The rain stopped abruptly. Cailleach turned and walked away from the two. “Apology accepted."
"He seeks the sun, my lady,” Fiannae said.
"Yes, I know.” Cailleach stopped and stared up at the brilliant moon. “I also know you have finally lost your heart, Fiannae."
Fiannae ran to kneel at her feet, panicked. “I can explain, me lady."
Cailleach turned and placed a loving hand on Fiannae's upturned face. “You cannot explain the heart, dear. Do not even try."
"I am sorry, Cailleach,” Fiannae whispered.
"For what? That you finally opened your heart?” Cailleach waved her hand in the air. “There is no need. I am pleased. You have my permission to lead him to the light."
Gladness filled Fiannae as she thanked her mistress over and over. Cailleach looked sternly at Pyre. “Break her heart, and you will spend eternity shackled to the bottom of the sea."
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Thirty-five
Pyre sniffled, agitated at the cold he had caught. Fiannae handed him a tissue, perplexed that a vampire suffered human ailments. He had explained that the witch's spell had caused this, and he had to hold her back from going after Bianca.
After she calmed, he explained that he had already confronted the witch on the matter. It was part of the spell Bianca had woven to make him appreciate his immortality. That part of the spell would wear off eventually, when God decided that Pyre had suffered enough.
"Why won't you tell me how I will be able to walk in the sun?” Pyre asked, distracting Fiannae from his cold.
"It is not my place. Lord Raven is the CEVA Association's president. Only he decides who is worthy.” Fiannae looked quickly into Pyre's eyes. “But don't worry. We are close. He will let you in the Association."
They stood before two immense doors leading to a banquet hall. Fiannae knocked, and the sound rang like a church bell. The doors opened of their accord, and Pyre and Fiannae entered.
The room was quiet as the newcomers were inspected. There were only a handful of vampires in the room. Beside each sat huge wolves, most of which raised their heads sleepily to see what had made the disturbance. Pyre immediately noticed that the wolves did not smell right.
A dark haired vampire walked elegantly up to Fiannae and took her hand. He kissed it, his eyes never leaving hers. She smiled warmly, and jealousy rose up in Pyre.
"Cristienne, mon cher.” Fiannae kissed his cheek. Her French was flawless. She had even perfected the accent. They conversed in the foreign language for a minute, and then Cristienne looked at Pyre. “This is Pyre."
As he shook the younger vampire's hand, Pyre watched Cristienne's eyes widen in surprise as the name was recognized. Pride flooded through Pyre, and he felt more confident meeting the room full of strangers. Fiannae put her arm around Pyre's waist.
"We have come to see Lord Raven,” Fiannae stated.
Cristienne smiled and stepped aside to let them pass. “He is in his chambers, of course."
"Thank you, Cristienne,” Fiannae whispered. She grabbed Pyre's hand, threw her chin up, and walked through the room like she owned it.
Why didn't you just magically transfer us to Lord Raven's side? Why all this pretense? Pyre asked Fiannae telepathically.
The others do not know I am part-fairy. I'd like to keep my secret. Very few know that I am a fairy-vampire. Fiannae gave Pyre a look filled with warning. Besides, it is not very polite to just pop in on someone, especially since we seek a favor. This is more of a high court than an association. You'd do well to remember that.
"I understand politics, Fiannae."
By this time, the two stood before a much smaller door. Fiannae knocked lightly, and the door creaked open slowly. A black haired English aristocrat sat behind an immense desk, fiddling with papers. At the disturbance, he had looked at the door expectantly.
Upon sight of Fiannae, his guarded look faded into a warm smile. He slid smoothly to his feet and crossed the room within the blink of an eye.
The vampire pulled Fiannae into a hug that lasted for some time. His eyes closed, and he breathed into the scent of her aura. Then he pulled back and held her by the shoulders. He looked her over from head to toe, pleased. Their eyes locked, and it was clear that they conversed telepathically.
Seconds later, he dropped his arms and held his hand out to Pyre. “I am Lord Raven, sir. It is my pleasure to receive you in my home."
