As we neared the living room I heard voices. Some I recognized while others I did not. The voices however, sounded quite happy as they chattered back and forth. One by one, we entered the crowded living room and to my surprise, everyone was there waiting for us. When I say everyone, I mean everyone. The elements, fairies, shape shifters, four vampires from the coven and three werewolves filled the living room. Even the two unicorns rescued from the vampire house stood outside the open window looking in.
Previous sworn enemies sat amongst each other talking as if they’d been lifelong friends. Aiden and Terran conversed causally with a couple werewolves, while the unicorns exchanged conversation with the pair of vampires. I was left in a state of awe as I took in the scenery of the room. The best part was that everyone seemed to be enjoying one another’s company. There was no faking the smiles filling this room.
“Hey gang!” Jayce said loudly as we all took our places in the crowded room.
Everyone quieted down. I quickly wiped away the tear on my cheek and glanced over at Kaleb. Thankfully, he wasn’t looking. I didn’t want him to see me getting emotional over this. Yes, it was big and fantastic, but the battle hadn’t really happened yet. I turned to Kael, who also faced the other direction. My heart skipped a beat as I scanned the room and located Layla and Meriel. Meriel gave me a tiny wave while Layla flashed me her gorgeous smile. Meriel looked great. She had been in rough shape the last time I saw her; it was quite the relief knowing she’d made a complete recovery. I beamed back at my two friends with a smile from ear to ear.
“Thanks to all of you for coming here tonight,” Jayce began. “I’m really glad to see that so many of you made it. We’ll have to continue spreading the word to the others unable to attend. Please be warned… some might need a little more convincing, but just be patient with them. Not everyone is easily adaptable to change; we’ll need to give them time to process it all. We will also need to decide on a designated person, perhaps one for each side, so they can be available to address any grievances.” Jayce paused to ensure he had everyone’s full attention.
It was such a sight, seeing all the different immortals in one room. I found myself wishing Daray were around to witness it. I had to stop worrying. We’d find him soon enough and he’d be part of this too.
Jayce continued. “First things first,” he said, turning to face me. “Shanntal, we owe this all to you. You’re the reason we’ve come together. You’ve managed to heal some of the wounds we’ve received and stowed upon one another in the past. You are our link. You’re the one who walks amongst our two worlds. Thanks to you, these worlds are about to become one.”
I blushed from being put on the spot. I didn’t feel any different from anyone else. Why did they all think of me this way? I really wished they’d stop. I didn’t like being the center of attention.
“We swear to you here and now, to protect you with our lives. To each and every one of us you are the most important being in this room because you have the strength to defeat Donovan. You have the ability to wield power from both sides. With the power of the light and the strength of the dark, Donovan won’t stand a chance. As long as you’re able to walk amongst both worlds, you’ll have powers from both. We’ll do whatever you ask and each one of us will look out for you no matter the cost. Consider this, you are our leader and we’ll follow wherever you need us to go. This truce is because of you and none of it would even be possible without you. ”
“Oh Jayce,” I sputtered. “I don’t have powers like that and you can’t put anyone at risk for me.” I looked out to the crowd for support, but found none. They all seemed to be on his side. He was building me up too much. I was a wimp. How could I possibly go up against the likes of Donovan? Most important person — Ha! More like the person most likely to cause trouble.
“If you really mean it and you take down the barriers, I’d fight for you,” a vampire announced as I made eye contact with him.
“I truly believe this will be a better way for all of us,” I said.
“I will fight,” shouted another vampire, raising her arms high.
“Same!” replied a unicorn and werewolf at the same time.
Pretty soon the entire room was filled with people and creatures announcing how they would fight with me and for me. It was overwhelming. Funny, just knowing they were on my side made me feel even stronger. Suddenly, I felt invincible, like nothing and no one could stop me.
“I will fight for all of you!” I yelled to the group. Cheers broke out across the room and I felt like a queen who just found victory.
Our gathering started breaking up as dawn neared. The nightwalkers needed to get back to their shelters and some needed to feed before returning. Yawns came from most of the daywalkers because we weren’t used to being up all night. It was clear we were starting to lose steam.
Now that everyone was on the same page, things would be easier to deal with. Priority number one: find Daray. Priority two: destroy Donovan. Their order of arrangement was not set in stone, but I’d really hoped this would be the order in which things happened. I didn’t want my dream to come true. I wanted Daray and Lakylee to have their chance to be happy together and I wanted the opportunity to make amends with Daray. I’d gotten the privilege of seeing both of them differently. I saw sides of them I never thought possible, but thanks to this I now considered them both friends. I wanted them to share the same happiness I’d found with Jayce.
Our final nightwalkers guests said their thanks and good-byes while the elements began showing everyone else to rooms. Jayce and I put Auntie Steph and Uncle Dane in the guest room beside his.
