As the countess stood outside the stable next to Oblivion and tightened the girth on her saddle, someone slipped from behind and placed a breathtaking bouquet of bomerea flowers in front of her. She took them and smiled. She didn’t turn to see his face, but the intoxicating musk of him filled her senses with familiarity. Her husband’s hair draped over her shoulder as he bent and sweetly kissed her cheek. She turned to him. “You’re supposed to be the dark lord,” she reminded.
“But when the sheer sight of you fills my heart with such a light, I forget myself,” he grinned.
She shook her head. He often made her forget herself as well. LaVius helped her onto the horse. And she stared slyly into his eyes while she pulled her gloves on. “Don’t you be good while I’m gone, or you’ll have to answer to me,” she teased.
“Don’t worry my dear, when you’re not around, I promise, I can be a real beast.”
“Good.” She winked at him with a smile and tucked the flowers neatly into the swell of the saddle.
LaVius then leaned on the horse. “Speaking of keeping true to your dark side—what about that little lie you told Elena in order to protect her mother?”
She tightened her lips. “Well, I suppose we’re both getting soft now aren’t we?” she pointed out.
“Probably just a phase,” he jokingly corrected. “I’m sure it will pass.”
“That’s good to know. We wouldn’t want to tarnish our reputations.” She smiled wickedly at him.
He smacked the back of the horse and bellowed, “Yah!” And the horse took off like a thunderbolt.
Chapter 11
Mystique and Kane spent the entire night talking and basking in each other’s presence. They had a great deal to catch up on, much healing to do, and they’d come a long way. Kane never left her side for a moment that entire night. Now that it was morning, they walked along the grounds together, taking in the sight of the wonderful gardens, gothic sculptures, and fountains. Mystique held firmly onto Kane’s hand, never wanting to let go.
“Mystique, Elena has grown into a sophisticated and independent being. But the vampirism, I wish I’d been able to stop it.”
“Kane, it has been a decade since that happened,” Mystique stated.
Kane stopped walking and turned to her. “I know. I was there. I killed the beast that infected our daughter.”
Mystique was confounded. Kane had told her during their earlier talk that he’d secretly kept an eye on them, but she didn’t know how much he knew—or was a part of until now.
Kane continued. “I was nearby in the woods, and sensed something was dreadfully wrong with Elena. My blood began to boil, my heart to pound. I ran instinctively to where I knew she was, and when I found her, it was too late! The creature was upon her. She was unconscious and never saw me take after the beast. My rage was more furious than at any time in my life. After a few moments my prey ceased to exist. Kane swallowed hard.
Mystique was overcome with emotion. All of these long years Kane had suffered alone.
He looked into her eyes and saw her anguish. “Mystique, what is wrong?”
“Kane, you had no one to comfort you... no one to turn to...”
He stroked her hair to soothe her. “I had my sister at times. I felt foolish and refused to run to her with my problems, but whenever I would stay away too long, she would seek me out. She would search for me and make sure I was all right. Even at my most loathsome, Domnina has always embraced my evil ways. She has always been there for me. For that I am grateful. But I still felt hollow, alone. Without you I have never been whole.
“Those days are over, Kane,” Mystique sobbed. “I will hold you in my arms forever. You will never feel alone again.”
The two embraced firmly and just breathed each other. Their souls were finally at peace. They would never part again.
Lord LaVius strolled back to the castle from the stables. As he approached, one of his messengers came running toward him, nearly stumbling over his own feet. The boy, out of breath and very bewildered, immediately bowed to his majesty and held up a note. “This just came for you, my lord! It is terrible news.”
“I will be the judge of that. Stand up boy.” He took the note. It was from the great council in the realm of Blithe, and read:
To the great Imperial Lord LaVius of the black kingdom in the realm of shadows,
A matter of terrific urgency is at hand. On the night of the solstice, a creature long thought dormant attacked and virtually obliterated the village of Amity. Fortunately, no one bitten has survived. They are the agramon. We are not certain of their numbers, however believe there are six. They make way to the realm of shadows.
