“During the initial feast Patty portrayed far more magical talent than she ever had before. Than I have ever seen before. The display drew a lot of attention.” He thought for a moment. “Desiree took part in a game. Just a simple hammer and bell but something strange occurred. She rang the bell with such force that it drew every eye. The conducted actually accused her of being a vampire.” He chuckled at the absurdity of that.
“What happened next?” She asked him but he hardly heard her he was so deeply concentrating.
“Someone intervened on our behalf. A vampire. Her name was Avelia. I have never seen her before but she seemed… powerful. She propositioned Desiree but she refused. Avelia seemed nonchalant but thinking back I believe she was surprised and upset at being denied. I mean I would have certainly gone…” He cleared his throat. “I mean, she seemed pretty pissed. But not as much as the conductor. That man looked like he wanted to murder the lot of us when he had to give up that stuffed animal.” He trailed off as Meilin suddenly stood.
“It was one of them.” She said harshly. “Either the conductor or Avelia has taken them.” Avelia!
Eric frowned when he realized that he was more pleased about coming through for Meilin than for getting closer to finding the girls. There was something wrong with that. Oh god she must have still manipulated me despite me being on guard for that very thing. He frowned up at her.
“Did you just…?” He began but swallowed what he was going to say when he saw the determination on her face. Well so what if she did. It might help find the girls so it's all to the good.
“Are you sure it is wise to confront her.” Deidrich was saying cautiously. He shook his head almost as if to himself. “I do not trust her. She is unpredictable, with no allegiance to anyone or anything but her own sordid whims. No one even knows the year she was turned, the sun take me.” He added in exasperation. “I understand She can be… volatile at times.”
“I do not fear her.” Meilin assured him. “With the bond I am at least her equal. And besides, she would never be so foolish as to strike out against me.” She thought about the many times Avelia had done just that and grimaced. But you don't need to know that dear friend.
“Besides, it is as you say, she has no ties to anyone, and therefore would be a fool to anger my family.” She added for the plain look of doubt on his face.
“That's as well may be but why do you need to go alone?” He pressed. “If you refuse to take a proper escort, it would make sense that at least I accompany you, yes?” He sighed elaborately and ran a hand through his hair in obvious frustration. “Look, I believe you. Your bond with the child will allow you to match her or even surpass her but what if she is not alone Meilin? What if she has freshly tasted of the Ablanq? The power will work for her as well as you and you know as well as I what most would do for such power.”
Meilin paused at that. For some reason she had never thought that if that Bitch fed on her Suvy, her power might once again surpass her own. She had the added strength from the bond, sure but it had been several days since she had last fed and the bond had been somehow diminished. Meilin cursed herself for the hundredth time for not keeping an emergency stash of the child's blood. She knew that there was little doubt Avelia would feed. The subtle pheromones an Ablanq emitted made them practically irresistible. Meilin had known of this and had been on full guard and she still could barely resist herself around Desiree. Avelia had a will as strong as any in the world but she would not know what was happening and would have no reason not to indulge even if she did.
“I almost hope she has fed on her.” She mused aloud. “It would reveal to me without doubt that she has her.” Meilin said stubbornly. “She will not attack me.” She reiterated at his worried look. She laid a hand comfortingly on his shoulder. “I will be fine and Desiree will be fine. I will get her back safely. You will see.”
The truth was, if she feared anything at all, it was not that she or her Suvy would come to harm. Nor was it that Avelia would hold Desiree indefinitely. It was that the girl would choose to stay with her rival willingly. To freely become her companion and forsake their bond. Avelia’s gift of seduction was like the waves of the sea battering relentlessly at the bluff, waves whipped into a frenzy from a storm. No one could stand against that ocean for long. Not even another vampire. Her gift was second to none, completely unmatched. She needed to move quickly. There was no time to waste.
Hours later she stood alone before the large home tucked away in the corner of the Sanctuary. The house had been a gift given by her parents more than a century ago for some deed they all refused to speak of. The eccentric vampire rarely used it, rarely entered the Sanctuary at all but when she did, trouble seemed to follow. Meilin was not looking forward to this meeting.
A servant opened the door at the first knock. The older human woman’s eyes went wide in surprise before she bowed respectfully.
“My lady!” She stammered. “It is an honor. Come in if it pleases you.” She continued, stepping aside to show both spoken and implied welcome.
Meilin nodded to the gracious invitation and entered the house. She saw Avelia immediately and they shared pleasant smiles though their eyes seemed to roil inside, hot and volatile, like a pot of oil kept too long on the fire. At any moment wild and dangerous flames would erupt, flames not easily extinguished.
“Meilin of house Uvarii.” Avelia stated in greeting. Her bow was the barest hint of a nod. “To what do I owe for a visit from such a distinguished guest?”
Meilin returned the nod and smiled as if she was unaware of the mocking quality to the other woman’s words.
“And without a proper escort.” Avelia added with raised eyebrows when the door shut behind her. “I have heard you have been known to take foolish risks with your life but I disregarded such as idle gossip. It appears there is truth to this after all.”
