Sunset: Pact Arcanum: Book One

by Arshad Ahsanuddin

  “Two pairs,” Toby added.

  Nick just stared at them.

  Scott chuckled. “You’re looking at them through a prism of love, Nick. It’s blinding you to their hard edges.” He looked at Toby and Jeremy knowingly. “Sentinels don’t fight defensively. They don’t back down. They don’t retreat. They don’t take prisoners.”

  Nick found his voice. “You want to help.”

  “Try to stop us,” said Toby.

  “No more secrets,” insisted Jeremy. “If these are our enemies, we’ll take them down together.”

  “Agreed,” Nick whispered.

  Sitting beside him on the couch, Jeremy took Nick’s hand in his, turning it over to trace the lines of Nick’s palm. “Nicholas, I have never had any illusions about you. I have always known exactly what you are and how far you’ll go. Always, from the very beginning, in Los Angeles. I know you inside and out. You won’t willingly sacrifice an innocent life, but otherwise you have no limits. Well, neither do I. I love all of you. Not just the parts I can control. Everything.”

  Nick grabbed Jeremy’s hand and pulled it to his lips, kissing the Sentinel’s palm in return. “I will never let you go.” He glanced at Toby. “You’re in?”

  “All the way to the end.” Toby proudly tapped the embroidered seal on his left breast pocket. “We are House Luscian. We have ruled the shadows of this world for thirty thousand years, and our name is Death. It’s time to let our enemies know that not everything changed when Soulkiller fell.”

  A soft tone rang through the hall.

  “Sunset,” said Scott. “The other guests will be arriving soon.” He looked at Jeremy and Nick. “We have to greet them, if you’re ready.”

  Nick nodded. Then he stood and walked back toward the metal door of the banquet hall with the three Sentinels at his heels.

  ARMISTICE NIGHTWALKER SEAL

  CHAPTER 37

  Nick and Jeremy stood across from the gateway, Scott and Toby behind them. A black mist appeared between the pillars, and a voice said, “Lorcan Magister Diluthical Primogenitor Luscian, called the Prince of Subterfuge.”

  In the center of the star pattern, Lorcan appeared dressed in formal black attire bearing the embroidered seal of his house.

  “Nicholas,” he said, stepping forward with an unreadable expression.

  “Hello, Ruarc.” A hint of sorrow shaded Nick’s face. Swallowing, he turned to Jeremy. “I’m sure you remember my Leshir, Sentinel Jeremy Harkness.”

  “Hello, Terrorist. A pleasure to see you again,” he said with an undercurrent of sarcasm. “I don’t believe we’ve met face-to-face since you raped my mind.”

  “Yeah, likewise, Bloodsucker. Thanks for helping him face down the Court, but don’t let yourself get any ideas. If you ever touch him in anything other than friendship, I will shred your mind into confetti.”

  Lorcan held Jeremy’s challenging gaze. “You’re a very straightforward young man, Jeremy. I had almost forgotten that about you.” He smiled at Nick. “I like him.”

  “So do I.” Nick looked affectionately at Jeremy.

  “Jeremy, please believe that I do not begrudge you and Nicholas the slightest bit of happiness together for as long as you are alive.” Lorcan’s tone grew serious. “You’re mortal—and I can wait. I will never yield. I will never surrender. But in the interim, I cannot hate anyone who means so much to him. Envy, yes, but not hate. There is no need for us to be enemies.”

  Jeremy studied him. “Can you control your instincts enough for us to be friends?” he asked pointedly.

  “If he were ready to love me back, the answer would be no.” Lorcan’s smile revealed his fangs. “But until the day he is, I have more than sufficient self-control to avoid killing you—unless I decide to do it on purpose.”

  “Then maybe we can come to some kind of agreement.” Jeremy glanced at Nick. “I know you still mean a great deal to him, Lorcan.”

  “Not enough,” Lorcan said wistfully. “And my name is Ruarc. Feel free to use it.” He turned to Toby. “Can you walk me to my seat, Consul? I don’t believe we’ve met, though Nicholas has spoken of you many times.”

  Jeremy watched as Toby led Lorcan away, and then he turned to Nick. “I don’t think I was nearly as gracious when our situations were reversed.”

