“That’s okay,” I mumbled and turned to one side so I could face Draven better.
A few minutes later, Hansa blew out the amber flame in the oil lamp, and darkness covered us. Outside, wood still crackled in the campfire, and incubi still whispered and shuffled between tents.
Inside, I was inches away from Draven. We weren’t touching, just gazing at each other with smiling eyes and tender lips. We fell asleep like that, as I wondered what the next day would bring for our alliance and for this incredible bond forming between us.
Serena
When morning came, we packed our satchels and said goodbye to Grezzi and his incubi with a promise to see them again in six moons. The soldiers saluted us respectfully as our horses galloped back down the white sand beach. The sun rose brightly to our left.
We’d made substantial progress, and it felt like we could actually score a win with these creatures. Grezzi, despite his general distrust of people, seemed happy to join our alliance. I had a feeling they’d been waiting there for a long time for someone to come along and offer them a better option than living in isolation on the northeastern shore while Azazel destroyed the world.
When we reached White City, the Maras watched us from inside the buildings, where darkness kept them safe. The city looked even more beautiful in the sunlight, glistening white as the salty breeze rustled the dark green leaves of the surrounding forest. The mountain it had been carved into was tall and sharp, keeping it well protected from mainland visitors.
Jax had covered himself completely. His head was protected by the black hood, and his hands were hidden in gloves. He was the first to get off his horse and go inside, motioning for us to follow him. We left our horses at the bottom of the stairs and went in after him.
He took us to the hall, where he’d hosted us the night before. Several young Maras waited there, one offering him a golden chalice filled with blood. He removed his gloves and hood and drank it hastily, licking his lips as he looked at us.
“Few creatures know how we feed,” he said. “We don’t socialize much with others.”
“I’m not surprised,” I replied. “You’re quite secluded here.”
“Which is why us joining your alliance is such a rare and special occurrence. I hope you can appreciate that,” he said.
“We certainly do,” Draven said. “I must thank you for your involvement and for coming with us last night. The conversation might have had a different outcome had it not been for your quick reaction to Grezzi’s scouts.”
“There’s one condition to our collaboration going forward,” Jax said. “And I will not take no for an answer.”
I noticed a frown pulling Draven’s eyebrows closer, as he waited for the Mara to state his terms.
“I need to come with you to your mansion. I need to meet your Oracles. I need to make sure everything you say is true. Otherwise, I’m not putting my people at further risk. It’s all nice and good that Grezzi agreed to help, but I cannot bring myself to get involved without palpable evidence.”
Draven and I looked at each other for a long moment. Even though he’d helped us so far, it was still hard for us to fully trust someone to the point of bringing them into the shield. We’d already made a massive concession with the Lamias, and, given the current circumstances, we were stuck with them.
I then looked at Hansa, whose emerald-gold eyes were fixed on Jax. Her expression was firm and difficult to read, but the way her eyes sparked told me there was a level of interest there. Sverik rolled his eyes and exhaled loudly, prompting the Mara to shift his gaze to him and raise an eyebrow.
“If that’s what it takes to earn your trust, then so be it. But I must advise that if you come with us, you cannot withdraw from this agreement. If you do, it will cost you your life,” Draven replied, his voice cold and unyielding.
Jax cocked his head, visibly intrigued.
“Once we let you in, you’ll be privy to extremely sensitive information,” Draven added. “We cannot afford you walking out knowing all of that and not being on our side. Our lives would be at risk. Our entire mission would be in jeopardy.”
Jax thought this over for a while, then nodded at the young Maras waiting quietly by the wall. They gave him a curt nod and shuffled out of the hall. He half-smiled at us.
“Fair enough. Something tells me there’s more in that mansion of yours than just Oracles and swamp witch spells that you’re so protective of, which is fine. Now I’m even more curious. You have a deal, Druid.”
Draven’s main concern was the Daughter, and we both knew it, as did Hansa and Sverik, given the looks they gave us. We couldn’t bring her up while still in White City, but once we brought him to the mansion, Jax would see for himself why we hadn’t been fully forthcoming about our tactical advantages.
Jax was still quite the mystery to me, and since Draven had mentioned killing him if he betrayed us, I wondered how that could be done. Vampires were immortal and could only be killed by the sun, UV-ray guns, or a stake through the heart. Jax had mentioned being around for millennia, but did that mean the Maras were immortal as well? I knew the sun could kill them and that silver was highly toxic to them, but were there any other means by which a Mara could be permanently executed?
He’d been helpful so far, and we did have a lot of things in common—not just because of Azazel but also due to the fact that his species was similar to our vampires back home. But at the same time, I felt like I hadn’t come close enough to trusting him yet. I made a mental note to ask Draven how a Mara could be killed, just in case.
Jax put on his fighting gear to come with us back to the mansion. When he rejoined us in the hall, I found myself staring.
He was already tall and well-built, but the equipment made him seem even taller. Black leather covered him from head to toe with thin laces on the sides to tighten the fabric around his broad chest and narrow hips. Metallic plates dyed black and lacquered to a smooth finish were mounted on his shins, calves, arms, and torso, interconnected through a fine mesh for mobility. The suit came with a pair of simple black boots, black gloves with metallic knuckles, a mask that completely covered his head, and a pair of smoky goggles.
