Maybe that s what evil was, those who were misunderstood and pushed to do something extreme to bring about their beliefs.
Even Cleric Tu hadn t been truly been evil. The methods he s used to get what he wanted, and his actions towards demonkind had been. With some perspective, I could see he d been out of his mind with worry. He wanted to protect the human race, his own future, and had taken it to an extreme.
Rae, Gunarr has given his oath and he cannot break it. Put it out of your mind, love. Focus on what you will say when we reach the Wyld. A Meet would have been called and you will have to speak your mind, and convince them to follow your plan.
I have a plan?
Breandan groaned, and dropped his head to my shoulder.
We made good time once the sun set and Daphne woke. Before we moved on, I had tried to coax her up the tree for a climb, but after cursing me in a rather colorful manner, she explained she hated heights, and would rather risk facing the sun than climbing one.
Gunarr and Daphne avoided and ignored each other. She didn t look at him, and he didn t look at her there was peace. When they did accidently catch each other s eye the hostility between them flared instantly.
I could understand the animosity the last time they met they had tried to kill each other.
Gunarr often had a look of mild frustration and distaste pass over his expression and Daphne often looked smug. Gathering what I could from Breandan s interpretation of their situation, since Gunarr had run from the fight in vampire territory, he felt a need to fight Daphne to regain his honor. Daphne felt like she was better than him because he had run from her.
It was all silly in my opinion, and the few times they did clash, a short word from Breandan ceased Gunarr s hissing. Daphne was more difficult to quell, she didn t stop snarling until Gunarr was out of sight.
This worked well enough for me, since I had trouble looking Gunarr in the face without wanting to punch it, or when I was feeling more curious than angry, grabbing it in my hands and feeling the texture of his skin. It was papery thin and the colour of grass. It looked as if it would be slick if I ran a finger over it.
The fairy Knight was well aware of my nervousness around him, and accepted the job of scouting ahead. He was silent as a shadow when he wanted to be, and I could see why Devlin had kept him close.
The closer to the Wall we came, the more on guard and antsy Breandan became. He hovered, and would kiss me or touch me to reassure himself I was okay. Despite my treatment at the hands of the Clerics, I felt fine the closer we got. The land behind the Wall had been my home since before I could remember.
Daphne was curious, and sniffing the air a lot. She explained that since she became a vampire she hadn t come close to a human settlement. Her rebirth had happened when the Northern City was already under the Coven s control, and though Daphne wasn t able to tell me how old she was exactly, from the way she spoke she had been born during the Rupture.
She was much older than I had realized. In comparison, Breandan and I were babies.
When asking for specific memories of her past, like her birth family, she avoided talking about it and changed the subject.
I did wonder how old Gunarr was, but couldn t muster the courage to talk to him alone. He cut an imposing figure, and rather than let him see my fear, I acted as if he wasn t important at all. I suspected he saw past this front, however, because when I snuck a glance at him, he already stared at me, amused.
We heard and saw the Clerics before they did us.
Gunarr reacted badly, hissing under his breath, and taking out a wickedly sharp knife. Breandan gave him a quiet command and the fairy melted into the dark, curved blade still in hand.
He won t cut anybody?
I asked.
Breandan shook his head.
Not unless they try to hurt us. Don t worry, Rae-love. I ll take care of protecting you. You worry about everything else.
Daphne inhaled, and her fangs ran out. She breathed heavily, and the tip of her tongue swiped over her top lip.
A Cleric stepped into view, a rifle tucked into his side. Deep hood pulled low, so his face was shadowed to the chin, he focused intently on Breandan, sensing him as the greatest threat. He turned slightly to Daphne then me last. When he did get a good look at me, he smiled, and spoke over his shoulder in a rush before starting towards us.
Hai, Rae,
he greeted and held out his hand.
Recognizing the voice, I clasped it and squeezed.
Samuel. How are you?
He tugged the hood down and revealed a riot of blonde curls, squished about his crown. Samuel was a plain man with a short beard and hooked nose. His eyes were lovely, a deep green that shone with sincerity.
Things have been better,
he replied and shrugged.
Things have been worse. I m fine then again I always am.
He inclined his head to me.
I have you to thank for that. I would ve been dead had you not paused to save me.
Samuel had been swept up in Cael’s windstorm at Temple. He d flown right past my head, and I d grabbed him without thinking. He was one of the guards posted outside my hovel when the Sect captured me. He didn t have an active hand in my torture, but he hadn’t tried to stop it either. What he had done was given me food and hope that not all the Clerics were poisoned against demonkind.
