The luscious feel of satin against my skin made up for the clumsiness of the heels I was forced to wear as I did my best to follow Julia to our destination. At one point, I thought I was at risk of turning an ankle, but, after stopping and adjusting my stance, I eventually got the hang of walking in such foreign footwear. We were about half way there when I had finally managed to manipulate my strides in a manner that allowed me to keep up with my rough and tough escort.
Julia got me as far as the anteroom to the great room I had tea in when I first arrived before backing away. She explained that the room was for the elite only. Being a mere soldier, she wasn’t allowed past the anteroom. Once again, I was made curious of Geo’s position within Sybil’s kingdom. Were generals considered elite?
A woman I could only describe as stunning approached me. Her long gown glistened beneath the soft lighting of the elaborate crystal chandel
I remember only two things about my wedding reception. One was the fact that my new husband told me his first name was Charles and the other was the tortured look on Geo’s face every time Charles touched or kissed me; which was often. I found the situation so horrifically unbearable that I was actually pleased when Charles told me it was time to consummate the union. Nothing could be worse that being in the same room with Geo while belonging to another man. Or so I thought.Charles surprised me by leaving me at the door of my room with Abigail in attendance and continuing on to the suite assigned to him. I wanted to wipe the knowing smirk off her face as she guided me into my room and closed the door behind us.“I’ve been assigned to prepare you for the prince,” she said with a smug smile. “Let me help you out of your gown.“I can do it myself,” I said as I backed away from her. “You can leave now
It was late in the afternoon when we stood on the mountain ledge overlooking the valley that harbored the small community of Verso. Although we were still too far away for me to see that actual village, realizing its position between two mountains, I could easily see how the community could remain under the radar of Bartholomew’s people.When we finally entered Verso, my first impression wasn’t favorable. The landscape surrounding the small community looked just as war torn and haggard as the rest of the land we’d traveled over. Remembering Geo’s description, I struggled to understand why Geo would tell me a story about his beautiful home when he came from an area that may actually be worse than where I lived.We encountered a few people now and then and I was struck by the reverence they gave Geo and the small group. If nothing else, he certainly was loved.When we reached an old dilapidated barn that was riddled with abandon
My reaction to discovering my great uncle wasn’t dead was far from receptive, but what did they expect? He supposedly died long before I was born. The world as I knew it had almost instantly disappeared. Accepting and understanding the new one I found myself in was difficult and sometimes nerve-wracking. Because of this, I understood and excused myself for my outburst even if they might not.Amongst the many things my grandparents hadn’t had the forethought to make sure were placed in our emergency hideaway that became our permanent home were pictures of our family. Although they lamented over the loss of the photographic memories of generations past, we had far greater items that would determine how well we survived to worry about replacing. The photos were soon forgotten. If it hadn’t been for my grandfather’s references to the fact that not having Milton’s adept abilities as a medical whiz to complement my grandmo
Luthias’s visit lasted far longer than I’d have preferred, but I saw no way of rushing him without being obvious. He clearly enjoyed storytelling. I learned our small party passed through the portal leading to the magical dimension while traveling single file through that incredibly dark and narrow passage beneath the old dilapidated barn. The residents above ground lived willingly on ruined land that was so common place throughout the planet. Their worries for having their needs met were relieved by the assistance and supplies provided by the residents of Verso.Very few non-vampires have ever entered Verso and, to his knowledge, none left alive. When I questioned why I was brought to such a place, he simply shrugged and said they had no other place to take me. When I reminded him that I had a home with loving grandparents who I was certain were searching for me and he could have easily taken me there, he pointed out what I already knew; Sybil would look there fi
I was slow to rouse to the sound of scuffling in the distance. I was even slower to shake the fog from my head and remember where I was. Luthias burst into the room just as I was alert enough to understand something was amiss. I opened my mouth to speak and shut it obediently when he put his finger to his lips. His body language told me all I needed to know. I was in danger.Geo raced past Luthias and scooped me into his arms before I realized his intention. My first reaction was to fight him off. I was angry with him, after all. The sensible voice in the recesses of my mind shouted for me to behave and let him do what was needed to save me from whatever was violently making its way down the hall.“What’s happening?” I whispered into Geo’s ear as he paced the room with me in his arms.“Your husband has arrived,” he whispered vehemently between clenched teeth and an iron jawline.“I thought he couldn&rs
The sun peeked over the horizon when we finally stopped outside a quaint little cottage nestled in an awe-inspiring grove of fruit trees. I wondered if I would ever stop marveling over the breathtaking beauty of the land. Luthias and Geo both spoke of Verso being like earth was prior to the war and the twentieth century pollution modern man created. Although I was saddened that I was born in a time of devastation, desolation, and the dominance of evil, I felt even sorrier for them. How horrible it must be to watch your world turn into a decrepit shell of what it was. I wondered why they’d ever step outside of Verso.A slight and somewhat wiry, gray haired woman meandered out onto the porch to greet us. Even at that early hour her hair was pulled back in a smooth bun upon her head and her slacks and blouse were neatly pressed. I thought of the stark contrast she made against my grandmother, who would have greeted us with long gray hair in disarray and an old
From start to finish the process of infusing my body’s energy field with magic proved intense. Every two hours, around the clock, I forced down six ounces of thick purplish sludge. If I fell asleep, Gwendoline woke me up to make sure I didn’t miss my dose. She was relentlessly diligent. I thought the taste and texture of her horrific magical concoction would eventually grow on me, but after a full week I still shuddered with each swallow.Gwendoline made a point of reminding me how brave and strong I was. She pointed out that very few humans who weren’t born magical are able to withstand the necessary steps to acquire it. Once again, she mused on the fact that I had magic hidden within me. She also assured me that step one of drinking the sludge was the worst step.When, on day number seven she told me I’d forced the last drop of sludge I would ever have to ingest down my throat, I literally did a happy dance. It not only broug
I needed time to think.I could understand Gwendoline’s desire to see both of her son’s happy; and she clearly considered Luthias her son. I could even see the logic in her thinking. I found Luthias ridiculously good looking, irresistibly charismatic, and I admittedly felt something for him. Since he’d already declared his love for me, it was a good start. I also wanted the protection he and Gwendoline could provide until we could figure out a way to get Charles and Sybil to stop hunting me. So, why did I hesitate?Geo.Someone magical broke through the shield around Verso. What if that same magic person put a magical shield around Geo for whatever reason? It could be what happened. Gwendoline said the possibility was so herself. Just because Gwendoline hadn’t met a witch equal to her in power and abilities didn’t mean one didn’t exist. What if that was exactly what was going on? What if, when thi