The Dark Sun Machine had to be shut down, and burning the control panel was probably not the best way to go about it. Xander stared him down, a smug smile on his face.
“Why don’t you join me, Orion? I’m sure I could help you find your woman. All the witches who died two thousand years ago will be reawakening from their slumber. They are ripe and ready for the plucking. I think I’ll get myself a harem of a hundred and three priestesses of Gama. How about you, Orion? How many do you want?”
Orion roared, rearing on his back legs, his head almost touching the ceiling. Xander laughed and hopped down to the ground.
The elevator door swung open at the other end of the room and both Xander and Orion stopped to look. Titus walked through, his teeth clenched, his eyes narrow and baring down on Xander.
Titus held a gun that shot wooden bullets. Even a vampire as old as Xander would take critical damage from a wooden bullet. Titus didn’t stop to ask questions. He opened fire. Bullets flew, all narrowly missing Xander.
Xander darted away and flicked his finger over the wall. A door opened and he stepped one foot through.
“It’s been a pleasure seeing you Silverdrake brothers again, but I’m afraid I must be going,” he said, and as Titus shot again the door swished shut. Xander was too fast, for even Titus’s aim.
Orion shifted and stood next to Titus. “How do we shut this thing down?” he asked.
Titus walked to the control panel and set his glass pad against the touchscreen.
“We’re loading the virus now,” Titus said. “It will take down the power system.”
Titus’s glass pad buzzed and the screens on the control panel started to stream data. A moment later, the lights and power systems for the Dark Sun Machine started to power down. Orion watched as each part of the machine darkened beyond the plexiglass window.
The control room went silent as Titus and Orion stood before the sleeping machine. Titus looked at his glass pad and then showed the screen to Orion.
Outside, the daylight was slowly returning to the world. The zombie-like vampires began to disperse. They were weak to the sun but it wouldn’t burn them alive. Xander’s Surge would be a problem for humans for a long time to come.
“We did it,” Orion said.
“It took you long enough to get here.”
“Are you still going on about that? I told you I had to claim my wife. I’m sure when you find a wife you’ll understand.”
“Now is not the time or the place, Orion. We must meet with the allied covens and clans. There is much work to be done.”
Chapter 13
Orion and Titus emerged from the underground lab and stepped into the day. The light stung Orion’s eyes after so many days without sun. He imagined his beloved bride’s reaction to the sun’s light returning to the world. He was proud to have brought life back to the Earth and to her.
With the sun shining again, The Surge had dispersed. The allied clans and covens met Orion and Titus at the doorstep of Valdis Enterprises.
“What of Xander?” Jerith asked.
“He escaped,” Orion replied.
“We will take him down,” Titus said, still holding his wooden bullet gun.
“It will take more than a wooden bullet to rid the world of Xander Valdis,” Jerith said.
After blowing up the Dark Sun Machine, the allied clans and covens returned to the mall where they’d been headquartered. They set up a grand council several hours later. Orion and Titus sat at the head of the Silverdrake clan. His cousin’s children and grandchildren preferred not to take on clan politics and left it mostly to Orion’s side of the family.
Jerith from the Blackrose coven and his brother Kyran were on the council, as were the delegates from the Diamondback clan, the Ironclaws, and the delegates of other allied clans and covens. Most clans and covens were wealthy dynasties that had vast holdings in cities throughout the country.
Most immortal families liked to stay in one place to develop a power base and an area of operation so they wouldn’t impinge on the territory of other immortals. They’d worked it all out centuries ago, but now the world had changed. Plans had to be made.
“We should all go back to our cities and begin repairing the infrastructures. We have a responsibility to the humans who live within our own zones,” Jerith said.
“I’m getting reports that almost every human power grid on Earth is non-operational. Most of the power lines were fried in the solar flare. The human populations are in crisis beyond our capacity for repair,” Titus said.
“We must do what we can,” Orion said.
“And will you be coming back to St. Louis to help repair the damage, Orion? Will you be taking your place as the Alpha of the Silverdrake clan?”
“Brother, this is not the time.”
“Why not?” said Connard Ironclaw. “This seems a relevant concern.”
“If we are turning the discussion to the business of the Silverdrake clan,” Orion said, looking from the council table to the audience of immortals in folding chairs set up in the derelict mall, “then the answer is no.”
“What?” Titus demanded.
“I will make the announcement now if I must,” Orion said with a sigh. He stood. “I have found my wife, Selene: the last arch-priestess of the temple of Gama. The witches have emerged in the world and they will need protection. Just as they did in the old world. My bride has already begun to draw the witches to her. There will be more. And I will honor my vow to keep them safe.
“I will be stepping down as Alpha of the Silverdrake clan and passing that mantle on to my brother Titus. He has been prepared to take the position for centuries. Now is as good a time as ever to start.”
“When will we be able to meet the priestesses of Gama?” asked one of the vampires in the crowd.
“Will it be the same as before?” added a dragon.