Lord Cleric Samuel was one of the reasons I held steadfastly to the belief that once the humans realized all demons were not out to destroy them that demons actually found them irritating and more like pesky children underfoot than anything else that peace could be achieved. Humankind could then stop hiding behind the Wall, and teaching children demons were vicious creatures that ruined the world.
Did the injured from Temple survive?
He grimaced.
Most. Once the dust cleared there wasn’t much death but a lot of maimed and crippled.
They are fortunate,
Breandan said flatly.
They should be dead.
Samuel regarded him warily.
You were there then?
Oh yes. Tell me, how do you know my Rae?
I met her down in the
Sam,
I interrupted hastily, realizing Breandan still felt a need to exact justice for what happened to me at Temple.
Do you think you could get me in to speak to the Priests?
Sighing, he holstered the rifle, and crossed his arms the funneled sleeves covered his hands. He paced, the tails of his crimson blazer flapping at the back of his knees.
Eventually, he stopped and turned to me, expression undecided.
Since Temple my status has elevated within the Sect. I m reluctant to do anything that would risk altering that. I keep more people safe this way.
His nose twitched, and he swatted a fly away from his face.
After the disaster Lord Cleric Tu left behind the Priests are keen to try a new form of leadership, but old habits die hard. The Wall, for example. Clerics have been posted Outside for three days now and not a single attack. Since Temple was destroyed, you re the first we ve seen, and there were no reported issues from the Upper or Slum Dwells. It s like the demons didn t care they were inside. I ve been using this as an argument to suggest we re safer Outside then we think we are.
Uh, well, turns out for a fairy who can wield magics, getting past the Wall wasn t that hard. I d think other demons would find it pretty easy too.
He stilled.
Yore saying the Wall, a structure we ve had faith in for nearly two centuries didn t do anything to protect us?
I wouldn t say it did nothing.
Breandan and Daphne scoffed simultaneously. Samuel looked ill.
You don t have to worry,
I assured him.
Demonkind aren t as interested in humankind as you think they are.
Some are,
Daphne murmured and smiled toothily. Samuel paled as his eyes fixed on her fangs.
We like th
is human Rae?
She made little attempt to hide the hunger in her voice. She inched closer to him.
He smells good.
No biting,
I snapped.
Checked by my sharp command, Daphne rocked back on her heels, grumbling sullenly.
I d only take a sip.
Seeing how Daphne was strictly ordered not to bite, Samuel s fear passed, and he became troublingly intrigued.
You re a vampire.
No. I m a mutant breed of chicken.
Daphne rolled her eyes.
But you re so tiny and so … normal.
Samuel blushed.
I mean, you seem & human. The vampires we come across froth at the mouth and rant madly.
Wanderers who have no Nest. Yeah, well hunger can do that to you,
she replied indignantly.
I seem human because I was human once. I died and became something else, but once I was just like you. Humans love to forget that.
She certainly doesn t smell human,
I said and laughed when Daphne cut her eye at me.
Samuel edged closer, curious.
Daphne inhaled, nostrils flaring and her eyelids growing heavier. Catching herself, she stiffened.
I wouldn t do that unless you re planning to offer a vein.
Who said I wasn t?
Please. You reek of fear. I have no intention sucking on a donor who does so because he s afraid I ll drain him otherwise.
Samuel squared his shoulders and his eyes narrowed.
I m not afraid.
Daphne smiled, and sent a sly look his way, locking her gaze with his.
No?
He blinked and shook his head languidly.
I m not afraid of you.
He dragged up his sleeve to expose his inner wrist.
I ll prove it. Bite me.
Uh, I wouldn t joke about that Sam.
Ignoring the protest of my nature, I placed a restraining hand on Daphne s shoulder when her eyes lit up eagerly. I sensed she d done some trickery here, because Samuel had gone from guarded to overly enthused about her feeding on him. I sighed.
You didn t.
She peeked at me sheepishly and shrugged.
A tiny bit. Figured you might not notice. It was worth a shot if it meant I got fed. Is that alright?
No it s not bloody alright. You can t bite him. We need him to help us convince the Priests to meet with Lochlann and the other demons. We won t be able to do that if he stands before them riddled with fang marks.
You do realize I could just go back with him and use compulsion on these Priests. I tell them we want peace, they agree with me, and it s done.
She shrugged.
If one or two able bodied men happen to want to be my donors so be it.
I glowered at her.
No more mind control. They have to want this for it to stick.
She threw her hands up.
