The warlock looked up. His eyes flickered with recognition, but he didn’t say anything.
“I hear you’ve been talking to Darcie.”
No response.
Thane leaned against the wall next to the cell’s bars. “She believes you are responsible for the portal which saved your rebel friends from capture. Is that true?”
The warlock remained silent. Thane reminded himself to be patient. Lome might be the expert in interrogations, but Thane had participated in a few of the events during his long life. He knew the proper strategies for dealing with difficult prisoners.
“Tell me,” Thane’s tone dropped to a chilling and taunting degree. “What sort of man allows a woman to sacrifice herself during a fight?” Thane knew his words drew forth the memory of the witch falling out of the portal. It didn’t matter that Des had actually been the one to shoot and kill the woman; the magical communities were very matriarchal thanks to Charmian’s influence. Witches were often more powerful than warlocks. Losing such a valuable member of whatever clan he was a part of would sting.
A muscle ticked in the warlock’s jaw. It was a subtle reaction, but a reaction nonetheless. Still, he did not speak.
“Does your clan always send women to the front line? Do you always wait for them to take the brunt of the assault before you deem it safe enough to reveal yourself?” The scene Thane described was not at all what transpired in the abandoned theatre, but it insulted the man enough to finally break him out of his silent resistance.
“You know nothing about my clan.”
Thane tempered his interest. “You’re right. I don’t know of any clan who would so blatantly endanger the lives of its members. You were foolish to aid the rebels. Now, your ranks are down a female and will soon be missing a warlock.”
The prisoner scoffed. “There are many more like me.”
“Men who put their own safety above women? Good to know.”
The warlock’s face turned red. “Laugh now. Soon, you will have nothing to laugh about.”
“Are you threatening me from inside a prison cell?”
“I’m stating a fact.”
“Oh? And what fact is that?” Thane held his breath, hoping the prisoner would take the bait.
“That you immortals are not as untouchable as you believe.”
Thane snorted. Did the warlock not realize all that had happened during the rebellion? Original Immortals, in addition to Bella, lost their lives as a direct result of their involvement with the uprising. It had been many months since Thane considered himself “untouchable”.
But that didn’t mean a clan of witches and warlocks had enough power to take him down. Only another Original could accomplish that considerable task.
The warlock sneered. “Your arrogance will be your downfall.”
Thane rolled his eyes towards the damp ceiling. “And your vague threats are tiresome.”
“There is nothing vague about what I say.”
“No? Then tell me: who are you and why is your clan helping the remaining rebels?”
The warlock pulled himself together, attempting to regain control. He relaxed his spine and leaned against the concrete wall. “We fight against tyranny.”
“By supporting Adir?” Thane had no doubt what kind of leader his immortal sibling would have been. The world would have fallen into ruin within decades if Adir’s cause had managed to succeed. He was a selfish and war-driven male. He would not have fostered equality or peace. “Not the smartest decision, as you well know.”
“By fighting against Originals who believe they are better than everyone else.” The words dripped with disdain.
Thane narrowed his gaze. “The Council and The Alliance are working together to ensure there are equal rights for all.” Both lesser immortal and half-breed rights were the main topic of discussion following Adir’s defeat. The rebellion started because of the lack of communication and understanding between the different groups. Original Immortals knew of lesser immortals’ grievances, but they knew next to nothing about half-breed politics and prejudices. Now, every effort was being made to right past wrongs. The world was changing, and Thane believed it was for the better.
So why would the warlock claim otherwise? Was he simply ignorant of the strides The Alliance managed to achieve in the few months since the end of the rebellion?
Thane voiced the questions.
The warlock barked a laugh. “I am not one of your subjects. Do not patronize me with your well-rehearsed lies and empty promises.”
“I take it your clan is not a member of The Alliance.” Though many clans and other half-breed organizations officially participated in The Alliance’s meetings and negotiations, there were several outliers who declined the invitation join their ranks. Thane observed the male more closely, wondering which faction he belonged to. Whoever they were, they were clearly not allies.
The warlock confirmed as much when he said, “My clan would never stoop so low to bend our knee to you or your brethren.”
An entire rogue clan, Thane acknowledged. Not just a few radicals helping the remaining rebels.
“Tell me about the portal.”
“Now you sound like that insipid child.” The warlock smirked.
Thane ignored the insult to himself and Darcie. “I hear you must be very powerful to draw up that sort of power.” Witches and warlocks could transport themselves pretty easily, but a portal allowed several people and even objects to change location the moment they crossed the portal’s barrier. It was no easy feat.
“My entire clan is powerful.”
Thane’s eyebrows lifted. “Your entire clan can summon portals?”
His smirk grew. “That… and so much more.”
Thane knew he was being set up. The warlock wanted him to ask what he meant.
He obliged. “Oh? Do tell.”
The black cloak shifted and reached the ground as the warlock stood. He moved away from the mattress and approached the metal bars. Thane refused to step back. He wouldn’t show weakness.
