I’m quite surprised that you haven’t figured it out yet.
I am the Mirror, King Tarasque.
My blood, running like liquid fire through my veins, suddenly went cold.
I should be more specific, perhaps. The Mirror is a part of me. It was I who bestowed it as a gift to the first dragon king, though I led him to believe he had simply stumbled upon it. Since then it has served every dragon king who ever lived, both as a seeker and as a weapon. Four-hundred years ago, it served me well as a weapon against my brother.
“Your brother?”
Yes. The smoke shifted briefly into a bizarre form. I received the vague impression of a creature that appeared to be a cross between a dragon, a sea serpent, and a phoenix before the smoke became amorphous again. My wretched brother who almost succeeded in stealing my children from me. As punishment, I stole and twisted his own children before eventually defeating him. For four-hundred years, he has remained in exile, hiding in shame. Unfortunately, he does not have the good grace to remain in exile. I can sense that he is returning. If he does, he will not hesitate to manipulate my children once again. This time into destroying the dragons. I wish to prevent that.
“You speak lies!” I hissed. “If you possessed any good intentions toward my people, you would have told me this from the beginning. And you would have never defiled the sacred grounds of my ancestors!”
I will never apologize for what I am, Your Majesty. My will prevails through conflict and negativity. The smoke in the Mirror shifted, this time taking the form of a dark, feline face with terrible fangs. My brother will NOT take my children from me again! the image roared. I will destroy him forever, but first I must break him by forcing him to watch his children die…by the hands of the dragons. You will destroy my brother’s children, King Tarasque.
“And why,” I said in a whisper trembling with anger, “would I do such a thing? Does your former threat remain? Will you destroy everything I hold dear if I do not?”
Quite the contrary, you will be rewarded. Defeat them, and whatever treasure they possess is yours for the taking. Also, as token of my goodwill, I have restored the statue of your father, King Tarasque. Your precious grounds will come to no further harm if you obey me.
For a long moment, I remained silent.
What is your answer?
“I do not trust you,” I said flatly. “But I know what you are capable of. I will speak to my advisors, and then I will have my warriors investigate and study your brother’s children. Are you willing to tell me where they are?”
You already know, Your Majesty. You encountered one mere hours ago.
An image of glistening fangs and predatory blue eyes flashed in my mind, and realization dawned on me, but also confusion.
“What of the human girl? Why did you demand that I take her?”
She is a key that will ensure dragon victory in the upcoming conflict. For now, all I will say is use her wisely.
*********
Chapter 8
Desires of the mind and body
Can quell delusions of the haughty
A mirror image even more
Witnessed by a mournful roar
Brandon
It was a pleasure to watch Morgan feed. I found the ecstasy that radiated from her when her fangs pierced a human’s neck to be almost as compelling as the one she experienced when I took her in my arms.
“Enjoying the show?” she purred.
The middle-aged woman she was feeding from was perfectly compliant, but when Morgan deepened her bite, I frowned in disapproval.
“You don’t have to be that rough.”
Morgan merely stuck her tongue out at me before proceeding to take her fill. I sighed and made no further comment. When she finished, she effortlessly lifted the weakened human up with one arm before proceeding to go outside with a Chaos wand in tow. Barely two minutes passed when I found myself tackled to the floor.
“Mmm,” Morgan moaned against my mouth. “This is the life, dear love. No miserable, sadistic elites barging down our doors, no interruptions, just you and me and peaceful, peaceful quiet—”
A rapping at my door. Morgan snarled. I smiled.
“You tell me I jinxed it and I’ll kill you,” she hissed.
I nipped her ear. “No you won’t,” I said, but got up to answer the door right away, not wanting to push my luck.
To my relief, it wasn’t an elite or a soldier from the royal family. To my dismay, it was Shadow. A very enraged Shadow with grief-stricken eyes.
“Brandon. It’s Mercedes. Something took her. I came to warn you before I—”
It was unorthodox of me to grab someone’s arm and pull them inside my home, but these were special circumstances.
“Damn it, can’t we EVER get a moment of peace before--!”
“Morgan, shut up!” I shouted. She did, and I suspected it was mostly out of surprise. I almost never shouted.
“Brandon.” Shadow’s urgent voice drew my full attention. “You must listen to me. A powerful creature stole Mercedes. He appeared human, but he defeated me with the ease of a royal against a youngling. I do not know where he took her, but I know he is not of the human or vampire world. I must inform the royal family if I ever hope to find her, but the priests informed me Lord Chaos himself demands I keep Mercedes safe. When they find out I have failed…they will most likely kill me.”
For a long moment, I just stared, digesting what I had just been told.
“I believe you, my friend,” I said. “But I must confess I’m stunned you did not attempt a harebrained rescue mission right away.”
“I nearly did,” Shadow said grimly. “But Mercedes does not have time for my stupidity. As I said, that…that thing took her to a separate dimension. The Chaos wand I possess permits travel through only the human and vampire world. Only the royal family could hope to know who this creature is and where he is located.”
“Wow,” Morgan said dryly. “Someone stake me.”
“I am perfectly capable of reason when it concerns the person I care for most in the universe,” Shadow snarled at her.