Hansa couldn’t take her eyes off him. She stood in awe of his weaponry and equipment as he stepped forward and mounted a pair of long swords on his back. I noticed mesh beneath the plates used over his mouth and nose to make it easier for him to breathe and a black metal plate hanging around his neck, molded to fit his mandible in case he needed to protect it.
“That is so cool,” I gasped as he stopped in front of me and Hansa.
Hansa nodded her approval.
“Like it?” he quipped. “Made it myself. We’ve been using these in combat for centuries. It’s one of the reasons the others stay away from us. We used to be confined to the dark hours of the day, but ever since we started using these, we’ve been able to fight in broad daylight. It’s turned the tables in our favor.”
“It looks like it can take a few hits as well,” Hansa said, gaze fixed on his chest.
The black metal plates had an intricate design engraved onto their surface, forming a sort of emblem on his torso with fine curves and leafy patterns on the edges.
“More than a few,” he replied. “This is dragon bone.”
Hansa’s eyes grew wide with admiration, as she ran her fingers down the chest plate.
“What’s dragon bone?” I asked. Is there a species of dragon in Eritopia?
“It’s an extremely rare metal,” she explained absently. “Only found in mines beneath the volcanoes these days. Very difficult to forge and work into something so fine and light.”
Jax nodded then broke contact. One of his young servants handed him his weapons, and he mounted them on his suit one by one. There were several knives, and two pouches with small triangular blades, perfect for throwing.
He then turned to face us once more, arms extended to his sides.
“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go,” he
said.
He bid his farewells to his fellow Maras, then went outside.
We followed.
There were two canoes waiting in the water: our special ride from Zeriel and a long black one for Jax. We got in and paddled our way back to the lagoon.
I sat at the front with Draven behind me, followed by Hansa and Sverik, who were doing the paddling. The ocean was a deep dark blue under a clear sky. The rocky coast glided by as we returned to the lagoon.
The Tritones’ home opened up to us in a beautiful shade of turquoise. The water was as superb and clear as ever. Some of them were swimming or basking in the sunlight, while others were foraging through the surrounding rainforest for fruit and nuts. The foragers returned with full wicker baskets and placed them under the shade of a massive palm tree.
As soon as our canoe reached the shore, I heard splashing behind us. I got out and reached for my waterproof satchel, but I was suddenly grabbed and pulled into the water. With my head under, my first instinct was to push out a barrier in self-defense. A split second before I did so, I saw Zeriel swimming around me, grinning like a mischievous child.
I instantly regretted not being able to affect his mind, as I was awfully tempted to make him do ridiculous things and embarrass him in front of his Tritones. Instead, I swam back to the shore and walked out, cursing under my breath.
Draven came next to me with a baffled expression on his face.
“Are you okay? You were in front of me and then you vanished in the water. I didn’t have time to react before you popped out again,” he said.
I felt his concern and fear dripping through me and instantly calmed down, eager to soothe his emotions. I placed my hand on his chest and gave him a warm smile, then pointed at the water.
“Zeriel’s a big kid with a crown. That’s all I’m going to say,” I muttered and put a few more yards between myself and the water.
Zeriel came out, laughing lightly as his tail morphed into legs. An innocent look graced his face.
“Oh, come on! I was just playing, Serena!”
Draven glared at him, his eyes flickering black. I knew the Tritone was just being playful, but he’d already gotten on the Druid’s nerves with his flirtatious demeanor several times. As soon as the irritation subsided, I was tempted to laugh, but I decided to defuse the potential conflict, as I felt Draven’s anger pouring out of him.
“Careful not to lose an eye in the process,” I replied, then looked around at the other Tritones, all stilled and watching with concern etched into their beautiful features. “Don’t think I’m in any way intimidated by your royal status. If you want to play rough, I will play rough, and you’ll be the only one bruised.”
Zeriel stifled a laugh and bowed in apology, his gaze shifting from me to Draven. He offered the Druid his hand as a gesture of peace, still biting into his lower lip to prevent a grin from stretching all over his face.
“I apologize to you both,” he said.
Draven sighed and shook his hand, and Zeriel finally laughed and slapped him on the shoulder.
“That’s the spirit!” he exclaimed, then looked up at the passage stone. “So! What’s the plan? My Tritones are out in the water world gathering the other tribes of our nation. Did you reach out to the incubi?”
Sverik nodded, beaming with satisfaction.
“We most certainly did. We’ll meet on the sixth moon at Mount Agrith, like we agreed,” the incubus replied.
“His scouts are now reaching out to other rogues on the mainland,” Draven added. “We’ll now be going back to the mansion. We’re surrounded by Destroyers and need to make sure we hold out until the meeting.”
Zeriel nodded firmly, putting on his serious face.
“Good. Well done, then. We’ll prepare for Mount Agrith in the meantime.”
“Just watch out for Sluaghs and green fireflies,” I warned him. “The Sluaghs are working with Azazel, and the fireflies are a spy spell. They see and hear everything.”
