Blood Chained (Dark Siren Book 3)

by Eden Ashley

  Kali grimaced. “Almost.” Trailing her fingers through Bailen’s fur once more, she stood, retrieving the Heart from the ground as she did so. “We’ve got to get this thing stateside. If Builders want to get their hands on this, they’ll have to help us get Rhane and Warren back first.”

  Squirming, Bailen pressed against Kali’s leg and gave a short whine. Dmiri nodded. “We should leave this place, return to the hotel. Collect our things.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” York started walking, and Cixi immediately fell in step beside him.

  “Would you share with me how you found the Heart?” Shortening his significantly longer stride, Dmiri seemed determined to keep pace with Kali. Not that she minded.

  “We guessed right about the vault. There are catacombs beneath it, and those tunnels stretch on for miles. The Heart was submerged beneath a lake and locked in a secret chamber. Without diving equipment, no human could have made that swim. Rha—” She stopped, unsure how much more to reveal. How far could she trust Dmiri?

  “It’s alright.” Dmiri flashed two stark white rows of slightly too pointy teeth. The expression of intended reassurance fell somewhat short, but his kind words and gentle demeanor made up for any limitations set by his chilling appearance. “River’s absence confirms much of what you wish not to say.”

  “So you know about Rhane, then?”

  “I know many things,” he replied gently. “The chamber in which you found the Heart, was it blood sealed?”

  “Yes. Only someone descended directly from a royal bloodline of the Warekin could open it.”

  “So even Builders themselves could not retrieve the Heart. And nor could the Faction.” Dmiri fell into a thoughtful silence. “I suppose it makes sense. After the Builders fractured into two sides, a race must have ensued to gain possession of the one key to two very different ambitions. In the wrong hands, the Heart could be a powerful tool for wealth or power. So the statue was hidden, safeguarded by a lock only a select few could open.” Dmiri stopped walking and grew more solemn than Kali had ever seen him. “Dark one, you are on the cusp of an incredible choice, one that could affect generations to come. Heed these words.”

  Chapter 27

  “I am a survivor of the last awakening,” Dmiri said. “In the fourteenth century, Blight arose from its tomb and destroyed nearly all of my and the rogue species. It moved from city to city, village to village, and forest to forest, reaping souls of supernatural kind without mercy. Entire generations were wiped from existence in a single night. No pack or hive escaped untouched. We lived in constant fear that the next moment would be our last. When would Blight cross our threshold? When would its hand reach from darkness and deliver death? For five years, this terror ran unchecked, unstoppable by even the strongest of our kind. Millions died.”

  Kali’s voice shrank to a horrified whisper. “How did you survive?”

  “I wasn’t special then. Just unlucky.” Dmiri’s gaze drifted to the past. “One night, the creature came to where my clan and I were hiding. Moving through locked doors and walls as if they did not exist, Blight drained first my father, mother, and sisters. Years earlier, it had taken my wife and child. So now I kneeled before it with outstretched arms, begging for the death it owed me. But the creature turned away. Blight soon slept again, and I was alone. For a long time, I truly believed I was the last of my kind. It took many years and as many travels, but eventually I discovered there were other survivors. Our numbers grew slowly, eventually recovering to what we are now.”

  “I’m so sorry, Dmiri. I can’t imagine what that must have been like for you.”

  His reddish brown eyes shifted, boring down into her. “You may not remember, Kalista. But you too once lost everything dear to you. Your home, your mate, and your children…all were taken in an instant. Even the body you inhabit is no longer your own.”

  Wow. Kali pressed a fisted hand into her chest. The guy really knows how to turn a screw. She instinctively looked at Bailen, wishing more than ever she knew the truth surrounding his mysterious arrival and continued presence in her life.

  Uneasy with the direction the conversation had turned, she tried to get things back on track. “You said Blight awakened in the fourteenth century. Rhane was alive then.”

  “Yes. He was. But remember, Warekin mature at much slower rates than other earth dwellers. And their life spans are measured by cycles of their sacred Whyte Tree. Rhane was alive then and only a child.”

  “But he’s never mentioned anything like this. Weren’t Warekin affected?”

  Shadows darkened the kindred’s face. When the fury passed, he spoke calmly. “They retreated into their mountain. Even Blight could not move past a realm protected by the powerful Mothers.”

  As Dmiri spoke, it became clear to Kali why so much animosity boiled between kindred and Warekin. During a calamity of such epic proportions, even the greatest of enemies often found themselves united against a common foe, whether that foe was disease or disaster. But the Warekin had abandoned an entire species to die. It wasn’t a hard thing to believe, considering they had also orchestrated the massacre of their very own people.

  “Do you think the time has come again for Blight to return?”

  “I think events are moving irrevocably in that direction.”

  “So if Blight’s awakening can’t be stopped, what choice are you talking about? It doesn’t sound like the decision is in anyone’s hands.”

