So, I shouldn't have been surprised that I was so tired tonight. Sooner or later it would catch up with me. Tonight just happened to be that night. Unfortunately.
"You will be careful, ma douce?" Michel finally broke the silence by asking. Maybe sensing my tiredness forced him to remind me to take care. Instead of feeling cherished, I felt annoyed.
"When am I not?" I shot back abruptly.
I may not be able to feel Michel's emotions, as he can feel mine, but I swear, at that moment, I could feel his concern. It was palpable. A physical presence down the line. It caused me to take stock of myself. To question my actions and words. I don't often waste time on regrets. Often my choices are made on the spot, under extenuating circumstances. I am constantly under pressure to do the right thing. But, even I had to admit, I was working with a very short fuse this evening.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, leaning forward and pulling my long hair around my face to offer some privacy. The vampires in the room would still have been able to hear everything I said, but they would have respected my need to be unobserved. I wasn't sure, but they may have affected that preternatural stillness they do, in an effort to appear not really there. I was aware that Sophie had left the room though. She couldn't turn statue still like a vampire, but she could take a hint.
"I am worried about you, ma douce," Michel admitted. "You do not seem to be yourself."
"I'm just tired, Michel," I replied, deciding honesty was the best course for now. "And annoyed that yet another problem needs to be resolved in next to no time."
"It is frustrating that the Nosferatins are in such danger," Michel agreed. "However, maybe this can be used as an opportunity. You needed to confront Amun, now you have a legitimate reason to visit him. In fact, this is a perfect opening for a path I have been wanting to pursue."
I had no idea what he was talking about, but his conviction was apparent in his tone.
Still, I had to ask. "What are you talking about, Michel?" It didn't fail to register with me that I was already feeling more like myself. The blues - or whatever the hell I had been feeling - were dissipating, being replaced by curiosity and, if I wasn't mistaken, a sense of anticipation. Something I usually felt when about to go on a hunt. Goddess knows what Michel was planning, but somehow he'd brought me back out of myself with his calm and focused demeanour.
"You are aware we have a seat vacant on the Council?" he asked out of nowhere.
"Ah, yeah. Your old position of the Emissary," I replied automatically.
"That title was specific to my role, not the position. The seat can go to whomever is most appropriate for it. Upon a vote of the remaining Councillors, of course."
"Of course," I agreed. Nothing could be decided without a ballot of some description. Politics at its level best. Michel may be the Champion and hold a hell of a lot of sway. His word is often the final one. But there must be an agreement of sorts, within the Council, for major issues, such as filling an empty Council seat.
I still didn't understand where he was going with this though.
"I have been championing the notion," he started, "that there needs to be Nosferatin representation on the Council. It is early days, there is much opposition."
I knew this was a private goal of Michel's. I understood why. He had a kindred Nosferatin, he'd be favourable to that belief. But I also knew he was the only Councillor to currently have a kindred. The rest were too egotistical to consider compromising themselves so. Of course, with a kindred, the Nosferatu doubles their power. If it was greed alone that ruled a vampire's decision, they'd all be joined. But joining with a Nosferatin has its downside. The fact that should the Nosferatin be killed, the vampire would die as well.
I couldn't see an Iunctio Council member compromising their immortality in that fashion. So opposition was a given, but if there is anything to say about Michel Durand; he can be very determined when his mind is made up.
"Yes," I encouraged, as he'd gone silent for a second. Maybe expecting me to join the dots, but I was still at a loss with his thought process on this.
"You shall be acting as my envoy this evening," he announced with finality. I sat bolt upright in my chair.
"What?" Eloquent, I was not. He'd already tasked me with this mission - for want of a better word. He needed to know what was happening in London, to find out if the rumours were true and an army was being amassed to go against the Iunctio. He'd already sent me here to do that, so what was he saying now?
