Apocalypse

by Toni L. Meilleur

  “My estranged mate. I cannot believe she has caused all this death.” Masque sighed. “I hold a large part of the responsibility. For I spurned her when I should have loved her and stayed by her side.”

  “I am not one to give comfort. But I will tell you this. I agree your actions were not the wisest. You made a mistake. However, Dominica made choices. She chose to harm people, who had done her none. In that it is solely her responsibility. You cannot change your past, no more than I can change mine. What you can do is make right what you can.”

  “How do I make right for a sin such as this?” Masque shook his head.

  “You have to figure that out. We must hurry. The vampires are waiting. It would seem we have something to learn. Are you sure you want to do this?”

  “If they have agreed to help us, they serve us no purpose if they are shades. Yes, I will help reverse the spell, but I tell you now. I will not hesitate to kill one should they turn.”

  “I would expect no less, old friend. Let us hurry.”

  * * * *

  Four True Bloods eyed each other carefully. Dharean, Masque, Minn, and Allantra stood in a circle, surrounding the five shades. The unspoken question was clear. Was each of them sure? There was no going back once they brought the vampires back to their original forms. Dharean held the athame and sliced across his forearm. Immediately the fresh cut erupted blood. He passed it around until every shifter had done the same. Dharean took a deep breath and began.

  Beings of water, air, fire, and clay

  That which is here, but nay

  We give to you, the break to your binds,

  For Four True Bloods are of a like mind

  Drinker of life, Night Dweller, Vampyre

  Connect the elements and form them here

  Allantra swallowed and paused, as it was her turn to fling her blood into the circle of vampire shades. Her people had been killed and tortured by these very blood drinkers. And in a cruel twist of fate, she must give her blood to save them.

  Flammulae … came the soft coaxing. I know this is hard, but it must be done. We all have lost much to these creatures. But as it stands we will need them.

  They took my family away from me, Dharean.

  They killed our people, and made them cower from life. They made me what I am to protect them. But we must show them why we are a noble race.

  Young one, is something wrong? Khaelen’s gentle probing wrapped her in warmth.

  She is hesitant. But I will handle this, vampire.

  She is not yours to handle alone.

  You cannot possibly understand. You are Vampyre; what have you lost to these blood drinkers? Your blood drinkers?

  Stop it, both of you!

  Allantra flung her blood among the others. The moment her blood hit the circle a large crackle rent the air. Smoke began to swirl around the vampires. Their voices began to rise in pitch as the smoke turned darker and darker. The warm air began to cool as energy was pulled from the air.

  “What’s happening?” Allantra asked, rubbing her arms to warm them up. Immediately both men rushed to her side, each trying to encircle her waist to bring her warmth. It ended up with her between two hard male bodies imprisoning her in place.

  “They are forming,” Dharean answered as he peered closely and began to chant under his breath. Allantra could barely make out the words before she felt herself being pushed back by Khaelen, making Dharean lose his hold on her as well.

  Right before her eyes the two men began to circle one another. Masque stiffened and observed the two men but said nothing. Between the chaos from the newly forming vampires and the two alpha males suddenly locked into battle gazes, Allantra couldn’t help but wonder what she’d missed.

  “What you missed is a betrayal,” Khaelen snarled.

  “Betrayal?” Allantra looked at the two men in confusion.

  “You say betrayal, I say insurance,” Dharean bit out in reply.

  “Meaning what?” Allantra tried to step between the two men, but they changed their stance, effectively negating her move.

  “Meaning he has freed us from our prisons. But should we betray you, we will be confined to the Realm of Krases.” They all turned to the sound of the voice. Five vampires, stark naked, stood and observed them. Minn’s mouth hung open as she stared at the particularly handsome, well-endowed male. His blond hair fell to his waist in a sheet of perfection. Every muscle in his body was defined under pale skin. “I am Claudium, leader of the Council of Elders.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “I had no idea blood drinkers could look like this.” Minn whistled appreciatively as Claudium stepped forward, his arm outstretched in greeting to Dharean and Khaelen. Masque threw her a dark look. Both men in turn grasped Claudium about the forearm.