  “Despite his words, dear Wesley wanted very much for that statue to end up in your hands. Assuming his objective remains in union with the rest of the Builders, he never wants Blight to return again. So perhaps there is some way to prevent the next outbreak. Only…” Dmiri’s voice trailed into silence.

  “What? Only what?”

  As he stroked the curve of the statue, his touch lingered on the ivory crest of the split figurine. “I do not think it possible to stop Blight and save the boy as well.”

  #

  The flight back to the States was a long and quiet one. Kali held the precious artifact in her lap and couldn’t stop staring at it. Two lovers, one dark and one light, embracing until the figures became one and darkness conquered them both. The Siren’s Heart had once belonged to her and Rhane. This symbol of their bonding was the only tangible piece remaining of the past they shared together. The journey to find it had begun last year with a fake replica planted to lure Kali into the open where reapers and their master would find her. Now at last the statue was safe in her hands…for the time being.

  Fond sentiments should have stirred inside of Kali, but none did. The Siren’s Heart had never really belonged to them. It didn’t symbolize their love or their unlikely union. No. The Heart was a tool created by Builders, likely the key to unleashing an unspeakable evil.

  In keeping with her promise to banish all secrets between them, Kali had immediately relayed Dmiri’s insight to York. At the end of the retelling he’d simply blinked. Rubbing the back of his neck, he eventually commented, saying, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to contemplate the actual extent of my immorality over a cold American beer and two hours of sleep on my own bed.” Understanding completely, Kali had agreed.

  A few hours later, she sank into the jet’s comfy leather seat and hoped to snooze through some of the plane ride. Only sleep could shut down thoughts that wouldn’t stop circling her brain. But when plane touched down on a private landing strip less than twenty minutes from the manor, Kali stepped onto the ground with bloodshot and puffy eyes. Once their bags were transferred to the pickup, everyone piled in for the last leg home. Only Bailen and Dmiri hung back. The kindred inclined his head to Kali. “I’d rather complete this journey on my own, if it pleases you.”

  The formal inquiry left her somewhat taken aback. “Sure. That’s uh, fine.”

  His gaze shifted to Bailen. “Little one?”

  The canine huffed. Wagging his tail, he leapt into the pickup and settled next to Kali, laying his head on her lap.

&nb
sp; A small smile softened Dmiri’s features. “I see.” He started to turn away but stopped. “A rather unpleasant surprise awaits you at the manor. This creature is but a lost soul, and Ian has already seen to it that he has done no harm.” The strange kindred paused, closing his eyes. Upon opening again, his dark orbs seemed troubled. “But his thread still spins. And more may yet become of it.”

  Rion’s “what the hell” expression pretty much said what Kali and everyone else had to be thinking. But before anyone could open their mouth to say more, Dmiri was gone.

  Chapter 28

  “He wasn’t kidding. Hey, do you see this?” Rion tapped urgently at Orrin’s shoulder. Not quite fully recovered from his gunshot wounds, Orrin had dozed off five minutes after the pickup pulled onto the highway. Now he lifted his head as they coasted down the manor’s long driveway, blinking sleepily in the fading afternoon light. “Yeah, I see them.”

  Whatever they saw was still too far away for Kali’s more limited eyesight. “What is it now?” she asked impatiently.

  York’s reply was gruff. “We’ve got company.”

  Kali craned her neck from the backseat and saw the manor, looming like a sleeping giant on a grassy hill. Squinting, she was able to make out several dark shapes on the porch and lawn. Some were idle. Others moved about restlessly.

  Nearing the end of the driveway, Kali recognized Ian. The kindred alpha wore the same rumpled suit and polka dotted tie he had on his last visit to the manor. Smiling inwardly, Kali counted about twenty kindred. Most were in various stages of dress. A few had opted for no clothing at all, but that was not the least bit surprising. Suppressing a relentless blush, she unloaded with York and the others.

  Matthias greeted them from the porch swing, abandoning a brightly colored object Kali recognized as York’s prized dodecahedron. York must have noticed it too. He scowled but said nothing. It was easy to see there were bigger problems to deal with. A vehicle from the Department of Natural Resources, currently slung across the well-manicured lawn, was one of them.

  York looked pointedly at the navy blue pickup. His was nearly identical, lacking only the government logo. “What’s going on here?”

  Ian slid down the porch railing. Putting himself directly in front of York, he leaned forward, keeping one eye on the truck as he spoke in an almost conspiring whisper. “Do you refer to the vehicle in ownership of Officer Jackson but registered to the state of South Carolina?”

  Pulling a confused expression, York lowered his voice to match Ian’s. “I guess so.”

  “Officer Jackson did not announce the reason for his trespass to young Matthias and only demanded to speak to your warlord. He has visited this residence repeatedly in your absence. Upon further questioning, he persists in stubborn refusal to state his intentions.”

  “Oh, is that right?” Frowning, York stalked purposefully toward the dark pickup. Kali almost ran behind to him to advise a milder approach. SCDNR officers spent a lot of time alone in the wilderness, often confronting poachers and drug dealers with no backup in sight. They also carried guns and knew how to handle themselves. But she pressed her lips together and clutched the statue tighter, trusting things would be fine.

