Zev could see the head now. It was round like a swollen bulb, but the strands at the top were frayed as if some of the twine was embedded within the head and stuck out like spiked hair. The blood continued to fill the strands so that it doubled, then tripled in size. The three women stepped away from the circle, and again the creature swung its head toward them. They froze halfway to the door.
How do we get rid of it? Zev asked. He used the common Carpathian path of communication, rather than his private one with Branislava.
I’m trying to think. I’ve seen this before, but only once. The tension in her voice indicated the creature was extremely dangerous. No one talk or make a move. It’s lightning fast. You won’t be able to outrun it. Tatijana, do you remember?
No. No, I don’t. There was terror in Tatijana’s voice, so much so that Zev feared Fen wouldn’t be able to stop himself from going to her. He must have said something privately to her because some of the fear on her face eased.
It’s okay, Branislava said to her sister. I’ll figure it out. I just need a minute.
Zev detested the fear in Branislava’s voice. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold her safe, to keep her from having to deal with mage magic and blood and death. She’d had enough of such things in her childhood and the years that followed, trapped as she was in dragon form watching an endless parade of tortures.
Branka, you can remember. Your fear is a childlike fear. Go back to those days. That is where you will find the memory.
He realized the moment he gave her the information that she already knew it. She didn’t want to remember. Whatever memory was associated with the wormlike blood-filled creature, had been traumatizing and she didn’t want to recall it.
I’m sorry, mon chaton féroce. I should have known better. I’m with you this time. You won’t face it alone.
He might not be able to fight the thing physically, but he could stand in front of her.
Branislava shut herself off from the rest of them, but not Zev. She sank into his mind, merged deeply with him, drawing on his strength. He was a rock, a steady anchor, and she knew she could count on him to keep her just as steady.
Tatijana and Branislava had turned ten. Xavier had let them out of their dragon forms as an unexpected birthday present. Xaviero and Xayvion had arrived with packages wrapped in brown paper and twine.
We both were so happy to be in our natural forms that we ran around, holding hands, just grateful for the opportunity.
They wanted their father to see them as something other than objects to feed on. He understood how they must have latched on to any kindness from him, needing to hope.
Every time he seemed to make an effort, we put blinders on and fell for it. There was a birthday cake. And presents. Xavier had us sit in the center of the room on the floor. He said he wanted to watch us open our presents.
He felt her give a mental shudder. Her body was tense, the memories affecting her physically. She was nauseated and fighting it. Still, she had the control to remain still.
First, he had a special surprise. He brought in our only friend. He was thirteen, a mage and apprentice. He was always kind to us. He sneaked food to us and would talk about the world outside.
Zev’s stomach lurched. He feared what would come next. Branislava was pale. She looked lost. Look at me, Branka. Only at me. No one is moving. That thing has no target. Just keep looking into my eyes.
Her gaze jumped to his. He felt the impact of her green eyes. Two jewels pressed into a stark white face. Her red-gold lashes stood out against her pale skin.
His name was Jules and he sat between us, right where Xavier told him to. He brought us a present as well.
There was a hitch in her voice and tears burned in her eyes. He surrounded her with warmth and love, the only thing he could do when he couldn’t physically hold her.
We opened his gift first. He gave us bracelets he’d made himself.
Don’t! He said it sharply, knowing she was about to rub her wrist where she’d first put the bracelet. He felt her involuntary movement start in her mind.
Branislava drew herself up sharply mentally. She had to keep it together. If Zev hadn’t stopped her she would have drawn the attention of the blood worm and it would have attacked. Already it had grown more, feasting on the blood of the dead man.
Tell me, Branka, but you don’t have to remember anything but the way to kill this thing.
She wanted that to be the truth. She stayed drowning in his eyes. He had beautiful eyes. Calm. Steady. There was never panic in him. She wondered how such a man had come to be. Still, she had no choice but to remember the sequence of events, because she had to see Xaviero in the background as he cast the spell upon the twine and then later, destroyed his blood worm.