  “Let me introduce you to your allies. These are the Rare Breed, Braelius and Draelius.” Two men behind Claudium stepped forward. Both men had raven hair that framed chiseled jaws. But it was their eyes that made Allantra take an unconscious step back. For each had one blood red eye and one onyx-colored eye. Their eyes were trained on her in unveiled interest.

  “Ah, the Rare Breed.” Dharean drawled as his hand went to the small of Allantra’s back, giving the slightest push forward. Give them no quarter. Show no fear. “I have read of this kind. Together they are a force to be reckoned with; separate they are near helpless as a human babe.” The twins stiffened as they turned their attention to Dharean.

  “I assure you, wizard, apart they have talents of their own.” He indicated the one female vampire to step forward. Her dark hair was wound tight in a severe bun at the nape of her neck. She looked like a living doll, with her perfect petite form and bee-stung lips. “This is Mariel. She is the youngest of all the Council members.”

  “I would like to go on record as saying I do not believe in your cause. Vampires are superior to all beings. I only aid you because unfortunately Dominica has gone insane, and you are the lesser of the two evils.”

  “Thank you, Mariel,” Khaelen said smoothly. “But it would seem your centuries-old curse as a Shade negates that fact. If vampire were indeed superior, how could you have been forced into such a state?” Khaelen gave her a smile. “Who do we have here, Claudium?” Khaelen nodded toward the large vampire who had not moved once. His eyes merely darted around without him so much as turning his neck.

  Claudium took a deep breath before he turned to look at the last vampire. “This is Armin. He is—special to the Council.” At the mention of his name, Armin looked at Claudium much like a dog would look at his master when wanting approval for something. The leader gave a small nod and Armin rushed to his side and dropped to his feet so that he sat on his haunches. “Armin was bred artificially.”

  “You mean you were trying to make some sort of super vampire?” Allantra looked at the almost childlike giant in shock. His hair was a mixture of blond and brown, and mussed about his head. Khaelen growled low at Claudium’s confession.

  “So there is nothing that vampires won’t do for power.” Dharean tsked.

  “After Armin, we did not continue the experimentation.”

  “I’m betting because you were unable to,” Minn interjected.

  “You would be correct. That is when the Mass Execution took place.”

  “What is he capable of?” Masque’s quiet question echoed in the room. “If I am expected to fight alongside such a creature, then I would like to know what he is and is not capable of.”

  “You will be given full disclosure of each of our capabilities, as we expect the same in return from you. Meanwhile, I think it imperative that we discuss Dominica’s plans.” Claudium scratched Armin’s head. Allantra winced in pain.

  “What is it, flammulae?” Dharean whispered. He looked at her, then Khaelen. “Ah, through the vampire’s and my senses you can feel their hunger beating at you. Their thirst is great. It has been a long time since their last feeding.”

  Dharean addressed the vampires again. “Come. I will take y
ou to a feeding ground. I am afraid from this point out it will be only animals. In the future, as we will discuss, feedings from humans will be by their permission only.” Mariel hissed. “This is not negotiable.” Khaelen’s piercing stare made the point as Mariel relaxed her aggressive stance. “Follow me.” In seconds, the vampires were gone.

  * * * *

  They sat in an eclectic group around the room. The vampires, now fully clothed and fed, seemed slightly more at ease. The twins stood side by side with one facing the room, the other looking out the window. Dharean couldn’t help but surmise that they were quite literally watching the other’s back. His gaze landed on Claudium, who sat with one leg crossed, his arm resting on the sofa, his thumb under his chin, no doubt studying and sizing them all up. Armin sat at his feet, still as stone, not really looking at anyone or anything, just staring off into nothing. Mariel chose to sit by the fire. Her hands were outstretched and her eyes were closed in obvious pleasure from the heat of the fire. Dharean knew their senses had been deprived for a very long time.

