by Nicki Ruth
She looked up at him with a small smile. “Thank you for sharing your past with me. I want us to continue to trust each other.”
Alexios nodded with a glint in his eyes.
∞∞∞
“Davina, about your bloodgifts.” Alexios was loath to talk business after the wonderful moment they shared, but Marius was right; they needed to understand all of who Davina was, and what secrets her Zharim blood held, sooner rather than later.
“My bloodgifts?” She blinked, clearly thrown by his change in topic. “I think I have more gifts than the average vampire, but like most vampires, I’m not in the habit of revealing their nature,” she said pointedly. “Though I do feel much stronger since I’ve been on Damurios.”
Alexios frowned. If her gifts were getting stronger, Davina was a very formidable force indeed. She already had the ability to control the movement of any blooded being. If her powers were growing, there was no telling the potential extent of their reach.
“Do you doubt my gifts? The one that can sense your sire?” Davina asked curiously, rousing him from his thoughts.
“I do not. But I would like to know more. I have no intention of placing you in danger.”
She huffed, turning back to the cliffside view. “I can take care of myself.”
“I don’t doubt that you can. But you yourself said you haven't fully explored your gifts. I need to be sure of your abilities before I accept your assistance. I’m reluctant to even allow my sirelings to get too involved with my mission. So too with you.” That was one thing that would never be up for debate.
Suddenly, Alexios felt his body seize up. His arms pulled into his sides, and he was unable to breathe. He gasped for air while Davina calmly smirked at him. Her palm was up, facing him. She closed her hand into a fist and excruciating pain erupted in his chest. His heart stuttered, ready to explode in his chest. Davina unclenched her fist. Air rushed back into his lungs as his body relaxed. He breathed deep, sweat falling from his brow, and glared at her.
“You see, Alexios, I can take care of myself. And to think this was only the third time I commanded blood to my will.”
“Don’t ever do that to me again!”
Alexios took a deep breath, closing his eyes, trying to calm himself. The air felt thick and charged, electric threads weaving about him. He hadn’t felt that close to death in centuries, yet one young girl was able to control his life with the clench of a fist.
I’m sorry. I took it too far. Forgive me, her voice sounded in his head.
Alexios opened his eyes and saw Davina peering at him, remorse in her eyes. He straightened and took another calming breath.
“You need to tell me the extent of your gifts, and you need to tell me now.” Alexios wasn’t leaving until he heard it all.
∞∞∞
A dark, hooded figure stood on the windy mountain path overlooking the glittering city in the distance. The vampire race had come far from the wars that once tore them apart, and they had made powerful allies in the empire, giving rise to unprecedented prosperity and peace for the Damu people. But his long life had taught him that peace was fleeting, and the upcoming storm would determine whether the Damu people survived. Now that she had returned, everything changed. Yet, he would persist and observe, a witness to the terrible glory that was to come.
“Have I kept you waiting?”
Sandar turned without expression to greet the newly arrived visitor. The wind picked up, fiercely battering the two lone figures on the ice-encrusted path.
“It’s a wonderful view, isn’t it?” A smile snaked across the visitor’s face, fangs and all. “The crown jewel of Damurios. Soon to be mine. Do you have what I asked for, Sandar?”
Sandar removed his hood and stared at the face that once seemed so beautiful to him.
“I have what you seek, Amelagar. Why do you want it?” Sandar extended his pale hand from his pocket, which held a small, nondescript box. He handed it over, knowing death would follow once its barter was secured with those foul beings who did Amelagar’s dirty work.
Amelagar chuckled. “You're the all-seeing mystic. You tell me,” he taunted, taking the box.
Sandar said nothing. He didn’t care for Amelagar’s games.
“You failed to tell me of Tiamat’s heir, Sandar, alive after all this time. How has this come to be?”
“I only became aware of her recently. What plans do you have for her?”
“Now I know why my previous attempts did not bear fruit. How did she survive? I was careful to ensure no one did.”
