by R. J. Lloyd
A set of hands lifted my chin up, cradling my cheeks. When I let myself focus, my eyes met Indrell’s. “This was not me.”
“No?” My eyes filled with tears.
“No.” She pulled me in for a hug before looking at the pristine flesh that covered my abdomen. “This is all you.” Returning to an embrace, Indrell spoke quietly, “I can’t wait to see how much more you can do.”
I wanted to ask her questions. So many questions. What else could I possibly do? Was I a vampire? Could I heal myself? Did I heal myself? Was it permanent? Would there be bad side effects? Like I said, so many questions.
The room was starting to clear, and before I could gather my thoughts enough to attempt to start asking anything around all of the hugs, laughter, tears and chatter, Kane was ready for the commotion to end.
With a wave of a hand, his deep, baritone voice growled out over the still gathered crowd. “Tomorrow we can gather in the meeting room and discuss all of this and more. But tonight, I’m taking Auri to our room, and I do not want to be disturbed. As much as I am thankful that she is still alive, we’ve experienced more than one tragedy today. She needs her rest.”
“You both do,” Indrell corrected her.
“Yes. You both do,” Sarah signed. “I’ll be available for whatever you both need. Just ring.”
Wulfgar nodded and agreed with her, showing how far he’d come in learning her language, “I’ll lend a hand as well. I’ll stay in the castle to be available.”
The look on Sarah’s face was surprise and happiness at the idea that he would be near. And if I wasn’t mistaken, she also blushed in that way that betrayed the fact that she was hoping she’d stay a bit closer than another room in the castle. And by the way he looked back at her? I’d guess he was hoping for the same thing.
Kane stood up straight, his chin up and shoulders back. What his posture change brought forth showed me just how much his people respected him. Each of those left in the room all stood up straight as well, mirroring his stance and then, they paid obeisance to Kane. Each one of them bowed deeply, staying there for a moment before riding back up.
But it was their next move that shocked me. With a nod from Kane, they all turned to me, still silent, they each bowed just as deep and just as long. I knew where my place was. It was there with them.
With that, Kane escorted me out of the room.
~~~
“She is immortal now, Kanedraven.” Indrell put the lid on the canister and placed it back in her bag. “But not fully.”
“What do you mean?” I rolled over, sleepily. The morning sun shone in through the open drapes, warming the room.
Kane pulled me into his lap and wrapped his arm over me. “How can she be both?”
“I don’t know. Something happened when the life force that was extinguished inside of her bonded with into her bloodstream. I don’t feel aging in the cells. She healed from her wounds. But I feel all of the natural elements of her human body. But even her magic is different.”
“Certainly, there’s some explanation.” I stated. “I mean, what kind of magic do I have now? Will I continue to heal?”
“I don’t know,” Indrell replied. “You will find out next time you get a bruise or a cut.”
“But we don’t need to test it on purpose.” Kane moved out from under me, pulling the quilt up over my shoulders.
“Awww.” I yawned. “You take all the adventure out of things.”
He raised an eyebrow at me. “I would rather you not have any adventures for a long time.”
“Fine,” I huffed. “But how can I find out what my magic is like now if it’s not the same? I’m obviously not a vampire. So, what has changed other than my cells not aging? And is this permanent?”
She hung her head. “I do not know, Auriena. I’m sorry. I wish I had more answers.” Gathering her things, Indrell patted my hand. “We will find out. Trust me.”
Walking Indrell to the door, Kane held it open for her. “How will we know? And what sort of bad effects should I be watching for?”
She shrugged. “Time. Experience. And patience. As far as negative reactions? I know of none. But just watch her. This is nothing like I’ve ever seen. It’s barely like anything I’ve heard of from our elders. But give it time. I have a feeling she will amaze us all.”
“Time I can do.” He glanced back at me. “And she already does that.”
“That she does.” Indrell shifted her bag on her shoulder. “There will be more that will come for her,”
The muscles on Kane’s back flexed. “I will be ready.”
The smile on Indrell’s face reflected a bit of humor. “Not all will come with menace in their hearts.” When he tilted his head, she continued, “Many will worship her.”
“She is to be queen. So, they should.” He stated it like it was a given.
Chewing on her lip, Indrell started to turn and walk down the hall. “But she’s so much more now.”
To be continued…
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Acknowledgements
While this is my first novel as R.J. Lloyd, it’s not my first novel in the least. So, there’s so, so many people I’d like to thank for standing by me as a writer all these years and some for encouraging me to split off and create R.J. Lloyd for those of you that enjoy these genres separately from what I write as Colleen Nye.
Thank you, Misty Polish, for loving Kane as much as I do and for supporting, encouraging and cheering me on. And for all of your editing help and the amazing cover!
Thank you, Charles, for the inspiration for Kane in your RP character, Sam. And for letting me make him a little less of a jerk.
Thank you, Matt, for the inspiration for the character Wulfgar. And for letting me make him less of a murderizing meanie.
And a big thank you to the RP community that has given me years and years of amazing stories that I’ve been allowed to play a few roles in for the enjoyment and adventure of it.
About the author
R.J. Lloyd is the alter ego of the author that also writes as Colleen Nye. Having started off as a romance writer, R.J. is the persona that delves into the fantasy, sci-fi, supernatural, paranormal and all things action and spooky that she loves so much.
A Detroit area based author, R.J. writes both novels and short stories, always looking for the next interesting and slightly off kilter character to follow on an adventure with.
More by R.J. Lloyd
Releases for 2020
July 2020
Chronicles of Naelyra
book 1
Everwinter
August 2020
The Royal Alpha Wolves Club series
Book 2
Heir to Redemption
(As a shared world series, other books can be found by other authors.)
September 2020
The Emanation Saga
book 1
The Pull
More to be announced!
A not-so-little-known secret is that I write under another pen name – Colleen Nye.
Lighter, clean, contemporary romances. Well, aside from the sci-fi dystopian that I released.
What books?
Great question!
Here’s a list or click below for the link!
Immersion
The Long Summer
Letters To Cora
The Celebrity Crush Trilogy: Book 1
When in Luck
The Celebrity Crush Trilogy: Book 2
When in Doubt
The Celebrity Crush Trilogy: Book 3
When in Love
…and more!
book with friends