Zeriel gave me his nonchalant smirk, hands on his hips. “Worry not. We’ll be careful. Thank you, Serena.”
He then guided us up a narrow path that led us to the passage stone. Zeriel gave us each a farewell hug. He spent an extra minute holding me, much to Draven’s discontent.
“This Druid is simply mad about you,” the Tritone whispered in my ear. “He is ridiculously lucky to have your affection. I hope you know that.”
I smiled at him. “I think it goes both ways.”
He grinned, then looked at Draven.
“Worry not, Druid. I have no intention of taking this gorgeous creature from you. I can tell when a heart belongs to someone else, but I must say, it is so much fun messing with you!” Zeriel chuckled, then moved on to give Jax a hug.
The Mara smacked him over the head, keeping the Tritone at a safe distance. I worked hard to keep myself from laughing out loud, as Zeriel looked at him, befuddlement written all over his face.
“Just make sure you don’t get killed,” Jax said. “I’ve grown accustomed to our Pyrope, and I’m in no mood to find another sucker to take your place.”
Zeriel threw his head back, laughing. “I shall miss you too, Jaxxon,” he replied, then looked at Draven and me. “See you at Mount Agrith.”
Draven nodded and used a small knife to draw blood from his finger. He placed his hand on the stone’s smooth surface, which began to ripple. He took my hand, I took Hansa’s, and she completed the connection with Sverik and Jax.
We walked through the stone.
I welcomed the cool darkness for a moment as we left the northwestern coast and instantly traveled back to the mansion. On one hand, I was excited at the thought of reuniting with my brother and friends and imagined the looks on their faces when they saw us coming back in one piece. On the other, I was worried about what we would find there, given Vita’s ominous vision. I just prayed that the mansion would be there for us to come back to.
Vita
It was already afternoon when I went outside again. A reddish sky loomed over the mansion. The vision session had taken its toll on me, and I’d needed a few hours to rest and clear my head.
I walked along the shield for a while, keeping a safe distance of several feet, watching as Goren continued trying to breach it with his sword. He should’ve known by then that his weapons were useless against it, and yet he didn’t seem to know when to stop. Judging by the angry look on his face, he was focused on letting some steam out as he grunted with each hit, squinting when golden sparks jumped from the sudden contact between his steel and the Daughters’ spell.
I wondered whether they would be able to do anything with the explosive charges once they arrived. But that wasn’t the worst thing on my radar. I’d just heard from Aida that Azazel had seen her through one of her visions and that the Nevertide Oracle had warned her about a traitor among us.
How was that possible? Exactly what power did Azazel hold over the Nevertide Oracle, and how many of her attempts to reach out to us had been genuine and not controlled by the King of Destroyers? Most importantly, what was the true extent of his power, given the leverage he had over the Daughters?
The fact that he had one of their sisters made the Destroyer invasion seem more likely to happen, but, at the same time, they’d put the shield in place to protect the last Daughter. I was inclined to believe that they were more likely to protect us in return for keeping her safe than to help Azazel breach the shield and capture her as well.
The notion of a traitor among us also rattled me. Who could it be? Who could Azazel control, with or without their knowledge? I had a hard time thinking it was one of mine—Aida, Jovi, Serena, Field, and Phoenix couldn’t possibly be involved…even unknowingly.
My mind wandered to Draven, then Bijarki, and my heart tightened in my chest. I thought of the other succubi and the Lamias, or the incubi, even the Daughter. None seemed like a potential traitor. They’d all suffered tremendously because of Azazel. None had reasons to do such a horrible thing.
And yet, maybe one of us was under his spell. Maybe one of us didn’t even know we were helping him. The thought spooked me.
I took a deep breath, ran my fingers through my hair, and groaned with frustration. This wasn’t getting any easier! If anything, it was spiraling further out of control, and I was struggling to stay afloat and ahead of the tide so I wouldn’t be dragged under.
I stilled a couple hundred yards away from Goren. My muscles tightened as wisps of gray smoke appeared out of thin air and formed a disturbing image right in front of me, just beyond the shield.
I held my breath as I recognized the Nevertide Oracle. It was just a projection of her. She seemed submerged in water, her eyes white and runes rushing across her skin, floating above the ground.
“Vita,” she spoke, deep in my head. “Vita, you have to listen to me! You’re in danger!”
Ice trickled through my veins as I stood there and listened to her, a mixture of fear and anger rumbling inside my ribcage. I closed my fists at my sides, glaring at her as she continued to speak to me from beyond the shield.
“Vita, please! There isn’t much time! Azazel knows there’s an Oracle in there, and there was nothing I could do about it! I didn’t know he was listening when I reached out to Aida. You have to believe me!”
“Why should I? If Azazel is infiltrating your visions, your abilities, why should I trust you now? How do I know it’s not him talking through you as we speak?”
“He doesn’t know I’m doing this, he doesn’t know many things as I’ve kept you all from him! He suspects you might be hiding beneath the shield, but he doesn’t know how to get in! Please, Vita, believe me when I tell you! You’re in danger!”