wait for dusk

by Drake, Jocelynn

  “It’s a terrible idea.”

  “You had no problem putting Lily in his hands,” I accused, hating to even say the child’s name out loud. She didn’t need to be brought into this conversation, but it didn’t make any sense to me that Danaus would be willing to send something dear and precious to us to Ryan, but not this creature.

  “Lily was going there under the protection of your name. I know that you wouldn’t do the same for Sofia. Ryan doesn’t owe me any favors and he’s not trying to cultivate my friendship. Sofia would not have the same security that Lily would have had.”

  “It doesn’t matter anymore. If she doesn’t want to stay in Budapest, then she goes to Themis and is out of my hair as far as I’m concerned,” I said, throwing my arms up in the air. “In truth it doesn’t matter to me since she’s not going back to Savannah, which is where I am headed after this coven nonsense is finished.”

  I cocked my head to the side and stretched out my powers as I felt a shifting in the air. Danaus grew instantly quiet when I raised my hand. Someone was coming, and I preferred that they did not catch us in the middle of this particular conversation. Sofia looked from me to Danaus, her expression growing tense.

  A couple of seconds later both Stefan and Macaire appeared in the hotel room. A part of me had secretly hoped that the coven Elder had returned to Venice where he belonged, but apparently he was lingering in Budapest to make sure that whatever trap he’d set was properly sprung on Danaus and me. A frown pulled at the corners of my lips at Valerio’s painful absence. The nightwalker had been my personal pocket of mischievous joy when he was around, and now I was just stuck with two nightwalkers that wanted me dead and a hunter that was trying to get me killed.

  “How is he?” I asked, content to ignore Macaire for the time being.

  “He’ll live,” Stefan replied as he unbuttoned his winter coat to reveal a handsome dark suit. “He fed heavily last night and I saw to it that he fed again as soon as I rose. He just needs another night of rest and food before he travels again.”

  “That is a shame about Valerio,” Macaire murmured, rubbing one gloved hand against his chin.

  “Valerio will be fine,” I said firmly, fighting to keep from clenching my teeth whenever I spoke to the Elder. “The important part is that we have rid the city of the naturi. I need to still make a few phone calls to get arrangements in place, but Danaus and I will be returning to Venice tonight. I’m sure you two gentlemen can manage on your own. In fact, there’s nothing keeping you here now.”

  “We’re leaving Budapest?” Stefan demanded first, his mouth falling open in shock.

  I nodded at him, but turned my gaze directly on Macaire, who was looking less than pleased by my announcement. “As I recall, the only reason for our coming to Budapest in the first place was the naturi infestation, which has now been cleared out. There is no reason for me to linger in this city any longer. We were to reconvene in Venice, and then Danaus and I will be returning home to Savannah.”

  So, you’re going to permit me back in Savannah, but not Sofia? Danaus whispered in my mind, making me wish I could throw something at his head. Yet in all honesty, I wasn’t sure which of us was acting more childish at the moment. I had a sick feeling that it was me. Sofia wanted her freedom, and Danaus was determined to give it to her. As his friend and companion, I should be willing to support him despite the fact that it went against my ways as a nightwalker.

  It wasn’t that I was unwilling to take on the protection of yet another creature, because I felt confident that Veyron would not travel to my domain of Savannah for her. It was more the concern that I would be protecting a creature that seemed destined to become Danaus’s lover one day. I didn’t think I had it in me to be that strong and not allow jealousy to crush Sofia.

  “What about Ferko and Odelia? What about my Michelle?” Stefan demanded, taking a couple of steps toward me.

  I smiled broadly at him, placing both of my hands on his stiff shoulders. “As keeper of Budapest, you have my permission to track them both down and eliminate them in any manner that you see fit so long as it doesn’t endanger our secret.”

  “You’re too kind,” he replied, pulling out of my touch.

  “I can well understand your eagerness to return to the coven and home again, but you can’t leave this domain in the chaotic order that it is now,” Macaire interjected quickly before I could turn my back on the both of them. “You need to establish your position of power within the city.”

