by G. K. DeRosa
“Okay guys, you know the rules,” said Brennan as he held up the blindfolds.
“Ugh,” Celeste grunted as she turned around and held her hair up.
***
“Yes, everything’s been arranged,” said Dante over the phone. He was in the middle of the Council’s chamber in the dark, walking in circles as he spoke.
“Good, I’ve taken care of everything on my end,” said the voice on the other end of the line.
“I don’t like this G.P., not one bit. I don’t trust him.”
“I’ve already told you that you have nothing to worry about. I’m the one calling the shots over here and he knows it. He’ll do exactly as we’ve discussed,” the man confirmed.
“And what if he doesn’t?” asked Dante, peering nervously out the window into the Astor town square. It was well past midnight, and there wasn’t a soul on the streets.
“He knows better than to double cross us.”
“I’m not worried about us. Celeste’s safety is my primary concern,” said Dante.
“She’ll be fine. Believe me, I don’t want anything to happen to her either. That girl is the key to my family’s future.” And with that, the line went dead.
***
“I still can’t believe we’re doing this,” said Celeste. She, Roman, and Nico stood in the middle of Stellan’s living room with large duffel bags lined up beside them.
“Me either,” said Marco, “and worst of all, without me!”
A pleased grin crossed Roman’s face, and Celeste elbowed him in the stomach. “Don’t gloat,” she whispered.
“What? Can’t I be happy I get to go to one of the most romantic cities in the world with my girlfriend?” asked Roman standing behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. Celeste giggled as his breath tickled her ear.
“Hey, this isn’t a romantic getaway,” said Nico.
“Oh don’t I know it, or else you certainly wouldn’t be coming with us,” said Roman with a smirk as he playfully ruffled his brother’s hair.
Nico batted him away and the two scuffled around for a bit until Stellan appeared on the staircase.
“I’ve decided to come with you,” he announced as he looked disapprovingly at the brothers.
“I can keep them in line,” said Celeste.
“No, it’s not because of them, although sometimes I do wonder about those two,” he said with a roll of his eyes. “I’d like to see Lilliana. There are a few matters I need to discuss with her.”
“Like what?” asked Roman, his eyes widening.
“It’s personal.” Stellan descended the rest of the stairs without commenting further as his small suitcase appeared next to the three in line by the door.
“So does Alek even know we’re coming?” asked Celeste.
“Dante made it seem like he would,” said Marco.
“I spoke to Mother yesterday,” said Nico, “so she definitely knows.”
“I guess we better get going then,” said Celeste, walking toward her blue duffel bag. She stopped and turned back to Marco, catching a look of longing in his dark eyes.
“Be careful,” he said as he took a step toward her.
“Of course. And don’t forget, I’m counting on you to keep an eye on things here while I’m gone.”
“Yes, sir,” he said with a salute. “Don’t worry, I’m heading to Astor for my first guard shift in a few hours and I already talked to Brennan. He’s meeting up with some of his pack to look for that werewolf you saw with the helvic demons. They think they know who it was.”
Celeste gave him a grateful smile. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she said as she pulled him into a hug.
“Come on let’s get going. We don’t want to keep Maddie and Maks waiting,” said Roman.
Stellan waved his hand and a large swirling portal appeared in the middle of the living room. They each grabbed a suitcase and jumped into the swirling vortex.
Moments later they found themselves in the middle of Maddie’s small sitting room in Rome with Maks’ surprised gaze fixed on them. He sat on the couch in pajamas with a cup of espresso in hand, mid-sip as he stared at the visitors.
“I apologize,” said Stellan awkwardly. “I should have opened the portal outside of your home.” He glanced around at the tight space.
Maddie emerged swiftly from the kitchen, her light brown hair swung up in a messy ponytail and her expression sleepy.
“Sorry, did we come too early?” asked Celeste, as she took a step toward her aunt.
