Tapestry of Worlds : Part One - The White Raven Awakens

by Hadley Thorne

  Straightening from his bow, he took her hand and wrapped it in the fold of his as he escorted her inside, "How pleasurable it is to find the beating heart of one of the courts in this place of blood and death." She barely noticed he was still holding her hand until he brought it to his lips and kissed it again. The spot where his full red lips brushed her skin burned an electric current of beauty and warmth that spread from her hand deep into the core where her soul trilled in long lost recognition.

  Erika could not find her voice to speak, so enthralled she was with the man. In her stupor, she had not noticed that he guided her to the dance floor. Erika sighed, knowing this is the place where the magic dies. She simply could not dance. Regretfully she remembered all those times her mother made her go to dancing class. Erika would pretend to hurt her foot so she could sit on the side of the room and read comic books.

  While they were outside, the throne room had been transformed. The Queen's court's formality went with the room looking more like an upscale club somewhere chic and exotic; in the background, a DJ spinning soft, haunting, gothic music while couples danced. Still, in the room's darker areas, she noticed cat-like predation going on between the vampires and their human companion. In fact, many of the vampires lounged on the sofas feeding on their pets while others were making erotic blood love to one another on the various plush and luxurious sofas.

  The scene was one that screamed of depravity, yet instead of repulsion, Erika felt a heat rising in her that shamed her. Despite part of her being shocked and appalled by what she was seeing, there was another part deep within her that wanted to dive into the wickedness and run free.

  The Count seemed to notice her hunger as he circled her. His movements were so graceful they made even a soft pawed cat look clumsy. He was beautiful, and while she genuinely expected that she would be unable to move, she found herself moving fluidly with him taking the lead. He pulled her close to him, his gaze holding hers. He smelled of lemongrass, citrus, and sandalwood, and she somehow knew his scent was no cologne or aftershave - it was how he smelled naturally. Allowing the dance to say everything that was to be said, he pulled Erika close and spun her around. Then he twirled her back into his arms.

  It was like a bolt of lightning struck her, and she finally understood. "Ljósálfar?" she whispered for his ears alone, their eyes touching.

  Grinning at her, he seemed to glow with the sun's radiance, "Amongst other names, Darkfire, but yes. Though it is an old name, I do not hear much these days."

  "Why are you here," she questioned as he twirled her again and brought her close, so close this time that their bodies touched and moved as one.

  "A slight misunderstanding has cast me out of the shining court for the time being, so I move around from the vampire courts until the Dark Court takes hold," he said casually, his focus instead steady in her eyes. It was like he could read her secrets, she thought, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

  "And you, what is it that has brought you to this place of blood and death?" He whispered to her as he brought her round in a spin and deep dip, his mouth so close, she could feel his breath in her neck. "If you were mine to look after, I would not have brought you here." Pulling her up, her lips turned up to his, "Too dangerous for one so pure."

  "Is that a nice way of saying naive?" she boldly asked, her hand lightly resting on the back of his neck.

  He laughed then a deep, joyful sound, "Perhaps." The song had ended. They stood looking at one another, hands still entwined. The vampires watched them with curiosity and a sort of longing. Erika noticed the Queen was nowhere to be seen, her throne empty. Looking around, she spied Felix in the shadows, watching her, his face expressionless.

  "Excuse me," she told the Count, psychically having to pull herself away from his touch, from the feel of him. "I must return to my escort."

  He caught her arm, turning her to him, "Not before I get your name, Darkfire."

  "Erika," she said breathlessly, "Erika Lily."

  With a formal bow and kiss of her hand, he bowed, "Erika Lily, until we meet again, walk in the light that is like water."

  Her soul was still singing from the encounter when she joined Felix. She could not get a read on his features, but her feelings were written all over her face. Erika was shining with an inner light as she beamed at him, "The Count is an Elf!" She slapped his folded arms, "How incredible is that?"

  "Do you really not know?" he said coldly, darkness spreading across his features. "After everything, I shared with you. The names of introduction I gave the Blood Queen for you?"