“Obviously not careful enough.”
Amelagar gave a warning growl. “No matter. I will have what I desire.”
“She is powerful. You will fail.”
“Is that what your flames tell you, mystic?” Amelagar sneered. “I’m close to fulfilling my aim. I will succeed, and you will ensure it.”
Sandar suppressed a grimace. Amelagar still hadn’t realized the flaw in his plans. “And what about your sireling? She is under his protection. Tell me, why did you choose him to be yours?”
“I thought he was something he is not.” Amelagar shrugged. “The upstart can babysit her until I’m ready.”
Sandar smirked. “You’re a fool. You have no idea what’s in motion. You think you do, but you do not.”
Amelagar had his claws around Sandar’s throat in an instant, his powerful aura flared for the briefest of moments, enough to cause any lesser vampire to cower.
“If you are withholding information from me, you will regret it. Do not forget who you’re dealing with!”
“Careful, before you find yourself at the bottom of this cliff.”
Amelagar’s head whipped around at the sound of Sandar’s voice coming from behind him. In his hands, a dark mist dissipated where Sandar stood before.
“There's no need for threats,” Sandar said.
Amelagar faced him and smiled slowly. It looked to Sandar like the smile of death itself. “Take heed. I will have what I desire. I’ll retrieve the girl when the time is right, and you will continue to observe and make preparations. Are we clear?”
Sandar said nothing, bowing slightly. Amelagar smirked and disappeared. Sandar let out a cold breath. After centuries, Amelagar was finally close to the end. Sandar knew Amelagar intended to claim his prize and lay waste to Damurios and all else who stood in his way. Sadness seeped into him at the lives to be lost, but at long last it was all coming to an end. He had made his choice.
Chapter 23
“With you in this . . . attire, no one would be paying attention to anything else!” Lexi giggled. Davina eyed herself in the mirror, regretting letting Lexi choose her outfit for tonight. Two bejeweled patches of fabric adhered to her breasts with some sticky substance. The rest of her upper half was completely exposed. An almost transparent skirt—if it could be called that—draped her lower half, showing off her legs. Only a tiny strip of fabric shielded her private parts from view. That, too, was bejeweled. Thigh-high, heeled boots completed her look. Lexi dusted her with some powder that made her skin shimmer with flecks of gold.
Davina made a face at her reflection. “Lexi, this is too revealing. I’m attending a party with politicians and nobles. This will be too provocative.”
“Stop fussing. This is how they dress now. Just have fun tonight. And whatever happens, just stay calm and go with it. See you whenever you get back.” Lexi ushered Davina out, hitting a button and closing the door on her grinning face.
Davina sighed and set off to find the others. Ignoring Lexi’s enigmatic words. She was actually looking forward to the party. Alexios was to introduce her to the who's who of vampire society, much like the last time, but she suspected he had other reasons for attending.
“Whoa!” Jason strolled down the hallway, his brown eyes like saucers. “Wow! You look amazing!”
Davina smiled and thanked him. She noticed he wasn’t in formal attire. “Are you not attending the party tonight?”
Jason sh
ook his head. “Nope. Father doesn't want me there, or near you, it seems.” He smiled mischievously. “I plan to have my own fun tonight.”
“Why doesn’t he want you near me?”
“Just a feeling I have.” He grinned, his eyes twinkling. “Well, I’m off. Have fun. I doubt father will want to leave your side tonight.”
Davina rolled her eyes. She wasn’t looking forward to Alexios’ overprotective behavior, but she had agreed to help him find his sire. If that malevolent presence was at the party, she would know.
∞∞∞
Alexios curled his tongue against his fangs, eager to bathe them in fresh blood as he watched the men around Davina. Minister Zlow’s party was the event of the season, and most notable families were there. An endless supply of blood donors had come from Dulphan, Vlaris, and several other neighboring planets for vampires to gorge themselves. There was even a warm bloodbath for those inclined to immerse themselves. Marius mingled like the suave tactician he was, gleaning information from their targets. Alexios refused to leave Davina’s side, waving away anyone who tried boring him with their mindless chatter. He was not in a mood to talk politics.
