by Aria Sparke
‘Ready?’ Flynn stood at the open door with Martin waiting for us to walk downstairs to the back lawns where large blue and white marquees had been set up to keep the rain and more so, the sun off the guests.
‘My bouquet? Where is it?’ Bella called out after we’d descended the first flight of steps. So concerned with not stepping on her train, she’d left the bouquet of red poppies lying on my bed.
‘I’ll get them, Bella. Walk slowly.’ I hurried back to my room with Flynn loping after me. ‘I should stop this farce,’ I said to him. ‘When they reach that part of the ceremony where the celebrant says speak now or forever hold your peace I could stand and object.’
Flynn frowned. ‘I don’t think they say that anymore. Anyway vampiric weddings are totally different to human ones.’
‘It’s wrong.’
‘My father’s a highly intelligent vampire. He treats his wives well and they live in comfort doing pretty much whatever it is they originally planned. Bella could become a brain surgeon or lawyer if she wishes.’
‘Pretty much? What if Bella never intended having children—and dhampirs at that?’
We hurried down the stairs to the foyer where the rest of the bridal party was waiting.
I handed the poppies to Bella who looked radiantly happy.
Once this wedding was over my first plan was to learn every spell known to witches for resisting a vampire’s glamour. Martin and Flynn were also part of the bridal party, so I walked with Flynn followed by Martin and Anya with Bella bringing up the rear. Alexis carried her train, preventing it dragging over the rain-soaked lawn. Heads turned as we strode up the center aisle between the rows of chairs. A lone violinist played music I didn’t recognize, but its tone was beautiful although slightly mournful. When we reached the lectern where the celebrant stood, I saw Tarek to one side and almost gasped. Tall and elegant, he looked stunning in his sleek modern suit with a single red poppy in his lapel. Being so close to Flynn in appearance, how could he not?
A white-haired man conducted the ceremony and although his words were different to any human wedding I’d witnessed, the sentiment was the same with mention of love and commitment.
Bella looked blissful, so when the bond was sealed between her and Tarek, I relaxed. It was out of my hands like everything else lately. I was just a small creature bobbing on a seething ocean and my only hope was to paddle hard and stay afloat as best I could.
After the ceremony we shifted out of the rain to the dining room. I nabbed chairs at one end of the bridal table for Flynn and me so we could watch the procession of odd family members from afar while making observations without offending anyone.
‘Where are Bella’s parents?’
Flynn opened his napkin.
‘I’m pretty sure she’s an orphan and an only child.’
Chilled by that revelation, I tried to focus on the first course, a traditional Albanian lamb and vegetable dish.
‘Do you know any of them?’ I asked gazing at the huge crowd.
‘Mmm,’ Flynn surveyed the dining room quickly. ‘Apart from those at Anubis, nope. They’ve come from all over the world. Most would have fairly impressive resumes—doctors, lawyers, professors, judges, politicians. When you live forever, you have to fill your days or go mad.’
‘How do you hide it, immortality, I mean?’
‘You get good at it. Usually we move on from an area every five to ten years. We spent three years at Wicklow High and will be looking for somewhere else to go in a few years. If we want to break into the adult world, we go to graduate school or find a dhampir sponsor to snag a job.’
‘A lot of your rellies don’t look that young,’ I observed.
Flynn nodded. ‘That’s what happens. After a couple of hundred years or so, they often grow bored being young dhampirs and many allow the aging process, so they can integrate in human society.’
‘Integrate?’
‘Mmm, take on responsible jobs or mate.’
I grinned.
‘What?’
‘Mate?’
Flynn blushed. ‘Sorry, I meant they find partners and have families.’
‘You’ve got it made,’ I said. ‘So what did you do before you came to Wicklow?’
‘Most recently, we spent a decade in a smallish town in Maine but when the Berishas moved so did we.’
I pulled my dessert bowl closer and inspected the pastry before picking it up with my fingers. ‘You could come with me when I leave to study at another college. We could go anywhere and you could try something new.’
‘I’d love that.’
