Chapter Nineteen

Greta takes the liberty of escorting Leisel and me to dinner. It’s on the ground floor of the castle, in a room that looks more like a work of art than a place to use for meals. Every room in the castle—that I’ve seen so far—is a work of art. From the masterful paintings and colorful tapestries that decorate the walls, to the sculptures situated strategically, to the chandeliers and beautiful light fixtures. The dining hall is no exception.

The flooring is made of cream-colored marble and the walls are white stone. Along the walls are a collection of paintings depicting landscapes and solemn-looking rulers sitting with their families. In each corner of the room, there are statues of what appear to be gods atop marble plinths. The ceiling is high and vaulted, with a magnificent crystal chandelier that’s holding up floating orbs of light. Those orbs combined with the crystals hanging beneath them cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the room.

Camden sits at the head of a long table made of dark wood, situated in the center of the room, with Wyatt seated to his left. The room seems disproportionately large with only them, Leisel, and me inside, as does the spread of foreign-looking foods on the table that makes my mouth water. It’s been days since I’ve had anything substantial to eat, so even the sight and smell of such an elaborate meal has me drawn to it like a bee to sweet nectar.

Camden stands from his seat as Leisel and I appear in the stone arch entrance to the room, as does Wyatt. Camden looks me up and down with heated eyes, before offering me a sinfully attractive smile. The curl of his lips is somehow carnal and seductive, yet at the same time subdued. Like a wolf who’s choosing to be polite rather than pouncing on its prey. Dangerous, taut, ready to spring into action.

“Good evening,” he greets as I lead Leisel to the table. There are two seats with white and crystal-studded plates; one to the right of Camden, the other next to Wyatt.

“Evening,” I respond, settling Leisel in the seat beside mine. I then reach across the table to drag the placemat next to Wyatt in front of her, prompting him to let out a sigh. Dishware clatters with my abrupt gesture, and a crystal glass nearly tips over, making a clattering noise that echoes around the room.

“You look stunning,” Camden offers.

I don’t return the compliment, though he looks incredibly appealing in a charcoal-gray suit that perfectly molds to his body, managing to look elegant while drawing attention to his muscular frame. At the neck of his white shirt is a silk blue knot, matching the color of his eyes.

I take a seat next to Camden, lean back in the chair, and gaze at him steadily. He stares back at me, eyes running all over my face.

Softly, he says, “Let’s begin.”

I turn my attention to Leisel. “What looks good?”

She looks at each dish laid out in front of us, brows furrowed, probably because she’s unfamiliar with almost all of them. As she points to several different plates and bowls, I load measured portions of food onto her plate for her. By the time I’m done, it’s practically overflowing. I know Leisel probably won’t finish even a third of the food in front of her, but I can see the interest shining in her eyes as she looks over her selections.

Only once I’ve made sure she is satisfied with the contents of her plate do I load my own as an afterthought, barely paying it any attention. I feel Camden’s gaze on me as I move, staring at me as though my very existence enthralls him. As soon as I’ve finished serving myself, Camden picks up his silverware and cuts into a piece of grilled meat to begin the meal.

Seeing Leisel look at her plate with trepidation, probably overwhelmed at so many options, I encourage, “Go ahead, sweet girl.”

She picks up her fork and knife, gingerly cutting into her food. As soon as she puts the first bite in her mouth, her eyes widen, and she begins tucking into her choices with a renewed vigor, seeming to love each new thing she tries.

I likewise begin eating, nearly groaning as flavor bursts on my tongue. The spices seasoning each dish are exotic and delectable. Every bite I take is delicious, and I can almost feel myself regaining the strength I lost in the last two days while I was sleeping. I only had a bowl of soup when I woke up, feeling too queasy from my long sleep for more, but now I’m practically ravenous.

Camden pours red wine into my wineglass. “Try it. It goes well with the meat.”

Though my initial urge is to ignore his suggestion merely to be contrary, my curiosity gets the better of me. I reach for the wineglass, bringing it to my nose and inhaling notes of dark cherry and spice, before taking a small sip. As much as I dislike the fact, Camden’s right; it goes excellently with the food. It’s the best wine I’ve ever tasted—oaky, earthy, and spiced, neither too dry nor too rich. Of course, the only wine I’ve had before was the cheap kind I could afford in Aesara’s market.

“Good?” Camden asks.