“I never thought this day would ever come, kiddo. You’re truly a gift, Shanntal, and we’re so happy to be a part of your family. You make us proud,” Uncle Dane said as he gave me a hug before entering the bedroom. Auntie Steph nodded in agreement. She smiled as she leaned in to hug me and we exchanged our good nights.
I had a good feeling about this. The tables were about to change. Things were going to start going my way. My way was good and everyone could live as equals. Prisoners and enemies were from a past time; we were going to be friends from this point forward. Equals above all else!
Chapter Twelve
~ Destiny ~
Jayce and I managed to find a few hours of rest, as did the others in the house. The majority of the daywalkers had stayed at the grand home. Some found it an easy adjustment to sleep during the day, while others struggled with it a bit more. We decided it’d be a good thing to stay in groups as it allowed people to take sleep breaks without everyone going to sleep at once. It was going to be tough trying to hunt and track vampires. In order to fight like nightwalkers, we were going to have to act like them. Staying up all night would be our only chance of meeting up with and destroying Donovan.
I had to be extra careful too, if what Uncle Dane told me earlier held any truth to it, I didn’t want to be walking the night too long. No way was I ever willingly going to live that lifestyle. The thought of scrounging around in the darkness for blood made my skin crawl and stomach turn. I’m not sure if that’s exactly how it went for them, but it was the picture I imagined and it was more than enough to ensure I never wanted to find out.
Thankfully the day passed by rather quickly. Before long, the sun began to set. This was it. We needed to get a lot done tonight. Finding Daray was at the top of the list. Someone, somewhere, must’ve seen him. He couldn’t have just disappeared. Could he? I grew anxious as I waited by the window watching the warm sun make her way out of the sky. The oranges, reds, pinks and purples were breathtaking as they always were, but tonight, I was looking forward to seeing the stars.
The sky darkened and Sitara and her love were first out, making their nightly appearance. She was so beautiful the way she sparkled. She was happy and totally in love with her partner, just as was he with her. I admired the happy couple when thoughts came into my mind. If Jayce really was my soul mate, why weren’t we up in the stars celebrati
ng our love? Would we ever get the chance?
‘One day, Shanntal, let’s not rush it. Let’s enjoy what we have between us now. Enjoy the time down here knowing we will be together forever, and one day, when destiny decides, we will be sent up to the stars.’ Jayce moved silently over towards me and wrapped his arms around my mid-section pulling me in tightly. His fiery hot lips down the back of my neck sent little shocks zapping everywhere he touched. I was getting lost in the moment when red eyes caught my attention as they raced by the window. I jumped backwards, knocking into Jayce.
“Something’s out there,” I said. “We have guests.” Those freaky red eyes had really startled me. I still wasn’t quite used to our new union. I suppose it would take a bit of time, to let the past become the past.
Aiden walked into the room, with a crowd following behind. There were at least six more new nightwalkers with him.
One of the female vampires stood out to me. She was ferocious looking, yet completely seductive. I singled in on her as the group came closer. She moved so graciously, but the sight of her made me feel defensive. What was it about her? All I really understood was that everything in me told me to pay attention to her.
With her long black hair and green eyes, she daringly walked right up, pushing people out of the way as she moved closer to me. She wasn’t messing around or waiting for proper introductions. Another internal warning flag occurred and automatically my defenses went up.
Kaleb and Kael moved closer. No one wanted an up-roar in the house, but our new guest had a certain way that put me on edge.
“So, you’re the one that walks both worlds. Hmm… different than I imagined,” she huffed, as she eyed me closely. “You must already know Donovan’s not going to be easy to go up against.” She took a step forward. “You don’t look like much.”
Kaleb and Kael both moved forward showing her I wasn’t alone in this fight.
“Those who are at ends with him… don’t usually last too long.” She moved out of my space, but continued eyeing me.
“Listen up, vampire!” I said, my body ramrod straight. “This immortal world has been ripped into two because of Donovan. Let’s get one thing clear here. I’m not going anywhere and I’m going to rid the world of Donovan in order to let these changes happen so they can grow into something great. Everyone else here sees and understands what I’m trying to do.” I paused as she quickly glanced around, noticing all eyes focused on us. “Everyone here will help ensure these that changes are made. Don’t you see? It’s too late to turn back. We’ve already started and there’s nothing that’s going to stop us!” I folded my arms across my chest as I stood my ground.
“Oh…I see it alright.” This time she moved so close, I smelled her rancid breath. The sight of her fangs didn’t intimidate me, so I never moved a muscle. She surprised me by smiling and letting out an enchanting giggle as she retreated. “The fact that you have the nerve to stand in front of me and state your case showing no signs of fear, well that’s IMPRESSIVE!”
“Thank you,” I replied, slightly shocked.
“I will stand by you because I see that you’re true to your word. I’ve got a feeling about you, Shanntal… I’ve got a feeling!” She pointed her finger towards me as she made her statement.
