the raised brows, he offered further clarity. “It is here, in the bayou and has actually been here for millennia. It is one of the most protected places on earth, all fae hollows are. As Prince, I am able to invite you to it. On top of being safe, it is also one of the most magickal places on earth. That will give Anais and Conall the additional boost required to remotely heal so many of those captive girls.”
“I second that,” approved Conall. “There’s a possibility – slight but still enough to make me want to be cautious – with your witch powers coming to the fore and being honed, that you might be an ideal picking for Akeldonna’s ‘premium brand products’.” Conall used his fingers to indicate the air quotes, sarcasm etched all over the movement.
“You have a point,” responded Anais. “We not only have witch blood but vampire too. Think of Yves’ reaction to the cannibal blood,” she looked at her sisters. “If I had to think like the psychopath that Akeldonna is, I would imagine that she’d love to harvest our blood and would label it an ultra-premium brand.”
The idea of it had bile collecting in the base of Conall’s throat. He automatically came to her side, his arm grasping her around the waist. Anais leaned into him, glad for the comfort.
“That’s not going to happen,” Conall vowed.
“Merci, I have no doubt in your protection, nor yours,” Anais looked at the rest of the men, respecting their inclination towards being heavy on the testosterone, “but I would feel better if you taught us how to fight too!”
“We have weapons, space and the freedom of safety to practice that in the hollow,” stated Sylvain.
“Merci, Sylvain. Offering us the use of your home is something that the Vampires of Papillion will not forget.” Anais felt hopeful by the resources they offered.
“Screw Vampires of Papillion!” Marie’s voice echoed off the walls, startling them.
“What the hell are you on about now, Marie?” asked V.
“If we’re going to kick-ass, then we need a kick-ass name,” Marie explained. “We’ve always joked that we were the ‘coffin girls’, well, we are the frikkin’ coffin girls. I say, we take that name and kick some vampire butt back to the frikkin’ earth – ashes to ashes and all that.”
“Charming,” came V’s sardonic response. “We’re not superheroes.”
“Actually, I like it,” responded Anais. “The Papillion Plantation to the humans, the Vampires of Papillion to the vampire community and Coffin Girls to us.” Anais waved a hand over the group to include them all. When the men scowled, she laughed, “Not you – you’re special on your own. But my sisters and I – we’re the Coffin Girls – I like it. It’s cheeky and to echo Marie, it kicks ass!”
Visibly shuddering, Miss Suzette voiced their support. “Y’all can call yourselves whatever you like – I’m still stuck on the premium brand ‘organic products’ Anais spoke of. So, let’s get packing and going.”
“No, not yet,” interjected Conall. “It is too risky at night. We can do it in the morning and reinforce our wards tonight to keep us safe.”
“It’s a risk either way,” stated Raulf. “Let me call my pack. I can have thirty wolves here in no time. You won’t find better protection in the bayou. The pack knows it like no other and the vampires won’t be sending out an army, so that should be more than enough protection.”
Chapter 19
Thanks to their supernatural speed, they were gathered in the hallway and spilling out onto the gallery moments later, ready for the trek to the hollow. Sylvain had taken one look at the bags and had sent them all back. “You won’t need any of that at the hollow, ladies. We have everything you need and what we don’t have, we’ll get. That includes your designer boots, Anais.”
“You’re serious?” Anais drew the line at wardrobe. Well, there were a couple of other things but wardrobe was the critical one right now. When Sylvain nodded, she looked aghast at the other women, avoiding the smirks the guys were sporting. If she saw what she felt coming from them, she’d be tempted to wipe it off their faces, and not in a friendly manner.
“He’s serious,” confirmed V, lips drawn tight so Anais wouldn’t see them twitch.
“But what’s the problem?” Anais asked dumbfounded. It’s not like y’all need to carry it. We’ll just put it in the back of the SUV and take it along. I’m happy, you’re happy and the clothes are happy.”
The guys burst out laughing at that. Anais glared at Conall, who looked darn good with his eyes twinkling and cheeks showing of dimples - not that that made a flippin’ difference when it came him poking fun at her clothes!
Conall saw the look but couldn’t stop laughing, clutching at his stomach. He’d found one of her weaknesses and it was as ridiculous as it was adorable.
“The clothes are happy?” he mumbled in between guffaws.
“Yes,” Anais bit out, pissed off. It was her eyes that stopped the mirth; red and angry.
“Note to Conall,” piped Rose, “don’t get between Anais and her clothing.”
“Noted,” said Conall, trying hard to come across as contrite. He went over to his pissed off lover and kissed her gently. “Sorry, I’m a guy and a moron, so I don’t get the clothes thing. But, love, we’re walking to the portal, not driving and Sylvain really can get you anything you want – he can replicate the whole wardrobe you have packed here.”
“Already done,” stated Sylvain, also sporting a grin. “I’ve reproduced your suitcases and their contents and they’ll be waiting for you at the hollow.”
“Least you can do after making me the butt of your joke,” Anais announced regally and trounced down the steps. She spotted Raulf, grinning broadly, his pack behind him in human form.
