by Aria Sparke
‘Don’t worry, Alexis, I’ll sort it out.’ Although, I had no idea how I was going to. I knew however, I needed to be stronger, more decisive and adult.
* * *
Alexis set up a small desk in his office for me to take each of my exams which ranged from two to three hours. He set up the desk with water, spare paper and pens, stoked the fire and when the time came conducted each exam formally. When he clicked his stopwatch to end the final exam, he gathered my papers, placed them in a large orange envelope and launched them back to Canberra with the official Anubis College stamp. I imagined the papers making their journey across the world and examiners collecting, reading and grading them. That part of my life in Australia was coming to a close and once I received the grades would be sealed in my mind as another memory.
Alexis smiled. ‘Well done, Lily. You’re progressing well and getting closer to your medical dream.’
‘Thanks, Alexis for organizing everything—the exchange and the exams here. You’re a big reason I’m still on target.’
He bowed slightly in a way modern people didn’t. I often wondered if he realized how his mannerisms gave away his ancient past.
‘As a celebration, Cecilia has extended an invitation to you and the triplets for lunch on Saturday. She said to tell you it was low key and to dress casually. Would you like to come?’
I felt my pleasure at finishing my last exam evaporate. ‘Um, at your house? Tarek’s house?’
‘Oh, I’m sorry. Of course you’re dismayed. I apologize.’
‘You told me only a few days ago I needed to keep clear of him. Why the change of heart?’
‘I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. Cecilia told me a few days ago that Tarek has formally selected his new partner.’
I shook my head. ‘You and I both know the deal has to be sealed with the Vampirica ring.’
‘Cecilia was adamant it would be safe for you. I trust her judgment.’
‘It isn’t her I’m worried about.’
‘We’d love for you to come, Lily. For Cecilia and me it’s a homecoming celebration for you and the triplets.’
I could see Alexis still had a massive soft spot for Cecilia. Tentatively, I agreed to come yet resolved to speak with Flynn about the invitation to make certain I wouldn’t be strolling into a trap.
* * *
CHAPTER 17
Flynn: The Invitation
I could see by the way Lily carried her shoulders that she was upset about something. My first instinct was that she had botched her final exam. I wished I could ease the tension she felt about her studies. Her need to be perfect burdened her because she believed one slip would result in failure and kill her dreams of becoming a doctor. As a dhampir, I had never had academic or career expectations, but I had seen enough mortals and read stories of the mental loads they carried. It was another reason I was glad not to be human. Because our lives stretched to eternity there was no pressure to make them special or meaningful.
‘How was your anatomy exam?’
She smiled. ‘Fine, I think.’
‘Then why the tense shoulders?’
She shrugged them a few times as though embarrassed.
‘What happened?’
‘It’s nothing really. Alexis told me Cecilia invited us to lunch at your family home.’
I knew she would react negatively to the invitation, so I’d asked Alexis to wait until all Lily’s exams were over to invite her. ‘Did he tell you? Ces said Tarek has committed to his new partner. You’re off the hook.’ That was a poor choice of words on my part.
She nodded, but I could see she was worried, which was understandable.
‘I want to know if she’s wearing his ring,’ Lily said in a flat tone.
‘Forget him and the lunch for now. We’re going to celebrate the end of exams and the beginning of your study break. What do you want to do? We could go dancing, to the movies, dinner, drinking ... you name it.’
Her eyes narrowed. ‘We need to talk.’
Her tone made me uneasy.
‘Remember your promise about giving me your decision?’
Of course I did. ‘Your room or mine?’
‘I think mine.’
I sensed she was maneuvering for a home advantage. ‘Great, I’ll see you there after dinner.’ Truthfully, I found her room more relaxing than mine, which was rather sparse and uninteresting compared to my siblings. Martin boasted the best room. It was adorned with art he had painted in the past, comfortable sofa chairs and a complete wall of books. Reading literature was a long held interest he had just like Alexis. Sometimes I wished I’d cultivated pastimes, but people had always been my hobby—especially learning what made people tick. Lily occupied the pinnacle of my curiosity and my fierce attraction to her made any interest in paper books and pretty ornaments fade in comparison. Lily never failed to entrance and captivate me. She completed me.
