“I know who she is, Kale. I was the one who sent Daegan back into time to obtain her,” the man confessed.
“You’re Daegan’s magus?” Akaisha asked.
“Yes,” Hysteon said, sitting up on his haunches. Kale covered his brother with an old tattered blanket for his comfort.
“What are you both doing out here? Hysteon, Daegan has been searching for you high and low!” Akaisha told them both. “Everyone has been wondering where you are, and the black crystal, it’s lost.
“Yes,” Hysteon said, “stolen by Elizabeth and Valaris. They now have the power to travel to the past and to the future,” Hysteon confessed. “They are the ones that have wronged us all. I was kidnapped, Akaisha. They kidnapped my brother as well, torturing him for simply protecting me.”
Akaisha sat down next to Kale and Hysteon, her hands over her mouth.
“So, you both are werewolves?” Akaisha asked.
“Yes,” the brothers replied, comforted by the daywalker’s presence.
“I don’t understand. As cruel and heartless as Valaris is, he acts as though he would protect Daegan with his life. I feel and see his aura. It is as black as the night sky,” Akaisha murmured.
“Valaris seeks to destroy Daegan, obtaining his place on the council, and Castle Daegan. Valaris is ruled by greed and bloodlust,” Kale stated. “Elizabeth aids him. She stole the crystal, obtaining Hysteon’s gift of foresight.”
“That lying witch!” Akaisha cursed. “She told me she possessed the power of foresight, like me!”
“Yes,” Kale murmured. “She does, but not her own.”
“Why is Elizabeth helping Valaris? What is in it for her?” Akaisha asked, puzzled.
“A few years after Biele’s death, when Elizabeth was young and pretty, she and other prisoners were taken and brought back to the castle,” Hysteon explained. “Elizabeth adored Daegan, did everything he told her, hoping he would turn her into an immortal.”
“Daegan never liked Elizabeth, for whatever reason. Perhaps it was her black heart. Daegan has had his trials and tribulations, embracing the darkness after Biele’s death; however, there was something about Elizabeth that would not allow him to turn her,” Kale added.
“Elizabeth became infuriated; she spent many years in his service, expecting him to make her immortal, to preserve her youth. I think the fact he never bedded her was what hurt her deepest,” Hysteon commented. “This is the reason why she seeks vengeance against Daegan.”
“What of Biele?” Akaisha asked, wanting to confirm her suspicions.
“Biele was murdered by Valaris,” Hysteon spat. “We knew this, so they held us prisoners for six months. Valaris killed Biele, spreading rumors that it was Daegan, years after. He wanted nothing to interfere with the damned vampire council. The only way for Valaris to climb the ranks was if Daegan rose to power, then Valaris could claim his place, should something happen to Daegan,” Hysteon explained.
“Why didn’t they kill you?” Akaisha asked. “Not that I’m complaining.”
“Because they still need us,” Hysteon said with pride. “I know much about magic, it is our heritage. Our clan has guided the Daegan Clan for centuries Akaisha. Valaris and Elizabeth are only dabblers, they have learned a few tricks, however, they pale in comparison to the things I know. It will take them many centuries to access all the power I possess.”
“Elizabeth has a crystal, decorated with blue highlights,” Akaisha suddenly remembered. “What is that for?”
“Ah, that crystal is used to sway the minds of others. It shows them their heart’s desires, tricking them, giving them a false feeling of hope. Unfortunately, this is how Valaris and Elizabeth turned a few against Daegan, as well as spreading their hatred and lies,” Hysteon said. “Sweet Akaisha, by chance what was it you saw in that crystal?”
“Daegan was chasing me, and then I disappeared. I also saw my parents, in Egypt; I thought I would be able to travel back to my time,” Akaisha confessed sadly.
“Fear not, daywalker, there may be hope for that yet.” Kale smiled.
“My dreams, I’ve been having dreams, since before Daegan took me from my home,” Akaisha stated. “In my dreams, I was always murdered by a man, but I could never see his face. I thought it was Daegan who was murdering me, but it was Valaris?”
“Yes, Akaisha. Sometimes our intuition will show us enough, eventually it is left up to us at times to put together pieces of the puzzle,” Hysteon stated. “Your power is strong, always rely upon it, and use it well. It will never mislead you, Akaisha.”
“So, Valaris and Elizabeth are the only two traitors?” she asked.
“Yes. The other members of the coven and vampire council have absolutely nothing to do with their plans. No one even knows. Many may or may not like Elizabeth, for whatever reason they may feel. She exudes evil, as does Valaris,” Kale explained.
“Daegan isn’t an evil man. Elizabeth spread lies about him, even to me. She led me to believe he was cruel, until I started sensing things about him, experiencing certain feelings, and realizing there was still good somewhere within him,” Akaisha confessed.
Kale and Hysteon looked at one another, sharing a secret, hesitant to say anything. It was obvious as they looked at her, and then made eye contact to one another again. It was apparent they communicated purely on a psychic level.
“What is it?” Akaisha demanded, sensing the silent conversation.
“There is just one more thing, Akaisha,” Kale added, looking at his brother, who nodded in approval.