“I will discuss this with my wife. We will most likely retain our previous rules in regard to mating.”
“The witches have an obligation to procreate,” said one of the Diamondback dragons. “They should not be allowed to deny their duty. The immortals are weak. We cannot defend against Xander’s Surge if we do not carry on our lines. He will stop at nothing to strengthen his forces. We cannot allow him to out-breed our alliance. “
“You have a fair point,” Orion said.
“We cannot be kept from the only females who can breed immortal young,” another vampire said. “No one will stand for it. If you wish to protect them, you must also compel them to do their duty.”
“Gentlemen,” Orion said, trying to calm the growing number of voices. “We will come to a fair conclusion. We cannot molest the mothers of our children. I think you would all agree to that.”
Most of them grumbled in begrudging agreement. “Most of you at one time had a witch as a wife. Even the female dragons and female vampires mated with warlocks to carry on the immortal lines. We cannot see the witches as less than equals.”
“Just make it clear that they are obligated to produce young. Or there will be a problem. No one will go without a mate now. No one,” said Connard Ironclaw.
Orion nodded and sat back in his chair. That had not gone as he’d hoped, but perhaps it was to be expected. The immortals had been without females for too long. The female immortals who lived among them could not give them immortal children. They needed the witches’ line for that.
Over all the centuries, most immortal females were born as witches even to dragon or vampire fathers. Dragon and vampire females were rare. Over the last two thousand years, the immortal world had become extremely male dominated, the female immortals staying out of politics almost completely. Few had even arrived for the fight.
Orion knew that female dragons and vampires felt like an underclass, but that had never been so obvious as it was during the veil. He mourned for them almost as much as he did the witches. Orion would have to discuss the future of the witches with Lucia when he returned to the fortress. His poor
mate would not like what had been said at the meeting, but he would find a way to make it alright with her. There had to be a way.
The meeting continued and the various coven and clan issues were resolved. Everyone agreed to go back to their cities and begin repairs on the grids, attempting to bring human life back to normal as much as possible.
They’d learned of the millions of deaths during the two days without light. Murders, suicides, accidents. Not to mention The Surge. They had killed multitudes of people in New York alone. It was a massive loss of human life and dignity that would be felt for generations.
He knew that people would be fractured. He felt for Titus, having to represent the Silverdrake clan at a time like this. Titus had never been a great people person. But Orion knew his brother was a good leader. If anyone could bring the city of St. Louis back from the dead, it was his brother Titus.
After the meeting was closed, the Silverdrake brothers and the Blackrose vampire brothers met again in the steakhouse for one last chat. The Blackrose coven was from Chicago. Their proximity over the years had made their families very close. They had done a lot of business together during the veil. And Orion was sure they would have similar dealings now.
He lifted his cognac glass to his lips and sipped. His brother had a grim look on his face, staring down at the bar. Jerith swirled his brandy, his lips in a hard line. He looked up at Orion.
“When will we be able to choose our brides?” Jerith asked finally.
“They have to arrive first,” Orion said, shooting Jerith a look of irritation. He was about done with questions about the witches for today.
“I thought you wanted to match everyone up with a priestess of Gama,” Titus said sarcastically, lifting his face to level a gaze at his brother.
“Ideally,” Orion countered.
“Then why are you being so tight fisted with all the females, Orion? Why can’t you help a brother out?” he said.
“This is not about the witches, Titus, and you know it. Just tell me you are angry I’m not returning to St. Louis.”
“Of course I’m angry. After all this time, you choose now to pass on Alpha to me!”
“This is the right moment. Aren’t you prepared?”
Titus growled and gulped down his shot.
“There is too much loss,” he said through clenched teeth.
“I saw the clan through the death of all their wives, mothers and daughters. Not just our clan, but every clan and coven. I saw the Silverdrakes through the veil. Now I am ready to retire. It’s your turn to step up, Titus. Or should Ajax take your place?” Orion asked.
“How dare you,” Titus said, taking a step towards his brother.
“We all have the chaos of the Dark Sun to contend with, Titus,” Jerith said. “Your clan is strong. You will survive this.”
“I have no doubt I can do what is required. I led the fight against The Surge while my brother made love to his wife.”
“You will have your own wife someday, Titus, and then you will understand.”
“I doubt that,” Titus said, pushing away from the bar.
He walked out into the promenade of the mall, the sunlight streaming through the skylights above.
Jerith took out a clove cigarette and lit it up, holding the brown cylinder between his long, white fingers. Orion stared after his brother as he walked away.
“He’ll be fine,” Jerith said. “I’m more concerned about you now. How will you defend the witches against your own allies?”
“I will find a way with Selene. We will make it work for everyone.”
“Many immortals will kidnap witches and breed them against their will. The old ways are long gone now. All they want now is to survive. There are many who did not fight alongside our alliance or The Surge. They will play by their own rules.”