What was she wearing? It attracted too much attention, and she was by far the most popular guest in attendance. To Alexios’ annoyance, they were constantly surrounded by those curious enough to brave his scowl and court her attention. To make things worse, his proximity to her put him in a constant state of arousal. When he had first seen her this evening, he was speechless, immediately calculating how long it would take to have her completely naked and under him.
Alexios groaned under his breath. Minister Parl’s son had just arrived and was making a beeline toward Davina. Don't kill him. Don't. Kill. Him, Alexios chanted in head.
The loud clanging tune of the band changed. So, too, did Davina’s demeanor.
Alexios, I sense your sire, Davina said into his mind. It’s faint, but he may be in one of the rooms on the upper levels.
His heart began to race. His sire was here! He pulled her away from Parl, who began to protest but stopped at the look on Alexios’ face.
“Find Marius and stay with him,” he said to her as he made his way to the stairs. He reached the first landing and headed down the corridor, checking each room. He hadn’t expected to fight his sire tonight, but he wanted to confront the vampire.
“Alexios, he’s not on this floor,” Davina whispered behind him.
Alexios whirled around. “What are you doing here? I told you to stay with Marius!”
Davina gave him a droll look. “Wouldn’t it be faster if I found him? I sense him on the fourth level. Let’s go.”
Davina strolled to the elevator and looked back at Alexios impatiently. “Are you coming? Because I’m going.”
Alexios stalked forward. “You will stay behind me at all times. And you will leave as soon as I tell you. Are we clear?”
She shrugged. “Of course.” The elevator opened and she stepped in. “Coming?”
Alexios grumbled and stepped into the elevator. They soon found themselves on the fourth floor. He still could not sense his sire’s presence, but Davina made her way confidently down the hallway, beckoning him to follow. Before he could stop her, she threw the door open to one of the rooms on the left.
“There you are!” his sire exclaimed, clasping his hands together.
A limp body dropped to his feet as he licked the blood from his fangs. He stood tall in the room, which was decorated with red drapes, rugs, and walls. It reeked of old and fresh blood. Like suffering and death.
“You must be Tiamat’s daughter.”
“And you must be the monster who abandoned his sireling and kills his own people!”
Alexios grabbed Davina, placing himself between her and his sire, giving her a warning look. This was not a time for her boldness.
“What are you doing here?” he asked his sire.
“How do you know who I am?” Davina asked at the same time.
Amelagar chuckled. “I know many things. I’ve lived a long life. Has my son been treating you well, Princess?”
“You will not address her,” Alexios said with a hiss. “Why are you on Damurios? What are you planning this time?”
Amelagar tipped his head to the side and peered at him curiously. “It is my homeland. I can come and go as I choose. Don’t you do the same?”
He stepped closer. Alexios extended his claws and fangs, ready to defend himself and Davina.
“But I will make things interesting. I will tell you my reasons for being here.” He smirked. “And it all involves your honored guest. For years, I have been trying to achieve a higher level of consciousness—the ultimate power, if you will. I’ve searched endlessly and sacrificed many on my quest. I’ve not had the best of luck, but now that the princess is here, things are looking up.” He paused and licked his fangs. “You see, she may be in possession of something I require—something powerful. Once I have it, I will declare all of Damurios mine and place our noble race above all others. Then I will ascend to my place among the gods.”
Mirth danced in his dark eyes. “Oh, don’t make that face, Alexios. If you’re lucky, you can bear witness to it all, maybe even take your rightful place at my side.”
Alexios growled but said nothing. He wanted his sire to keep talking. Clearly the ages had taken a toll on his sire’s mind for this was—
“You really are demented!” Davina exclaimed. “You want to become a god? How ridiculous!”