  Then his gaze fell upon Allantra, who sat on the other end of the sofa. Her gaze darted from vampire to vampire to shifter. He could feel her nervousness. Khaelen, on the other hand, looked upon the other vampires with cool regard from his post by the only other window in the room. Minn and Masque sat on opposite sides of the room. Minn’s fervent glances at Claudium were getting under Masque’s emotionless facade. It would have been amusing had there not been more pressing matters.

  “First of all, we all are aware we have little time. This female vampire has wasted no time in executing her plans.”

  Allantra raised her hand immediately. “Yes, flammulae?” Dharean knew his endearment rankled Khaelen; the vampire would just have to get used to it.

  “What is Krases?” The moment the question was uttered from her lips, the tension in the room escalated tenfold. “Okay, then it must be something bad.”

  Khaelen walked over to Allantra, stopping behind the sofa as he laid his hand upon her shoulder in an intimate fashion. Dharean could feel his irritation rise. Perhaps you, Dharean, should get used to it as well. “Young one, it is a Hell realm. Once entered, there is no escaping. It is filled with the most vile, murderous creatures to be found. It is the place even demons fear to be sent.”

  “And you cursed them to there?” Allantra’s eyes were not accusing, only curious.

  “We cannot fight with traitors at our backs. None of these night dwellers have anything to worry about if they are not traitors,” Dharean replied. Mariel snickered but said nothing as she continued to warm her hands. “Only if they commit a traitorous act will the spell be activated. Now we need to address more pressing issues.”

  “Where do we begin?” Minn asked.

  “At the most obvious.” Claudium spoke up. “There are more vampires in this room than shifters.”

  “And you point that out for what reason?” Dharean squinted at the leader.

  “Meaning most of your newly acquired force cannot go out in the light of day. It will be just that soon. I have no doubt that Dominica has somehow found a way around that for herself. But where does that leave us?”

  “There is a way around it, I am sure.”

  “For you, yes, Khaelen. No doubt your alliance with these magically powerful shifters has aided you, but what of the rest of us?” Claudium looked pointedly at Khaelen. “Perhaps there is something in your blood you could share?” Claudium’s smile was empty of humor. “We did not agree to this, fighting handicapped.”

  “I know of a way; this is not an issue.” Dharean interrupted the exchange. The tension between the two Full Caste vampires was palpable. “We need details about Dominica’s plans.”

  Claudium looked around the room. Each vampire looked at him, and with the slightest of nods, agreed upon something. Dharean could only guess they were reluctant to give up their leverage so soon. But one side had to give first, and unfortunately, at the moment, the vampires needed the shifters more than the shifters needed them.

  “She plans to attack in less than two days. As we speak she is marching human foot soldiers into the Savage Outlands, looking for your Tribal Lands. Kynn, I believe.”

  “That’s her big plan?” Minn whooped. “We can take care of humans.”

  “No,” Claudium said simply, his eyes flashing to Minn. It took only a second to see the fleeting sexual interest in his eyes as he watched her. “She uses them as dogs. Wearing them down, making them find any traps laid out. Their loss means nothing. Once they have cleared the way, the second wave goes in.”

  “And pray tell, what is that?” Khaelen drawled, though Dharean could tell he was more interested than he pretended.

  “She raided every ancient dark arts book the Council collected. She has at her disposal creatures so cleverly murderous they make those troll demons look like an ant nuisance. But they are only the second land wave.”

  “Land?” Allantra’s eyes were wide circles of worry.

  “It’s the third wave that causes the real concern.” Claudium paused. “She plans to resurrect griffins and dragons in an air attack.”

  “We’re expected to go up against dragons and griffins?”Allantra laughed incredulously. Claudium continued as if she hadn’t spoken.

  “Dominica intends to leave nothing to chance. She wants all shifters dead. Do you have magic against that, Noir Brujo?” Claudium smirked at Dharean.

  “You would be surprised at what I am capable of. I suggest we prevent her from reaching the second wave.” Dharean almost sneered. “Now tell me what is it that the five of you bring to the table?”