  “You weren’t. You treated him like shit. But all three of us knew you were just jealous, so he let it go.”

  Jeremy sighed. “Was I really that transparent?”

  “You were to us. It just took me a while to realize it was more than a crush.” He leaned in to kiss Jeremy on the cheek before turning back to the teleport gateway. “Gateway clear,” he said.

  The black mist swirled again between the pillars as the voice announced the next guest. The room began to fill as the Free People, Court of Shadows, and unaffiliated Sentinel guests from all over the world arrived through the gateway, one and two at a time. Quiet music filled the spaces between conversation as representatives from all four races gathered to commemorate the formal anniversary of the treaty.

  Eventually, the last guest was seated, and Scott gave his AI the go ahead to send a pre-arranged signal to Armistice Security. The soft background music stopped, and a series of clear tones sounded throughout the room. Conversation slowed as everyone rose and faced the teleport gateway.

  “What’s happening?” The President turned to the other humans across the table from him.

  “The fanfare announces the impending arrival of the Triumvirate,” Michelle explained.

  “So we finally get to meet the mysterious leaders of the Armistice?” President Daniels looked with curiosity to the gateway, where the rest of House Luscian stood waiting.

  “Mr. President,” said Ana, “you are about to make an extremely important first impression. Your every word will be closely scrutinized and will determine the course of human–metahuman coexistence. As I have more experience dealing with the Triumvirate than anyone at this table, may I offer you some advice?”

  The President nodded. “Please do.”

  “The Gray will try to protect your interests, because that’s what he does. Be cautious in dealing with the White—she’s five thousand years old and a more experienced politician than you will ever be,” she said. “But, most importantly, be very, very careful in dealing with the Black. He hates lies and false promises, even when he knows they’re necessary. If you break your word to him, every vampire in North America will rise as one to avenge his honor. Not even House Luscian will offer you any protection if you turn the Redeemer against you. Good luck.” She and Sike picked up their chairs and carried them back across the aisle to the House Jiao-long table.

  The black mist appeared in the teleport gateway as the voice announced the first Speaker. “Layla Magister Curallorn, called Nemesis, the Prince of Wrath, the Triumvirate Council Speaker for the Dawn.” In the midst of a dazzling light, Layla appeared. Her white gown contrasted with her ebony skin and braided black hair, and the seal of House Curallorn—a red spider centered in a circular web—was set in platinum and rubies on a brooch pinned over her heart. Stepping off the gateway, she gracefully walked to stand to the left of the aisle, facing House Luscian.

  The black mist remained and the voice announced the next Speaker. “Takeshi Nakamura Leshir Jiao-long, called Shadowhunter, the Wind of Earth, Director of Armistice Security, the Triumvirate Council Speaker for the Watch.” Take appeared, wearing a charcoal-gray double-breasted suit with the seal of House Jiao-long on the left breast pocket. He took up his position on the right of the aisle.

  The voice spoke again. “Sean Magister Jiao-long, called the Traveler, the Redeemer, the Wind of Air, the Prince of the Dawn, the Triumvirate Council Speaker for the Damned.” Rory, wearing a black tuxedo with the seal of House Jiao-long over his right breast, appeared in the gateway. His hands were bare, and the white light emanating from the cruciform brands on his palms overpowered even the blue glow of the gateway design. Immediately, all the vampires in the room,
with the exception of Layla, Nick, and the Court of Shadows delegation, dropped to one knee and bowed their heads. Rory stepped forward to stand between the others at the threshold of the gateway and then walked ahead alone to stand directly before Nick.

  Nick knelt. “Redeemer, lead us out of darkness,” he said, echoed by all of the kneeling vampires. “Our lives are yours. We are your blades to wield.”

  Rory answered formally, his eyes on Nick. “I accept your honor, to defend as if it were my own.” Holding his arms out to his sides, he levitated several feet into the air. “For I am the darkness before the dawn, and this is the only gift I have to give.” As he finished the ritualized greeting, the white light from his hands flared into brilliance, casting harsh shadows around the room. The Children of the Dawn simultaneously lifted their heads to look at him, the white light of the Pure Draw answered by a glowing white cross branded in the center of each of their foreheads. As the light of Rory’s hands faded into a tolerable luminance, the vampires stood, and the crosses faded from the Daywalkers’ brows. Rory settled back to the floor while the rest of the guests took their seats again.