Lord Endomere, the Great Council
LaVius sent a falcon to warn the countess. The falcons could communicate telepathically and Domnina would immediately be made aware of the scope of the situation. They could reach her faster than any rider but LaVius, however he stayed behind to summon his guard and send them to scour the plains in search of the beasts. Once he did so, he immediately went to speak with Kane.
“Kane, we must speak at once,” LaVius informed him. When the two men’s eyes met, Kane knew it was serious, and that LaVius was actually asking him if Mystique should hear what he was about to say.
Kane silently nodded to LaVius that it was all right to speak plainly in front of Mystique. “What is it, LaVius?”
LaVius continued hesitantly. “Agramon,” he said firmly.
Kane was staggered. “Agramon?” he asked. “How? Where?”
Mystique gripped Kane’s arm tightly. She was shocked and alarmed by this news.
“They left the realm of Blithe last night. They head this way,” LaVius answered.
Kane’s breath began to quicken. “That is less than a thousand miles from here.”
“Yes. And they’re quick, and do not sleep when they are on the hunt. It won’t be long until they reach our lands.”
LaVius and Kane stared deeply into each other’s eyes, words were not needed. They both knew what this meant, and so did Mystique. LaVius’s guard combined could easily defend the land against these creatures, but they would have to find them first—and all of them. These creatures were clever, unyielding, and malicious. They would prey on any living thing in their sights. Once bitten by one of the creatures, any human would wish for death, as he would inevitably transform into the great beast, a process that was arduous and brutally painful. A vampire bitten by one of these beasts would become the most ferocious monster fathomable. But this wasn’t the only concern. The most prevalent concern was that Kane was an agramon. But he was in control of that side of himself. With other agramon near, however, his inner rage might explode into its most heinous and uncontrollable form. LaVius, Kane, and Mystique all knew this.
Chapter 12
Domnina rode furiously across the plains along the outer edge of the forest. All at once, she was struck by a feeling of unease. Something was amiss in the land of shadows, something unexpected. Next, she was forewarned of the presence of a magical being when her inferno ruby began to seethe. She was on full alert. All of her senses heightened.
As she rode Oblivion, maintaining top speed, she never turned her head, but her eyes and other senses scanned the area. The falcon, Anistar, whom LaVius had sent to her, soared through the air and down alongside her. He soared past her and she heard his message loud and clear. He soon disappeared. The countess now knew of the coming agramon, and because of her previous unease, was concerned that one of them might have already arrived. She didn’t feel that the burning of her ring was from the nearness of Anistar alone.
Suddenly, the countess saw what she was expecting to see. Ahead of her, at a distance, an agramon tore out of the forest. He was a giant—tall and exceedingly muscular. He was bald, his skin was tight and his fists were clenched as he sprinted toward her.
Countess Domnina was no stranger to such beasts; she had dealt with her brother and many more. She leapt from the speeding horse
and dashed toward the monster.
He let out a thunderous roar and she gritted her teeth as she ran. As they neared one another at top speed, Domnina snatched a large hunting blade from her boot. He lunged for her and she hurdled up and over his shoulder slicing him across the neck as she soared. He howled and bled profusely, but was still very much alive. Domnina knew full well it would take much more to get him down.
She jumped onto his back and gouged him again between the shoulder blades. The fell beast reached back and grabbed her. He flung her thirty feet across the ground. He growled hungrily and started toward her. He wasn’t used to a fight from anyone, and was fueled by vehement rage. Domnina glowered and took a sprinting stance. Smoke surged from his throat when he roared.
They lunged at one another again and he knocked her across the field once more, this time slicing her across the ribs with his nails. She bled on the grass, the leather of her top torn and bloody, but she had no time or desire for pain.