"This will send a message to all vampyre," he said, breaking into my thoughts, "that the Champion of the Iunctio is in support of the Nosferatin. It will serve a dual purpose. Planting the seed with the masses, that the Iunctio is changing its view on Nosferatu and Nosferatin relations. But also, signifying my intent to those on the Council. I am the Champion now, ma douce. I must act as one."
I wasn't sure if he was saying that for his benefit or mine. And I was still having trouble comprehending just what he was saying. I understood that politics was all a game of smoke and mirrors, and maybe that was what was going on here. Show the Council one thing, while achieving another.
I shook my head in doubt. Michel had said himself this evening, that the Iunctio liked to avoid entanglement in Nosferatin problems. And here he was doing the exact opposite.
"You're not making any sense, Michel," I pointed out.
"It makes perfect sense to me, ma belle." I let a huff of air out on a half-incredulous, half-amused laugh. "You sound happier," he whispered, a note of relief in his voice.
"Yeah, you talking politics always lifts my spirits," I joked.
He chuckled at the return of my sense of humour.
"Good, ma douce." A pause, then, "It is time for you to leave, yes?"
I glanced at the clock on my cellphone screen. He was right, we needed to get a move on if we planned to meet Sebastian and his men on time.
"Yes, you're right. Time flies when you're having fun." Or being confused by your beloved's conversation.
"Very well then. You are acting as my official envoy tonight, Lucinda," he said in a formal tone. I licked my lips nervously. Somehow him saying the words like that meant more than just heading off to do something on his behalf. And then I realised what it was that made me feel a little uncomfortable. I'd accepted the task of finding out what was happening in London from Michel easily back at the Château, but now he'd put the weight of Nosferatu words behind the request. A request that involved rescuing Nosferatins as well. Words mean so much more to a vampire than they do humans.
I was no longer simply looking into something for my kindred. I was acting as an ambassador to the Champion on a mission that involved Nosferatins.
Goddess, that changed things. My actions would reflect directly on him. I could ruin his political standing.
"Or strengthen it," he said in a soft voice.
"How can you be so sure?" I asked, well used to him answering my unspoken thoughts aloud by now.
"If you pull this off, I will have formal evidence that a Nosferatin on the Council would be beneficial to the Iunctio. It would be difficult to dispute my request for a Nosferatin Councillor at the next meeting."
I let his words digest inside my mind for a moment. Then asked the one question that was blaring inside my head.
"Who exactly did you have in mind for this position, Michel?"
He started laughing, a deep rumble straight from the depths of his chest that reverberated down the cellphone line and right into me. I closed my eyes slowly and savoured the sensation, letting his laughter wash over my skin and sink into my heart.
"Ma douce," he said between chuckles. "Isn't it obvious?"
I was beginning to think it was. But how he planned to convince the other Councillors that his kindred Nosferatin was the best choice for the position was beyond me. And how he planned to convince me was a mystery as well. He knew I hated politics.
"You were born to it, my dear. You do not realise how much of your actions are perfect for the pol
itical arena. You are a natural. Besides, Lucinda, you are the Prophesied. You already have a title."
I let a breath of air out in a huff. He had it all planned. Probably had it planned from the moment he became Champion. Or perhaps even from the moment he returned to the Iunctio Council as the Emissary under the former Champion. Who knows, with Michel, he may have had this planned the moment he met me; over three years ago. Michel was a master politician, a consummate tactician. Nothing would surprise me.
"Be well, ma douce. And enjoy your first official undertaking as the Champion's envoy."
"You're loving this aren't you?" I said, standing and stretching in preparation for the coming events of the night. Politics it may well be, but I was certain there would also be a fair amount of fighting. My heart rate increased and my palms itched to hold my Svante.
I did so love a good battle.
Michel laughed again, the sound so delightful, that for a moment it caught my breath.
"Have fun, ma belle. And don't cause too much mayhem."
Mayhem. Jeesh. What did he think I would do now that I was the official ambassador to the Champion this evening?
