“Why would Flynn do that? Why didn’t you stop him?”
“He betrayed us. I wasn’t even expecting his attack.”
“Why would he kill Thayde? We took him in!” Gavran was searching for some meaning – meaning I could not give him.
Saturated with anger, his voice undulated. “You’re The Link! Why didn’t you stop him? Freeze them, anything!”
I didn’t reply. What good is having infinite power when you couldn’t even stop someone from killing the one you loved? Old feelings of helplessness bared their fangs and I motioned for Gavran to follow me. He closed the door behind him and crossed his arms.
“It was so unexpected,” I began and closed my hand over my pounding forehead. “Gavran, I honestly wasn’t expecting an attack in our home. I just, froze.” Hearing myself say the words brought tears to my eyes.
“You froze?” He sounded unbelieving. When I nodded he sighed.
“For a second. I froze for a second and that’s all it took for Flynn to bite. One more and they were gone.” I added.
“Oh God,” Gavran shook his head, realizing how quickly it happened.
“There’s more,” I looked him in the eyes. “I’m pregnant, Gavran.”
“What?” He gasped.
I nodded, looking at my feet. “I’ve felt sick for days and I didn’t know what was going on with me until an Akamatta told me. Aletheia explained a few things,”
“I’m going to be an uncle?” Gavran interrupted, a smile spreading across his face.
“Yes, but the reason I’m telling you is because,”
Gavran enveloped me in a big hug. “This is wonderful news!”
I barely hugged him back; I couldn’t view my pregnancy with as much joy as he and
Aletheia did.
“I want Thayde back, Gavran. I don’t think I can do this without him.”
“Morgan, this is the most wonderful thing that can happen to any married couple. You created life! It’s a good thing.”
“I want him back,”
Gavran sighed. “Have you heard anything from Flynn?”
“No! But once I locate him, I’m going to kill him.”
He held me at arm’s length.
“You’re exhausted. I think you should get some sleep right now. You will need lots of it. Aletheia can finish explaining everything that has to do with your pregnancy. Your Mom doesn’t seem like she’s up to doing anything these days.”
“I’m not stopping anything just because I’m pregnant, Gavran.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I need you to keep this a secret,” I stressed. “No one can know. You’ve got to promise me you won’t tell anyone.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s a weakness.”
He laughed and I narrowed my eyes in frustration. “You don’t know anything about pregnant mermaids, do you?”
“No…”
“They are the most ferocious beings there are! You don’t mess with a pregnant mermaid. Especially The Link – I wonder what you’ll be capable of now!”
I leaned against the bed railing and held my head. “I can’t do this without Thayde.”
A knock at the door interrupted Gavran’s response.
“It’s Troen,” the muffled voice called.
I nodded to Gavran to open the door and the old Link shuffled in.
“When were you going to let your family know you’re pregnant?” He immediately asked.
I stared at him, amazed at his abruptness.
Troen leaned on the railing next to me. “This isn’t the time to be timid. How can you possibly think of going to war in your condition?”
“My condition?” I looked to Gavran. “See? This is why I’m not telling anyone else! I have a job to do and I’m not going to stop doing it simply because I’m unfortunate enough to be pregnant!”
“Unfortunate?” Troen voice strained. “Unfortunate? How can you say that? This child will be the most powerful Link there is!”
“Link? What makes you think she’d be The Link?” I was horrified. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone!”
Gavran and Troen looked at each other briefly before Troen continued.
“The Link’s never had a child. You’re the first and it is a unique and special thing. Just to have a child is a miracle in itself, but this child will be the first of its kind.”
“Her kind,” I interrupted. “It’s a girl.”
“You know this?” Gavran asked.
I nodded. “We were going to call her Leigh.”
“The Healer,” Troen mused, a faraway look on his face. He looked at us after a moment. “Leigh means Healer in Celtic. Didn’t you know that?”