The countess climbed to her knees and then to her feet. She was weakened, but furious. “Come here, you monotonous filth!” she screamed at him. “Is that all you’ve got?”
The agramon started toward her, thirsty for blood. His sharp teeth in full view as he ran, he intended this to be the last pursuit; he would tear her to shreds and feast on her broken body.
Domnina could barely stand but was ready for him. Instantly, the monster pounced. He forced Domnina to the ground and towered above her. As she was about to stab him with her blade, he took her side into his mouth and sunk his teeth in firmly—but before he could tear the meat away, Mystique appeared on the plains next to her horse. She stood holding her magical staff, the wind struggling with her cloak. She screamed “Halt, beast!”
The monster released his hold on the countess and rose up to see her. Mystique then slammed her staff onto the ground. A great force of purple and green light flooded the field toward Domnina and the agramon. It stunned all movement for half a league; all living things but Domnina and Mystique were affected.
With the creature frozen for a time, Domnina stood tall, and lunged her blade directly into the heart of the monster. When he came to, he bellowed a horrific yell toward the sky and crashed onto his back dying slowly, but surely.
Domnina stood over him out of breath and cocked her head toward her approaching comrade. “Thanks, friend,” she uttered.
Mystique’s lips curved into a grin. “I owed you one.”
Oblivion returned to the countess and wearily she climbed onto the horse’s back.
“You are in no condition to ride,” Mystique informed her.
Domnina just smirked. “It takes more than a giant raging monster to get me down,” she answered.
“Nonetheless,” Mystique scoffed. “We’ll ride together and I’ll handle the reigns.”
Domnina leaned forward on the saddle and whispered to her horse. Then, while she held her bloody ribs, the women conversed on the journey back to the citadel.
“Domnina—” Mystique began. “Why did you do it?”
“Why did I do what?” the countess asked cautiously.
“You lied to Elena and Decio about the prophesy,” her friend explained.
The countess had known it would only be a matter of time before Mystique spoke of this. She remained silent.
Mystique continued. “You told them that the prophesy states you will destroy Decio. We both know full well that it foretells I will be the one to do it.”
The weakened countess shook her head. “Elena is my brother’s daughter, and she’s suffered enough. She already resents me; I would rather take the blame than have her think that you would be responsible for hurting her husband. You are all she’s ever had.”
Mystique’s heart was warmed. Domnina never showed much compassion; this meant an incalculable amount to her. “Countess, you amaze me. That is the most selfless act of giving. You aren’t as dark as you would have people believe.”
Domnina’s exhausted eyes grew wide. “Nonsense,” she insisted.
Mystique simply smiled to herself.
Chapter 13
“The full moon is just three nights from now,” Decio whispered.
The two had ventured to Mystique’s home and stood outside. Elena had relaxed and was more than ready to see her mother again. She wanted to apologize for the outburst at the castle and for running away. “Yes, Decio,” Elena replied with a joyous grin. “Three nights, and you shall be mine forever.”
“I am already yours forever,” he corrected and gave her a peck on the cheek.
She laughed merrily and went up to Mystique’s door. Dusk had fallen, and the woods were misty and dark. The cottage was quiet. Elena sensed her mother was not at home. She couldn’t feel her familiar energy. The door creaked as she opened it, and they went inside. Elena wasn’t paying close attention or her senses would have felt the same thing Decio’s did. He felt they were not alone. Elena took the hyacinth petals from her pouch and set them on the wooden counter. Decio scanned the room and halted his eyes on a figure sitting in the shadows. He knew who it was. Just at that moment, Elena lighted a lantern which illuminated the room and the figure’s face. She was caught off guard and screamed.
The tall figure stood from Mystique’s chair and slowly approached Elena. She took her battle stance preparing for attack. Decio stood calmly and lit a second lantern. The figure held up his hands as he came into full lighted view. “Elena, please don’t be afraid. I would never hurt you,” he pleaded. Kane was almost in tears. He’d never spoken to his daughter before, never been close enough for her to see him.