After dinner I collected flowers I’d picked from the garden and made a posy. Flowers, kisses, closeness and words were keys to her heart. There was far more of course, but we hadn’t gone there since that afternoon in Canberra. I longed for the physical intimacy and passion we’d discovered on that special day. There was one small matter standing in the way. If we didn’t confront it, I feared Lily would set sail and float away. Standing outside her room, clutching the posy of flowers I noticed some had begun to wilt. Were they trying to tell me something?
She greeted me with her beautiful smile, melting me.
Inside her room the lights were low and she had lit candles while something sweet and fragrant softened the air.
‘I take it the candles are safe?’ I said.
‘You’ll have to find out for yourself.’
I grinned and pulled her into a close embrace. ‘I’ve missed you, Lily.’
‘Me too. It’s been so long.’
I steered her to the bed and lowered her gently to the quilt where we sank into it together. I kissed her neck, drawn to the vessels pulsating under her skin. So close, so tantalizing. I pulled myself away from them and focused on her eyes, losing myself in their green depths. I buried my face in her hair inhaling the magical scent and feeling the silky texture. Slowly I made my way to her lips and kissed them gently.
‘Flynn?’
I opened my eyes and looked into her soul.
‘What have you decided?’
I sighed. My decision had been made months ago when I’d spoken to Daniel.
‘Flynn?’ Was it fear in her eyes? ‘Tell me, please.’
‘I want to grow old with you, my love.’
A look of shock crossed her features. ‘You can’t.’
‘I want to.’
‘No.’
‘It’s too late.’
I saw her eyes open wide and felt her body tremble. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I haven’t drunk blood since the day you entered stasis after casting that spell.’
‘No, Flynn.’
‘I knew then I didn’t want to live if you didn’t recover and when you did, all I wanted was to grow old with you.’
She covered her mouth and tears filled her eyes.
‘It’s okay, Lily, believe me.’
‘You said we’d talk about it.’
‘And we will—now.’
She pressed me to sit up and we moved to the window seat.
‘Why did you do it?’
‘I knew I couldn’t live without you, and if I waited you would age and leave me behind. Think about it. We would get away with it for five or ten years, but would you want to be seen at forty or fifty with a boy?’
‘Please don’t do it for me.’
‘I’m doing it for us.’
‘What about your family? Have you told them?’
I shrugged. Of course I hadn’t. They would realize soon enough.
Lily dropped her head into her hands. ‘If you were to wait a bit longer, I know I’ll find the answers in my magic.’
I stood and paced. ‘If you
find the answer, I’ll stop but otherwise, I have to do what I know is right.’
‘Oh, Flynn.’ Her eyes shined with grief and love.
I laughed. ‘It isn’t so bad. Now you have to help me though.’
She looked at me curiously.
‘I’ll need a career, a direction. I can’t just float alongside as you forge your career in medicine.’
‘You’ll need money?’
I laughed. ‘My financial requirements are met by the vast Ruberio fortune accumulated over many vampiric lifetimes, but since I stopped drinking blood my dhampiric tendencies have died.’
‘I understand. Your desire to hunt has gone.’
I nodded. ‘So I’ll need a briefcase, a suit and a job to match.’
She smiled at me. ‘How about you start by helping me comb through all the volumes of spell books for an answer to our problem? Or we take it turn about. I could take dhampiric infusions and you could take a break.’
‘Mmm, like meeting me halfway?’
Her life was so different to mine. As a mortal it was focused and urgent as though she always had her mortality breathing at her shoulder, urging her on. In contrast, my life extended forever with the only threat being a Berisha blade. I felt no pressure to perform or achieve because there was no need. All I focused on was chasing and killing, amusement and love; although at times I wondered what it would be like to have the meaning and focus she derived from her short lifespan. Now perhaps I would have that challenge and difference in my life.