“No, it’s just a name I got from a dream. We both liked it.” I trailed off.
“The Healer is cool – it fits.” Troen stood. “She’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Your dreams are visions of the future. Don’t make the mistake of treating them as if they were nothing.” He pointed to my new tattoo. “Do you know what those are?”
I shook my head.
“It’s angelic script. That’s more than a just a tattoo. It’s a gift. The angels are with you. You will be more powerful than I ever was with their help.”
Gavran moved aside from the door. When Troen reached him, he placed a withered hand on Gavran’s arm.
“Your name means The Raven. You’re the keeper of secrets and the bringer of health and harmony. It’s your destiny to be Morgan’s ambassador. Keep the harmony in the families. You got it, man?”
“Yes,” Gavran’s voice was but a whisper.
Troen looked back at me. “Thayde still lives.”
My heart flew through the roof.
“He’s not who he once was though,” Troen’s dark eyes filled with sadness. “You’ll find him with the Farasi in Italy. They live in Florence.”
When he exited the room, I ran after him, catching his elbow in the hall.
“Where are you going?” I cried. “You’re not leaving?”
He turned a tired eye to me. “Morgan, you don’t need anyone to survive. You are the most powerful being there is now. You can’t doubt and you can’t give up. Find your strength. There are too many lives counting on you.”
A lump formed in my throat; he was saying goodbye.
“Focus on your love for your people. Focus on the power God has given you. The problems you have will force you to look and depend on Him instead of yourself and once you do that, you’ll be able to do anything.”
He leaned forward and kissed me on the cheek. “I love you like my own daughter.”
With that, Troen pulled away and left me standing in the hallway with Gavran the Keeper by my side.
CHAPTER TEN
THE FARASI FAMILY
I slept. I slept even though my heart was desperate to find Thayde. I knew I would need all of my strength to face the Farasi Family and instead of leaping into the ocean, I slept until my body ached and then I slept some more. By the end of the second day, I dragged myself out of bed, my back screaming in protest. It was Monday and we would be at war tomorrow. The plans were set and I needed to prepare for it.
Trudging into the guest bathroom, I nearly screamed as I was greeted by some disgusting looking thing staring at me from across the room. My reflection was hideous; greasy clumps of hair lay in uneven patches about my scalp. The dark circles under both of my eyes reminded me of those scary clowns in the horror movies. My skin had paled so much I looked like I used to in the middle of winter in Idaho.
“Wow,” I whispered and promptly gagged. My breath smelled like something had been run over and lay decaying for hours in the sun. If I was to find Thayde, looking like a corpse wouldn’t do, although, it might deter the vampires from trying to bite me. I smiled in spite of myself.
When the bath filled, I submerged myself in the healing gel for an hour before pulling myself together. Finally dressed, I stood before the mirror, turning sideways. Already, my stomach se
emed a little more pronounced. Could this really be happening? I ran my hands over the tiny bump. The baby. Thayde’s child. I had to get him back.
A knock at the door averted my attention from my tummy.
“Come in?” I called and Tiesa opened the door.
“Can we talk?” She asked.
“Sure,” I sat on the edge of the bed, my knee bent underneath me. She hesitated before sitting next to me.
“I’m really sorry,” she began, “I hate vampires.”
I winced, knowing full well that Thayde was most likely half vampire.
“My mom was killed by them and Ezen nearly died. I have a reason to hate them.” Her voice was traced with doubt. I didn’t answer.
“I think they’re awful things and to have one around us,” she broke off and rubbed her nose.
“Tiesa, I’m in a bit of a situation,” I chanced. “I’m obligated not to take sides because of my place. Maybe it’s good I don’t have any history with them.”
“It’s probably for the best,” she added.
“You’re my best friend. I respect your opinion, but what would you do if Thayde was one of them?”
Tiesa’s head swiveled to face me. “Is that what’s happened?” She gasped.
“Troen said he’s still alive.”