  The music and conversation resumed as Nick and Jeremy shook hands warmly with their final guests and led them back to the head tables. As they approached, President Daniels and the First Lady remained standing, the cameras capturing every moment.

  “My Lords,” Nick addressed the members of the Triumvirate, “I present to you Kevin and Catherine Daniels, the President and First Lady of the United States of America.” He turned to the humans. “Mr. President, Madam First Lady, I present to you Speakers Takeshi, Layla, and Sean, the Triumvirate Council of North America.”

  Take stepped forward first, extending his hand. “Mr. President, it’s an honor to finally meet you.”

  President Daniels shook his hand. “And I you, Speaker Takeshi.”

  Take laughed. “Take is fine, Mr. President. Sentinels don’t stand on formality much; that’s more of a vampire thing.” He turned to Catherine and bowed. “Madam, a pleasure.”

  “For someone who doesn’t stand on formality,” she said, “you certainly do it well, Take.” She gestured to the elaborate surroundings.

  Takeshi tilted his head with a grin, acknowledging the compliment. “The learning curve was fairly steep, Madam First Lady, given the people I work with.” He moved back, next to Rory, who was slipping his hands into black gloves as Nemesis came forward.

  She bowed to the President and inclined her head to the First Lady. “May I say that I have watched the evolution of your country with extraordinary interest, Mr. President? I have seen your people adapt for more than twenty generations, since the Europeans began to form permanent colonies on my lands. There have been many missteps, but seldom have I seen such passion for hope and change. The American people are to be commended for their efforts.”

  President Daniels was taken aback at the words ‘twenty generations’, but recovered quickly. “I thank you on behalf of my people, Speaker Layla, for your unique perspective.” Nemesis nodded and stepped back.

  Rory offered his hand, the light of the cross brand now hidden beneath the soft leather. “Mr. President.” He paused for an instant, deciding what to say next. “I voted for you.”

  Surprised, President Daniels laughed and shook Rory’s hand. “Thank you, Speaker Sean, for your support.”

  “I prefer to be called Rory when I am not addressing another vampire, Mr. President.”

  “Very well, Rory.” The President looked back at the now-dormant teleport gateway. “That was an impressive display you put on back there.”

  Rubbing his thumb over his covered palm, Rory said, “Some of the people in this room waited thousands of years to be touched by the power I have been allowed to wield, Mr. President.” He tapped the House Jiao-long emblem on his breast pocket, which matched the symbol etched into the glass of the other head table. “I redesigned the seal of my house several years ago. The dragon represents the Darkness and was taken from the original seal. The circles represent the Light, just as they do for the Children of the Dawn. The sword represents the battle between them that I have been chosen to fight. Tonight, I simply renewed their faith in my cause. That is what they need from me, in return for their trust, and it is my honor to give it to them.”

  President Daniels nodded. “Faith is important and so is trust. Without them, our leadership is meaningless.”

  Rory smiled. “I’m glad you understand.” He bowed to the President and the First Lady in turn. “Mr. President, Madam First Lady, we are honored that you chose to join us on this special night. I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening.”

  * * *

  “Nicholas,” Lorcan said, approaching the head table where Nick and Jeremy were chatting with the President and First Lady, “may I have this dance?”

  “Ruarc, I don’t think—” Nick started to say.

  “Yes, you may,” Jeremy said, turning back to the conversation.

  “I seem to have been overruled.” Nick grinned.

  “Your Leshir is learning to be gracious, after all.” Lorcan led Nick to the dance floor as the music moved smoothly into a slow, orchestral piece. “Dance with me, Nicholas.”

  Nick let him lead, and the two moved skillfully around the dance floor.

  “How are you doing these days, Ruarc? We didn’t really have much time to talk back in Ireland.”

  Lorcan smiled sadly at him. “It’s been more than a year. Did you think I would be sitting alone in a dark room, pining for you?”