My heart leaped at his reply. ‘Well, it’s settled then. We just have to get the grades at the end of semester and start applying.’ A wave of excitement left me grinning until I noticed Flynn looked wistful and remote. ‘Something’s wrong, isn’t it? Tell me, Flynn, please.’
‘Nothing would make me happier than to leave with you and spend whatever time we have together. I love you, Lily, but ...’
I felt the air leave my lungs.
‘I can’t,’ he said and grasped my hand.
‘Why not?’
He gestured toward Tarek. ‘My father ... he needs us.’
‘Rubbish,’ I said indignantly. ‘We’re adults. We can decide what to do with our lives. Other dhampirs do it.’
‘Not the most recent generation. Maybe when I’ve done my bit—in another century or so.’
I looked across the table at Tarek and startled when I saw him gazing back at me with an intense expression.
Flynn followed my gaze. ‘He already knows.’
I laughed in disbelief.
‘He’s a vampire. He could hear a pin drop in the next room if he focused.’
‘Well, he has Bella, so he should not be so greedy and domineering,’ I said boldly while staring directly at Tarek. I wondered if there were any more surprising talents he possessed.
Tarek grinned at me as though amused, which only made my blood boil.
‘Don’t antagonize him. You don’t want to make enemies with vampires,’ Flynn said softly when Bella was whispering something in Tarek’s ear. ‘If you don’t want him to hear you, speak only when his attention is diverted.’
I pushed my chair back. ‘I need to powder my nose.’
Flynn looked at me blankly.
‘Use the bathroom.’ I swept away from the table toward the women’s bathroom to the left. Once inside, I leaned on the basin shelf and stared at my reflection. I barely recognized my bewildered expression. I heard someone approaching the door from outside and pretended to wash my hands.
‘Lily!’ Bella said as she gathered her train into a bundle to ease her way into a cubicle. She laughed. ‘I’m glad I don’t always dress this way. It’s way too much hard work.’
‘Are you having fun?’ I asked.
‘Absolutely! And you?’
‘Of course. It’s the best wedding I’ve attended.’ Not having relatives other than Cecilia meant this was my first and only wedding.
When Bella emerged from the cubicle, she looked at my face in the mirror as she washed her hands. ‘I’ve a secret.’ She peered around the other cubicles to make sure we were alone. ‘It’s amazing. I only found out this morning and I’m busting to tell someone.’
I was secretly worried by her shining eyes and beaming smile. ‘Go on.’
‘I’m pregnant.’
Shocked, I feigned excitement and congratulated her. ‘Are you sure? You’ve only known him a short time. I would’ve thought it would take longer to know for certain.’
‘It’s different for vampires.’ She giggled. ‘They’re very virile.’
I gagged.
‘Apparently everything progresses at a much faster pace. The baby will be born in three months.’
‘What? How’s that possible?’
‘I know, isn’t it crazy? I was sick this morning and went to see Leah. She tested me and explained what to expect. In one way it’s great because I won’t have to
go through a long pregnancy.’
That was the only positive from my viewpoint. ‘Have you told Tarek yet?’
She smiled coyly. ‘I’m saving it up for tonight. Do you think he’ll be pleased?’
‘I’m sure of it.’
‘Just think, Lily, I’ll be a mother in three months time. It’s unbelievable, isn’t it?’
That I could agree with. Although I tried to feel happy for her, all I could feel was gloom.
* * *
CHAPTER 30
Chasing Dreams
With only a few weeks to go until finals, I was feeling as though my time was running out at Anubis College. Anubis was too small and didn’t offer enough premed courses that would make me competitive for a scholarship when the time came to apply for medical school. I’d already made a list of colleges to apply to and all I needed to do was focus on getting the results I needed to maintain a high grade point average.
As the semester progressed I had finally developed a sense of balance and contentment largely due to the fact Flynn and I were growing closer. I ignored the thought of my future and tried to enjoy our present together. Although I had largely ignored it, deep down I knew our time together was limited due to Flynn’s immortality. I realized also it was probably the reason his relationship with Emma had failed. I didn’t talk about it and sensed Flynn didn’t want to go there either. It was too painful. In addition to studying and practicing my physical skills, I distracted myself by delving more into the book of spells Cecilia had given me.