  Ian vaulted himself over the porch railing, landing lightly on the ground below. “Officer Jackson is no longer inside the vehicle, York.”

  York stopped. Turning back, he asked, “Then where is he?”

  “Inside.” Ian folded his arms. “The repeated visits became a cause of concern to us. So we detained him.”

  York’s mouth dropped, right along with Kali’s. “Say what?”

  “You will find Officer Jackson tied up to a rather sturdy chair on the second level of your manor. Do not be alarmed. His bindings are strong and he remains under constant guard.”

  York palmed his face. “You assaulted and kidnapped a cop? Please tell me you’re joking.”

  Ian’s face was deadpan. “I do not often joke.”

  Looking around like he expected a squad of police cars to show up at any second, York’s posture tensed tenfold. “Everyone stay alert.” Focusing on Ian, he said, “You’re insane. How long as he been here?”

  “Be at ease, Yorkshire. Jackson has no wife or children and was not in uniform when we took him. He was captured on his day off. Considering the likely illegality of the actions that have stemmed from his obsessive behavior, I doubt anyone knows of his whereabouts.”

  “That makes me feel so much better.” York slung both hands at his hips. “Is there anything else I should know?”

  “He smells funny.”

  Now York looked absolutely bewildered. “He smells funny?”

  “Yes. Strange. Odd. Bizarre. I do not believe Officer Jackson is human. Yet, I do not recognize the scent of his species. Dmiri could be of use here. Where is he?”

  Hoping to give York a moment to gather himself, Kali inserted herself into the conversation. “He should be on his way. At the airport he said he wanted to run.”

  “I see.” Ian gave her one of his eerie smiles and switched gears easily. “I also see you were successful in procuring the artifact.”

  Kali nodded and gestured toward Cixi. She had to give credit where it was due. “Cixi was a big help in finding it.”

  “I offer my deepest thanks for bringing her home. I am in your debt.”

  York frowned slightly. “There are no debts between allies, Ian. I thought Rhane made that clear.” He seemed to have finally accepted the turn of situation. “Let’s say we get this over with. Bailen, Rion, and Matt—stay close to Kali. Orrin, back me up.”

  “What will you do with the Heart?”

  “We haven’t decided yet.” York jerked open the front door and was stepping through when Ian’s voice halted him.

  “Will your warlord return soon?”

  “Ian, if it’s alright with you, I’d like to wait until later to play twenty questions.”

  “But this is of utmost importance.”

  “And the government officer that’s tied up inside our house isn’t?”

  “Of course.” Ian folded his hands together, possibly looking as contrite as a borderline sociopath could. “The eclipse of the blue moon is yet a month away. Ample time remains to discuss strategy.”

  “The blue what?”

  “Go attend to your affairs. I assure you this can wait.”

  York slammed the door shut, effectively communicating to everyone that whatever Ian needed to say could not wait. It also served as a plain indicator of his quickly waning patience. Kali nudged Ian and implored him gently. “Tell us what’s going on.”

  “This clan prides itself on not remaining a stagnant race. Throughout the years we have forced the evolution of our species through will and restraint. For many of kindred, moonlight no longer forces a revealing of our truer selves. We have made alliances with those who were once our enemies.” After bowing his head slightly in York’s direction, he continued. “Despite that strength and discipline, on the eve and eclipse of a blue moon, we are vulnerable to rogues. Banewolf and I murdered Erebus and her entire hive. Her sister, Nyx, seeks revenge and will not forsake this opportunity to destroy us.”

  “Oh.” Kali’s eyes flitted to York. He still leaned against the door. His expression was largely unreadable. “What is so special about a blue moon that weakens kindred?”

  “It is not the blue moon but the eclipse of it. It is an extremely rare occurrence, and for two nights we will be unable to transform. My entire clan will be as weak and mortal as humans. We have never discovered the cause. Perhaps it is something simply hardwired into our DNA by our makers.”

  Always a bit more of a skeptic, Rion leaned forward with interest. “How have you avoided slaughter before?”

  “In the past we have survived by remaining undiscoverable. The locations of kindred dens are not easily detected. However, our dealings with your kind have left our home exposed. Even with the eclipse, destroying a kindred den is not an easy feat. Rogues would suffer innumerable
casualties. Few keepers are willing to risk an entire hive in such an undertaking. But Nyx is driven by vengeance. She has recruited at least one other hive to stand against us. Retribution is imminent and unavoidable.”

  York ran a hand through his cropped hair, sounding way more patient than he looked. “So what are you asking us to do? Be your guard dogs?”

  Ian nodded. “We need Warekin to stand between us and them. Guard our den until the eclipse passes.”

  “Do you understand what you’re asking me to do?”

  “I do,” Ian said solemnly. “I would have preferred to ask this of Banewolf. His might would easily oppose any assault aimed against us.”