* * *
CHAPTER 18
Lily: A Ruberio Lunch
When we pulled up outside the Ruberio mansion, I saw the triplets relax as a heavy cloudbank drifted over the sun. The last time I had visited their home had been when Tarek took Bella. My first instinct had been to pack candles and chalk in my handbag. I didn’t worry about my clothing choice, settling for jeans and a sweater. I’d also chosen low flat heels in case I needed to run for the door in a hurry. Obviously I was becoming accustomed to the Ruberios’ weird ways.
Cecilia greeted us at the front door and welcomed us into the house. Since my mother had died she had been living in a wing of the house on first floor. It was a strange arrangement.
Alexis was in the lounge standing in front of the fire as usual making me wonder if he and Cecilia had ignited their past passion. As I watched them I didn’t get any sign from their body language, but perhaps they were hiding it. I presumed it wasn’t becoming for a century-old dhampir to exhibit romantic inclinations.
As it was dark and overcast outside, Cecilia had drawn the heavy velvet drapes back and turned the lights on, which lifted the atmosphere in the room from its usual claustrophobic feel.
‘I’m so glad you could all make it. It’s been a long time since ....’ Cecilia trailed off.
I glanced at the floor where I’d drawn my circle of protection, but no sign of the chalk marks remained. I wonder if the servants were given special instructions to clean the floor in here. I also wondered if they had been called to clean up after Tarek on other occasions. What a strange existence.
Martin sprawled on the couch. ‘So tell us, Ces. Who’s the lucky girl?’
‘Do we know her?’ Anya chimed in.
Everyone looked expectantly at Ces, who twitched slightly.
‘Not allowed to tell?’ Martin winked at Cecilia. ‘That would be Father’s style.’
‘Yes, he’d want to announce it,’ Anya said. ‘Always a stickler for formality.’
Martin chuckled. ‘Melodrama, you mean.’
‘Shh, you two,’ said Alexis glancing at the doorway.
I flinched and looked around, but no one was there. He seemed just as uptight as me.
‘When’s the wedding?’ Flynn asked.
Alexis shook his head. ‘There’s no talk of one.’
The triplets turned their heads with surprised expressions.
‘No wedding.’ Anya laughed. ‘You’re kidding?’
‘Yes, I know it’s strange,’ Cecilia said cutting over Anya. ‘I suspect it’s because he lost Bella so early. Maybe he’s superstitious. Truly, I don’t know how he views the world with that ancient mind of his.’
I shifted uncomfortably on the sofa.
‘What is it Lily?’ Flynn asked me quietly.
‘Nothing.’
‘Tell us,’ said Anya loudly drawing everyone’s attention to me.
‘I suppose, um, I’d like to know whether he put his ring on his new partner’s finger.’
Alexis shook his head. ‘I’m sure he has, Lily.’ He glanced at Cecilia as though asking her to confirm it.
‘You don’t have to worry. I saw it myself,’ she said with comforting certainty.
I breathed again.
‘Shall we have lunch?’ Cecilia asked with a forced gaiety as though the conversation had led everyone back to thoughts of Bella.
I sat at the table surprised by the lemon, orange and lime settings and bright lighting. They gave the room a summery feel, which was unusual for the mansion. Servants brought salads, cold meats and white wine to the table and arranged them between two bowls of fragrant sweet pea blossoms. I wondered what these employees had seen in their service to the Ruberios. Were they dhampirs or perhaps mortals trapped by spells?
Sitting between Flynn and Cecilia with Alexis opposite, I looked for possible signs of a renewed romance between Alexis and Cecilia but detected nothing.
‘Is there any word about Avery?’ I asked.
‘You weren’t told?’ Cecilia said. ‘We’ve been in contact.’
I glared at Alexis. Why hadn’t he told me?
‘She started school the day after you arrived back in Wicklow,’ Cecilia said.
I laughed and nearly choked on my bread. ‘Nursery school? How old is she now—four months?’
‘She is a dhampir,’ Alexis said quietly.
I raised my eyebrows at him.