“What if I told you,” the warlock said slowly, “my clan has the power to instill life.”
“I would say every man and woman possess that gift.”
Instead of getting angry, the warlock grinned. It was an eerie and unsettling expression. “True, but not just anyone can resurrect someone from the dead.”
8
A chill rolled through Thane. “Excuse me?” Did he say what he thought he said?
The warlock did not hesitate. “We are called necromancers, and we can bring people back from the dead.” His gaze was even. There wasn’t any sign of deception.
Necromancer.
Thane only heard the term used in stories, never in real life. “You will have to forgive me if I don’t believe you.”
“Perhaps you require a demonstration?” A cruel gleam entered the warlock’s eye.
“A demonstration might be hard to accomplish given the fact you are currently locked in my dungeon.”
“Release me, and that won’t be an issue.”
Thane resisted the urge to roll his eyes again. He recognized manipulation when he heard it. “If you do not plan on cooperating with our questioning, you will never be released.” Lome had revealed his interrogation was far from successful. The only information they actually obtained from the warlock came from Darcie after she snuck into the dungeons, and Des wasn’t going to let that happen again anytime soon.
Thane turned on his heel. A few more days in the dark and depressing place might loosen the warlock’s tongue.
“Don’t you want to see Bella again?”
Thane froze. The only movement in his body was the pulse of his suddenly racing heart.
“You dare to mention her name?” He didn’t even turn around.
“I can bring her back.”
Thane pushed down the knot in his throat. “You lie.”
“I do not lie.”
Thane shut his eyes. He refused to succumb to the warlock�
��s games.
Several seconds passed before he trusted himself to sound normal. “When you want to speak the truth, I’ll be back.” With that, Thane pushed off his back heel and exited the dungeon. He would not let a rebel warlock unravel the months of effort it took to pull himself together.
“And you know where to find me,” the warlock shouted at his back, “when your curiosity finally demands that you see my gifts.”
Thane did not stop. He walked away from the instigating prisoner and escaped to the mansion above, forcing the ill-begotten hope from taking root and springing up in the empty cavity which used to hold his heart.
The white curtains were sheer, and they swayed from the room’s air-conditioning. Thane was mesmerized by their movement. In them, he saw Bella twirling around in a white summer dress with the sun highlighting light brown strands in her hair. She had always loved summer dresses. And dancing.
“Thane, are you even listening?” asked Des.
Thane turned to look at his brother, furrowing his brow. “What?”
Beside Des, King Alexander stood in the doorway.
How long have they been standing there?
He reached into his pocket and withdrew the old, bronze pocket watch Bella had gifted him on their one-hundredth anniversary. She’d inscribed it with their wedding date and the words ‘I love you’. His fingers trailed over the etched metal, returning to his daydreams of her dancing in the summer sun.
King Alexander straightened his black coat. “I will come back another time.” He turned to leave.
“No.” Thane forced himself to forget the distracting curtains and the memories they brought forth. “Apologies, King Alexander. To what do I owe the pleasure?” He adopted the familiar personality of The Council’s leader with ease, dropping the watch back into his front pocket.
The vampire dipped his head. “I will be brief. As you know, many in my coven have undertaken the responsibility of seeking out vampire rebels who have not publicly renounced their rebellious ideals.”
Thane nodded. “Indeed. You and your coven have The Council’s greatest appreciation.”
Alexander lowered his neck an inch more before standing. “To continue our efforts, I and my coven seek your blessing to venture outside of our territory to capture the criminals who have escaped our shores.”
“Are the current locations of the rebels controlled by another vampire?” Thane knew of very few established vampire leaders, and many of them trusted and respected Alexander. Thane did not understand what could have transpired among the group of half-breeds to warrant his involvement necessary.
“They are,” the king answered.
“And has he or she denied you access to their territory?”
“Not exactly.”
Thane’s confusion grew.
Des stepped forward and explained. “Brother, Alexander is asking for your permission as a formality.”
“Indeed?” Thane looked back at the vampire. “You seek my approval just for the sake of having it?”
The king’s lips lifted. “Yes.”
“May I ask why?”
Alexander lifted a shoulder and said, “I am trying to set a good example to the rest of my kind. Seeking out stray rebels might not be seen as the best way to utilize my resources, but I want the world to see my coven’s continued alliance with you and your family. Also, it demonstrates The Alliance is still working together and going strong.”
Thane wasn’t entirely sure why Alexander felt the need to even bother with such a thing. For many years now, the king had established himself as a capable leader, not only to his own kind, but to many half-breed communities of all shapes and sizes. Alexander played a monumental role in allying the different groups together during the rebellion, and Thane didn’t think he’d ever properly thanked him for it.
“Well,” Thane held out his palm. “You have my unnecessary approval.”
The king laughed as he took the offered hand. “Much appreciated, Lord Thane.” He pumped his arm once before letting it go.