“You are a reincarnation of Biele,” Hysteon informed her. “I’m sure you have suspected, so has Daegan. There are so many similarities. I know from reading your aura, you have had certain instances of déjà vu within those castle walls. The feelings you experience with Daegan, the giddiness you experience when he is near. You bring him fulfillment and peace of mind, Akaisha. Something the man hasn’t experienced since your death,” Hysteon said.
“After her-your murder, a darkness claimed Daegan, so strong that all who used to enjoy being around him fled from him in fear of their lives. He would have embraced sunlight if it weren’t for Valaris, the one good deed he has accomplished in his entire blackened existence,” Kale spat.
“By Anubis!” Akaisha exclaimed before passing out.
Chapter 17
“Is she all right?” Kale asked, mortified.
“She’ll be fine; she comes from a strong Egyptian vampire Pharaoh and a stubborn human mother. There is nothing this daywalker can’t handle,” Hysteon assured. “It isn’t every day a person discovers they have been reincarnated. It was bad enough we abducted her from all that she knew, only to discover she was once a werewolf bride of Daegan. The visions and dreams are tough enough on a person’s psyche, continuously seeing things they do not wish to see.”
“What of Daegan?” Kale asked. “Will he make it through this? He has much to atone for.”
“And he will be fine!” Hysteon exclaimed, anger in his eyes. “He is paying the price for his past sins. The only use Valaris had was convincing Daegan not to embrace the dawn. If it weren’t for Valaris killing Biele, Daegan wouldn’t have embraced the darkness. It is a struggle for a vampire to exist many years, watching those around him dying. It is a cold, bleak existence that I would not wish upon my worst enemy.”
“Akaisha will be the one who can enlighten his soul once more. She will also protect Daegan Castle from werewolves who wish us all harm. We must show everyone what Elizabeth and Valaris have been up to all this time,” Kale added. “She’s coming to.”
Akaisha slowly sat up, with the help of Hysteon and Kale.
“Easy now, daywalker. You can afford to rest now. Much has occurred in your life these past few weeks,” Hysteon coaxed.
“Take me back to the castle, please,” Akaisha said wearily. “We need to bring this to everyone’s attention.”
“But first, we must come up with a plan. You know deep within your heart Valaris will not
go down without fighting,” Hysteon admitted. “He is a natural born warrior. Elizabeth will weave her usual web of lies, so don’t trust her.”
“Daegan is as well,” Akaisha insisted, anger gripping her body.
“Save your anger, Daywalker,” Hysteon insisted. “Do you know where the black crystal is kept?” he asked.
“Yes, Elizabeth showed it to me a few weeks ago. She is quite confident that it is safe,” Akaisha told them. “I have allies, people that trust me, and I them. Michael and his family are loyal to Daegan. Adelaide and the cooks, even a few of the servants who knew Daegan before his dark years, they will become our allies.”
“You must reach Komin,” Hysteon insisted. “He is on the council and has the ability to calm Daegan. He will not have difficulty swaying other members of the council. You must not approach Daegan until the last minute, as he is hot-tempered and will immediately seek vengeance on Valaris,” Hysteon warned.
“Go, Akaisha. Tell Michael and his warriors our whereabouts. In the meantime, you must retrieve the crystal from Elizabeth. She also has obtained a few spells and charms, so beware.”
“In addition, take this.” Hysteon retrieved a pure white crystal from a pouch, and handed it to the daywalker. “This will give you the power to immobilize your enemies if they should happen to gain the upper hand over you. In addition, you have the ability to cloak yourself from another’s sight. “
“What?” Akaisha asked.
“This crystal possesses the ability to slow your attacker down, if necessary. Simply wave the crystal at them, and they will lack the power to move freely. The crystal will make you invisible as well. You may very well need this if Valaris catches you alone. Although a daywalker, you lack the strength of a full vampire. In addition, a few of the servants will not see things the way we do. They may side with Valaris as well because he promised immortality. “
“I will send Michael to you,” Akaisha said, rising to her feet, butterflies in her stomach, fighting to clear her mind.
* * * *
With lightening speed, Akaisha found her way to the castle, holding the crystal tight within her hands in case she would need it. Cleverly, she avoided certain areas in which Elizabeth spent most of her time. Successfully, she sought Michael out, who upon hearing all that Akaisha told him grew furious.
“You must go to the cave where Hysteon and Kale await. Round up your best warriors. We’ll be needing every bit of manpower we can assemble,” Akaisha spoke hurriedly.
“What about you?” Michael growled. “Daegan needs to hear of this!”
“No, not at the moment. Daegan will rush in, unprepared. We need to assemble our forces. Only tell your warriors. There are others who will blindly follow Valaris since he promised them immortality.”
Nodding, Michael rounded up a few of the other werewolves patrolling the grounds. Instinctively, they followed him in the direction where Hysteon and Kale awaited.
Accessing one of the side entrances of Castle Daegan, Akaisha heard a few of the servants and laughter of the coven. Keeping her mind clear, she silently slipped past the hall, undetected.