“I know that better than anyone,” I said. I went to retrieve my weapons. “If you’re going to the royal family, I’m going with you.”
“What?” Morgan exclaimed, outraged.
“Brandon, you cannot. They are my only hope for finding Mercedes, but there is a strong possibility they will kill me for failing Lord Chaos. They could kill you, too.”
“Stake me again,” Morgan grumbled. Her voice sharpened when she addressed me. “Brandon, he’s right. This is none of our business. If he wants to risk his life for his mortal beloved, then let him.”
I looked at her coldly. “Are you forgetting, my dear, that the only reason we have had more peace in a few days than we’ve had throughout our entire centuries of life is because of Mercedes Strand? The royals could have offered her more wealth and power than she could have dreamed of. They could have made her a goddess among humans, and you know what she asked for instead.”
Morgan’s jaw was set stubbornly, but she at least had the grace to appear abashed.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” I said. “In the meantime—”
Morgan jumped to her feet and disappeared into another room. A second later, her head poked out of the doorway.
“You’d better not leave without me.”
***
Mercedes
When I awoke, I felt so groggy I knew I couldn’t delude myself even for a moment that everything had been a dream. I never felt this way upon waking up from regular sleep. In fact, I felt much the same way I had after Xavier nearly drained me of blood.
But Xavier was dead. I had a new enemy now.
Rubbing my eyes, I sat up and took in my surroundings. They were surprising to say the least. I had expected to be thrown into a wet, cold dungeon that was specifically designed to slowly eat away at my humanity, but this room was anything but a dungeon. In fact, I believed that not ev
en the most expensive, luxurious hotel on planet Earth could compare to this. I knew because I had been to practically every luxury hotel there was. Everything seemed to be made from pale gold, from the soft blankets covering me to the shimmering pillars that held the ceiling up. Despite these wonderful surroundings, I pushed the blankets away and got out of the bed. My uneasiness increased when I saw that someone had replaced my old clothes with a long, golden dress that was so light and soft it put the finest silk to shame.
I didn’t care. In fact, I was very angry and embarrassed that someone had removed my clothes while I was unconscious. I looked around ignoring what appeared to be a large bathing area and a vanity mirror. I wanted my old clothes. More than that, I wanted to know where I was and why. Thomas had brought me here. That much I did know.
No. I knew more than that. I knew that I had been correct. Thomas was most definitely not human. He was…
The enormous, golden doors swung open. Though I braced myself for an attack, I was still overcome with awe at the sight of the alien creature before me. The torso was that of a beautiful woman with tanned skin, light bronze hair, and deep brown eyes. A golden bra-like garment was all that was needed to protect her modesty since her lower body was covered in feathers that were only a shade darker than her hair. Wicked eagle talons took the place of delicate human feet. Her forearms too were covered in the same bird-like scales, and I would have been greatly surprised if her curved, pointed fingertips could not shred living flesh as easily as her talons could. But what completed her exotic anatomy was a pair of angelic, but powerful feathered wings on her back.
I knew what she was. And I blurted it without thinking.
“Siren…”
Dark lips curved in a gentle smile. “So, you know of my kind.”
I blinked, stunned that she spoke perfect English. “How can you speak my language?”
“I’m not,” she replied. “A translator spell merely gives you the impression that I am. I am as ignorant of your language as you are of mine.”
She walked toward me. Her talons whispered across the polished floor. “My name is Eulathrin. You already know I am a siren. But I find myself deeply curious as to what you are. King Tarasque merely asked me to watch over you.”
Tarasque. King of the dragons.
Thomas.
“You are wary and afraid,” Eulathrin observed. I saw something akin to concern in her dark eyes. “Why?”
My heart was pounding with fear and anxiety. I wanted to cry, scream, and demand answers at the same time. But I had to remain in control. If I ever hoped to escape, I could not provoke my captors. I needed to be calm and collected. I also had to be honest. I could sense that Eulathrin was as intelligent as she was beautiful. She would know if I was lying thanks to my erratic emotions. I stood up as straight as I could and spoke in a quiet, respectful voice.
“King Tarasque took me from my home. I don’t know why.”
“Perhaps not, but you should take comfort in the fact that he has no desire to harm you,” Eulathrin said. “He informed me that you are to be well taken care of during your stay here.”
“Is there any chance you know how long that stay will last?”
Her lips curled into that enigmatic smile. “You mean you wish to know the probability that he will let you go? I honestly don’t know. The dragon king is a highly honorable creature, but he is also ruthless to his enemies and highly possessive. If you discover that he genuinely desires you, I would abandon all hope of returning home.”
The image of a pair of emerald eyes flashed through my mind. Emerald eyes that stared at me with intrigue, frustration…and want.
Only my pride prevented me from falling to my knees in despair.
***
Tarasque
I did not speak to my advisors regarding Necoc Yaotl’s proposition. Much as I valued their wisdom and insight, I knew I would only provoke a verbal brawl that would inevitably be reduced to physical blows. What I needed right now was the guidance of my ancestors. Most of all, I needed to know if Necoc Yaotl was sincere about his promise to restore my father’s statue.