“Who are you?!” she demanded.
He took another step closer, his eyes wet with tears. “I am your father.”
She gasped for breath. “My father,” she mouthed.
“Yes, Elena. Please let me look at you.”
“Stay back!” she shouted. She began to sob. “I don’t have a father. Stay back...” she spoke a little weaker this time and with less feeling.
He grabbed her and she let him. He began to weep. “I have longed for this moment your entire life,” he cried. “I never want to let go.”
She could barely speak through her tears. She wept into his chest, her fists trying vainly to pound him. She wanted to fight him, but couldn’t. She too had longed for this moment. Her mind was finally grasping that it was true. This man was her father. Part of her always knew he was near and would return to her life, but she never allowed herself to believe it. “Why haven’t you been in my life?” she questioned. “Why?”
Kane, Decio, and Elena had a long and rich conversation. Kane admitted to his daughter, however reluctantly, what was in his blood: his true reason for staying away. But he hadn’t truly been away. He had kept watch over her and over Mystique in secret. He had seen Elena grow up and seen Mystique turn down other suitors. He felt that now his life was complete. He felt for the first time in years that he could begin to live and not have to hide ever again.
“There is more,” Kane warned. “There are agramon on the loose. They have made way to this realm. The black guard is on the hunt for them, but I came here to warn you. You must come to the castle with me. You will be safe there.”
“Father,” Elena blurted before she realized what she’d said. She’d never said that to anyone before. She and Kane both smiled.
“Yes, my daughter.”
“We plan to live in Decio’s home at the edge of Redway. We go there tonight. We will be safe.”
“Elena, you must listen to me. The black citadel is a fortress. There is no safer place. You cannot understand the ferocity of these beasts the way I do. Please see reason.”
Decio took Elena’s hand. “Your father is right. We must go. I wish to keep you as safe as possible. I cannot imagine a safer place than the palace of the dark lord—can you?”
Elena gritted her teeth. She agreed with both of them, but didn’t like to be told what to do. “Fine, but I go of my own free will.”
/> Kane laughed joyfully. “You are just like your mother.”
Chapter 14
Night had closed in on the realm as Domnina and Mystique rode through the black gates. Domnina had taken a longer route when she’d left, but Mystique led them back using the shortest path possible.
LaVius had already been notified of the riders’ return and that the countess didn’t look well. He thought the watchers were surely mistaken. Nevertheless, he burst open the castle doors and ran out to meet them. He wore his black riding pants and boots and a loosely tucked black tunic as he’d been preparing to ride out to meet his guard. He saw his wife slumped forward on the mare; Mystique was in control of the reigns as she rode alongside on her own horse. His brow furrowed with concern. “What is this?”
Mystique stopped the horses beside him and the stablemen quickly came to take them away. It wouldn’t be an easy task, so Domnina, albeit frail and fading, spoke to Oblivion with her mind, telling the animal to calmly go. LaVius slipped his wife off of the horse and carried her bloody frame.
“I don’t need you to carry...” she began, but was too weak to finish. She tried to slide her arm around his neck but her strength waned and her arms simply dropped.
LaVius and Mystique had never seen the countess in such a state. She was, after all, immortal just as they were. As LaVius hurried to their bed chamber, his monstrous voice bellowed through the walls of the castle. He demanded every nursemaid and servant prepare to assist them without delay. Mystique followed quickly.
When they arrived in the chambers, four nursemaids were already there. LaVius expected no less. They’d prepared a clean linen chemise, bandages, and a cauldron of water was warming over the fire. One of them threw back the coverings and LaVius laid his wife onto the bed gently. He sat next to her and examined her wounds. “An agramon did this?” He asked, but knew the answer. He tore the rest of the leather from her side and saw just how severe the wound was. He now knew the reason for her weakness, as did she.