“I know. The witches will be like a beacon for every immortal within fifty miles.”
“I’m sure it’s already begun.”
“My Lucia is sending out her own beacon. The women will find her. It is my sacred duty to protect them.”
“I know, Orion. And you do your duty well. I commend you,” Jerith said, slapping Orion on the back. “Just let me know when I can find a bride of my own.”
Jerith stepped out of the steakhouse, his smoke curling around him as he walked away. Orion pulled out his glass pad and signaled Lucia. He was coming home.
Chapter 14
Lucia stood on the balcony outside her third story window overlooking the courtyard in Orion’s fortress. She gazed up at the looming dark circle of the sun that hung over the darkened land.
The first sliver of light appeared at the very center of the circle. The pinprick of brightness growing outwards in the same manner as it had darkened. Moment by moment the sunshine grew from a tiny circle at the center of the Earth’s star. Finally, the whole sun was again at its full glory, born again from the ashes of the old world.
The sky above was crystal clear and blue and the most beautiful sight that Lucia had ever seen. The return of the sunlight meant that the Dark Sun Machine had gone cold. Her husband had succeeded and the world had light again.
Bridget walked out on the balcony beside Lucia and the two women looked out on the sunlit courtyard.
"Orion did it," Lucia whispered.
She could feel the incredible relief of every living soul anywhere near the fortress. All their thoughts and feelings and impressions radiated through her and gave her a sense of joy beyond anything she'd ever experienced before. Bridget put her hand around Lucia’s shoulder, and Lucia wrapped her arm around Bridget's waist.
The two women had become fast friends, remembering their work together in the temple of the priestesses of Gama.
"There is still much work to be done," Lucia said.
Since Orion had left the day before, she and Bridget had been studying the databases in his workshop. They had only taken a few hours’ rest the entire time. The two women had learned more about magic and the technology of the past than they had in an entire lifetime before the dark sun.
The overwhelming information had struck them both at the heart of their very beings. But even with the inundation of such knowledge, the two women could redirect themselves and come to a clear understanding of what they needed to do next.
"The other witches will arrive soon," Lucia said.
"Do you think the electricity will come back on?" Bridget asked her.
"I really don't know. Orion told me that the Dark Sun Machine was interfering with all electronic devices. Perhaps now some of them will work again. But I think much of it was fried during the solar flare."
“The most important thing now is that we are able to draw the other witches to the fortress," Bridget said.
"I can feel them coming. With the sun shining again, it will be easier for them to find their way. Orion has sworn to protect the witches. He will not let us down."
"After everything we've learned in the last twenty-four hours, you and I both know that the walls of the fortress will not be enough to keep away the immortals who want to breed with us. They will come for us. And I doubt they will be kind and considerate."
"There are no laws left in the world," Lucia said. "We must learn to function in the new reality."
"We will find a way, sister. No matter what, we will provide a safe place for the priestesses as long as we can."
"That is my one true calling," Lucia said. "I am so glad to have you here to help me build a new temple for our kind."
"And what of the goddess we serve?" Bridget asked. "What has become of Gama?"
"There is no real way of knowing. Some of the information in Orion’s databases said that she has gone to the center of the Earth. There is a Fae kingdom of immortals below the surface of the planet. But those of us on the surface are not welcome there."
"Why would Gama leave us alone after taking our lives?"
"Who can know the mind of the ancients?" Lucia said. "We may be the reincarnations of powerful
priestesses, but at the end of the day, we are only modern human women. A goddess like Gama is beyond our understanding. All I know is that she created us just like she created the humans. She is our mother and she is the mother of all immortals on the planet. For that reason, she deserves our deference and even our praise. She is the Great Mother of all. We must respect her for that, no matter where she has gone."
"I agree with you on that, sister."
Lucia felt the glass pad Orion had given her buzz in her pocket. She pulled it out and flicked her finger across the screen, bringing up a video image of her husband's face.
"Orion, my darling. You have succeeded. I am so very proud of you," Lucia said.
"We have brought down the Dark Sun Machine, my love. And I will be home very soon. I have news for you that we must discuss. And I fear that it will be hard for you to take," he said.
"What is it?" Lucia asked.
"At the meeting of the council of the allied clans and covens, the council members made it clear that they expect witches to offer themselves to immortals for mating. Refusal will not be an option," Orion said, his voice tense.
"We can discuss this further when you return."
"I will be there very soon," Orion said before his face disappeared from her screen.
Just as she was about to put the glass pad back in her pocket, there was a notification from the security system. She pressed the app on the glass pad and brought up the video feed from the front gate. To her surprise, a dozen women were standing outside the gate, looking confused.
"They're here," Lucia said. "Let's go bring them in."
Bridget and Lucia went out to the ground floor garage and hopped into an SUV with eight seats in it. Lucia hoped that they could squeeze all the ladies in one vehicle as she drove to the entrance and parked outside the gate.
"Do you think this is a good idea?" Bridget asked.