  “I believe it is your turn to inform us. What is it with the three of you? I sense a power I have never encountered before.” His gaze rested on Allantra. “And I believe she is the source of it.”

  Khaelen put his other hand on Allantra in a protective stance. Dharean instinctively moved across the room as well. “Ah, I see, protecting the queen bee.” Claudium smiled and held up his hands in surrender. “It would be foolish of me to betray you. I entered this in good faith and I shall remain that way.” Dharean did not pause as he sat between Claudium and Allantra, turning his body so that it shielded hers from the vampire.

  “We are a Triumvirate.”

  Dharean waited for Claudium’s reaction. The vampire looked at him without blinking, then turned to Khaelen. He burst out laughing. “So you two are destined to fuck the same woman for the rest of your lives?” The other vampires chuckled, except Armin, who seemed confused. “That is quite a fate.” He wiped the corners of his eyes. “So tell me, what is the rare power that brings this particular threesome together?”

  “I am a synergist,” Allantra answered. There was no mistaking the attitude in her voice.

  Instantly, the other vampires grew quiet. Nothing could be heard in the room except the crackling of the fire. “Not even in my lifetime have I ever met a synergist,” Claudium said in awe as he leaned forward to get a better look at Allantra.

  “That changes,” one twin began, “many things,” the other finished as they switched positions.

  “We have chosen our side well.” Mariel opened her eyes in approval.

  “She must be protected,” one twin began, “at all costs,” the other finished.

  “I agree,” Claudium murmured, deep in thought.

  “We will see to her protection,” Khaelen interjected.

  “We have many talents here.” Claudium stood. “Let me introduce you to the force the vampire brings to this war.

  “Draelius and Braelius, could you please give these kind folks a quick demonstration?” One twin turned so now they were both facing the room. Claudium motioned for Armin to stand, who seemed to do so rather reluctantly. Claudium gave the twins a sharp nod, and within a second Armin was snatched up from the floor. Allantra gasped as one twin threw out his hand in a stopping motion. Armin was thrown violently across the room. Before the poor creature could stand and gather his senses, the twins were
on him in a blur. Allantra blinked and the twins were standing as before: one with his back to the room, the other facing it, neither interested in the situation any more. Armin lay in a bloody pulp. His skin was raw, and large welts crossed the surface.

  “The twins can move just about anything telekinetically. I have no idea which possesses the acid or which has the ability to simply open cuts at will on the skin. They move faster than any vampire recorded. Separately they are twice as strong as any vampire. They both have mastered every fighting form possible. There is not a weapon they cannot wield.” Armin whimpered at Claudium’s feet. “Don’t worry about Armin; he will be completely healed in minutes.”

  “That was cruel, Claudium.” Seething, Allantra looked at the large vampire healing before her eyes.

  “But necessary. Mariel?”

  Mariel stood slowly while she eyed her surroundings. She backed up against the stone fireplace, and simply disappeared.

  “I see her,” Dharean said triumphantly. Mariel faded into sight again, an annoyed expression on her face. “It is not because of your lack of talent. My eyes can see what is supposed to be hidden.” Mariel’s gaze flicked to his tattooed arm.

  “That is a very useful talent,” Khaelen drawled. “But what of this beast?”

  “Armin heals very quickly, as you can see. So far he has not been able to be poisoned, taken down by gunfire, decapitat—”

  “That’s despicable!” Minn said sharply.

  “He was an experiment, keep in mind. It was not I who made him. It was in fact Dominica. He has withstood just about every means of killing. He cannot be drowned nor suffocated. Fortunately for him, the effect of the sun was never tested. When I learned of his existence I began to care for him.”

  “So what we have here is a useless resilient ball of flesh,” Dharean said in disgust. “Can he not fight?”

  “He does not know how. Remember, wizard, shortly after he was made, the Execution happened. There was not time. When I procured him, that time was spent making him feel safe, and earning his trust.”