  “Something like that.” Nick laughed. “I’m glad you’re doing better. I guess I have too high an opinion of myself.”

  “I didn’t say you were wrong, Nicholas.” Lorcan’s strong hands turned his partner suddenly, spinning Nick away from him and then drawing him in close.

  Nick stumbled for a second before recovering, matching his steps to Lorcan’s. “I never meant to hurt you, Ruarc.”

  “I know,” whispered Lorcan. “I always knew what would happen if you found out before you had a chance to feel something for me.” His gaze sharpened. “I’m told you are still close friends with the Traveler.”

  “Yes, I am.” Nick’s voice was carefully neutral.

  “You must know he loves you, just as I do.”

  “I know. I shared a double bridge with him. I saw his heart, just as I saw yours.” Nick leaned closer, pitching his voice low, so only Lorcan could hear. “And I saw what you asked him to do before you left.”

  Now it was Lorcan’s turn to stumble. “That was meant to be private, Nicholas,” he said angrily. His eyes blazed and his hand, still holding Nick’s, hovered self-consciously near the hidden brand over his heart.

  “Why did you do it, Ruarc? Was it because of the things we said after our first night together, all those years ago?”

  Lorcan’s eyes gradually faded from red to green. “Yes,” he admitted with a hint of sadness.

  Nick stopped dancing, his hand still on Lorcan’s chest. “I told you then that it meant something to me when you made a sacrifice for my sake. It still does.”

  Lorcan swallowed and stood perfectly still, his thoughts and his body frozen by Nick’s light touch. “But does it mean enough?” he asked.

  Nick opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a deep voice from behind him. “May I cut in?”

  Turning, Nick found Rory standing behind him, his eyes slitted and red as they focused angrily on Lorcan. Nick’s eyes darted between the two, and he noticed that although Lorcan smiled at the intruder, his eyes, too, were red.

  “Guys, this is neither the time nor the place for a pissing contest.”

  “Run along back to your Leshir, Nicholas,” Rory said frigidly, facing Lorcan. “May I have this dance, Magister Diluthical?”

  “By all means, Magister Jiao-long.” Lorcan’s grim smile was broken by the points of his fangs. “Would you like to lead, my Lord?”

  Silently, Rory took Lorcan’s hands. The dance floor emptied, ot
her guests scattering around the two dancers as they picked up the psychic aura of fury that clung them. Alone, they moved silently in time to the music, saying nothing. When the song finally gave way to a faster number, they stood apart, staring into each other’s eyes. No one else came near them, unwilling to risk striking a spark that might ignite into violence.

  “Thank you for the dance, my Lord,” Lorcan said finally. “When the time comes, perhaps we shall do it again one day.”

  “Perhaps we will.” Rory’s voice was resonant with hatred. His fangs bit into his lip, leaving a bead of his own blood on his lower lip. “When the time comes.”

  Lorcan smiled, his own fangs bared. “I look forward to the challenge.”

  Rory’s voice was a low rumble as he warned, “That would be a serious mistake, Magister Diluthical.”

  “I will never yield, my Lord,” answered Lorcan. “I will never surrender.”

  “Then one day, Ruarc,” Rory’s eyes blazed with suppressed mayhem, “we will dance for real.” Then he casually turned his back and walked away toward the Jiao-long table.

  Lorcan smiled pleasantly at Nick, who was standing helplessly at the edge of the dance floor, and then he also turned and returned to his seat.

  Nick jumped as Toby’s lightly touched his shoulder.

  “Big brother, your friends scare the crap out of me.”

  Nick sighed. “You’re not the only one.”

  * * *

  As the evening gave way to night, Scott and Ana stood and walked to the opposite end of the hall from the head tables. As they reached it, the music faded, and the hologram of the outside sky was replaced by a large neutral-gray rectangle that stretched across the entire wall.

  “My Lords and Ladies.” Ana’s voice was amplified by her AI. “I am Anaba Nizhoni Consul Jiao-long, called the Architect, the Wind of Fire. We have come to the final part of the entertainment for this evening. In honor of this moment—the twentieth anniversary of the Armistice Declaration—we have prepared a special presentation for you to remind us of the significance of this day.”