by jonesv
“Why now, after all these years?” Daegan asked.
“I’ve asked myself that for quite some time, Daegan,” Komin murmured softly, crossing his arms. “You are feared, perhaps by the wrong side. I suggest you find your magus, or someone who possesses the gift of foresight.”
Leaving the tunnel together, Komin and Daegan discussed other endless possibilities regarding the revolts. Business dealings could have fallen through; perhaps one of the female vampires had it in for Daegan, for not taking them as his bride. Try as he may, Daegan could not find a rational solution to this problem.
Once in the privacy of his bedchambers, he paced the floors. Since coming into contact with Akaisha, he experienced a familiar presence. He actually experienced happiness for the first time in years. Just thinking of the wench made his lips curl into a smile.
Cursing himself, he forced the similarities out of his mind. Akaisha was only there to aid his coven and sate his large sexual appetite, but damn her, she was placing other thoughts within his head. A part of him wanted to hold and protect her, for her to hold and protect him from the madness that surrounded him.
Sensing dawn approaching, Daegan locked his chamber doors, submitting to a deep vampiric sleep. Immediately, he began to dream.
* * * *
Surrounded by a bright, healing white light, Daegan sensed her presence. A small shadow loomed in the distance, approaching him at a slow pace. The small silhouette of a woman made itself apparent to him. From what he could see, it was Akaisha. There was no mistaking her beautiful brown skin and exotic features. In an effort to comfort him, she reached out to Daegan.
Happiness replaced the darkness, and he was whole once again. As she closed the gap between herself and Daegan, she wrapped her arms around his body. Holding onto the daywalker, he begged her to save his soul. The beautiful Egyptian placed her finger against his lips, providing him with peace and fulfillment he once knew, long ago.
Chapter 9
Preparing herself for slumber, Akaisha brushed her hair. Restless, she paced back and forth within the bedchamber, trying to make sense of everything. Something was wrong, and she intended to find out what it was. Akaisha tried to make sense of the strength Elizabeth suddenly summoned when breaking up the fight between herself and Rhiannon. What did she gain in befriending her? She had felt sorry for the woman earlier, but strong instinct made her distrust Elizabeth. On the surface, the woman had given Akaisha no reason not to trust her, but something beneath the surface deeply irritated Akaisha.
Slipping under the bedcovers, Akaisha started to toss and turn. Her precious Egypt appeared to have evaded her, making her feel somehow linked to the castle and Daegan, himself. Akaisha was a witness to the tenderness within Daegan’s eyes. For a fleeting moment, he was allowing his gentler, docile nature to resurface, until interference pushed him over the edge again.
Remembering his touch ignited passions within her she could no longer ignore.
Akaisha caressed her breasts, and pinched her hard nipples as soft moans escaped her lips. She arrived at the conclusion that her body didn’t betray her. Daegan awakened something deep within her; something she never knew existed, until now.
Lowering her hand to her pussy, Akaisha stroked the sensitive bud that yearned for Daegan’s touch. Imagining his tongue inside her, she slipped a finger into her tight hole, slowly at first, eventually quickening the tempo. Slowing the pace, she focused her attentions upon her clitoris again, bathing it in her slick juices. Akaisha’s heavy breathing and the squishing sounds her pussy made were the only noises in the bedchamber.
Gyrating her hips, Akaisha’s slick fingers continued their sweet assault upon her pussy. Her orgasm approached fast, rocking her body with each spasm, one more intense than the last.
Collapsing in the bed, Akaisha exhaled sharply, still sexually frustrated. She had hoped for another opportunity for Daegan to take her once more.
Smiling, she drifted off into a deep sleep….
* * * *
The man approached her with pure evil within his eyes. Nowhere else to run within the bedchamber, she had no choice but to surrender to him if she could not fend him off. Fear painfully seizing her heart, she somehow realized this would be her last night on earth. Unable to see the man’s entire face, Akaisha opened her mouth to scream, in vain since no sound escaped her lips. Once again, the man violently grabbed her, tightening his grip around her neck, yellow evil eyes piercing her soul, her vertebrae snapped, and the searing, mind-shattering pain penetrated her body, forcing her awake, as she violently gasped for air. Shaking, she sat straight up in bed, trying to catch her breath, searching the bedchamber, tears stinging her eyes.
* * * *
Strangely enough, the dreams were more intense than in Egypt, and they invoked a deeper fear within her. She sought answers now, deep within her heart. She was here for a reason. A knock on her door nearly caused her to jump out of her skin.
“Who is it?” Akaisha asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“It’s me, Elizabeth. Is everything okay in there, child? I heard you scream.”
Akaisha walked over to the door. Elizabeth carried a candle holder; the halls within the castle were pitch black.
“Is it daylight yet?” Akaisha asked.
“Soon,” Elizabeth said. “Akaisha, I need to know why you ran out on me earlier. “What happened to you, child?” Elizabeth asked, with concern in her eyes. “Please let me in, I think we need to talk.”
“Elizabeth, I’m really tired.”