“If he survived Flynn’s attack, he will be one of them.” Tears welled in her eyes. “What are you going to do?”
“Try and get him back.”
“But he’ll be hated by everyone!”
“That doesn’t make me love him any less, Tiesa.”
Ashamed, she hung her head.
“What would you do if it were Ezen?” I asked.
Bringing her knees up to her chin, she shivered. “I don’t know.”
“Are you serious?”
“He wouldn’t be the same person, Morgan! When people are turned into vampires, they don’t retain all their memories. It’s like a re-birth. A mer-vamp has never been done! What if he doesn’t remember anything? Ever? What if he becomes a spy? He’ll turn against us! It’s what they do. They can’t be trusted.”
“Would you give Ezen the benefit of the doubt?”
She thought briefly and then gave me a slight nod.
“I have to try everything within my power to get him back.” I stood and held my arms out to her. Her hug was tentative, frightened.
“Be careful,” she warned. “Strike first if you can. They are smart and they are strong. If you can’t get Thayde to return, what are you going to do?”
“I don’t know,” I admitted, clinging to her like a spider wrapping their prey.
“Please protect yourself.” She sniffed. “I don’t want you to die.”
“I will,” I pulled away from her, forcing a lame smile. She returned the favor.
“Bye,” she whispered, as she closed the door.
“Bye,” I said to the door.
Clasping my hands together, I relaxed and focused. Troen had said they were in Florence, Italy. But where in Florence? To begin, I tried to narrow in on Thayde, but I couldn’t put a lock on his location – he was a blur – a blue glaze that circled Europe. Giving up, I locked in on Flynn, instantly finding him. He stood, alone in the center of the Piazza Della Republica, as if he were waiting for me. It was now or never. I’d have to Leap. Breathing out, I allowed the crushing power to overload me before it blasted me forward to Italy.
Flynn jumped back as I suddenly appeared beside him. His blond hair now free from blood, he almost looked Human. Almost. He smiled widely, his canine teeth lengthening.
“How could you do this to me, Flynn?” I cried, doing my best not to make him explode on the spot – there were too many people milling about the vast plaza. “After everything we discussed, how could you betray me?”
“You’re far too trusting,” his voice was full of malice. “One good love story and you turn all gushy. I told you, you were too weak to be The Link.”
“I trusted you and you turned on me like a typical vampire.” Disgusted, my lips curled. “Where’s my husband?” I took a step toward him and he dropped his voice.
“Be very careful,” he warned, “you are in our territory now, mermaid.” He jutted his chin to a group of people sitting at an outdoor restaurant table. A large umbrella, made from light canvas material shielded them from the bright sun.
I instantly recognized the Master from Flynn’s memories and he wiggled his fingers in a wave. It was ridiculous. They acted as if they were all one happy family traveling together, visiting the many sites Florence offered.
“Be very careful,” Flynn repeated, his tone lightening ever so slightly, but I didn’t wait for him to finish. Instead, I strode across the sunny Plaza to the Master who lazed in his chair, a bright white suit adorning his lengthy body. Several vampires stood and he held up his hand, ordering them to wait. When I reached the table, he flashed me a brilliant smile.
“Good morning, ragazza carina!” He welcomed. “Would you like a seat?”
“What have you done with my husband?” I demanded. His countenance did not change and he looked about the Plaza. Flynn took his place behind him.
“’Tis a beautiful day, is it not?” He smirked. “Splendida giornata.”
“I’m not here to discuss the weather,” my jaw ached from clamping it shut. “I want my husband back.”
The Master rolled his head around on his shoulders and waved his hand in a large arch before him. Like puppets, the tourists mingling in the Plaza dispersed, leaving the large square empty.
“Your husband is dead.” He announced and reached for a glass filled with red liquid. Sipping its contents purposefully, he kept eyes on me. When he finished, he licked the remaining red stain from his lips. The act made me sick. I knew it was blood he was drinking. Was it Thayde’s?