  "Oh, Felix, those were great! I mean, I sounded like someone important. I can't believe she fell for it," Erika whispered conspiratorially. Broodingly he took her by the arm and marched her out then like a naughty child, so drunk was she meeting the Ljósálfar Count. Without getting to say good night to Velvet or Buck, Erika found herself with Felix at the motorcycle. Seeing her pout, he gave her the helmet and took her hat.

  "Erika… It was all true. You are the Sukanar Ela - the Dark Star, borne of the light and dark elves. The last in a line of a bloodline stemming from a royal Dökkálfar and Ljósálfar union." Running his hand through his hair, he made a feral sound in frustration, "I thought Professor Stewardsen had told you this. He wrote of you in his papers as the wanderer of the grey mists. The Walker of the Way. Surely, he told you children, why you were all so important," he demanded.

  Erika blinked and looked as though he had struck her. "No, Felix, he only told us we were the reincarnation of souls brought here to fight in a psychic war," she said softly, her big eyes now full of unshed tears. “I know about astral travel, astral wars, psychic vampires, totems… Fylgjur. I know about weaving the power of intention to make your own way about the hidden worlds beyond the veil, but I always took it with a grain of salt. Metaphors to help mankind understand inherent in our own nature. I mean, I believed, but I guess I can see that I did not understand it was real. Like tangible." She was crying now, as she admitted it aloud. That she felt like believing these truths was to be crazy and that she had been lying to the Professor, her friends, but ultimately herself. She had wanted to believe completely. But the reality was that she was not able to let go, and now that she found the truth of it all, she was unprepared.

  Felix just stood there and regarded her for a moment. Then he just put his arms around her, and when he did, she just broke down, tears spilling. They did not say anything to one another as he started the bike. She just climbed on behind him and cried. She let go of her pent-up frustration, disappointment, pain, loss, and uncertainty.

  Felix took the long way back, riding along the river. There was a storm brewing in the distance, and lightning crackled across the sky. By the time they returned to their rooms, they were drenched, but Erika appreciated it. Whether it was his intention or not, Felix gave her the excuse of crying it out and holding him until she felt better.

  Dawn was in an hour when they finally climbed the stairs to their rooms. Erika felt she should say something but did not know what to say, much less how to say it. She had never felt so alone or unsure of anything in her life. There was a part of her that wanted him to come inside with her, to curl up around her, and hold her. But she knew something even innocent could be a betrayal of her love, and she never wanted Ransom to doubt her devotion.

  Half asleep, she wandered inside and took off the wet clothes. Peeling off the soaking bike shorts and bodysuit, she got into a warm shower and hoped the clothes were not ruined. Toweling off, she took the time to hang up the clothes before crawling into the clean sheets. She had barely shut her eyes when she fell asleep with dreams of the Count and her dancing playing in her head.

  Chapter 32

  Erika woke the following morning feeling like her alarm had not gone off, and she was going to be late for school. Disoriented, she stumbled to the bathroom and splashed water on her face. The clock on the wall said it was 3 o'clock, but how could that be right? That would mean she had slept ten hours. No d
reams either. Just completely out of it. Rushing to get ready, she jumped in the shower, and when she was washing, noticed her arm had distinct bruises like someone had grabbed her. There was also a scratch down her stomach as though a cat had scratched her. It was weird, but this year weird was the new black.

  Softly she knocked on the door between her and Felix's room. When there was no answer, she tentatively cracked open the door. It looked like the bed had not been slept in or was already made, whatever it was there was no sign of him.

  "Surely he didn't leave," she thought, but she was worried he just might have. She quickly pulled on some clothes she had picked up at the Goodwill before running downstairs. Barefoot she ran to the parking lot where she saw the truck and motorcycle missing. On the verge of screaming obscenities, the sound of tapping on the saloon window stopped her. Turning around, she saw Just Chris grinning at her and motioning for her to come inside. Flustered her coming apart moment had been witnessed, Erika reluctantly went to join her friend.

