Ruby Red Goblets Novels & Stories

Suddenly a goblet fell making a clanging sound on the floor and spilling its contents on the plush rug. It was Phoenix’s goblet that had fallen. Her mouth was agape, her heart beating rapidly and heavily in her chest. The room seemed to go dim and spin before her eyes as she stared in shock at Basten who walked into the room dressed in an expensive red robe with the crest of the house of Rudo down into the left breast. He walked in with a blank expression, his eyes bored and hooded but then he looked up and met her eyes and a smile formed on his lips until he noticed her apparent shock. She was staring blankly, her fallen goblet which was picked by a servant completely forgotten. He saw the

and then added after a moment's hesitation, quietly, almost as though she were speaking to herself, "I'm wondering myself." "You're here to be fed," he said, the soft rumble of laughter in his voice. Red found herself smiling, almost against her will. She was hungry. There was enough food on the table to feed a small village and she didn't know where to begin. She carefully picked up the crystal goblet at her elbow and took a sip of mead as she made up her mind. The warm amber colored liquid slid smoothly down her throat. It was rich and spicy, with a hint of lavender, a touch of orange peel ... a faint memory of cinnamon? She sighed softly as the flavors crackled on her palate.

The curiosity in me awakens because of the way Ayla uttered those words. "Long ago, when this world was still young, there were actually five wolf packs and each Alpha possessed a single Eblum. An Eblum is a magical stone that is said to be the source of strength and power for each wolf pack. These stones were gifts from the Moon Goddess. Each of the Alpha built his territory. Each of them has its success. But among the five wolf packs, only one is different.

“This pendant will serve as a reminder of the bonds we share and the responsibilities we hold to one another.” Next, a group of vampires approached, led by their regal representative, who carried an ornate goblet made of dark, polished wood inlaid with silver. “This goblet is a symbol of our commitment to peace,” the vampire declared. “May it always be filled with the essence of cooperation and respect.” I accepted the goblet, feeling its weight in my hands. “Together, we will fill it with the essence of our unity,” I replied, raising the goblet high for all to see. The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound echoing through the clearing, a celebration of solidarity.

His eyebrows furrowed, and he clicked his tongue over his teeth. “That’s a blood-red ruby. It’s common amongst vampire nobility but rare because these are incredibly valuable. You’re wearing a small fortune around your neck. I don’t know how these came to be in your possession, but I suggest you keep them out of sight for now.” “Vampire nobility?” I laughed. That sounded ridiculous.

“That sharp tongue of yours is going to be your downfall. Now drink up!” After a little hesitation, she put the goblet to her mouth and drank its content. It tasted like sweet red wine but it had a unique tang to it and it smelled like raspberries. “What is this?” She asked, handing the goblet back to him. “You will see in a short while,” he replied mysteriously before draining his goblet too. He flung them across the room and stood over the bed where Erin lay, feeling weird.

In his hands, he held two items: a silver goblet, ornate and heavy, and a tiny glass vial that caught the last of the day’s light. "Come here," he commanded, his voice a low thrum that vibrated through the floorboards. There was no room for disobedience. I rose from the bed, my legs shaky, and took a few hesitant steps toward him. He didn’t wait. He poured the contents of the vial into the goblet. The liquid was thick, the color of dried blood, and it swirled ominously inside the silver cup. He held it out to me. I stared at it, a tremor running through me. "What is it?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

After I sat down, he picked up a bell next to his spot at the table and rang it daintily. I paused for a moment, wondering what would happen but I needn’t have bothered. Seconds later, the doors that led to the kitchen opened and several maids came forth, hands laden with trays filled with different types of food. My eyes bugged at the offering that was put before me and I blanched. It looks delicious, every single bit of it, but I could hardly appreciate it. After they were done with the tray, another maid brought a single golden goblet, beautifully bejeweled to match his status. She placed it in front of him and poured out a full glass of thick, red blood till it filled the brim.

Victoria replied taking the goblet from her hands. Victoria sipped her drink but a bout of coughing had her bent over. Eva placed her Goblet on the table and rubbed Victoria’s back. Alex took the goblet from Victoria’s hand and placed it on the table. Alex placed his hand When Victoria gathered her bearings again, she was stunned; both the goblets were lying side by side. She would have panicked when she noticed the color of the drinks; one was scarlet red and the other was almost pink. She picked up the Goblet and drank it in a single draught. Then, she said to Eva, “It is your turn now.”

Close enough to speak, far enough to remind everyone who the true threat was. Almost instantly, a pair of servers appeared. One with a silver tray of glistening fruit; grapes, pomegranate, berries so ripe they looked like rubies. The other held two crystal goblets of wine, the liquid dark and sensual, like blood kissed by candlelight. They didn’t ask permission. They simply bowed, placed the offerings on the table before me, and left quickly. Theron didn’t look at them. I bet he didn't even have to. His voice was soft, but it sent a jolt down my spine.