  “I have. There was the language lesson at the Széchenyi Baths,” I said, but Stefan was quick to speak up.

  “That was in the name of the coven and establishing yourself as an Elder to be respected.”

  I forced a broad smile at Stefan as I clenched my teeth together. I didn’t need his help. “There was also the slaughter at Bahnhof just the other night. I do believe that was in the name of establishing my position as keeper, if I’m not mistaken.”

  “Yes, I heard about Bahnhof and that was a very nice start,” Macaire conceded.

  “Cleared the place out,” Stefan said proudly, referring to the nightwalkers that quickly vacated the nightclub rather than stay in our presence any longer than absolutely necessary.

  Macaire heaved a heavy sigh and placed his hands into the pockets of his large overcoat. “Unfortunately, I get the feeling that the whispers of that event are still making the rounds among our kind here in this large city before you can comfortably vacate it, even for a short period of time. You need to make a larger display of your power, Mira. Take the advice of one who has been around quite a bit longer than you. When you took over Savannah, there were few nightwalkers present. Budapest is considerably larger and older. You will need a grander display to have an impact on your people here.”

  “Do you have something specific in mind?” I asked, knowing that he did.

  “The Solstice Ball,” Sofia said in breathless tones. I turned to look up at her, but she had turned her wide eyes on the other Elder. “Tonight is Odelia’s Solstice Ball. Everyone will be there.”

  “Exactly,” Macaire said with a smile, then turned his attention to me. “Collecting another one? She doesn’t seem to be quite your type.”

  “Yes, well, I’m open to new experiences,” I said with an ugly smile before turning my attention to Sofia. “What can you tell me about Odelia’s party tonight? Have you ever been?”

  “I’ve been a few times. As far as I know, every nightwalker in the city makes an appearance at this ball with his or her pets. It’s a very formal affair with elegant ball gowns and beautiful suits. Veyron always called it the only civilized affair of the year because there was no fighting and no werewolves present.”

  “What about warlocks or witches?” Danaus inquired, before I could.

  “Not as far as I know. Just vampires and their pets, which are always humans,” she said with a pretty smile for him.

  “Then I guess we’re going to a ball tonight, gentlemen. It’s a shame that Valerio can’t make it, because this is exactly the kind of thing that would have raised his spirits. Where is it held?”

  “I’m not exactly sure,” Sofia said, “but it’s always been in a private castle in the Castle District.”

  “I’m sure we can find it with little problem,” Stefan interrupted, arching one eyebrow at me. “We can just focus on the heavy concentration of nightwalkers in the middle of the city.”

  “Then we should get going,” I said. “The sooner this mess is taken care of, the sooner we can get back to Venice. Danaus, stay behind and protect Sofia while I am out tonight. Macaire, Stefan, and I apparently have a formal ball to attend.”

  “Is that what you’re wearing?” Stefan demanded, looking me up and down. I was back in my leather pants and leather halter top with its varied selection of knives spread across my body.

  My smile widened for him, allowing my fangs to peek out. I wrapped one arm around his shoulders, forcing him to place an arm around my back so his hand rested on
my hip. “My ball gown is at the cleaners. I’m sure they will understand. Besides, this makes the impression that I want to leave behind.”

  A reluctant smile tweaked one corner of his mouth. “Blood, fear, and ruthless violence,” Stefan said.

  “Like Macaire said, it’s all about leaving the right impression, and I have no doubt this is the one I want to leave behind in Budapest if I am to be both her keeper and a coven Elder. Let’s dance,” I said, grinning at my companion in violence. Despite the fact that he still wanted me dead, Stefan and I were starting to get along very well. But then he always loved a bloodbath and terror in his victims. Something I was starting to be good at once again.

  No matter. It was time to crash Odelia’s party, and for once, I couldn’t wait, even if I did have Macaire tagging along.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Odelia’s Solstice Ball was an extravagant affair. But considering what little I did know of her, I had expected nothing less. She was a relatively young nightwalker who liked to pretend to be much older than she was, reveling in the so-called “good old days,” when she never really lived through them in the first place. This Solstice Ball was just another excuse for her to preside over the younger nightwalkers and strut about as if she were something truly awesome to behold.