Feeling a sudden burst of joy within, Akaisha stopped dead in her tracks as she approached the corridor where Elizabeth’s room was. Thankfully, no one was around, providing Akaisha with full access to the woman’s room. Trying the handle, she cursed silently to herself upon finding the door locked. Of course, this would be no easy task.
“Perhaps I can be of some assistance,” Elizabeth murmured, rendering Akaisha off balance.
Elizabeth stood a few yards away, an evil look etched upon her features. Slowly, she approached Akaisha.
“Might you be looking for this, child?” Elizabeth asked, an evil grin forming upon her face, holding the black crystal within her palm. “You know I possess the power of foresight. I really had hoped you would not be so stupid as to cross me, but here we are,” Elizabeth sneered.
“You naturally do not possess the gift of sight. It is merely something you have thanks to the crystals you possess,” Akaisha said, as her fangs lengthened.
“Such a pity, Akaisha. I could have returned you to your precious Egypt,” Elizabeth chastised. “Now you will die!”
With a wave of her hand, Elizabeth sent Akaisha reeling into the wall. Quickly jumping to her feet, Akaisha moved at the speed of light, catching Elizabeth off balance, slamming her head against the wooden door of her bedchambers. A low growl from behind Akaisha caught her attention. She turned around, but not before Rhiannon charged at her full force, sinking her fangs into the daywalker’s shoulder.
“I told you this wasn’t over, daywalker!” Rhiannon spat, pinning Akaisha to the castle floor. “You and I have unfinished business!” Rhiannon growled, sinking her claw into Akaisha’s wound.
Howling with pain, Akaisha fought to free herself from Rhiannon’s grip, unfortunately she was too strong. Instinctively, Akaisha kicked Rhiannon between the legs, the place she valued the most. Doubling over in pain, Rhiannon dropped to the castle floor, rolling around. Kailin charged Akaisha trying to avenge her mistress. Pharaoh Nanatuthamen trained each of his daughters in hand to hand combat since they lacked strength as the full vampires did. This undoubtedly gave Akaisha an advantage over her vampire counterparts. Although wounded, Akaisha wasn’t lacking in speed. Grabbing Kailin and landing a punch to the vampire’s windpipe without remorse, she rendered Kailin useless for a few moments.
Bleeding profusely from the wounds Rhiannon inflicted upon her, Akaisha summoned the strength to follow Elizabeth, who like a coward, slipped away while Akaisha was battling the vampires.
Chapter 18
Michael and fifteen of his werewolf brethren discovered Hysteon and Kale exactly where Akaisha told them they would.
“Hysteon!” Michael exclaimed. “We thought you dead, brother.”
“No, only beaten and battered by Valaris,” Hysteon murmured.
“I promise to rip Valaris’ head from his body,” Michael growled.
“No, that will be Daegan’s task. Elizabeth and Valaris will pay for what they have done. Now, we must hurry, I’m sensing Akaisha is in danger. She is in great pain, and has already faced a few of the traitors alone. We must return to the castle at once,” Hysteon ordered.
“We must find Daegan,” Kale insisted.
“Leave that to me. If he is still within the castle walls, there is but one place he and other members of the council could be,” Michael assured, as they all rushed out of the cave.
* * * *
Knowing she would need to buy herself as much time as possible, Akaisha cloaked herself using the crystal; unfortunately, the droplets of blood would allow anyone who paid close enough attention the opportunity to harm her. She prayed this would not be the case with Rhiannon.
Quietly making her way down the stairs of the West wing, in hopes to find Elizabeth, Akaisha heard vampires, werewolves, cooks, and other servants gathering within the hall. Unfortunately at this point, she needed to feed, as her vampire side was greatly lacking the sufficient energy for her to complete the task without fail.
Akaisha spotting Elizabeth on the opposite side of the hall caught up to the treacherous woman, grabbing her around the throat.
“Let me go,” Elizabeth sneered, as Akaisha lifted the woman off the ground.
“You are a traitor and a liar!” Akaisha growled, revealing herself to the sight of others. The large crowd whispered amongst themselves of the current events of the castle this evening.
“No, no, no, Akaisha my dear. You are mistaken, come let us leave this place. I can take you back to Egypt!”
“More lies,” Akaisha hissed, snatching the black crystal from the woman’s hands with one hand, and throwing her to the floor with the other. Utilizing the other crystal, Akaisha immobilized the treacherous woman and began searching the room for Daegan, pushing her way through the crowd.
Michael appeared with Daegan and Komin, seeking out Valaris. Upon seeing Akaisha drenched in blood, Daeg
an immediately rushed to her side. Her blood caused his fangs to elongate, forcing Daegan to summon every ounce of strength he possessed in order to control his bloodlust.
“Quiet!” Komin bellowed, his voice echoing throughout the great hall of Castle Daegan. “There is something you all need to hear!” he roared, as anger caused his eyes to glow.
The crowd ceased their conversations, all eyes fixated upon Komin. Valaris pushed his way through the crowd, a look of anger upon his face. “What is going on here Komin?” Valaris asked.
“Yes, Komin,” Daegan muttered. “What the hell is going on here in my castle?”
“Daegan, your brother has something to tell you. Something to tell everyone who has been lied to all these years.”
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