The Egyptian shook his hand. “Thank you."
Lord Raven resumed his seat behind the desk, indicating that Fiannae and Pyre take the seats in front. Once everyone was situated, Lord Raven sat back in his chair. He studied the two of them for a long time before speaking.
"This thing you ask of me, Fiannae. It is not easy. I am not a monarch. It usually takes the entire court to approve such matters, as well as time. One black ball is all it takes to deny such a request."
Fiannae's green eyes flashed with instant anger. “You would deny what Cailleach has decreed?"
Lord Raven's eyes darkened, his own pride swimming in them. “I have not gone that far, Fiannae."
"Even though you have met her?"
"One time, Fiannae."
"Even though you met her once, you still dare to question her power?” Fiannae snarled.
"No, I do not question her power. I have come to terms that she is but an instrument of my Lord God. However, Cailleach has free will, just as everyone else, from gods and goddesses to mere humans. I simply question her motives."
"Then you seek to confirm whether I will use this ability for good or for evil,” Pyre stated.
Lord Raven nodded at Pyre. “It is far too dangerous to let any vampire walk in the sun. They would run amuck."
Pyre agreed. “Yes, this I understand."
Lord Raven was quiet for a moment, staring at something above Fiannae's head. Then he looked her in the eyes and said, “I can arrange it that no one black marks him, but he must pass the entry examination."
"Of course,” Fiannae smiled. “That is not a problem. He can do it.” She turned her head to look lovingly at Pyre. “I know he can."
A rush of foreboding coursed through Pyre. He looked from his lover to Lord Raven, instantly alarmed. Somehow, he knew that whatever this test encompassed, it would be hard and grueling. He silently cursed Bianca for setting him on this road to Heaven. Hell's path had been so much easier to follow.
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Thirty-six
Unseen servants had unpacked Pyre's luggage. The room he was in was connected to Fiannae's. There was even a fresh pitcher of animal blood for his nourishment as well as crackers and cheese.
My own blood and cheese party. He chuckled, popping a piece of cheese in his mouth.
Exhausted, Pyre flopped back on the king size bed. Fiannae had refused to use her fairy magic to get them here. So they had flown, sending their luggage via special carrier. Amazingly, all had arrived at the same time.
Long distance flying for him was harder since partaking of only animal blood. Ireland was quite a long way from Baton Rouge. Surprisingly, the CEVA Association was based in a city close to his new home.
Pyre smiled. To the world, the CEVA Association was a private club with lawyers and businessmen/women for members. To those who knew better, they were the Certified Vampires Association.
Pyre closed his eyes just as someone knocked on the door. Groaning at the interruption, he struggled wearily to the door. It was Cristienne.
"Am I disturbing you?"
Pyre put on his most charming smile, though he felt otherwise. “Of course not."
"Good.” Cristienne put his arm around the Egyptian, guiding him from the room. “There's something that must be discussed between you and I."
"Concerning?” Pyre felt compelled to ask, even though he knew the answer.
"Our darling Fiannae, of course.” Cristienne's eyes sparkled with mischief. “I will explain further once we are alone."
The young
er vampire led Pyre through many halls to a small business office. One could get lost for days in this city of a house. He sat before the desk.
Cristienne glided into his chair and leaned back with a secretive smile. He waited a few seconds in an effort to make Pyre squirm. He was disappointed. Pyre always appeared to be cool and collective, even when his insides butterflied around.
"I'm certain you are aware that Fiannae and I were once lovers,” Cristienne grinned.
"Yes, though she did not tell me. I came to the conclusion myself.” Pyre wondered what the little imp was up to.
"Then you know her secret as well."
Pyre instantly knew that he spoke of her fairy blood and kept his face as blank as possible. “What secret?"
"Oh, come on, Pyre. You know the one.” Cristienne paused, and his face darkened. “If Lord Raven ever found out, he'd have her killed. CEVA members keep no secrets from each other. Part of the by-laws. Helps bind everyone together. If Lord Raven found out that we harbored her secret, he'd torture both of us until he found out what it was. Painful torture."