I begrudgingly incline my head before returning to my meal. A tense silence descends on the four of us as we eat. I can tell Camden wants to speak, evidenced by his body language, but for some reason he refrains, opting for openly watching me. Wyatt vacillates between taking peeks at Leisel and focusing on his food.

After several moments, Wyatt addresses Leisel. “My brother told me you were asking about our library. Is that so?

Leisel glances at me for direction. I briefly fight an inner war, wondering if I should discourage her from speaking with Wyatt or encourage her. On one hand, I dislike Wyatt on principle; both because he’s a mythic and because my protective instincts towards Leisel innately demand that I have disdain for any of her suitors. Though I believe Camden was being honest when he said any affection Wyatt has for Leisel is currently brotherly or paternal, that of a protector and supporter, it’ll change to romantic in just a few short years, and that doesn’t sit well with me.

On the other hand, if Leisel and I are to stay here—build a life here—Leisel will need more than just me guiding her since I know little of this world. She needs someone more versed in mythics who will answer her questions, work in her best interest, and above all, protect her. I believe Wyatt would do any and all of those things.

I incline my head with approval, smiling at her, silently wondering how I’m going to keep myself sane in this new life we’ve been thrust into.

Leisel turns back to Wyatt, and says, “Yes.”

Wyatt gives her an easy smile, taking a sip of his drink. I can sense an undercurrent of pleasure from him; pleasure that she’s finally speaking to him.

“I’d be happy to show you once we’re done,” he tells her, before locking eyes with me. “You’re welcome to accompany us as well.”

I blink. “Was there ever any question that I’d be chaperoning?”

Surprising me, Wyatt laughs. I expected him to be irritated with my intervention—as he’s seemed so far when I’ve interfered in his dialogue with Leisel—instead, he seems to accept it easily. Maybe giving him some leeway is in my best interest. After all, if I’m to make any substantial changes, I’ll need both the Alpha and Beta behind me. Camden’s support will likely hinge on my acceptance of him, on how many proverbial bones I’m capable of throwing him. Wyatt, on the other hand, will be a bit trickier, especially since I haven’t made my distaste for him a secret.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a brief flash of movement come from nowhere that makes me stiffen. Then, abruptly, a newcomer comes into view at the end of the dining room table, appearing out of nowhere. He’s tall, though not as tall as Camden and Wyatt. His body is heavily muscled. His skin is fair to the point of paleness. And his eyes...fuck me, his eyes are blood red.

From what I’ve read, I know I’m facing a vampire—only they have red irises. And this one somehow managed to teleport into the castle and is taking the measure of everyone seated at the table, malice practically radiating from him.

Camden and Wyatt leap to their feet immediately. I stand, too, ready to jump into action to make sure Leisel’s safe. I grasp her wrist with my hand, pulling her from her seat and drawing her to me.

“Stop right there,” Camden commands, voice resounding with authority as he stares at the newcomer. His face hardens as he looks over the vampire with lethal intent. “Kyron,” he practically spits out.

The vampire’s gaze settles on Camden. “Alpha,” he says mockingly, making the word sound like a curse. “How’s Daddy dearest? Has he gotten over the loss of his mate yet?”

Two things click in my mind. First, Camden and Kyron obviously have history. Second, that history may consist of Kyron having something to do with the death of Camden’s mother—something I suspect from the mocking way he asked after her.

Camden’s nails lengthen into sharp, lethal-looking claws. “He’ll be far better now that her death will be avenged.”

Kyron shakes his head, wagging his finger that’s tipped with a black claw at Camden like one would at a silly toddler. Then his gaze turns to me. “I heard you and your brother had found your Fated Ones. Camden, I daresay I just might envy you. This one’s beautiful.”

The lustful glint in Kyron’s eyes angers me as much as it makes me uneasy. My heart pounds in my chest, my arms break out with goosebumps, and my thoughts are all geared toward protecting Leisel.

“But then, I also heard they’re humans, so my jealousy doesn’t extend too far,” Kyron goes on.

From my understanding, news that Leisel and I aren’t quite human has already circulated amongst shifters. However, it clearly hasn’t yet reached the vampire’s ears—possibly because most species avoid them like the plague they’re said to be.

“It was a mistake to appear here,” Camden growls. “One you won’t get a chance to repeat.”

In this moment, Camden is every inch the Alpha his people revere him as. Danger radiates off of him, and his sheer authority is palpable. I almost look forward to watching him take down Kyron, though I’m not sure how he will. Kyron’s sudden appearance indicates an ability to teleport. How does the royal family not have precautions against this?