Meilin smiled again, ignoring the slights, refusing to take the bait. She walked over to stand directly in front of her host, the difference in height allowing her to look down on the other woman most satisfactorily. Avelia took a step back and Meilin’s smile broadened.
“Fools will talk and only bigger fools pay them any mind.” She said scathingly. “Besides, what need is there of an escort when I only wish to converse with an old family friend in the safety of my own Sanctuary. It has been years has it not Avelia.”
Avelia’s mouth tightened for just a moment but then she was smiling pleasantly once more.
“So very true cousin. Please, be seated so that we may catch up.” She said, gesturing to the plush couches. You look pale, have you been feeding enough? I will send for a snack.”
Meilin shook her head in refusal but the other woman waved away her protests. She clapped her hands twice in rapid succession and a human male entered the room, bowing deferentially.
“Do you have need of me my lady?” The youth stated in tones smooth enough to rival an immortal.
“Come Thomas, I wish to introduce you to an unexpected, and honored guest.”
Meilin’s did not show any outward sign but she was thoroughly taken aback when she got a good look at the human. He was nothing short of magnificent. Tall and chiseled, with flawless golden-brown skin, the young man was like an immaculate sculpture given life. Bright brown eyes large enough for a girl focused on her with an intensity rivaling that of a long-lost lover. It was obvious Avelia was only trying to show off her new pretty. He is something though.
“This is the one and only Lady Meilin of House Uvarii.” Avelia continued. “I am afraid she has not fed for some time, I can tell by her color. Assist her my Thomas.”
“Yes mistress,” He replied without hesitation. “As always it is an honor to serve.”
Meilin stood back up as the human approached her and waved him away. What is this bitch up too?
“That will not be necessary…” She began but trailed off in curiosity as the boy continued approaching. He walked slowly but determinedly right up to her, his eyes ne
ver leaving hers until he was so close he was all she could see. He was tall enough that his proximity brought his neck directly aligned with her mouth. He extended his head to give her access. She looked at the throbbing vein despite herself and was surprised to see no signs of prior feeding. She pushed the boy to arm's length and checked him over. Her brow crinkled in confusion. He seemed to understand and spoke.
“You will be my first my Lady,” He stated, his voice a combination of unease and excitement.
Meilin turned to Avelia with a face full of skepticism only to find the other vampire already at her side.
Avelia struck with her greatest weapon while she stood there confused and distracted. She reached up and ran a hand along her cheek and Meilin turned reflexively away from the gesture. Avelia followed doggedly.
“I was saving him for his 18th birthday later this month,” She stated huskily. “But I see no problem in being a little early. This is a… special occasion.” She finished with a smirk.
Meilin turned to the boy in surprise.
“Yes,” Avelia stated proudly. “My Thomas is but 17. I have had him for nearly 4 years now and I assure you, even at 14 he was a specimen to behold. He is one in a million. A rare jewel.”
“She is as lovely as you have said my Mistress.” Thomas stated as he caressed her neck and moved in as if to kiss her. Meilin spun out of his loose embrace and took a few steps back.
Avelia was on her before she finished moving, her hand caressing her cheek once more while her other guided her to one of couches. She sat hard as she felt the other woman pouring her gift into her in a torrent. Her arms fell to her sides as Thomas sat to her other side placing her in the middle of the two. Thomas kissed her then and this time she did not pull away.
“I have taken a ward.” She tried to say when he pulled away but it was muffled as Avelia’s lips came down on hers. She felt a hand tangle in the back of her hair keeping her in place as the kiss lingered for far too long. When the kiss finally ended she heard the other woman laugh harshly.
“I expected more from you.” Avelia said but the words seemed only noise to her. She had not come for this. She racked her mind for her purpose.
“My ward is missing.” She managed to say as hands, too many hands to count, caressed her all over. She struggled to continue speaking as her eyes closed involuntarily. Lips made contact with hers once more and she returned the gesture in earnest though she was not even sure of which of the two they belonged.
“Her name is Desiree,” She managed to say when she could breathe once more. “She is missing along with another human called Anastacia.”
“I have met this ward of yours,” Avelia admitted. “Quite a remarkable young woman. Strong, unusually strong. Certainly, stronger than you.” She finished, laughing mockingly.
“The girl refused my invitation,” She continued, her voice turning sour and with a hint of disbelief. “She resisted me somehow, a mere human. Even you cannot endure my power. Have you given the child something; A talisman perhaps? It is no matter. I have you and I shall soon have your ward.”
Meilin felt her head being turned to the side and Thomas began nibbling at her neck on one side as Avelia came in on the other. As the human pulled away Avelia’s embrace suddenly became rough, almost harsh even. Without warning she felt Avelia begin to feed on her, the fangs tearing into her throat as if it were her desire to not only feed, but to kill. Self-preservation gave her the will to grab a handful of thick curls and pull the other vampire off her. The woman's golden eyes shined in the full of her power. Her beautiful face smiled back at her mockingly, blood, her own blood dripping from fangs and full lips to run down her chin.
“You taste marvelous,” She told her in slow, precise words, as if to fully bring home what she had done. “Like forbidden fruit.”