Alexios groaned inwardly. Why couldn’t she remain quiet?
Amelagar laughed. “You truly are Tiamat’s daughter—so fiery, and so beautiful, too. Maybe once my sireling is tired of your charms, I will get a taste as well—”
Alexios’ vision clouded, and before he knew it, he roared and launched himself at his sire. He grabbed Amelagar’s throat and squeezed, but the vampire’s grip was stronger, and he gradually uncurled Alexios’ fingers.
“Ah, Alexios, you should be more concerned with your sireling downstairs. I believe the music has changed to a melody more suited to officially herald my return.”
Alexios froze as the first sounds of screams reached them. Fear crept up his spine, chilling his blood. “No,” he whispered.
Amelagar cackled with glee and shimmered away.
∞∞∞
Davina gaped at the chaos around her. Scores of broken bodies lay around the ballroom floor. Moans and calls for help came from the few survivors, and the smell of fresh blood battered at her nose. Alexios searched frantically for Marius near the balcony doors.
What had happened? She turned and saw Hansil Parl’s empty blue eyes staring back at her. His neck had been twisted at an impossible angle, claw marks raked across his once-handsome face. Her head spun. There was so much blood and gore, so many dead bodies. She wanted to . . . what did she want? She should be helping Alexios, but there she stood frozen by the carnage.
Oh, how beautiful it all was!
The blood, the screams, the moans, the faces frozen in terror. Her gums itched to release her fangs. She wanted more. Her blood hummed to the melody of the woeful moans and cries from the scene before her. She wanted to hear more of their death calls, wanted more blood to taste, to revel in. More bodies, more despair. They would all lie before her, writhing in agony. She smiled. Yes. Just like this. Beautiful faces painted with swaths of terror, resting atop delicate necks snapped and drained. All would burn to ash. All would bleed, and she would feast. Her body shook in anticipation.
“Davina!”
She blinked, confused. She looked up to see Alexios’ concerned gaze on her.
“Are you all right?”
“Alexios,” she whispered, her body trembling. “Wh . . . What happened here?”
“I don't know. But I need to find Marius, and I need your help. I cannot sense him. I need you to try.”
Alexios’ face was pale, and the fear in his eyes made Davina’s stomach tighten. Marius. Oh, gods! Marius had been in the ballro
om!
“I need you to focus.” Alexios shook her again with more urgency. “Help me find him. Please!”
“You won’t find him among the dead,” a gravelly voice sounded behind them.
“Who are you?” Alexios snarled, his body tense. “Did you have something to do with this?”
“Sandar?” Davina said weakly, still overwhelmed by the scene and her yearnings.
Alexios glanced sharply at her. “Sandar? The mystic?” He paused. “You know him?” He stared at her, questions flashing across his face along with a hint of betrayal. She could tell he thought Sandar to be a part of this. Was he? Davina cringed inwardly.
“Come, both of you. There’s much to do.” Sandar strode from the ballroom.
Alexios stood unmoving, glaring at Davina.
“Alexios, I . . .” she trailed off, not knowing what to say.
Alexios schooled his face into a hard mask. “I need to find Marius,” he said with remarkable calm.
“I said he’s not here,” Sandar replied from the doorway, “and I don’t like to be kept waiting.”
“Maybe we should listen to him,” Davina said softly.
Alexios said nothing and stalked toward the exit. “What happened here?” she heard him demand. “Tell me!”
Davina looked one last time at the death around her and then went to Alexios. She arrived at the door in time to see Sandar send a struggling Alexios through a dark portal with a wave of his hand.
Davina screamed. “No! What are you doing?”
“What needs to be done,” Sandar said, and with another wave of his hand, he hurled Davina through the portal as well, and darkness closed around her.
Chapter 24
Davina groaned and opened her eyes. Her head throbbed. She sat up and looked around. She was in a dank cavern. A small fire burned a few feet away from her.