‘We mature quickly,’ Flynn explained. ‘She would look like a five-year-old mortal now. However after this growth spurt she will slow down again. It will take her a couple of years to look and behave like a human of twenty years.’
‘That’s so sad,’ I said. ‘Such a short childhood.’ I suddenly realized what I’d just said to a group of dhampirs.
Alexis and the triplets all looked at me with puzzled expressions, yet I could see from Cecilia’s face, she agreed with me.
‘All that tedious child-rearing business—diaper changing and breast feeding, not to mention teaching them to talk and walk—is over in a matter of a month or two. The dhampir way is far more efficient,’ Anya said.
‘I suppose,’ I said and grinned discreetly at Cecilia. ‘So where’s this school?’
‘Iceland,’ Cecilia said. ‘It caters for dhampirs across the world.’
Remembering my promise to Bella, I asked, ‘What about her training in witchcraft?’
Cecilia nodded. ‘Dhampirs and witches send their offspring to this school and both are catered for. Of course in Avery’s case, she’ll graduate as a dhampir adult long before she perfects her witchcraft. Mind you, it’s possible she’ll progress more rapidly than any other witch with her dhampiric blood. I expect her to be an extremely talented witch.’
A thought crossed my mind. ‘Was Tarek ever attracted to a witch before Bella?’
‘I don’t believe so,’ Alexis said. ‘In fact he had an aversion to them considering ancient witches conspired to force upon him the role of fathering generations of dhampirs.’
‘Then why the change of heart?’ I asked.
Alexis nodded. ‘I’ve wondered too. Perhaps he believes he can build a stronger race of dhampirs to defeat vampires like Vincent Berisha.’
‘Well you must admit, it’s a noble ambition,’ a voice said from the doorway to the kitchen.
Everyone froze before Alexis and Flynn stood to greet Tarek.
‘I heard a commotion, and it woke me.’ Tarek came closer to the table and caught sight of me.
I
immediately averted my gaze, covered my mouth and began whispering a ward under my breath.
Tarek burst into laughter. ‘Enough of that witchery nonsense, Lily dear.’ He dragged a chair from across the room and looked at Alexis. ‘Move up a little, son.’
Grasping the sides of my chair, I could feel my already sweaty hands slide on the timber. I tried to maintain outward composure while wracking my brains to think of my strongest ward, but I knew the one I’d whispered was the best without chalk or candles. My only option was to avoid his gaze.
‘This is pleasant,’ Tarek said. ‘Don’t stop the conversation on my account.’
‘It’s good to see you again, Father,’ Flynn said.
‘Yes,’ Alexis chimed in. ‘We were just talking about your wonderful news.’
I concentrated on my lunch, cutting and rearranging my salad on the plate.
‘Who is she, Father and where did you meet her?’ Anya asked in an overly bright voice.
Tarek snapped his fingers and a servant scurried to him. ‘Bring me a bottle of the good stuff, Gregori and then, pull those wretched drapes. The glare’s intolerable.’
Gregori bowed before bringing back an unlabeled bottle and pouring some of its contents into a glass. Tarek picked the glass up, swirled it and sniffed it like wine.
‘Ah, a good vintage—yesterday.’ He chuckled.
I gagged as I saw him swill what I knew was blood.
‘Ah, now you sneak a peek, Lily—careful.’
Steeling myself, I glanced at him. I met his eyes for only a few moments but was shocked at the rush of confused emotions I felt—disgust, anger—and more disturbingly, attraction and longing. The urge to look at him lingered horribly. My body had betrayed me. I felt so ashamed as though I were cheating on Flynn with him present. What was wrong with me?
Tarek turned away from me casually and tipped his chair back as he took another mouthful of blood.
I shook and my heart hammered as I waited for my body to calm while I tried to focus on the conversation.
‘Yes, well, my new partner—that’s the modern term these days, isn’t it—is coming tomorrow. You have confirmed the flight, haven’t you, Cecilia? I can’t wait to lay eyes on her. She sounded so fresh and juicy.’ He laughed, or rather, deliberately giggled.