  "Your fella didn't leave you, darlin," Just Chris told her as he bit off the bottle top on a bottled beer. "He was gonna let you sleep in since you two are gonna have an all-nighter tonight at the V-Ball."

  Sitting on the barstool next to him, he reached over the bar and got her a beer, opening it the same way. Taking a swig, she thought about asking him if it hurt his teeth when he did that but decided against it. Men. Instead, she smiled at him sweetly and asked, "So JC, what do you think about all this Vampire and Elf business?"

  "Baby gurl, it's the new normal," he told her, drinking about half the beer in one gulp. "What do you think brought us together anyhow? We are kind of like Velvet and you guys with the Professor. Like attracts like. Kin is drawn to Kin."

  She sat there looking at the label on her beer bottle, mulling over what he said, "So you don't think it is weird, I am supposedly an elf," she asked lightly. She cut her eyes over to look at him and to measure his reaction.

  The big man was lighting a cigar with a Zippo brass lighter, "Were you ever anything else? I mean, think about it, Erika, you leave just about every man you have ever met elf struck, Darlin. Why do you think the boys and I keep our distance from you, Velvet, and your other girlfriends? Isn’t because you aren't the prettiest, coolest chicks we know." He took a drag on the cigarette and pointed his finger at her, knowingly, "We are warriors, baby gurl, and we know the brightest colored things in the wild are the deadliest."

  "You mean, you aren't human?" she asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

  To that, the man guffawed, "We are something else. More like your friend, Felix, less like you and certainly not a bloodsucker." He shook his head, "Your man too. He will tell you when he gets out, but if he is military, he will not say a word. Honorable dude, that one."

  She lifted her beer, "To Ransom," she burped, feeling a little light-headed. Probably should have eaten something, she thought. Just Chris clinked her bottle with his, a smile on his face. "I had a dream of him as a big freaking tiger. Not his spirit animal either. It was him. Big giant tiger-man. Like a werewolf, I guess…"

  "Shifter," the man said, draining the beer bottle and reaching over the bottle to get another. He tried to give her a second beer, but she passed, "Shifters take on an animal form, either as an animal, but the more skilled can manipulate it between the animal and man. Use all the strength and power of the animal combined with dexterity of the human shape."

  "That's what you are?" she asked, poking the bear just a little to see if he would offer up some information. He took a drag off the cigar, blowing the smoke out in rings.

  He put a hand on her shoulder, "It's complicated. But similar, yes. When you have more time, we can discuss it. Tonight is not the right time. But soon."

  Erika smiled, "For what it is worth, Millie is going to be heartbroken to know you wouldn't consider going with her. She had always had a crush on you, you know."

  The big man blushed a bright red, "Well, I never knew that. Miss Millie is awfully dear to my heart."

  "Well, I should see her tomorrow. We will have to have a talk." Finishing off her beer with a smile, she asked, "You sure Felix is coming back for me?"

  "Oh, yeah. He is with Sugar Bear. They were going to find an appropriate vehicle for you to ride in tonight. Said he couldn't expect Cinderella to go to the ball in an old beat-up truck or on his bike."

  "Well then, I guess I better go get presentable. Thanks for the talk," Hopping off the barstool, she leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Millie deserves a good man, Chris." Squeezing his hand, she added, "Just like you deserve a good woman."

  She stopped by the clerk downstairs to get a steam iron for her gown. She had a vision of how she wanted to look tonight and hoped she could pull it off. At the Goodwill she had found a Downton Abbey inspired white satin gown with an art deco rhinestone belt. The draped neckline was stunning on her, and there were rhinestone clasps where the fabric draped at her shoulders. The back was open and low. It was just north of being indecent. She was going to try and style her hair in finger waves, with some faux pearl drop earrings and her hair in a low chignon. The finishing touch was an art deco hair comb for her hair. She was going to do a simple smokey eye, rouged cheeks, and lips. For shoes, she had found some white silk pumps with rhinestones and gold leather trim that looked like they were from the 1920s. She did not know who did the costumes for the theater, but they were incredibly detailed. She was just adjusting the rhinestone belt when there was a rapt at her door.

