Caressed by Shadows (Rulers of Darkness Book 4)
Page 23
“Made up of Outcastes?” Sonya asked. “They are criminals.”
“Not all,” Dimitri corrected. Gabriel could feel the ancient vampire’s ice like gaze upon him. Burning him. “Some are blood bastards.”
“Explain your purpose for wanting to form a new Clan, Gabriel,” Dorian commanded.
Gabriel swallowed hard, his throat suddenly tight. He could barely breathe. Keeping his head down, he explained, “The Outcaste Society has been lawless for too long. I seek to unite the outcastes and put an end to the infighting and the victimization and mindless slaughter of mortals.”
“A noble cause,” Hadrian mused.
Dorian came to stand beside Dimitri. “If we are to grant your request, would you seek our military aid in uniting the outcastes?”
“I pray that won’t be necessary,” Gabriel answered.
“You understand that by reciting your vows and becoming king that you will be subject to the Death Curse,” Sonya pointed out. “You will need to choose an heir.”
Gabriel nodded. He was fully aware of the consequences of his decision. He had lived long enough and he viewed the Death Curse as a get out of jail free card.
“What linage do you claim?” Hadrian asked.
He inwardly cringed. “Lady Ingrid Hjort.” Gabriel swallowed the bile that rose in his throat. It had been centuries since her name crossed his lips. It nearly choked him.
Ingrid Hjort was a direct descended of Uro, the Father of the Voidukas Clan, and was a stain on the Voidukas name. She had used her beauty and irresistible smile to hide the evil that consumed her soul.
“The vampire curse is strong in his blood and his strength is impressive,” Dorian said before addressing Gabriel, “You will be tested.”
Pain and blood. An inseparable paring in the vampire world.
“This is madness. Think of how the Clans will react.” Sonya whispered.
“May I interject?”
All fell silent as the air shifted within the dungeon. The overpowering scent of magic caused Gabriel to gag. He glanced over to Gannon. The vampire’s jaw was set, his eyes squeezed shut, and his muscles shaking as he resisted the urge to look at the Shaw Priestess. Damn, Gannon had it bad for the little witch.
The soft click of Silvie’s short-heeled boots ricocheted off the walls, creating a ringing in Gabriel’s ears. “It must be noted that the abhorrent practice of human slavery is running rampant. Therefore, I must agree with Mr. Erhard, the outcastes have been lawless for too long.”
“Are you here on the shaman’s behalf?” Hadrian asked.
Gabriel couldn’t detect any emotion in Hadrian’s tone or words, though he could sense the king’s mistrust.
“I am. He has granted his approval and support,” Silvie replied.
Dorian cleared his throat. “Shall we put this to a vote?”
“All those in favor of inducting Gabriel Erhard into our ranks and granting him the authority to building and govern his own clan under the laws of Vampire Society, say aye. Apposed say nay.”
“Aye,” Silvie cheered with a clap.
“Aye,” Dorian seconded.
Hadrian mumbled, “Aye.” His voice again bland.
“Aye,” Dimitri added.
Sonya remained silent for so long Gabriel became convinced his heart would pound right out of his chest.
“I agree, but only to save the humans. No one should ever have to live as a Bleeder,” the queen said.
“We will need induct him,” Hadrian added.
Gabriel’s eyes slowly closed, steeling himself for the coming pain. Every king had to prove their worthiness.
“Done,” Silvie announced with another joyful clap.
“The decision has been made,” Dimitri proclaimed. “Gabriel Erhard will be named King this night.”
Gabriel stood, squaring his shoulders. He met Dimitri’s cold diamond gaze. This was going to be a long night. He wasn’t certain what awaited him. He would pledge his undying loyalty to his fellow Chieftains. His vows would be written and signed with his own blood. But he would endure anything to unite the Outcastes and to bring an end to Boras’s tyrannical reign. Even if it meant selling what remained of his soul to the four rulers of darkness.
He pulled his shirt over his head, baring his chest and revealing his slave brand. No longer would the mark define him as unworthy. He had been a Bleeder, kept in a dank dungeon as Lady Ingrid’s personal pet. Now, he would become a king and he would bring an end to human slavery amongst the vampires.
“There is nothing I could say to explain what is about to conspire here. Just know, that in the end, you as a Chieftain of a new Clan, stronger than ever,” Dimitri said. “Do you have a name for your Clan?”
“Tapfer.”
“German for courageous,” Dorian mused. “I like it.”
Silvie snapped her fingers. A polished black box appeared at her side. The lid slid back revealing long, glistening daggers with gold and silver inlaid hilts. Dimitri was the first to claim a weapon, then Dorian, followed by Hadrian and lastly Sonya. The surrounded Gabriel and Gannon.
“Last chance,” Sonya warned, her grip tightening on the dagger.
Throwing his arms wide, Gabriel surrendered. “Do what you must.” Closing his eyes, he welcomed the sting of the first slice. He silently prayed for strength. Not for him. After centuries of torture, he could withstand any pain.
He prayed Jordan would have the strength to survive until he could find her.
Table of Contents
Books by Amanda J. Greene
Acknowledgements
Glossary of Terms
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Epilogue