He wanted me to do it, I could tell, I am a hunter adapt to sensing these things. It excited him. His pulse started racing, and his scent changed. I used a tiny bit of compulsion to loosen him up so he d offer instead of me asking. I knew you d freak out over nothing, a simple exchange.
Exchange? What s he getting out of this?
You re really asking me that question? You?
Blushing, I remembered the more pleasurable effects of a welcomed bite.
No,
I said with finality.
Well, what the hell am I supposed to do? I m hungry. I ll go crazy if I don t feed on human blood soon. He s young, healthy and standing right there. He ll bounce right back from a little blood loss. I can even make him forget the whole experience if it bothers you that much.
Perhaps we should let this happen,
Breandan said.
I scrunched my face up.
You think this is okay?
If the human agrees,
he gave Daphne a hard look,
after she rids him of the compulsion, I don t see why not. I like the idea of one more set of eyes watching your back. I would not like to have to put Daphne down after she has been so helpful.
Wow,
Daphne cooed.
The love and appreciation I m feeling right now is staggering, really, I think I might cry. And I told you, I only used a little, look, he s fine.
Samuel looked between the three of us with an amused expression.
That s what it feels like.
he murmured.
It s not too bad, is it? It s like being held a moment before sleep.
It can feel worse once you ve been deeply under for more than a few seconds, and you re fighting for control,
I assured him.
You feel okay?
Sure. It happened before I offered my arm, but I was thinking along those lines before then anyway.
Daphne looked triumphant.
You re really okay with this Sam?
I asked seriously.
Say the word and it won t happen.
He was quiet for a while.
Since I was born we have believed that vampires, shapeshifters and goblins were monsters. The Rupture changed our world, but I m beginning to see that maybe we humans were the ones hijacking other territories without knowing it. Look around us, look how beautiful it is out here. I can t imagine hundreds of cities because that would mean all this wildlife would be gone, and I can t understand how my ancestors decided that would be a good thing. Somewhere along the line, we decided the Rupture made us the victims when we may have been the big bad taken down by a force that had grown stronger.
His face darkened.
But that’s just my way of thinking. Others don t see it that way and they never will.
His eyes travelled over my circlet, and a questioning look flitted over his expression.
You came here to see the Priests, but that just won t happen, not now. I d need time to talk to them, to show them you mean no harm. I m willing to take the risk. We can no longer burry our heads in the sand and pretend we can carry on this way.
He nodded to Daphne.
I ll start by letting her feed on me. If I can show the Priests a vampire, the demon that feeds on us to survive, did so painlessly and with my consent, they may consider it. If you could stay here under guard for a while, I m sure they would see you re safe to talk to.
No,
Breandan said.
No guards. She is our Priestess, she will be received as an honored guest, or not at all.
Can I eat now?
Daphne asked hopefully.
Taking a deep breath to enhance my calm, I place a soothing hand on Breandan s arm and gave Daphne a final look of warning.
I don t have time to wait around. There is an assembly of demons gathering as we speak to discuss a powerful new threat. The same one I fought at Temple. If Daphne could have a little blood from you, that would be a huge help, and if you could explain to the Priests that if they choose to come to the fairy Wyld, peacefully, that they would be welcomed as friends under my protection, I would be grateful.
Samuel held up his arm and pulled his sleeve back.
Shoving the bundle of rags that concealed the grimoire into my hands, Daphne wasted no time taking the offered wrist in both hands and bringing it to her lips. She quickly bit down, and Sam flinched.
If you wish to attend the Meet,
Breandan said.
You must travel east until you cross the water. Past that point you are on Wyld land, and a fairy Knight will show his or herself to you. They will bring you to us if you tell them you have an invitation from Lady Rae.
Will they let us get close enough to speak before attacking?
They will be wary. We cannot change the perception that you are not a danger during a single conversation, but if you come bearing no weapons, and appear peaceful they will not attack. They will be expecting you.
Samuel nodded and then his expression went goofy. His eyes widened, and his breathing deepened. Then he blushed
bright red.
Seeing the cause of his distress, I looked away, trying not to laugh.
Daphne groaned.
The corner of Breandan s mouth turned up.
I think that’s enough.
She immediately lifted her head and let go of his arm.
Thank you,
she said sweetly, wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth and sucking on her finger.
Samuel let loose a shuddering breath. He inspected the pinpricks on his arm, swiped a finger over one tentatively.
That didn’t hurt that much.
I wasn’t trying to hurt you,
Daphne said winking impishly.
Fangs can be delicate or deadly when feeding. If they re used to cause pleasure or pain is down to the vampire.