“Well, let me have my say first. It nearly tore my heart apart when you started suspecting me of something I know nothing about, child. Are you always non-believing of those who surround you? You have got to learn to trust someone at some point of your life,” Elizabeth preached to Akaisha.
“Well, up until this point in my life I had no reason not to trust anyone! I feel as though I’m completely surrounded by those that intend to inflict pain upon me. Even Daegan possesses a small amount of humanity within his soul,” Akaisha stated.
“Well, what’s this?” Elizabeth asked, eyes widening. “You apparently are taken in by Lord Daegan’s charms, child.” Elizabeth smiled.
Sensing an aura of jealousy, Akaisha simply ignored the woman, quickly changing the subject.
“As I stated before, Elizabeth, you know something. It is not my intention to hurt your feelings; I simply need answers to my questions. Answers I believe only you can provide me with!”
“Well, you are indeed a stubborn one,” Elizabeth mused. “Akaisha,” Elizabeth whispered softly.
“There is a time and a place for everything. When that time arrives, I will let you know, I promise. Now, get some sleep, my dear.”
“In the meantime, do you think it’s possible for you to give me a tour of the grounds now?”
Akaisha inquired.
“At this ungodly hour? “ Elizabeth complained. “Oh, alright!” Elizabeth finally gave in, after Akaisha shot her an accusing look. “Akaisha, you must promise that you will be on your best behavior. Werewolves patrol certain parts of the grounds. You can’t see them until it’s too late.
Sometimes, you may only see their glaring eyes in the darkness, but that is it. It is the same during daylight hours. Daegan….”
“What Elizabeth? Akaisha squeaked.
“Shhh, child, talk no more!” Elizabeth grabbed the hairbrush and started brushing Akaisha’s hair.
Valaris strolled through the door, with an intent look etched upon his face. The vampire, slightly taller than Daegan, possessed a muscular build, facial hair and a bald head. Tribal tattoos adorned his neck and arms. Valaris was known for his intelligence and his savage thirst for blood. It was nothing for him to slaughter innocents.
“What are you wenches up to now?” Valaris sneered. “Elizabeth, shouldn’t you be cleaning, or sleeping at this hour?”
“Valaris, we were just discussing where spare clothes should be kept. Lord Daegan is aware of ever
y move I make.”
Valaris eyed the women with scrutiny before turning on his heel and exiting the bedchamber, a low growl developing in his throat.
“Elizabeth, I have never felt such evil in my entire existence Valaris, there is something about him I don’t like. I’m not used to this way of life. It is different in my Egypt.” Akaisha lowered her head sadly, trying to conceal a tear.
“Akaisha, mind your tongue about Valaris!” Elizabeth snapped, shocking the daywalker as she defended Daegan’s brother. “Let us find something else to occupy our minds with, shall we?
Come on Akaisha.” She followed Elizabeth into the hall, making their way downstairs to the grand sitting room and into a small room further down the corridor.
Elizabeth joined three other servants in a bleak sitting room who were feverishly mending garments for members of the coven that were staying at Castle Daegan for the weekend.
“Akaisha, I see we aren’t the only human night owls within these castle walls,” Elizabeth clucked happily.
The sitting room was a comfortable fit; however, the surroundings could have used more color.
Akaisha was thankful that Ireland was experiencing a mild summer, as there were many places she noticed drafts. It sickened her to see how parts of the castle where the covens dwelled were adorned with fine tapestries and furniture, with added color. The aristocratic, snobbish vampires would have it no other way. The servants mattered not, as long as they were there to serve wine, blood, and from time to time, sexual services for the male and female members of the coven.
“Akaisha, I would like to introduce you to Anna, Myra, and Helen. I have served with these ladies for most of my time here at Castle Daegan. You will find them to be wonderful company.”
“Nice to meet you ladies,” Akaisha smiled politely.
“Are you Lord Daegan’s harlot?” Myra spat in disgust. “I wonder how long this will last." Myra, a twenty-five year old blonde from England, was jealous over Akaisha’s presence. Mistress to Valaris when it suited his needs, Myra became bitter, knowing she would never have a future place within the castle. Daegan would have no part of her, so Valaris would have to do.
“Oh Myra, why do you have to be so rude to people?” clucked Anna, a perky brunette who welcomed a new face to the castle. “There is no need for cruelty, we have enough of that with the covens. It is so nice to meet you, Akaisha. Please let me know if there is anything you are in need of.”
Helen, a plump woman closer to Elizabeth’s age greeted the daywalker in a serious manner, not showing any emotional at all. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Akaisha. I hope your stay here is more pleasant than ours.”
“So, now, we are to wait on a half-vampire, half-human bitch in addition to the full-blooded snobs of the castle?” spat Myra. Her cold, ice blue eyes cutting through Akaisha like a knife, vexing the daywalker’s temper.
“Aw, did I hit a nerve, princess?” Myra taunted.
“Myra, stop this nonsense now!” Elizabeth chastised.