“Nah, it’s fine,” replied Maddie, covering her mouth to hide a big yawn. “It was a late night of patrolling yesterday.” She leaned forward and hugged her niece. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Maks stood up, taking his cup with him and headed for the kitchen. “I’ll make some more coffee. Please, make yourselves comfortable,” he said over his shoulder.
“Coffee would be awesome,” said Nico as he took a seat on the white Ikea couch.
Roman shot Maks a grateful smile. Seeing the man that he had almost killed and felt responsible for turning into a vampire always left him feeling like he had been punched in the stomach. He marveled at Maks’ restraint and penchant for forgiveness. Roman knew there was no way he could give back what he had taken from Maks, but he hoped to be able to make it up to him somehow, some day. With dark thoughts in mind, Roman stalked away and joined his brother on the couch.
“Thanks for letting us stay with you again, Aunt Maddie,” said Celeste.
“You’re always welcome here—even if it is a bit tight.”
“We won’t be staying long,” said Stellan. “We certainly don’t want to be an inconvenience.”
Maks returned juggling four cups of espresso in his hands and passed them out to everyone. The aroma of the freshly brewed Italian roast diffused throughout the room.
“Oh wait, there’s one more thing,” said Aunt Maddie as she darted into the kitchen. She came back seconds later with a plate of warm nutella-filled croissants. Celeste’s stomach gurgled loudly in anticipation. “I know how much you love these. I got them just for you.”
Celeste’s face lit up as she grabbed the flaky croissant and took a big bite. “So good,” she muttered, with her mouth still full.
“So I guess we should get down to business,” said Aunt Maddie as she and Maks sat down on the armchair. “Celeste gave me a quick rundown of what’s been going on with the Council and it sounds very strange to me. Are you really going to go see Alek without any sort of back-up plan?”
“We don’t really have a choice,” answered Celeste. “Dante assured us that he would help.”
“I don’t like it either,” said Roman.
“None of us do,” echoed Nico.
“What if this is some sort of a trap?” said Maks, finally posing the question everyone else was too scared to ask.
Stellan shook his head. “Dante may be up to something, but he would never put Celeste’s life in danger. I am confident about that.”
“I think Stellan’s right,” said Celeste. “Dante has been acting really weird lately, but sending us into an Alek trap seems way beyond what he’s capable of.” Saying the words out loud somehow made her feel better. Her father had always told her she could count on Dante and the Council to help her, so she didn’t even want to think about the possibility that he could have been wrong.
“Okay then. When are you going?” asked Maddie. “And do you want us to go with you?”
“We’ll go tomorrow,” said Roman. “Nico and I have spoken to our mother and they’re expecting us.”
“And thanks for the offer to come with,” answered Celeste, “but I think it might come off as too much if we all go. We don’t want Alek to feel attacked.”
Maddie nodded, but she didn’t look happy. “How’s your mom doing by the way?” she asked turning toward Roman and Nico. “I can’t believe she’s still staying with Alek.”
Roman’s brows furrowed as a dark look crossed his face. �
�I can’t say I’m happy about it either. She says she’s doing well and continues to insist she needs to make up for the years she missed with her long lost son. She still feels responsible for what he has become.”
Nico reached out his hand and gripped his brother’s shoulder. “We’ll get her to come around soon enough.”
“So what do you guys want to do? We have all day,” said Aunt Maddie.
“I actually have something planned for Celeste and me,” said Roman.
Celeste’s eyebrows shot up. “You do?”
“It’s a surprise. Go put on some comfortable shoes—there are a couple things I want to show you.”
Celeste jumped to her feet and grabbed her duffel bag, dragging it to the bathroom. She had secretly hoped they would be able to see some of the famous Roman sights on this trip since last time she had missed out. She felt giddy with excitement as she dug through her bag for her sneakers.
Back in the living room, Stellan was explaining that he had some personal matters to attend to for the day. “I’ll be back later this evening.”