Meilin’s eyes went wide with shock and embarrassment as she began to fully comprehend what was happening. Even more so when she understood that Avelia had lessened her gift so that she could see. So that she could witness how utterly she was under her control. To have another vampire feed on you was the most intimate thing two immortals could share. It was relinquishing your gifts to the other, at least for a time, as well as some of your memories. To have it done against your will was completely humiliating and an undeniable show of absolute dominance. Just feeding on another vampire only weakened them, severely if they could not stop it, but to take another so that they did not bring all their will to bare in defense like Avelia had just done garnered all.
Meilin pushed her roughly away. “How dare you!”
She felt the woman feeding her gift into her stronger than ever but her anger disbursed it before it could take hold, scattering the vampire's power like oil floating on water when a strong cleaning agent is applied. She grabbed the human by the throat and tossed him across the room. He hit the far wall and crumpled to the ground motionless.
“How dare you!” She said again even more indignantly.
“Finally, you show a spark of power.” Avelia stated calmly. She appeared unconcerned for her own safety, though she did glance to the human repeatedly. With a wary eye on Meilin she moved toward him. She did not get far.
Meilin was on her like an owl hunting a rat, swooping down for the kill. She closed the distance between them as fast as she had ever moved before, the bond and her anger working in tandem to empower her like she was running on high octane racing fuel compared to her normal simple gasoline.
She caught the other vampire's shoulder, spinning her around and planted the heel of her palm between her ample breasts, sending her crashing into the wall with enough force to dislodge every picture. The sounds of splintering wood and breaking glass hardly registered to Meilin as they rained down. She raised a hand to strike again.
“Are you sure you want to do that Lady Uvarii?” Avelia cautioned. “Your parents have granted me guest rights while in their Sanctuary by blood oath. By blood oath.” She emphasized.
Meilin snarled like a caged animal but after a moment she slowly lowered her hand.
“That's a good and obedient noble’s daughter.” Avelia stated mockingly. “We wouldn't want a rash decision to bring unforeseen backlash on your precious mommy and daddy.”
Avelia hurried over to check on the human and sighed with relief when he moaned as she turned him over. She looked back at Meilin, anger clouding her features for the first time.
“Lucky for you he is not badly injured. Like I said, he is one in a million. I would have had to take your little Ablanq as compensation if you had taken my Thomas from me.” She stated threateningly. “Oh, yes!” She said at Meilin’s startled expression. “I know what she is now.” She ran a finger over the blood on her chin, gathering it into her mouth, smacking her lips exaggeratedly. “I know quite a lot of interesting things about you now.”
Meilin walked up to her determinedly, her face not showing an ounce of the anxiety she felt at the knowledge that this dangerous and sadistic woman might now know intimate details of her life. It only showed the red-hot anger. It burned in her so hotly that when she opened her mouth to speak, it felt as if molten lava erupted instead of words.
“I will not kill you. That, I take my own blood oath on, so your life is not in any danger. But I swear by my family, my maker and the blood flowing in these veins that I am going to beat you so severely that if you live to see another 10 thousand years you will remember this like it happened yesterday.”
The arrogant and self-satisfied expression on Avelia’s faced seemed to melt away at the volcanic eruption that was her proclamation to be replaced by first uncertainty and then outright fear. Avelia licked her lips nervously, her eyes darting from side to side as if thinking of escape.
Meilin moved as if there was no need to hurry, as if what was about to happen was preordained. Just before she reached her, an awareness blossomed in her mind, full and clear. It lasted only for the space of a short breath but the memory of it pulsed like a beacon. It was the bond. It was he
r Suvy. She looked off in the direction she had felt it before turning back to her adversary.
“Alas, something has come up. We will continue where we left off another time cousin.”
CHAPTER 17
Desiree sighed in relief when she felt her friend move in her arms and murmur softly. She had found a water bottle in Anastacia’s bag and saved half its contents just in case she woke up before she found them a way out. It was a good thing she had. She wondered exactly how long they had been in this darkness because she was insanely thirsty again. But that didn't really mean anything. You will always be thirsty when you know there is nothing to drink.
She put the bottle to the young woman’s thin pink lips and she drank greedily, which was a good sign, at least she hoped it was. She pulled it away before it was all gone, just in case they were stuck in here for a time longer.
Desiree wasn't sure if what she did had worked or her friend just recovered on her own but when she had first awakened, Anastacia was in bad shape. Her skin was pale as a ghost's with barely any warmth. She was completely unresponsive and her breathing was so slow and shallow that she had to check 3 times before she was sure she was breathing at all. But it had been the wound on the side of her head that had truly concerned her. It had not looked good at all. Remembering what the Reader had told her, how could she not remember something like that, and praying to God the Reader was right, she had applied some of her own blood into her friend’s wound. It had been more difficult drawing blood than she would have thought possible. She had lost her bag and Stasha had nothing sharp in hers so she had to resort to biting her own wrist. Biting yourself hard enough to cause a wound big enough for a good flow of blood was what was so difficult, both for gathering the will and courage to do so and the task itself. Suffice it to say it was an experience she hoped to never have to repeat for as long as she lived.
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