“Elizabeth, I don’t need you to defend me to the likes of this jealous, petty girl, who appears to be no better than the covens she serves. Let me set you straight this instant Myra, I mean you no harm. I’m just as much a prisoner in this castle as you are. However, I refuse to be treated in this manner by you.” Akaisha’s words trailed off into a deep throaty growl, sending shivers down Myra’s spine. “Do we understand each other?” Akaisha’s stare piercing the depths of Myra’s soul caused the young woman to turn two shades paler.
“I…My apologies to you, Akaisha,” Myra stuttered, as she clumsily stood to her feet and retreated from the sitting room.
“Well, you certainly put Lady Myra in her place,” Elizabeth burst out. “She complains entirely too much! No one else can stand to put up with her. She constantly begs Valaris to change her into a vampire, knowing how they feel about us humans. Myra would turn out to be one of the evil vampires if she were ever sired. She even offers herself to Megan and Morgan, Valaris’
concubines who are daywalkers as well.”
“I’ve met Valaris’ concubines. They don’t talk much, do they?” Akaisha asked.
“No, they feel threatened by your presence,” Elizabeth explained. “You have not been abused in such as manner as they have. Valaris sucks the life out of them every chance he receives, seizing their opportunity for them to feed upon him, therefore draining their strength.”
“Valaris is a selfish bastard!” Akaisha hissed. “Daegan doesn’t treat me in such a manner.”
“Well, good riddance to her,” Anna exclaimed, finishing up the last of the garments. “She is nothing more than a dark shadow and is not to be trusted. She will turn on you if given the opportunity. I advise you ladies never to say anything to her you don’t want repeated.”
Akaisha paced the floor of the sitting room as she tried to calm her nerves. Her blood boiled so, she could not remember experiencing such rage in her entire existence. She wondered how many more run-ins she would experience with others who dwelled within the castle.
“Calm down, child,” clucked Elizabeth. “We need to finish everything before settling down for the evening. Ladies, I bid you good evening. Let me know if there is anything extra the coven needs. This bunch can be most taxing.”
“Aye,” agreed Helen. “They can read our thoughts, so they try to make our lives more miserable by claiming things are not working properly, or the sheets are dirty. I despise…”
“Ladies, please explain the rules to me,” Akaisha whispered. “Can’t the vampires hear us?”
“My dearest Akaisha,” exclaimed Elizabeth, “Lord Daegan and Valaris have been called upon by their elders…” Elizabeth trailed off, a sudden gleam appearing in her eyes. “Ladies, I bid you farewell; there are things I must attend to. Come, Akaisha.”
“Nice meeting you ladies, hopefully we can chat another time,” Akaisha commented, as she hurried to catch up to Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth, what is the meaning of this? Why are you acting so odd?”
“Accompany me to my bedchambers,” Elizabeth whispered under her breath.
“What do you mean, Elizabeth?” Askaisha asked as the pair started to climb narrow winding stairs.
“Well, think about the century’s worth of negativity that has dwelled within these walls, child.
Why do you think we appear to be soulless servants? Be honest, what was your first impression of me?”
“Elizabeth, you weren’t friendly at all. You appeared to be occupied in a negative manner, almost a hypnotic state.”
“Exactly!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “The weaker the person, the stronger hold they have over us.”
Chapter 10
Elizabeth stopped and opened a narrow wooden door, beckoning Akaisha to follow her. “Hurry now, child, we have a window of opportunity.”
Elizabeth placed the torch in its setting against the wall near her small bed. Akaisha scanned the room, shuddering at the thought of remaining there for days on end.
“Yes, be grateful you don’t have to be cooped up in here. I’m driven mad if I remain for too long. I would actually rather serve one of the covens.”
The room was small, and cool. Elizabeth’s meager possessions consisted of a few books and clothes. The only shoes she possessed were on her feet. In the corner sat a small washtub and a block of soap.
“Elizabeth, this is too confining for a person. Are all the slave quarters as small as yours?”
Akaisha asked.
“I have adjusted, and no, I’m not the only servant in this situation. I had planned to live out the rest of my existence within these castle walls, until I met you.” Elizabeth smiled brilliantly.
“What do you mean?” Akaisha asked, raising an eyebrow. “Do you plan to escape, Elizabeth?”
Laughing heartily, Elizabeth strolled over to a large wooden chest, and began rummaging through her clothes, humming an Irish tune. “Vampires have the power to control. Why do you think so many women are wi
lling to be their sex slaves? Myra is the same. Anna was right, she cannot be trusted,” Elizabeth explained. “Now, I’m going to share something very powerful with you, my dear Akaisha.”
Elizabeth pulled out a small crystal with blue hues, small enough to be concealed within the palm of one’s hand. “Isn’t she a beauty?” Elizabeth grinned.
“Elizabeth, this is the most beautiful object I have seen since I’ve been in this dreaded castle!”
Akaisha could not take her eyes off the crystal.
“Take this, child, take it and tell me what you see,” Elizabeth insisted, shoving the crystal into Akaisha’s hand. “Close your eyes and concentrate.“
A spark of hope invaded Akaisha’s being as she held the crystal in both hands. Closing her eyes, she saw the most beautiful sights.
“What do you see, Akaisha? Tell me.”