  "Erika," Felix called, "It's me. I have something for you."

  Erika opened the door, a vision of the 1920s in the art deco white satin gown, her black hair styled perfectly.

  He stood there, slack-jawed, staring at her. In his hand, he held a spray of exotic white orchids.

  "Oh, Felix," she beamed, "These are perfect. Would you mind if I wear them in my hair?" Waving him in, she took the flowers from him. Adjusting a few hairpins, she had the orchids pinned over her ear and put on a pair of elbow-length opera gloves. She gave Felix a pleased smile to see how handsome he looked in the black pinstripe suit she had found for him to wear. The black, grey, and red plaid tie set with a matching pocket square paired with some ornate antique square cufflinks and matching tie clip giving him a very F. Scott Fitzgerald look. Too bad, she did not have her phone. They would have made a great photo for her Instagram.

  From across the room, Felix cleared his throat, "Darkling, you look like a silent screen star." Swallowing hard, he tugged at the collar of his shirt, adjusting the tie. “It's been lifetimes since I have seen you looking as beautiful as you do here and now. I do not know how it is possible, but with each incarnation, you grow more stunning… Not just the outside. But here," he said touching his heart. "The best of the Shining and the Dark Courts."

  Speechless at the compliment, she offered him her hand, which he kissed, then tucked in his as he escorted her to the parked car waiting below. Erika was in awe when she found parked and waiting for them was a low slung, ivory Excalibur roadster convertible. The car was a piece of art, styled like a 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK with camel colored leather interior. Whistling low, she asked slack-jawed. "Where did you get this?" running her hand down the roadster's sleek lines. It was apparent he had gone to a lot of trouble to secure such a ride.

  "This is amazing," she exclaimed as he opened the door for her and helped her slide into the car. He was careful to keep the long dress tucked in to not catch it in the door when it closed. "How did you ever manage to find something like this?"

  "I told your friend Sugar Bear, and he hooked us up," Felix told her, beaming with pride seeing her appreciation. "After the dramatic display between you and Count Elcmar last night, I felt you need to arrive in the style befitting the Sukanar Ela." Shifting gears as they got out on the open road, he gave her a look, his eyes pools of dark mysteries, "The Ancients will be curious, and some might not be as accepting as the Blood Queen. I want you to stay close to me tonight." Giving her a cur
ious look, he added, "And, Erika, be careful of Count Elcmar. He got exiled by the Shining Court and is welcome at the Blood Courts with reason."

  Chapter 33

  The moon rose in the east as the roadster cruised along the river towards the home of the Misi-ziibi Vampire Tribe. Erika could not help but notice how devastatingly handsome Felix looked in the moonlight. Tonight, the Queen’s estate was a different place - it was teeming with activity as limousines and exotic sports cars pulled up to the grand entrance at the drive-in front of the palatial estate.

  By the time they rolled to a stop, Erika was lost in the wonder of it all. The throngs of people being escorted inside were not the sort you imagine to ever see in a sleepy, forgotten place like Fort Rosalie. Fashion alone was more suitable for New York City or Milan. Erika stared at the people wearing lots of black, lots of leather, and what appeared to be period costumes from all over the world and from all different time periods. Some individuals were leading others on leashes, much like she had seen people walk multiple dogs. She assumed they were human pets or maybe dinner, but all of this was so foreign to her she could not be sure.

  For a moment, she panicked and wondered who she was trying to fool - this was outside of her comfort zone. She was just about to tell Felix to take her back to her room when she made out the Brood's familiar faces and felt a sense of relief. The guys were family, and they would never let anything happen to her. She was astonished to see each of the guys was clean-shaven and dressed in uniform black suits, black shirts, headsets. Erika could tell from the way the cases were hanging that they were carrying since she could make out their shoulder holsters. She also knew there were knives tucked here and there as well. Relaxing, she let go of the breath she did not realize she was holding and gave Felix a small smile. In turn, he looked at her and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.