Late Sunday night, Bella stopped by my room. She still seemed blissful.
‘Did you tell Tarek about the baby?’ I asked.
She smiled.
‘Was he happy?’
‘Delighted! How could he not be?’
‘Is married life what you’d imagined?’ I felt devious trying to discover more about Tarek.
Bella smiled wryly. ‘We haven’t seen much of each other while I’ve been studying for finals, so I can’t wait until our exams are over.’
I wondered if Tarek had reverted to his old ways now that his job of wedding a new bride and beginning a new life were done. Time would tell.
After banging on my door, Anya came bouncing in to show me a new dress she had bought in Wicklow over the weekend. ‘Wow, you look radiant,’ she said to Bella after greeting us.
‘Thanks, I feel it.’
Anya gave me a ‘told you so’ look.
‘So what do you both think?’ Anya strutted across the room in a black formal gown and twirled around before she reached the wall.
‘Gorgeous.’ Did she ever tire of being a dhampir, never aging and forever beautiful? She hadn’t spoken of her desire to study medicine again, and I wondered if she had only mentioned it originally to lure me here under the dhampirs’ protection. It bothered me that no one at Anubis seemed to have dreams for their future.
Bella lay on my bed on her side watching Anya. ‘I wonder if she’ll take after your family.’ She rubbed her belly which had already swelled.
‘Dhampirs usually take after the Ruberio side. Vampire genes are usually dominant over humans’ when it comes to physical features,’ she paused and looked at us thoughtfully, ‘although it might be different for a union between a witch and vampire. I honestly don’t know.’
‘She?’ I said curiously to Bella.
‘I’m certain of it,’ Bella said before rolling onto her back and stretching her arms languidly over her head. ‘She’s wearing me out. I don’t know if it’s normal, but she kicks and tosses all day long.’
Anya nodded. ‘That’s usual for dhampirs. Mirela swore she was black and blue inside when she carried us. Thank your lucky stars you’re not carrying three little dhampiric monsters.’
Bella laughed. ‘One’s quite enough for starters.’
‘Has Leah spoken to you about what to expect with her birth?’ Anya asked in a more serious tone.
A shadow crossed Bella’s face. ‘She said dhampirs birth quickly and that she would attend when the time came. Actually, I’m a little nervous at the thought, but I’m lucky to have Leah. She specializes in healing magic and has attended many dhampiric births.’
Anya looked as though she were about to speak but decided against it.
‘What is it?’ Bella asked her.
‘Nothing,’ she said too quickly.
‘Tell me, please.’
‘Be very ready for labor and at any sign of pain or bleeding, ask for help,’ Anya said. ‘It’s important that you do.’
‘That’s what Leah said.’ Bella smiled widely. ‘But don’t worry. Tarek assured me he would bring in extra midwives if necessary. He has been through this so many times, I’m sure if there was a problem, he could do it himself.’
I made a mental note to ask why Anya seemed so worried about the prospect of Bella’s labor.
‘Okay, are you going to show us your latest trick?’ Anya said to me before throwing herself on the bed beside Bella.
‘Pardon?’
‘Spell,’ Anya said.
‘Yeah, go on, Lily,’ Bella said. ‘Show us one you’ve been working on.’
I tried to think of a quick and simple spell, so I wouldn’t stuff it up in front of them.
‘I want to see your glamour spell,’ Bella said. ‘Anya can test it for you.’
‘But she’s a girl.’
Anya and Bella burst into laughter.
‘Glamour isn’t just about sex appeal,’ Bella explained. ‘It involves any attempt at mind manipulation by a vampire.’
‘Or dhampir,’ Anya said and grinned.
Although embarrassed, I realized this was a chance to test my skill while under friendly pressure. Cecilia had been through the spell with me several times and I’d practiced it every night for the past week knowing how important it was. ‘Okay.’