When she started backing off the intensity, it made me feel a lot better. I was so involved with our interaction, I’d forgotten about everyone else. The entire room had stopped to watch the outcome of our introduction. She laughed, noticing a few people letting out sighs of relief.
“Relax everyone. Everything is just fine. My name is Sauda, the dark beauty.” She flipped her long black hair. “I’ve come from afar and heard about what you’re doing and well… it intrigued me. I had to come to see if it was everything they said it would be.” She looked back over in my direction. “I also wanted to see if you were everything they said and I must say, I can see why Donovan’s going through so much trouble. You’re like no one I’ve ever crossed paths with before.”
“Thank you. It’s good to meet you, Sauda. I’m glad to have you on board.”
We separated and Sauda turned around to chat with the other nightwalkers that came with her. Kaleb and Kael stayed close. I looked at them and gave them a quick nod, which thanked them without me having to say the words aloud. We remained nearby the new group of nightwalkers, which enabled me to overhear Sauda as she spoke to the others.
“Daray is going to go crazy when he hears about all this,” Sauda said.
“Daray? You know him?” I asked impatiently as I spun her around. “Do you know where he is?” My gut instinct was right. I knew she was important. I just knew it!
“Easy now.” She pulled herself out of my reach. “Of course, everyone knows of Daray. I had the pleasure of spending time with him not too long ago.” She smiled. “He’s been all over the map, from coven to coven, looking for Donovan. He’s trying to track him down, but I know he won’t find him, because Donovan, well, he’s something else altogether.”
“He just might find him,” I said, remembering my dream. I hoped with everything in me that Daray never found Donovan. I didn’t want this one coming true.
“The one thing I find funny about this, he’s doing it just to try and get Donovan to leave you alone. It’s such a romantic gesture. He searched for you for so long and now he’s going to confront your foe. I wish someone like Daray tracked me down or stood up for me like that. He’s so striking, powerful, and did I mention good-looking?”
Clearly, Daray had another admirer. I saw the fire in Sauda’s eyes as she spoke of him. She seemed a bit confused as to why Daray would go to these extents for me, but remained extremely helpful as she filled me in on the details of their meeting. Perhaps a little bit too helpful.
Lakylee pushed her way through the crowd as she overheard my conversation. “Where do you come from, Sauda? When did you see Daray last?”
Sauda instantly put her guard up as Lakylee entered the picture. “What does it matter to you?”
“Oh, it matters.” Lakylee was rough around the edges and it was sometimes difficult seeing the friendlier side of her. You had to look deep, past all the layers, in order to find it. It was her defense mechanism, her protection from being different. I understood how Lakylee worked, as I had done the same thing from time to time. Wearing a shield so only a select few ever saw the real you because it was hard just trying to blend in. Being one of a kind — sometimes had its drawbacks. I sympathized with her because I’d been there myself, not too long ago.
From Sauda’s response I assumed Lakylee had intimidated her by being a half-breed and all. Lakylee had strength unlike any of the others. Clearly, Sauda hit a sore spot with the way she spoke of Daray.
I glanced over, watching as the elements backed up trying to head out of the room. They were on the right track. It was better to be safe than sorry. Layla, Kynthia and Allayna moved in front, placing themselves as barriers between the elements and everyone else. The elements were top priority; if any of us wanted to live, they had to be safe.
I frantically looked around before spotting Uncle Dane and Auntie Steph together in the far left corner of the room. They seemed to be in good spirits, even as the friction between the nightwalkers escalated. I watched Jayce and Kael move closer to them. Kaleb never left my side. We were one.
When the tensions rose, our worlds separated once again. It was a shame, but seemed necessary right now. Lakylee had a short temper, especially where Daray was concerned. Now this dark beauty was here, claiming interest and ironically was the last one to see him. I wasn’t sure if this would be the news to push Lakylee right over the edge. We needed to stay prepared, at least until everyone learned to get along.
After the initial assessment and the fact that Sauda lost the stare down, she began explaining everything to Lakylee. “I come from Forest Falls, located on the southern side of the mainland. Daray came to our coven seeking shelter and made it to us just before dawn. I didn’t have the heart to tu
rn him away, so I let him in. That was when he first spoke of Donovan. He holds such anger towards him for stealing his love as well as his life.”
Lakylee shot me a look that gave me goose bumps. I needed to get Sauda to shut her mouth before she said something that would hurt our newly formed alliance.
“How did you know how to find us?” I interrupted.
“It wasn’t until a few days after Daray left. Chatter from other covens came, telling us of what was going on here.”
“How long ago did you see him, Sauda?” I asked.
“He left our place about three nights ago, however the chatter started two days ago. Word is spreading quickly and I’ve heard from others, Donovan is close. He’s probably here already. Bad thing for Daray because it means he’s going in the wrong direction. He headed east when he parted from us.”
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