  The only problem was, the three nightwalkers walking into her party were truly awesome to behold, and we didn’t like to share the limelight.

  Unfortunately, Sofia either lied about the guest list or Odelia made some last minute modifications due to my recent behavior in Budapest. I had expected a lavish party of roughly one hundred people—half nightwalkers and the other half their human pets. When we arrived at the gathering, we discovered that the body count was well over two hundred, and nightwalkers accounted for less than quarter of those people. To prevent any kind of scene, particularly a violent bloody scene, Odelia had surrounded herself with humans. We could wipe only so many memories and control only so many minds at one time. This crowd was too big, and Odelia knew she was safe as long as she remained within it. It was a disappointing development, but I was not going to let it spoil my evening.

  Macaire and I strolled into a grand ballroom laced in silver and gold decorations. A giant Christmas tree rose up in the far corner, glowing with twinkling white lights that reflected off red globe ornaments. Along either wall, enormous tables had been set up and were laden with gourmet dishes and artfully crafted ice sculptures. On the balcony overlooking the second floor, a string ensemble was playing music for the dancers in the middle of the ballroom.

  Standing in that ballroom, I watched the swish and flow of the elegant ball gowns as the women were twirled around the floor. There was laughter and soft conversation in the air. I longed to have Valerio at my side. The scene played before me was like a crisp memory of a time not so long ago. Centuries ago, he and I had attended balls similar to this one, where we waltzed and laughed before luring our prey off to a secluded dark corner to feed. It had been such a seemingly innocent and light time in my life, which was now so far from my reach.

  Stefan leaned close, brushing his chest against my shoulder so he could whisper in my ear. “I think there may be a problem with your attire.” I didn’t need to look over to know that Macaire was smirking. Both nightwalkers were at least wearing nice suits under their heavy coats, while I was sheathed in leather and steel. Not exactly what I would have preferred for a winter ball, but then I hadn’t thought I would need a fancy frock while destroying naturi in Budapest.

  I shrugged and stepped into the ballroom with the rest of the guests. “The point, I believe, was to cause a scene,” I replied in a low voice. “I think this will help.”

  My appearance certainly grabbed the attention of the partygoers, as they quickly put some space between themselves and me while softly whispering among each other. I was proud of the fact that I didn’t blush, and even more impressed that Macaire remained standing beside me, while Stefan stood straight and tall behind us both like a proper servant. Considering my aggressive attire, I had expected both of them to distance themselves from me at their first opportunity. It made me worry. What was Macaire’s game now?

  It took Odelia and Veyron only a moment to notice the uneasiness of the crowd and head in our direction. They had been holding court at one of the three tables at the far end of the room on a slightly raised platform. Odelia wore an elaborate dress of shimmering silver and black, while Veyron appeared in a traditional tuxedo. When they reached us, they both gave a respectful bow of their heads. It was enough to show respect without drawing too much attention from the humans. Unfortunately, that wasn’t a particularly easy task, since nearly every human and nightwalker in the ballroom was staring at me.

  “Welcome, great coven Elders Macaire and Mira. Welcome, Stefan. Please enjoy our small holiday gathering,” Odelia said, spreading her arms wide to invite us in.

  “Thanks for allowing us to crash,” I replied. “We just heard about the party and thought we would drop by for a little while.” I resisted the urge to lay my hand on the handle of one of the knives attached to my hip.

  “You’re most welcome here,” Veyron said, though he refused to look directly at me. I had to wonder if it might have something to do with his missing pet. Surely there had to be a few nightwalkers present who noticed her glaring absence.

  “In truth, we had not expected you to linger in the city so long. Otherwise, I would have told you about the ball. It would have given you more time to find a proper ball gown,” Odelia added, as her hand caressed a luxurious strip of black velvet on her dress.

  I waved my hand at her and forced out a light chuckle. “Yes, it does appear as if I am a bit underdressed for the affair.”