I fetched blue and white chalk sticks from my cante. This one didn’t involve candles, however the spoken part of the spell was tricky. I sat cross-legged on the floor facing my friends. Focusing on the floor, I drew the intricate set of nine symbols and managed to draw each perfectly without any smudges or need to redo any of them. So far so good. When the symbols were in place in three rows of three, I cleared my throat and began the incantation.
After I’d finished, I looked up at the girls and asked Anya to test me although I could see Bella frowning.
‘Are you sure, you’re ready for me to test it?’ Anya asked.
‘Definitely.’ I felt I’d done it to perfection, however moments later I found myself standing at the window with my arms raised.
Anya shrieked with laughter. ‘Okay, very funny.’
Bewildered, I turned and caught Bella’s startled expression.
‘You didn’t mean that, did you?’ Bella said.
I shook my head. Anya had obviously exerted her influence over me and I had obeyed by walking across the floor to the window with my arms raised. My spell had failed. Dejected, I returned to my chalk symbols.
‘What are these?’ Bella asked poring over the marks on the floor. ‘I’ve not seen them before and I only recognized some of the words in your incantation.’
‘That’s impossible. Cecilia gave them to me. She said it was the most powerful deterrent she knew and went through the spell with me several times.’ I fetched the handwritten card from my cante that she’d given me and handed it to Bella. She examined it carefully before comparing the symbols with mine.
‘Perhaps this spell Ces gave you was advanced, as I’ve not seen it before, or there’s a glitch in her symbols or words. You’d better ask her.’
Anya giggled. ‘The great Ces will be embarrassed knowing she slipped up.’
‘I bet it was my fault,’ I said. ‘I’m sure Cecilia wouldn’t make an error with something this important.’ Although it comforted me to think she might have made a mistake given the difficulties I had learning spells.
‘Happens to us all,’ Bella said, obviously mindful Cecilia was my aunt. ‘I’ll teach you t
he best one I know, guaranteed to keep pesky vamps out of your head—and dhamps.’ She grinned at Anya.
Over the next hour Bella taught me a neat spell, far easier than the complicated one Cecilia had tried to teach me and we tested it with Anya’s help.
‘You do know that some vampires have a stronger and more irresistible glamour than others?’ Anya said before she left. ‘Generally vampires gather power over time, so older ones are more dangerous.’
I rolled my eyes. Great, I thought, and no doubt this spell would be useless against old vamps like Tarek and Vincent.
‘It’s true,’ Bella said. ‘But you have to start somewhere.’
I wondered why Bella hadn’t used her spell against Tarek, or perhaps she had, but it had failed. I desperately wanted to know yet was convinced it wouldn’t be right to ask now that they were married and she was pregnant.
‘Do you know about the set of spell books in the old section of the library?’ Anya said to me.
I raised my eyebrows at Bella who sighed. ‘Ces doesn’t like us touching them.’
Anya scoffed. ‘She likes you to imagine she’s the superior one, but really anyone can see she just withholds all the good stuff for herself. Sorry, Lily, I know she’s your aunt and all, but ....’
Bella clicked her tongue disapprovingly. ‘Don’t listen to her, Lily. You can get into trouble dabbling in spells you’re not ready for. Cecilia told us a story when I first came to Wicklow. She said there was a young boy in his first year at a school where she taught who had risked advanced magic. He shapeshifted into an animal form—a hamster—no one was ever able to help him.’
I burst into laughter, but Bella looked at me solemnly. ‘That’s only one story she told us and it wasn’t the worst.’
Regardless of Bella’s warnings, a thrill of excitement pulsed through my veins. I couldn’t wait to find the spell books. I’d visit the library tomorrow and see what I could find. With the stakes so high with Tarek and the Berishas, I had to seek all the help I could find including witchcraft. What Ces didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her. I owed her nothing.
* * *
At lunchtime the following day, Flynn and I hurried to the library after eating a quick lunch. He also knew about the spell books and had agreed to show me where they were kept in the library.