Vampire Girl 3: Silver Flame(73)

"I suppose you will," says Fenris. Then he walks away, slamming the door behind him.

Dean shrugs, and we decide the meeting is over. I leave the warm room, passing the great hall on my way. Slaves toil with stone and wood, working to rebuild the ruined wall. It will take months of work, but I notice even vampires helping with the repairs. Perhaps they will speed the process.

Once I am in my chambers, I sit down on my bed, and pull of my suit. It is far too tight for my liking. I much prefer the feel of armor.

I put on a simple white shirt instead, and then I see her.

She materializes from mist in my window. Her skin is dark. Her blue tattoos shimmering in the moonlight. "Your plan worked," says Metsi. "Arianna and Levi are now under my power."

I grin and wink at her. "I knew you’d find a way to take advantage of the chaos."

"She is with child," says Metis.

This is news. "Good. Then we shall raise the next Midnight Star together."

"And the Fae shall be free once more."

"Yes…" I say, reclining in the soft bed. Too soft for my taste. "And all will be set right." I look back at the window, and see that Metsi is gone. Good. I dreaded a longer conversation. And besides, I have other important matters.

The night grows darker, and I leave my chambers, descending deep into the castle. I push a stone on a wall, and open a passage so ancient even Fenris doesn’t know of it; he wasn’t yet born during its making. Then I descend the spiral steps, deep into the bowels of the earth, until I reach a dark chamber, where torches cast wonderful shadows.

And there, in the center, a man sits on his knees, his arms stretched out and held up by chains.

There is the real Asher.

He looks up at me, his eyes sunken, his lip bloody. "You will not keep me here forever. I will escape. And when I do, father, I will end your life."

I laugh, dropping my illusion, and examine my own hands. Lucian’s hands. It is good to be myself again, even if just for a while.

I step forward and take a tray of meat and cheeses from the floor and place it before Asher. "One day, my son, you will understand the reasons for what I do. And you will thank me."

He spits in my face.

I wipe away the phlegm and blood and turn to leave. One day, he will understand, and he will ask for forgiveness. The pieces are falling into place. And soon, the power of the Primal One, shall be mine.