“Wipe that smirk off your face, Raulf or I’ll feed you to the gators,” Anais threatened.
Conall caught up with Raulf who was appreciating a pissed off derriere. After nudging Raulf in the ribs and getting a quick apology, he commented, “I can’t believe she’s that angry about the clothes. She’s gorgeous when she’s angry but that’s one quirky obsession.”
“It’s not just the clothes - although she is fanatical - it was a trick to get us to take the cars,” Raulf pointed in the direction of the garages. “She never walks in the bayou. Never.” At Conall’s look of confusion, he explained, “she’s scared of any wildlife – snakes, rats, gators, frogs – anything little boys like. If there’s a spider in the house, she won’t go into it, no matter how small. She likes the plantation for its beauty and quiet but it is full of modern conveniences. You won’t find her anywhere outside of the built up parts of it.”
“Fascinating,” was the only reply Conall could scrimmage, earning him a sly grin from Raulf.
“Yep, it will be fascinating to watch Anais walk off in a het and stop just short of the ends of the gardens.” Raulf looked ahead at Anais, her sisters closing in on her.
On cue, a shriek from Anais brought Conall to her side in record time. “What’s wrong?” he asked, grabbing her.
“Snakes,” Anais replied, “rattle-snakes. I can hear them.”
Conall sent out his psychic feelers and found the reptiles but they were yards away. He was about to tell her that when he felt Sophie probe his mind. He opened the link.
“She’s not just acting like a girl,” Sophie stated. “There’s a real reason why she’s so scared. When you get a chance, when you’re alone, ask her how she was turned.”
Conall sent a mental thanks back and then turned a near hysterical Anais into the fold of his arms, consoling her with kisses and promises of protection. It earned him Sophie’s mental congratulations for giving her friend what she needed and a slightly calmer Anais. After that he stayed close to Anais, ignoring the pain when she gripped his hand, nearly breaking it with her vampire strength as she started at the sound of a bald eagle’s cry, piercing the night or the rustle of leaves as a scared mammal scurried away from its predator.
“I’m saying this because we no longer have to trek through the swamp but also because this is one of the most fascinating sights I’ve ever beheld,” Anais said in awe when they reached the portal, letting go of Conall’s hand. She reached out and ran her fingers through the sparkling, filmy substance. One moment they were walking through the swamp, carefully treading over tree limbs and slippery patches where dark water met dark earth, and the next, Sylvain, who led the group, stopped and chanted something in the faerie language and the portal appeared. It was a fantastical beacon of light amidst the darkness of the bayou.
“I know,” agreed Conall, lacing his hands through hers as it swept through the portal entrance. The substance didn’t feel like anything – just the same as the air around them but it looked like pure magick and pulled at you like a drug to a junkie. “I’ve been here before and to others like these but the beauty of the fae magick never ceases to amaze me. Now, love, if you find this fascinating, you’ll find many more wonders behind it. Are you ready to get out of the swamp?” He linked his hand with hers again and at her, “Hell, yes,” response, pulled them through the portal.
“Mon Dieu!” was all Anais could say when she beheld the fae hollow. “I can’t believe we’re still in Louisiana!” It was an alternate reality – picturesque, colorful and serene. “It’s like Disneyland but real. Different homes, different worlds all combined into one space yet working well together.” There were homes made of wood with charming window-boxes boasting colorful petunias, sun-yellow daffodils and smiling pansies. Modern mansions surrounded by landscaped concrete sculptures and every other type of physical environment, architecture and lifestyle you could imagine amalgamated harmoniously despite their differences. Anais even spotted an honest-to-goodness farm with ranch house and quintessential barn in the distance. Between the personalized fae homes, were what she assumed patches of the real fae environment, where oversized, multi-coloured flowers blooming, adorned with glistening dew drops as they flashed and swayed in the non-existent breeze on a bed of emerald green grass. The fauna was just as amazing. White stags, bunnies and all things children loved and dreamed of roamed freely. Anais saw butterflies in hues of jewel tones and pastels she’d never seen. A singular unicorn, pure, white and glistening, silently regarded her. Pixies - little gossamer-winged creatures - fluttered amongst the garden beds collecting pollen and petals into their shoulder bags. She followed one pixie as it flew over the sparkling blue streams that she swore ran to the tune of music.
“Mon Dieu!” Anais exclaimed again. “This must be what paradise looks like.”
Conall just grinned, appreciating her wonder, remembering his own reaction when he’d first visited Sylvain in his natural surroundings. “This is just the beginning. Let’s go join the others.”
Sophie approached Anais when they reached the others. “Anais, look up!” she exclaimed excitedly.
“Is that…?” Anais pointed skywards, eloquence abandoning her.
Conall smiled at both of them. “Yes, that would be a Griffin and Draig Goch, having a bit of friendly sparring.”
“What’s Draig Goch?” asked Rose coming up to them.