Cristienne leaned over his desk in a conspiratorial manner. “Between you and I, I'd rather see her in the grave than myself."
Why was Fiannae hiding her fairy blood? Personally, he didn't see what the big deal was. Did Cristienne really know, or was he trying to trick him? He decided to play it safe and not fall for it.
"I have no idea what you are talking about,” Pyre replied nonchalantly. “Are we through? I am tired and wish to retire to my room."
"No, we are not,” Cristienne's good humor turned sour. “I am offering you a deal. If we turn Fiannae over to Lord Raven, we will be safe from his tortures. It would help bind you to us, turning in the traitorous power hungry wench. She only hides her secret with the hope that one day, she will be head of CEVA."
Pyre flared up with anger. “I will not be party to this."
The desire to protect Fiannae washed over him. He jumped to his feet, only to find his arms instantly held by two burly servants. He hadn't noticed them until now. He struggled to pull himself free, only finding that their strength was greater than his. Confused, he looked angrily at Cristienne.
The younger vampire smiled wickedly. “The pitcher of animal blood had drugs in it. I was told that the spell you are under makes you susceptible to human ailments. I figured drugs would affect you in the same manner as they would a human."
That explained why he was so tired. In fact, Pyre hadn't realized how much until now. He looked at Cristienne through blurred vision.
"They took longer to affect you then I had anticipated,” Cristienne frowned. “Don't worry. You should remain conscious. You simply ingested muscle relaxants, the strongest on the black market."
As the two giant humans set him back in the chair, Pyre wondered if he really wanted to be a part of the CEVA organization. If Cristienne was the mildest version of its backstabbing members, then he dreaded the thought of meeting the rest of them.
"What do you hope to gain from drugging me, Cristienne?” Pyre's tongue felt thick and heavy.
"Cooperation. Maybe information."
Pyre shook his head. His voice sounded drunk. “Isn't going to happen."
"So it's the hard road?"
"Isn't it always?"
Cristienne nodded grimly to the humans. One goon placed his hands on Pyre's shoulders, keeping him firmly still while the other bound Pyre's hands and feet to the chair.
"I'm not that kind of guy,” Pyre smarted off drunkenly.
Ignoring him, Cristienne slipped around the desk, a large sharp knife appearing out of nowhere. He held it up in Pyre's face for his inspection.
"I've learned a lot from Lord Raven,” Cristienne whispered menacingly. “Don't take this personally."
The knife ripped Pyre's exposed arm open from elbow to wrist. The wound healed as quickly as it happened, but it still hurt. A human hand kept Pyre's scream from being heard by unwanted ears.
"Kind of hard not to,” Pyre snapped once he was free to talk.
"Tell me what you know of Fiannae's secret,” Cristienne demanded.
Pyre shook his head, receiving another cut for his heroic effort. The first one was no longer visible but still ached. The second was on his other arm and matched the first.
"The deeper I cut, the more it hurts,” Cristienne warned.
Pyre's face grew serious, and his brown eyes became pitch black. He would protect his love, whatever the cost. Cristienne recognized the look of determination. He leaned against the desk, arms crossed, a bored look on his handsome face.
"I have all night as well as all day. Let's see how long your tongue holds."
True to his word, the knife went deeper with each slice. Even when the blade touched bone, Pyre was still resolved to keep Fiannae's secret. At last satisfied, Cristienne laid the knife on the desk. He tapped his fingers, trying to decide what to do next.
Pyre's arms were on fire. He had been tortured before. He hadn't crumbled then. He had no intention of crumbling now, especially to this pipsqueak of a vampire.
"You are going to have to kill me, Cristienne,” Pyre warned. “For I will not tell you anything. In fact, you better kill me, for once I am free, I will most certainly kill you."
Astonished, Cristienne eyes Pyre. “You dare threaten me, Egyptian? I am already a member of the court, which includes its protection."
A battle of wills ensued, and Cristienne's face softened as he tried another strategy. “Is this one woman's secret worth so much that you would die for her?"
Grimly, Pyre nodded. “If I must."