“Oh, I’m not staying,” Kyron says easily, flicking his eyes around the room. “I just wished to stop by and pick something up.”

“What?” Wyatt practically barks.

The vampire’s eyes run over each of us briefly before settling on Leisel. “Leverage.”

My breath escapes me in a gasp as Kyron vanishes, reappears in front of Leisel, wraps his arm around her, and teleports back to the other side of the room, making her disappear from my grasp. Leisel struggles against him, wriggling in his grip but to no avail. She cries out my name, and everything within me demands action as my heart shrivels with fear. It feels like ice is injected into my veins as I watch the only person I care about in this world trapped in the arms of a monster.

Wyatt roars, “Let her go!”

We both start for Kyron at the same time, which prompts the vampire to hold one of his sharp black claws up to her delicate neck. “Steady,” he says. “Move and she dies.” With a happy sigh he adds, “Gods, killing humans makes for such good sport.”

I freeze in place barely noticing that Wyatt also stops moving, taking Kyron’s threat as seriously as I do. Panic overwhelms me, making my breathing turn shallow. Leisel’s the only family I have left; I can’t lose her. I wouldn’t survive it. She is everything good in this world—without her, all the light in my life will disappear. I won’t want to go on. From the moment of her birth, I’ve been her protector, I’ve raised her as my daughter. She’s everything to me.

On the heels of my soul-deep fear comes a burst of anger so acute it makes my vision go red. The vampire is threatening my sister. My sister.

I want him dead. I want to wipe him from his miserable existence—I want to destroy him for endangering the most precious person in the world to me.

His eyes locked with mine and a cruel smile curves Kyron’s thin lips as he looks me up and down with a lascivious glint in his eyes.

“The future queen of the mutts,” he says, drawing his gaze leisurely over my body. “You’ll be a lovely asset to us.”

That’s when I realize that, though Kyron is holding Leisel, she’s not his real target. His real target is me. He probably grabbed her first in a ploy to make me complacent; to make me desperate to do anything, as long as it keeps Leisel safe. It wouldn’t have been difficult to discern that she’s my sister whom I love dearly; something he could’ve gathered just from how I reached for her immediately in response to his appearance. As to why he’d go through the effort of taking her first, I can only assume he’s enjoying playing with his food.

“She won’t be shit to you,” Camden growls.

“Shut the fuck up!” I snap at him, not wanting any distractions. To the vampire, I say, “You’re right—I’m far more valuable than the girl. Take me instead of her.”

Kyron tilts his head, his smile widening. “A martyr,” he says, sounding delighted. “How exciting. I accept your deal, little human. Walk over to me, and you have my word I’ll release the girl.”

“Sierra, don’t you dare,” Camden snaps, reaching for me with an outstretched hand. I evade him with ease, disregarding him entirely as I take slow measured steps towards Kyron. Camden doesn’t advance any further, likely because he believes that Kyron will rip Leisel’s throat out if anyone makes a wrong move, in which case I will find a way to kill everyone in this room. My sanity very much hinges on Leisel’s vitality.

I don’t trust Kyron’s word on letting Leisel go, but at least I’ll be able to shield her if I’m close. The need to kill him burns as hotly as the fire that lives within me—nobody who threatens Leisel can be allowed to live.

“Anything you want is yours for the taking,” Camden says to the vampire, a note of desperation in his voice. I can feel that he’ll do anything to protect me—something that only pisses me off at the moment because I can’t have any distractions while I end the vampire who had the fucking gall to target my sister. “Just leave my mate be.”

“I want her,” the vampire drawls, nodding to me. “The Queen. I’ll leave you in peace today, if you give her to me.”

“Over my dead fucking body,” Camden snarls.

I step farther away from his reach, ignoring him altogether, crossing slowly over to the vampire, ignoring the threats and warnings Camden throws at me to stay in place. I will give up my life before endangering Leisel, but I have no intention of letting the vampire live long enough to take me anywhere.

I cross to him in several steps. He eyes my body with obvious appreciation, before offering me a magnanimous smile as he releases Leisel with a small push.

“Go to Wyatt,” I command her. I may not trust the Beta in general, but I do trust him to keep her safe—he’ll be compelled to by the bond between them.

Leisel, knowing better than to argue, complies, just as the vampire bands an arm around my waist and pulls my back flush to his front, holding me so tightly I know his hand will leave a substantial bruise.