“Red Dragon,” answered Conall, “the fae hollows and my home are few places where you can expect to encounter such magickal creatures. They’re not mystical. They’re just gun-shy – literally. Let’s gather around Sylvain. He looks like he’s about to get us acquainted with the rest of the hollow’s residents.”
Sylvain was speaking to a member of the fae, who’d approached him, bowing and stating the appropriate platitudes. The man was tall and beautiful, like everything else in this surreal realm – and by the gleam in the eyes of her fellow Coffin Girls, they’d noticed it too. Anais caught Conall’s frown at their ogling and pressed her lips together to prevent the self-satisfied smile from slipping out. Sylvain turned to them, indicating the group of waiting fae.
“My honored guests,” Sylvain began loudly. The authority in his voice carried over the whole of the hollow stopping the bustling fae as they made their way through the main street of the hollow; others opened windows to peak out or leaned over balconies. “As Sylvain, Prince of Fae, we welcome you to our New Orleans hollow. My loyal subjects, behold our friends and allies on the Goddess’s quest.” Sylvain swept a royal arm over them. “They are the vampires of New Orleans, the bayou wolf pack and esteemed alpha and of course, our old friends, His Royal Highness, Prince Conall of the witches and Niul. Let us show them that the fae hospitality is unrivaled and treat them as befitting for my guests.” Sylvain addressed them directly, nodding towards the fae guy they’d been giving the twice over earlier, “This is my head butler, Ailfried. He’ll arrange for you to be shown to your rooms. If there’s anything you require, please ask him. I suggest you freshen up and then we’ll reconvene in the dining hall for a late dinner. Until then, please excuse me, I must speak to my warriors.”
They all made the right responses to a Sylvain that they were seeing in a completely new light and followed the fae to their rooms.
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“So what do you think of your first fae dinner?” Conall asked, pushing Anais gently down into a chair in their room.
“Unbelievable,” replied Anais, lying back into the chair as he took her leg, one by one, gently running his hands down their length before removing her sandals. Rouge noir - red black – painted toes stood out against the white of his hands.
“And so is that - unbelievable,” Anais commented, moaning in pleasure as he massaged her feet. “Who would’ve thought that even fae-replicated designer shoes still made your feet hurt. You’d think they’d magick that away for you.”
“There’s always plenty of magick here but even that has its limitations,” stated Conall.
“You’re telling me,” Anais grumbled. “But it was an amazing experience. I kinda feel guilty that we’re here in this beautiful room that looks like it belongs in a five star hotel and that we had this culinary feast while those girls are still trapped and being tortured.”
“Life is hard, Anais,” Conall stated solemnly, “we have to take our pleasures as and when we get them. They’re the bits that will get us through the challenges we have yet to face.”
“Yes, you’re right,” Anais acquiesced, “and the thought of that helps ease the guilt.” She shrugged the guilt away, focused on the feel of his fingers on her soles and changed the subject. “The fae hollow is a wondrously strange but beautiful place and I’m glad for both the assistance and hospitality. In fact, the girls and I were thinking of stealing some ideas for future events – sans magick of course, but with special effects, lighting and a bit of imagination we could
recreate some of it. Do you think Sylvain would mind?”
“Not at all,” replied Conall, “you’ll be putting on an event, a show – recreating what others will think of as fantasy. As long as no one finds out it’s based on reality, he’ll have no problem with it.”
“Dinner did seem surreal, though. Beautiful men and women, abundance of delicious food – some that I can’t pronounce and frankly I don’t think we have the ingredients to make it and such a beautiful setting, brimming with magick.”
“Aye, that it is,” Conall loved the shine her eyes took on as she recollected the night’s events. He’d become a bit jaded over the centuries and it was refreshing to see things through her eyes. “And if you like this so much, it gives me hope that you’ll be impressed by my home too.”
“Is that so, Your Royal Highness?” Anais teased.
“I was wondering when that’ll come up,” Conall commented. “I’m not one for formality but it was necessary for Sylvain to make a fuss as the fae can be a stuffy bunch.”
“But Sylvain’s not and neither are you,” observed Anais. “That’s one of the things I like about you both.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Conall stated.
“So,” Anais prodded, “what’s your home like? Is it a castle?”
“I’m not telling you,” Conall teased. “I want to see your surprise and reaction without any coloring from me beforehand.” Her resultant pout drew a laugh from him. “It’s nice to see you relax some and have fun. The girls seemed to have fun too. They needed it after all they’ve been through lately,” Conall commented. “And the wolves seemed to fit right in.”
“You forget, cher,” Anais teased, “you’re in New Orleans, if there’s anything we know how to do, it’s how to fit in and have a blast!”
“Good to see your wolf. No,” corrected Conall, “I’ve noticed that he’s not your wolf anymore. Good to see Raulf relax too.”
Anais pondered that statement. “It’s good to see the bromance between the two of you two,” she observed ignoring Conall’s scowl of embarrassment. For the mercy he was showing her feet, he deserved a break from her teasing. “Raulf did seem taken with a certain faery. And she with him. I’m glad about that. He needs to get out there, have fun, date and then settle down.”