  “In truth, it looks as if you should be part of the entertainment rather than a guest, but it is no matter. You are all most welcome here!”

  “Why that’s a brilliant idea!”

  “What idea?” Odelia demanded in a rough voice, obviously terrified by anything that I could conceive of as brilliant.

  “Entertainment! It would give me a chance to repay you and all the other nightwalkers for your warm welcome into the city as both an Elder and now her keeper. I would like to provide some entertainment.”

  “Oh, please, Mira. You don’t have to trouble yourself,” Veyron said, finally starting to look a little nervous. “Tonight is for your enjoyment and relaxation. You’ve done enough. We’ve already heard of the removal of all the naturi from the city. You’ve taken over as keeper for our protection. We can ask no more of you.”

  “But I insist! It will be fun.”

  “Please let her,” Macaire interjected, surprising me. “Mira has such a special gift for entertaining those around her. She has such flair.”

  “Thank you, Macaire. Now, please, return to your seats at the far end of the ballroom and allow me to entertain you.”

  With anxious smiles plastered on their faces, Veyron and Odelia led Macaire and Stefan across the center of the dance floor, with me lagging behind them. I stopped in the center and sent out a slight mental push to everyone, indicating that they should back off to the sidelines and leave the center of the dance floor completely open. At the same time, I mentally directed the orchestra on the balcony to switch to a selection of pieces from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet. I thought it would make the whole performance seem more festive, since I was limited in what I could do at that moment.

  Once Odelia and the others were seated at the head tables, I bowed deeply to them and then to my left and right, offering myself up to the crowd. As I stood upright again, I palmed a pair of knives at my waist and quickly began to juggle them. I wasn’t a particularly accomplished juggler, but I’d picked up a couple tricks over the long years out of plain curiosity and boredom. The silver blades flashed in the twinkling light as they rose higher and higher. When they were more than five feet in the air, I added a third blade and pushed them even higher. The audience around me exploded in applause, but I wasn�
�t even half done.

  When one knife reached more than ten feet in the air, it became wrapped in a ball of flames. In a matter of seconds I was juggling three flaming knives to an awe-filled crowd of humans and a slightly terrified group of nightwalkers. To the humans, this was a bit of fake magic for their entertainment that could easily be explained away with logic and science. To the nightwalkers, I was a walking threat.

  As the music reached its ending crescendo, I dropped to my knees, caught a knife in my left hand and another in my right. Then I tilted my head back and caught the third flaming knife with my teeth. The second the blade entered my mouth, the flames were extinguished. Thrusting the two knives in my hands back into the sheaths at my side, I pulled the other blade out of my mouth. With a wide grin, I puffed out my cheeks and pretended to expel a massive breath of air that turned into a ball of fire as it left my lips. Over the round of exuberant clapping, I could hear screams of genuine terror from the nightwalkers in the crowd.

  Confident that I had everyone’s full attention, I moved on to some more stunning tricks. With my blades returned to their sheaths, I raised my hands above my head and with a snap of my fingers four orbs of fire miraculously appeared hovering in the air. I waved my hands and the little fireballs spun and danced over my head in time with the music.

  Want to have some fun? I silently inquired of Stefan.

  I’m quite enjoying watching you make a fool of yourself. I don’t need anything else.

  Give me a hand, please. Float Odelia out here to me.

  Float her out?

  Imagine lifting her out to the middle of the floor like a silver angel descending into Hell. Stefan didn’t say anything, but I could feel his inward chuckle at my description.

  As the music shifted, I lowered my right hand and directed it toward Odelia, who magically lifted from her chair and floated out to the center of the floor, thanks to a little assistance from Stefan. Shock initially filled her face, but she quickly covered it up with a look of serenity—just like an angel floating down from Heaven. As her feet touched the ground before me, I used my left hand to direct the fireballs to change direction so they circled around her. With a laugh and a clap, they picked up speed and the ring around her became smaller so that she felt forced to cross her arms over her chest. A fragile smile lifted her lips, but there was genuine fear in her eyes.