“I guess that just leaves me,” said Nico with a sigh.
“Don’t look so disappointed,” said Maddie. “We’ll come up with something fun to do.” Nico’s eyes perked up. “Since my underage niece won’t be with us, we can go visit some vineyards and enjoy some wine tasting.”
Nico leapt up off the couch and put his arms around a surprised Maddie and Maks. “Yes! Thank you!”
Roman chuckled at his brother. “Perfect, then we’re all settled. We’ll meet back here this evening.”
As Roman and Celeste emerged from the dark tunnels of the subway and into the bright morning sun, Celeste squinted to take in the magnificent sight a few hundred yards in front of her. The gleaming white circular dome of St. Peter’s Basilica shot up behind the clear blue backdrop of the cloudless sky.
“It’s incredible,” said Celeste as she exhaled sharply.
The pair walked hand in hand through Vatican City and up the long drive that led to the columned archways of Piazza San Pietro. She stared, mystified, as she strolled toward the immense Renaissance structure, the towering cupola jutting toward the heavens and lined with glinting sculptures of saints.
“Wait until you see the inside,” said Roman, noticing her stunned expression.
As they neared the basilica, they stopped at the Bernini colonnade in the center of the square and adjacent fountains. Celeste ran her fingers through the cool water and splashed a little on her face. “I can’t believe we’re really here.”
“Come on,” he said, grabbing her hand, “there’s still a lot more to see.” He led her through the square and up the marble steps of the church. On either side of the immense bronze door stood a Vatican guard with a bright orange, blue, and red striped uniform. Celeste couldn’t help but think of a court jester from medieval times as she stared—and then had to suppress a laugh. As she passed underneath the doorway, one of the guards, a cute young Italian guy, gave her a wink, his blue beret balancing precariously on his head. Her thoughts immediately flew to Marco. I guess they’re all hopeless flirts!
As Celeste’s eyes adjusted to the dim lighting of the basilica, her jaw dropped open. She stared down the endless center aisle as the rays of sun illuminated the lavishly decorated gold and marble covered interiors and sprawling frescoes. In the center of the basilica, just under the spiraling dome, was a golden canopy stretched over the altar. Celeste couldn’t stop staring at the towering ceiling as she made her way toward it, admiring the grand sculptures and detailed paintings everywhere she looked.
“It’s like heaven,” she said breathlessly.
Roman looked at her with a sad smile. “I hope so.”
They spent hours exploring St. Peter’s Basilica, making their way through the underground tombs and climbing to the top of the cupola to take in the magnificent views of Rome. They visited the Sistine Chapel and took a tour of the Vatican Museum, and by the end of the day Celeste couldn’t have been happier.
“That was amazing,” she said, as they walked hand in hand back toward the subway just as twilight began to set.
“I’m glad you liked it,” Roman responded with a grin. “I wish we had more time. You still have to see the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain…”
Celeste cut him off before he could finish the interminable list he was counting off with his fingers. “It was perfect. I know you’ll take me to see all of those places one day.” She got up on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Roman held her tightly as they kissed in the middle of the hectic street, but to Celeste it was just the two of them in the most romantic city in the world. All of the sounds of passing cars, beeping horns, and bustling tourists melted away when she was in his arms.
Chapter 8
Lilliana hurried across the living room, plumping throw pillows, arranging cushions and folding away blankets. Moving to the large windows that overlooked the classic Spanish Steps, she pushed the curtains aside, letting the bright morning sun shine in. All the while, Alek sat watching her with a scowl. He hated that she was making such a fuss over the arrival of her other sons. The day before, their housekeeper had already scrubbed the villa from top to bottom, and he felt that Lilliana’s current efforts were a bit excessive.
