"Such an important decision and you deny us the right to offer advice in such a matter?" One head moaned with anger. The question was directed at Theron, but I couldn't have that. I was the one speaking.
"As my betrothed said, your connections are the more valuable asset, not your advice. I don't know how many more times that requires repeating to be quite honest
The grin haunted my thoughts long after we’d parted. The way Theron’s fangs flashed in delight, amidst his elegant face. It was as though in that moment, all defences, pretences and any other shield of propriety had been stripped bare, allowing me to see the real him. Not the Prince of all vampire kind. Not the brutal, bloodied warrior that I’m sure he was after our trip to the dungeons. Just Theron. I shook my head, tendrils of flaming hair surrounding me as I did. I couldn’t afford to let those thoughts take root. Remember why you’re here. Defying Nicneven’s vision was all that mattered. Anything else could be dealt with if I lived. Wandering with renewed purpose across a little ornate bridge p
They were still pretty far ahead, so it was doubtful they'd have seen us.From my vantage point, I watched as Aldith shook some paper in Theron's direction. "She's only been here a day and already...""We'll take care of it. I trust you with all our livesAldith. Between us, these are just empty threats." "But still..." My eyes followed as the elf mage lookedback down at the paper in his grip. "Whoever wrote this is not playingaround Theron. We should exercise caution until we know more."
After a moment's hesitation, I reached out, wrapping my fingertips around the stem and avoiding the thorns. The conviction coating Theron's words appeared genuine. I raised my eyes from the flower to meet his, noticing the petals were almost the same shade as Theron's dark crimson gaze. I couldn't detect any malice as he matched my stare, no doubt waiting for me to say something. Rather, I found the same conviction there as in his words."Thank you," I managed eventually, breaking our strange scrutinising and turning my attention back to the flower. "It would mean a great deal to me and Lixiss to be able to have a home and family again." That part wasn't a lie. The Circe Coven had disowned us, love turning to fear and hatred. The Crypt Clan had become more of a family to us, but that was all st
"So, he showed you a fancy tree planted by the gods and now there's irrefutable evidence you'll be part of the Royal Clan. Does that about sum up your date?" Lixiss smirked, before throwing another snack ball into her mouth, no doubt pilfered from the kitchens."Again, your eloquence for summarising a situation knows no bounds." I replied, "Any blood in those balls?" Lixiss shook her head. "Nope, but have one anyway. They're meaty, whatever they are." Eh, what did I have to
Popping the mountain deer snack ball into my mouth, I strode around another corner, trying in vain to project confident indifference. "Does he still follow?" The murmured words left my lips.Lixiss nodded in reply.We had been right about the elf's plans and it appeared Aldith had no intention of letting us out of his sight. He must be a fool not to realise we can sense his movements. "The Tailor is up ahead, in the dressing chamber. Stay alert." I uttered. Though safe in the knowledge that Aldith wouldn't attempt to enter the chambers (whether in person or by the arcane), I was curious as
The Hekate of the Circe Coven placed the traditional circlet of the goddess carefully on my head. As she did, the weight of the symbolism felt as if it had been transferred to my shoulders.“The Ceremony will begin soon; another will come for you when it is time." The Hekate murmured, as if I didn't already know. Every witch knew the Rite of Passage inside and out by the time they turned sixteen. It would be folly not to. She spoke the ordained enchantments and the feel of magic pulsed under my skin, the spells mingling with my own primordial power till they resonated in synchronisation. Protective blessings. I never really understood why these were needed before the rite was performed, but I wasn't about to question centuries of practice. With the magic churning in resonance, The Heakte satisfied, bowed her head and departed.A sign of respect to one who was about to ascend higher and officially be inducted into the coven. It would probably be
The hoard of goblins hissed and spat at me, bearing their pointed jagged teeth as they chattered menacingly. Goblins were small creatures, but together they gave true meaning to the phrase strength in numbers. Their attitude changed drastically when a few of their kind came to back up a single goblin. A smirk crossed my lips at their ridiculous attempt at being threatening. It mighthave worked against a small dog, but certainly not me.The smirk angered them further and they chattered more, dancing and bobbing about withspears. I bared my teeth back at them and growled, deep and low. Their noise stopped for a split second as they realised what they were dealing with. But I was hungry and not in the least picky. A goblin hoard would suit me just fine, unfortunately for them. I charged at them, unnaturally fast, grabbing one by the neck and snapping it instantly. The goblin went limb in my grasp and greedily, I latched my
A building somewhere between a colossal fortress and opulent castle greeted us after we'd emerged from the Lipchen woodland. The structure was in the middle of nowhere, secluded from most passer-bys. Just the way we liked it. "Not like I expected a parade or anything, but someone needs to let us in." Lixiss said, after we'd been standing by the front gate for several minutes. "Give me a second, let me see if I can find a solution to our problem.” "How are you going to do that?” I grinned, flashing my fangs. "We all have impeccable hearing right? So what would happen if I do this?" Sucking in a deep breath, I shouted at the top of my lungs, "Jameson! Come open the door!” Lixiss winced, clapping her hands quickly over her ears. "Subtle." She murmured sarcastically. "Effective though.” She continued, looking towards the tower gate. A deceptively decrepit man shuffled onto the lookout built into the tower. He was bald, pale and