“Now, on to more enjoyable business.” Alex turned to Des and gave him a conspiring grin. “How has young Darcie been treating you?”
Des’ eyes lightened, and he smiled widely. “We are doing well.”
It relieved Thane to see his brother sound so happy about his relationship. Darcie’s recent confession about losing control to The Veritas had the potential to cause them trouble, but Des handled the news surprisingly well. He still worried about Darcie when she went to Eirie to train with the powerful spell book, but he did not fear her losing control with the Elder there to interfere when necessary. Thane believed Des’ reaction was a promising step in the right direction.
“Still living in that frigid state?” Alexander referenced Maine with a deep frown. “How do you bear it?”
Des laughed. “Only while Darcie is in school. She’s on Winter Break right now so we’ve been spending a lot of our time here these past three weeks.” The only time the couple had ventured back to Maine during the holiday season was to celebrate Christmas with the Abernathy’s and New Years with Darcie’s best friend, Marie.
Alexander continued to smile, but Thane detected the tension seep into his eyes. “And how is her family?”
“Both John and Jennifer are well,” answered Des, even though all three males knew the king really only cared to hear about Darcie’s mother.
“Good.” Alexander cleared his throat. “It has been a while since I’ve spoken to them. Perhaps I should give them a call.”
“They would like that,” Des said.
For the first time he could remember, Thane felt pity for the vampire. King Alexander was a powerful being. He used his strength and wisdom to rule over the largest coven of vampires, and he did so while maintaining a favorable rapport with his subjects. Alexander was a fair and worthy leader. But despite all of his attributes, the king was still a man who’d lost his love.
And that was something Thane understood the pain of all too well.
“Have you told Darcie about the change in your powers?” Thane asked Des, changing the subject. He knew his brother wouldn’t mind speaking about the matter in front of Alexander. They were good friends.
Before Des could answer, the king asked, “Is something wrong with your power?”
Des shrugged. “It’s nothing. I’m just having some difficulty with control.”
Alexander’s face blanched. “Difficulty controlling your powers?”
“Yes.”
Thane watched the vampire’s face as he put two and two together. “Is this a result of your incomplete bond?”
Say what you would about vampires, but their king was no fool.
Des met his friend’s concerned stare. “I am not sure of the reason.”
Thane scoffed. “Do not lie, Des.” He faced Alexander. “Yes. Des’ lack of control correlates to the bond’s status between him and Darcie.”
“You do not know that for sure.”
For months, Des had been trying to discredit that his incomplete relationship with Darcie caused his problem. Not only was the attempt futile, but it was also stupid. Des’ desire to lay blame outside of the unfulfilled bond was nothing more than wishful thinking.
Alexander pressed his lips together. Then, he asked, “How bad is it?”
When Des did not reply, Thane answered for him, “It is getting progressively worse with each new moon.”
The king whistled low. “My friend,” he addressed Des. “This isn’t a small matter.”
“I’m aware.”
“You haven’t told Darcie,” Alexander stated Thane’s original question.
“I have not.”
“Why?”
“Because there is nothing to be done. I simply need to regain my control. There is no need to worry Darcie.”
Thane and Alexander wore matching expressions of disbelief.
“I know I am not informed about every aspect of immortal life,” the king began, “but I believe th
e solution to your problem is an obvious one.”
Des understood the implication. “No.” He shook his head emphatically. “I will not burden Darcie with my troubles.”
“You need to at least tell her about them,” Thane said, finally fulfilling the promise he’d made to the young woman days ago. “It will not be long until she figures it out herself, and that would be worse than just telling her.”
Again, Des shook his head.
Frustration rose. “Your power is fighting for balance, and it doesn’t have another soul to split it with. Until you and Darcie are officially bonded, you will continue to experience these episodes.”
“You are speculating. We do not know that for sure.”
“That is because neither Lome nor I waited so long to establish our bonds,” Thane countered. “What you and Darcie are doing is unprecedented. Normally, I would not offer my opinion on such a private matter, but if the lack of bond is causing your volatile outbursts, it needs to be fixed. And soon. You need to tell her.”
Des stared at the far wall. The muscle in his jaw ticked from agitation.
Alexander coughed, breaking the silence. He looked uncomfortable as he asked, “What needs to happen for the bond to be completed?”
“Only the ceremony with an Elder,” Thane answered. He knew the vampire wondered whether Darcie and Des would need to be physically intimate to complete the bond, but that was not true. Eshe and Lome spent years bonded without marital contact.
“A ceremony is no small thing,” Des countered. “It would link us for life.”
“And?” Thane returned. “Isn’t that what you and Darcie have already decided when you admitted she was your One?”
“It is one thing to express our love for one another, but I will not insist Darcie partake in a commitment ceremony that she is not ready for.”
“Even if you are endangering your life and many others’ in the process?”
Des fisted his hands and turned irritated eyes back towards his brother. “I told you, I will regain control.”
Endured (Immortal Chronicles Book 5) Page 5