Lilliana sped by him in a blur, heading toward the kitchen to check on the elaborate breakfast she had prepared. Humming a cheerful tune, she arranged the platters with the fresh pastries and rolls she had bought at the bakery that morning. The kitchen smelled of savory quiche and salty pancetta as she put the finishing touches on a colorful bouquet of flowers to display on the table. She darted back into the living room with the crystal vase in hand and suddenly stopped, shooting one arm out to steady herself. Alek immediately noticed and sprang up from the couch beside her.
“Are you feeling all right, Mother?” He placed an arm around her waist to support her and took the heavy vase into his other hand.
Lilliana’s face had gone pale. “Yes, I’m fine.” She placed her own hand on her cold and clammy forehead, and pulled it back quickly. “I’m just feeling a bit light-headed again. It must be this heat.”
Alek led her to the couch then sprinted to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water. Then he opened the windows to let in some air. “You’ve been working much too hard this morning. You’ve undoubtedly exhausted yourself.”
She slumped back on the couch and took a few deep breaths. “I simply wanted everything to be perfect today,” she said weakly. “It means so much to me to have all of my sons together.” Alek attempted a smile, but it came out more like a twisted sneer. “Oh Alek, please promise me you will try to be cordial to your brothers today.”
Alek rolled his eyes, but nodded nonetheless. His mother had, after all, kept her promise to stay with him, so he felt obligated to abide by their agreement. He couldn’t kill his half-brothers—not now, anyway. There were other deals at play at the moment, forcing him to wait and see how things panned out before making a move.
The clang of the old doorbell reverberating through the house interrupted Alek’s musings. “Oh goody, our guests are here.”
Lilliana made a move to rise, but Alek held her back. “You stay here and rest. I will let them in. There are a few matters of business I need to discuss with the Guardian first.” She raised an eyebrow quizzically as he walked out of the room with no further explanation.
Outside the door, Stellan stared at the ceramic sign with the ominous blue script, Villa Negrusurori. He feared it was only a matter of time before Alek discovered his ancient bloodline and the power behind it. It was crucial now more than ever to get Lilliana away from him.
“Welcome,” said Alek as he opened the door and gave them all a frighteningly large grin.
Roman and Nico stepped first through the entryway, followed by Celeste with Stellan trailing behind. The hostile look in Alek’s expression made it plain to see that he had not expected the so
rcerer to come, nor was he pleased about it.
“Where’s our mother?” asked Nico.
“She’s just resting in the living room. I told her there were some matters we needed to discuss first. I didn’t see the necessity in bothering her with them,” Alek replied. “Please, come with me.” He led them through a corridor and into a small study with a mahogany desk, leather couch, and armchair. He took a seat at the desk and signaled for the others to join him.
Celeste plopped down between Roman and Nico on the couch and Stellan took the armchair as they all eyed Alek uncomfortably.
“I understand you’re here because you need my help,” said Alek finally with a smug grin.
Celeste could feel Roman bristling next to her, so she placed her hand on his knee and quickly spoke up. “There have been rumors that Brazen’s followers are planning an escape attempt. We need to finally put an end to him, but we can’t since you made him immortal.”
Alek let out a little chuckle. “Well now, that is quite a predicament, isn’t it?”
“Did you talk to the Council or what?” asked Nico.
“Yes, I’ve been in contact with Dante. He has brought me up to date with the situation, and I believe we’ve come to a mutually satisfactory agreement,” answered Alek.
“Great, then let’s get this over with so we can stop pretending to like being in the same room together,” said Roman as he rose to his feet.
Alek wagged his finger at him tauntingly. “Not just yet. You see, some time ago I struck a deal with Brazen and it really wouldn’t be fair of me to renege on my side of the bargain.”
Roman shot Celeste a look as he sat back down. They knew it had all seemed much too easy. “So what do you want?” asked Celeste.
“Maybe just the assurance of my mother’s continued presence here with me or maybe a bit more,” he answered with a sly gleam in his obsidian eyes. He snapped his fingers and a small vial appeared in his hand. “This is all you need to reverse the immortality spell.” He held the black shimmering potion up in the air.