The last thing I heard as the phone rang off was Michel’s laughter. I may have loved a good battle, but this is what made Michel tick. The art of arranging pieces on a political chessboard in order to take the King.
I slipped my cellphone into my jacket pocket as it lay across the back of the sofa and then reached for my Svante sword where Nataliya had propped it against the couch at some stage. I glanced up at my vampires as I positioned the holster across my shoulders and back, checking the clasps and making sure the sword slid out unhindered. Sophie was back in the room, watching my every move with undisclosed interest. I'd never hunted with this Nosferatin before, but I trusted Yves' judgement. If he said she was experienced, despite the fact she was still unjoined, then I'd believe him. She'd already proven how sharp mentally she was, I was sure she'd be just as sharp with a dagger or stake in her hand as well.
"OK then," I said, once the sword was in place and my jacket was back on over the top. "I guess you all heard that conversation." At least the part about me being on official business tonight. The vampires nodded in unison, then fisted their hands over their chests and bowed low.
I paused in straightening my jacket collar and accepted the act for what it was; a show of respect. I nodded my thanks as they all came upright and rolled my head on my shoulders to loosen my frame.
"So, the plan is to negotiate first with Amun, then if need be, make a show of force. But one way or the other, we will be leaving with the Nosferatins this night. I will settle for nothing less."
"So be it," the vampires said, again in unison. It was a bit creepy, but they'd clearly picked up on the importance of Michel's words. I was indeed working for the Iunctio tonight and even though I was the most powerful Nosferatin in the world and therefore already a worthy mistress to these vampires. Now, I was so much more.
I was one of them.
Chapter 13
Playing With Light
Trafalgar Square hadn't changed one bit since I was last here. Although, my memories of that time were bathed in a haze of unconsciousness and lack of blood. Viktor Davydov had really done a number on me that night, but I pushed thoughts of the Russian vampire out of my mind. One thing at a time. Tonight it was all about Amun and the Nosferatins. If Viktor was involved, I'd worry about it then. For now I had enough to be dealing with.
The bronze statues of the lions were all lit up strategically, making Nelson's Column seem guarded and on show. People mulled around on the steps and fountains to the side. Even at this time of night, the Square was a beacon to humanity. Maybe it was the lights, but it probably had more to do with the vampire club off to one side. Wherever vampires were, humans were bound to be as well.
Our group stopped across the Square, near where we had parked the car and I took a moment to seek out the Dark in the CBD tonight. There was more than I'd previously sensed before. Not surprising, Amun was acting Dark, he'd therefore be cultivating it around him. Also, with the Nosferatins off the streets, Dark vampires would be hunting unrestricted. I prayed none chose the next hour or so to attack an innocent. I could do without the distraction of feeling the pull right now.
Sophie sidled up to my right hand shoulder, looking out at the scene in front of us. Her stunning blue eyes sparkled in the artificial light, she looked alert and on guard. I was sure nothing got past her, despite the fact she wouldn't be able to seek the Dark like I can, she'd still be aware of it.
"There is much Dark on the streets tonight," she said in her soft French accent, confirming my thoughts with those words.
"Yes," I agreed. "But as yet no pull." She nodded. "I'll need you to deal with it if it arises. I must concentrate on Amun and the Nosferatins, and little else."
"As you wish," she said with a short nod of her head. "You have not said whether you require me with you in the club, or to remain outside as backup."
"What does your talent allow?" I asked. She'd indicated it was similar to Shadow Walking. Michel's guards, Antonio and Ricardo, could walk in the shadows; disappear from sight and even hide their Sanguis Vitam signature as well. I hadn't had an explanation of what Sophie was capable of yet. I was looking forward to finding out.
"I can hide from sight as do Shadow Walkers, but it is not as foolproof as their skills often are."
"What do you mean?"
"Are you aware how a Shadow Walker operates?"
"Not really, they just disappear into the shadows to me. Both physically and metaphysically."
She nodded slowly. "They wrap the shadows around them. They force it to their will." That made sense. "I am not made of the Dark," she explained and I think I understood where she was going with this. "I cannot bend shadows to my will."