"Let's see what she has to say about it."
Alarmed, Pyre sat up straighter. Two more large human males dragged Fiannae into the room. Her hands were tied before her with thick chains, unbreakable even with her vampire strength. She was gagged, and her green eyes flashed angrily at Cristienne.
"I thought you two were friends,” Pyre commented.
"And God thought the same of Satan,” Cristienne replied, ripping the gag from Fiannae's mouth. She spit on him, and he laughed cruelly at her. “Where are your manners, Fiannae?"
"Tell me, Cristienne, if you already know her secret, why do you go to such lengths to pull it from my own lips?” Pyre asked.
A voice from behind startled Pyre more than he cared to admit. “Because every initiate must be tested to find out how loose his lips are."
Lord Raven walked in front of Pyre, blocking Fiannae and Cristienne from his view. “Enough, Cristienne. I believe he has passed the first and second level."
The two humans set Pyre free, and he tried to jump up, intent on attacking Cristienne. However, he was in no condition to fight anyone. Disgracefully, he fell to the floor like a jellyfish with no bones. The men quickly picked him up and put him back in the chair. A pink blush of embarrassment crept over Pyre's face.
By this time, Lord Raven had taken the chair behind the desk, and Pyre could see his Fiannae. No longer tied up, she smiled warmly at him. Confused, he looked at Cristienne, whose face held a guilt-ridden look of sorrow on it.
"Forgive me the crudeness of it, Pyre."
Cristienne held his hand out. Pyre just looked at it like it was a snake. Cristienne would have a hard time earning back his trust. The younger vampire knew it and respectfully drew back his hand.
"I was never Fiannae's lover,” Cristienne added quietly. “Just part of the ruse."
Fiannae pushed Cristienne back. Her green eyes blazed. “Enough. I think he's had enough."
Lord Raven nodded in agreement. “See that he rests, Fiannae."
Almost angrily, Fiannae helped Pyre to his feet and from the room. They had almost gone too far this time.
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Thirty-seven
Pyre rubbed his arms. There were no scars from the previous night's torture. The pain, however, would continue to ache for days. His distrust of the association was immense. He glared at Fiannae. She knelt before him, an apologe
tic look on her face. “I am sorry."
"Then they know you are part-fairy?"
Fiannae nodded. “The first level tests the theory of loose lips sinking ships. Our secret cannot be carelessly given out."
"Lord Raven mentioned a second level."
"Cristienne offered you a chance to resort to evil ways. You did not."
Pyre bit his tongue. He wanted to be a smart ass. “So how many levels must I pass?"
"A total of three."
"Why only three?"
"It is a symbol of the holy trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."
Pyre gave her a stern look. “So you have forsaken your pagan way?"
Fiannae blushed. “Well, not completely."
He nodded in understanding. Old habits died very hard. “And the third level?"
Fiannae smiled shyly. “Not for my lips to tell."
* * * *
The sun had set, but the earth was not yet dark. Pyre and Fiannae sat on the gazebo. The garden was teeming with life. Squirrels ran across the grass. Some played chase. Others hunted for nuts. One baby squirrel timidly rushed over to take a look at the two vampires sitting so still.
The brown-eyed squirrel rose up on its hind legs, sniffing the air, not certain of Pyre and Fiannae. They smelled human, and yet they did not. Its whiskers twitched with indecision. Take a closer look? Or run away? A word from its mother sent it running in the opposite direction. Both vampires laughed.
The peaceful evening was filled with singing and playing birds. A pair of redbirds played chase through a sprinkler system, letting the water cool their feathers. Several bluebirds bathed and drank from a golden birdbath. Others glided across the lawn like delicate airplanes.
Pyre sighed contentedly. His arm slipped around Fiannae's shoulders, and she snuggled close to him. “My favorite time of day,” she said languidly.
"Mine too."
Their peace was distracted by the quiet arrival of a servant girl. She brought a tray of lemonade and set it on a table in the middle of the gazebo. The nineteen year old poured a glass for each of them. Pyre watched her walk back to the manor as something sinister dragged over his mood.
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