“He is not dead,” I disagreed. “Where is he?”
Crossing his long legs, he pushed his lips forward as if musing. “He is not dead in the actual sense of the word. But he is very much mine now. He is a part of our family.” He looked about at the group of vampires circling him. “My family is growing and he makes a most eccezionale addition.”
“You want to create a new race with Herra.” I added and he shook his head.
“Herra is inconsequential. She had her use and now, now she is, what is the word?” He paused, making a show of thinking. “Inutile: useless to me.”
“She plans to start a war,” I said and he waved his hand as if trying to rid himself of a pest.
“I am aware of her plans. They are no business of mine. I have what I want. With the husband of The Link on our side, it gives us an extremely powerful advantage, don’t you think?” He took another sip from the glass. “So now, what can I do for you?”
“I am tired of your games,” my voice grew louder. “Don’t make me force you to give him to me.”
“Force me?” He laughed. “Who do you think you are dealing with, Siernetta?”
I was about to answer when a black shadow passed overhead, silencing my words. Shielding my eyes against the bright sun, I scanned the skies and found nothing. Seconds later, a figure landed heavily at the Master’s feet. Pulling from a crouching position, it straightened and turned. It was Thayde.
I was not prepared to see him so soon and it shook me to the core. Pale and beautiful, those eyes I loved so much had not changed, but as his gaze shifted to me, and there was no hint of recognition in them, my heart sunk.
Dressed completely in black leather, I had never seen Thayde look so strong, so sure. His posture exuded confidence and power. Indeed, the other vampires seemed to hold their breath, waiting for his next move. The Master smiled smugly and shifted his gaze to me.
“What are your intentions, minuscola ragazza?” His voice dripped with sarcasm.
I couldn’t tear my eyes from Thayde. To see him so cold and aloof tore me to pieces. My heart ferociously beat within my chest and the foul taste of heartburn raced up my throat.
“What have
you done to him?” I demanded.
“Flynn did exactly as he was ordered: he gained your confidence and brought us The Link’s husband. With Thayde being bonded to you, he has the chance of retrieving all your powers. We healed him and now he is ours. Such a pity for you, but for us, it is everything we needed. Cosi semplice.”
The Master rose from his seat, gracefully wrapping his arms around himself as if pleased. “Our family is now complete. With a mer-vamp among us, well, let me just say, the possibilities are endless.”
“He’s not yours. You act as if you control him.”
He smirked. “He’s every bit ours. How could he not be? We saved his life.”
I forced vomit back down my throat.
“He doesn’t remember a thing, so I expect him to do just as he’s told.” He sneered. “You know, I did not appreciate your former leader paying us a visit. It was not expected and we rarely allow such intrusions.”
“Troen was here?”
“He warned us of your anger in taking your husband. I suspect he believes you are able to rival our powers. His words were ‘She will not take any prisoners.’ But it is of no consequence to us. We have what we need and now it shall be finished.”
The Master moved toward me, his steps elegant as a dancer. “Was it you who entered my mind? I understand why you would want information.” He sniffed the air. “I sense something – something you are hiding.” His dark eyes searched my face as he stopped in front of me. “Something, something mars you. Perhaps it was the Genif our little friend Herra sent. Perhaps it is your weakening resolve. Perhaps it is something more,” his voice trailed off.
To continue to let him ponder would, no doubt, give him enough time to realize the truth about my pregnancy. It was time to end this. Instead of backing down, I stared back at his soulless eyes. Pulling the memories from him was harder than I thought and it took a moment to filter through the hundreds of years he existed, but I got what I needed. My powers swiftly gathered within me, my skin prickling with fire.
“Your name is Albert Qamar. You are not Italian. You are a descendant of the Parsee community from South Asia. Like Flynn, you were turned against your will by the true Master, who immigrated with the group of Zoroastrians of Iran during the 10th century AD.”
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