"Then you use the Light?" I asked the obvious.
"Yes. Where there are shadows, there is also Light."
I'd heard a vampire say those words once. I hadn't thought of Avery Rousseau for some time until Sophie uttered those same words he'd used in the past. A chill ran down my spine at the memories associated with my former kindred.
"How does that work exactly?" I asked, clearing my throat and my mind. "It's not like you can hide in plain sight when basked in Light."
"But I can. I can become one with the Light. As long as shadows exist, I can hide myself in the Light forcing a vampire to only consider the shadows in a given place, to ignore the Light before them. They are naturally drawn to the Dark, it is a part of their soul. All I do is remind them of that connection, thereby distracting them from the Light that exists right before their eyes."
"Impressive," I said letting out a low whistle to emphasise. "A handy talent."
"Indeed, but as I said, it is not foolproof."
I cocked my head to the side to try to determine her expression. Her face was relaxed, serene even. I don't think much would faze this young hunter.
"How could it fail?" I asked, watching closely for a reaction when she spoke. I didn't get one. Her features remained neutral, as though she wasn't discussing a chink in her armour at all.
"If a vampire is used to walking in the Light. Michel, for example, would see through my ruse easily."
My chest swelled at the notion that this Nosferatin could see how full of Light my kindred was. I was proud of him, for battling his Dark and succeeding. And, if I was honest, I was proud of myself, for calling him back from the Dark. Michel had not always been so full of Light, but after all that we had been through, all that we had suffered and overcome, he'd embraced his Light. The proof of that was never more evident than when the Ambrosia rejoined us as kindred. The ancient vampire had warned us we'd need to call on our Light, and only our Light, for it to succeed. Michel had called on more Light than I had ever thought him capable of.
And to hear Sophie say she could see how much he walked in the Light was a priceless gift.
"Well," I said, having to clea
r my throat again as it croaked slightly with emotion. "Shouldn't be an issue with Amun, he's full of Dark and only getting Darker."
"I agree," she said softly, ignoring my frantic eye blinking to rid myself of happy tears. "Then you concur, I should accompany you inside? The closer I am, the better to aid should the need arise."
"Yes, I think that will be best. Hopefully we can keep you hidden. No need to divulge your presence unless absolutely necessary."
"Agreed," she murmured and stepped back.
I half turned to see what she was doing. All I could pick up on was a slight white glow around her body. Maybe her aura? I was never very good at reading those. Amisi was an expert, but aura reading was not my forte.
But when the vampires with us suddenly crouched down and let their fangs descend, I realised they'd lost sight of her completely. Then one by one - first Natalyia, then Sergei, then shortly after Matthias - they stood upright again, re-sheathed their fangs and cocked their heads in her direction. Sophie smiled sweetly at them and then turned her gaze to me.
"They can see me now. These three are awash in Light."
I smiled broadly back at her and then realised she'd mentioned only three. My gaze flicked to Marcus, who although no longer in a crouch, still had his fangs on display. A low growl was coming from the back of his throat, his eyes turning turquoise in colour, Sanguis Vitam crackling on the air.
I hesitated, stunned that he was not as Light as Matthias. I'd kind of accepted them as a pair. One much like the other. But Marcus had always had more of a temper, whereas Matthias was cool and methodical. I was also reminded of the fact that Marcus had behaved appallingly with Gigi, the Nothus my Goddess had left in my care. His prejudices, where the young vampire was concerned, were ingrained in him. He was not aware of what she was; half-vampire, half-vampire hunter, yet he treated her with disdain and mistrust as though he already knew. To some vampires, Nothus were not worthy of life.
This was interesting, to say the least, but right now unacceptable. It would be easier if all my vampires could see Sophie and therefore not impede on her actions unintentionally. Before I acted, I asked the Nosferatin, "Will the shifters be able to see you?"
Kiss of the Dragon Page 13