“I’m going to enjoy fucking your woman,” he tells Camden. “And if you try to inhibit my kind in any way, know that she will die.”

Done with this shit, I say quietly, “Oh, you silly creature.” I put one of my hands on top of his arm that holds me in place. “If you think you’re taking me with you, think again.”

The vampire has the nerve to chuckle, enraging me even further. “What are you going to do, little human? You deign to overpower me?”

“Overpower?” I echo softly. “Of course not. You hurt Leisel. That means you can’t be allowed to live.”

I draw forward the flame within me until it’s just shy of coming out—resting right beneath the surface of my skin, its power causing pinpricks of anticipation to break out all along my body.

“I have a word of advice for you, vampire,” I say, keeping my tone mild. “Though it won’t be very useful, since your clock’s just about run out. Before trying to take a hostage, make sure you know their species.”

I’ve never taken a life before, but the need to kill the vampire is so overpowering that I can think of nothing else. Before Kyron can respond, teleport me away, or even twitch a muscle, I let loose my black flame. Both my hands light up instantly, covered in a magnificent gold and black fire. It crackles and pops and hisses aggressively, attacking the vampire with a vehemence that startles me. The fire shoots from my hand to his arms, rapidly spreading to his chest, and then to the rest of him. I step out of his grasp with ease as he recoils, hissing.

He barely has a chance to yell before the flame kills him. No, not kills, consumes. It covers every inch of his skin, and within two seconds, he’s gone—nothing left in his place. Not even ashes. That’s what makes my golden-and-black fire so dangerous; it doesn’t just burn, it annihilates, rarely leaving anything behind to prove it was ever there. That’s why I worked so hard in my youth to learn how to control it—it’s possibly the most dangerous magical power in existence. Really, it’s more of a curse.

My hand is still alight with the flickering dancing fire. I suck in a deep breath, withdrawing my magic, watching as the flame slowly winks out, disappearing back into me.

Leisel promptly runs up to me, jumping into my arms. I hold her tightly to me, closing my eyes and kissing the crown of her head repeatedly, still shaking from the fear of nearly losing her. Though my flame is no longer covering my skin, it’s still just below the surface. My riling emotions make it difficult to contain.

I set Leisel on her feet, sink the floor in front of her, and look her over, grasping her shoulders with unsteady hands. “Are you alright?” I ask her in a shaky voice.

There’s a red imprint of a hand on her arm and a pink scratch on her neck left by the vampire, but other than that, she appears unharmed.

She nods, throwing her arms around me again. Her small frame trembles from fear, and that alone tugs at my heart.

I hate that she had to watch me kill. What really frightens me, however, is the fact that killing the vampire seemed like the most logical thing in the world. He was threatening the only person I have any regard for, so the fact that he had to die was no more than a mathematical equation in my mind.

“Sierra,” Camden says softly, “that was…remarkable.”

“That was survival,” I respond, trying to calm myself, lest my flame appear unsummoned.

“Are you okay?” Wyatt asks Leisel. She glances at him over her shoulder, nods, and then returns her face to the crook of my neck.

I hold her close, breathing in her scent, assuring myself that she’s alive and safe in my arms. Assuring myself that no matter what, I’ll always make sure she’s protected.

After several minutes, once I’ve at least somewhat calmed, I release Leisel. She appears to be calming down quicker than I am; she’s no longer shaking, trembling, or hyperventilating. Instead, she’s looking at me like I’m her savior.

I tuck her hair behind her ear. “Let’s get you back to your room, sweet girl.”

“Sierra, we need to talk,” Camden says, approaching me.

I hold up a hand that stops in his tracks and give him a venomous look as I stand. “Yes, we do.”

We need to discuss why in the ever-loving fuck Camden didn’t have preternatural security measures in place for instances like this. From what I’ve read, though teleportation is rare, it’s not unheard of, and the King of all people should’ve been prepared.

I believe I recall reading about wards against teleportation in one of the books passed down from my mother, which I intend to carve into the castle walls—even if I have to do it with nothing but my nails. I’ll never put Leisel in such a position again, especially while she’s so young and vulnerable. If I hadn’t been here… I can’t allow myself to imagine an alternative or my flame just might pop back up. As soon as I get Leisel back to her room, I will search through my books to find the wards. At the very least, our rooms will be shielded before long—the rest of the castle be damned.

Camden’s eyebrows raise slightly in surprise at my harsh tone. He quickly schools his expression, and tells me, “I’ll come for you in half an hour. We’ll speak then.”