Upon entering Mt. Draco, I saw that he was.
I stared at my father’s face. Perfect. Undamaged. But if Necoc Yaotl expected to gain even a shred of my trust, he would be sorely mistaken. In fact, I would possess a very low opinion of the self-proclaimed god’s intelligence if my father’s statue hadn’t been restored. No matter. I could speak to my father. I could ask his guidance. But I would have to make certain I asked questions that did not reveal any form of personal weakness. Necoc Yaotl would be sure to take full advantage of it if he decided to eavesdrop.
My son.
Father.
A grave disturbance prevented me from contacting the realm of the living.
Yes, my lord. A powerful presence has made itself known. It could be a deadly enemy for the dragons. I will fight with everything I have if this proves to be so.
As you must, my father uttered.
Father, I must question you regarding the Mirror. I must know its true origins.
There was a long silence.
The Mirror was discovered by the first dragon king, and has served and obeyed every dragon king since then. Its true origins are irrelevant.
Father—
Enough about the Mirror. Just be grateful that you are a worthy enough king for it to serve you.
Worthy enough king…
Forcing down anger and humiliation, I spoke in as calm a voice as I could manage. The powerful presence I mentioned before has threatened to destroy the sacred burial grounds if I do not assist him in annihilating his brother’s children.
You will do whatever it takes to preserve these grounds. Whatever it takes. Do you understand me?
Yes, my lord.
***
Shadow
On the way to the royal palace, I told Brandon every detail I could remember about Mercedes’ kidnapping and kidnapper. It was not difficult. I remembered every detail, down to the last wrinkle around the smug bastard’s smile.
“He could be a threat to all vampires,” I said. “That’s why I had to make sure to warn you. You would be unprepared if the royal family killed me.”
“They won’t kill any of us,” Brandon said with such certainty that it nearly erased all my doubts. “If this creature is a threat to vampires, the royal family will need all the information it can get, and you’re the only witness.”
I bared my teeth. “Not the only witness.”
“Don’t sulk, killer,” Morgan said. She too showed her fangs, but in a grin instead of a grimace. “You’ll get your mortal beloved back. And that bastard’s head on a pike along with her.”
I spared Morgan a glance, but did not reply. Her comment caused my mind to become overwhelmed with the fantasy of ripping the throat out of the creature who had dared to touch my love, to steal her away from me. Hatred and love coursed through my soul, and I knew that if the royal family ordered my death, I would use every skill, every weapon at my disposal to escape and find Mercedes. I would get both my love and my vengeance at any cost.
We arrived at the palace. The guards escorted us to the royal’s chambers. King Yuan was present, as was Queen Ariadna and Queen Radella. I recognized the three priests to their right. Before any of us could kneel, King Yuan’s eyes narrowed at me.
“You are late and the human is not with you. For your own sake, Harijan Shadow, I pray to Lord Order that you have a very, very good explanation for your disobedience.”
I did not dwell on the irony of possessing a very, very good explanation for disobeying a royal’s orders and regretting said explanation more than anything. Instead, I told my tale. It was followed by an unreadable silence.
“I believe, Your Majesties, that the main question before us right now is should we trust Harijan Shadow,” one of the priests murmured.
“I know what I saw, Your Grace,” I hissed, ignoring a warning glare from Brandon. “I know what I e
xperienced. That creature defeated me like I was nothing.”
“You are nothing, Harijan,” the other male priest said in a gleeful voice that stoked the fires of my rage.
“Your Majesties, I was not a witness, but if there is a slight possibility that a threat against the vampires exists—”
“Be silent, Harijan Brandon,” King Yuan ordered. “We know what we must do if this threat exists. The priests will meditate, and we will watch for this new enemy.” Icy brown eyes bore into mine. “You have failed Lord Chaos, Harijan Shadow. What have you to say for yourself?”
“Mercedes still lives,” I declared. “I know she does. And I will find her.”
“If your incompetence does not get the better of you,” Queen Radella said coldly.
I stayed silent, knowing if I said what was on my mind, the royal would order me killed right then and there.
“We shall investigate this immediately.” King Yuan said. “Harijans Shadow, Brandon, and Morgan, you will inform us if you should find anything. Understood?”
Brandon and Morgan murmured, “Yes, Your Majesty.” It took me a moment to contain my anger. I wanted to demand to be included in the royal’s investigation, but that would be pushing my luck. Because Mercedes was important to Lord Chaos, I could at least trust in the fact that they would do everything in their power to find her, and punish the one who dared to defy the will of the gods.
“Will you be all right, Shadow?” Brandon asked after we were dismissed.
I waved my hand at him. “My welfare is irrelevant. We must find Mercedes. That is all that matters.”
Morgan looked as if she wanted to argue with that statement, but she wisely held her tongue.
“Where was Mercedes taken?” Brandon asked.
“I can take you there right now.”
“Good. Morgan and I will look around the area. In the meantime, I think you should start questioning Mercedes’ friends and family.”
I frowned at him. “Why?”
“If that creature can take human form, then he can interact with humans without arousing suspicion. And you said Mercedes called him by a human name. I think the odds are very strong that he interacted with her before kidnapping her.”