Chapter 24

Chapter

Twenty-Four

I know it hasn't been long, but it feels like an eternity since I've been in the penthouse. A big bonus to having a vampire for a boyfriend is faster transportation. Mesmerizing doesn't scare me like it used to, and I actually find it convenient. One second, I'm standing in his bedroom, and the next, I'm in mine.

I see his eyes go to my bed almost longingly. Unfortunately sunrise is close, and it would be better if he didn't stay. Still, I find it sweet that he insists on escorting me to my family. I don't know what dangers he thinks might await in the confrontation, but I'm not worried. I am, however, glad for his company.

As we leave my bedroom, I'm immediately hit with the scent of flowers—roses, lilies, gardenias. Crystal vases and gilded urns are everywhere. Each one looks as if it is trying to outdo the rest. They're arranged in intricate, almost otherworldly displays. It's overwhelming, and a little surreal.

"What is all this?" I ask Costin. "The last time I saw this many flowers was... never mind."

I stop short of saying a funeral. I don't want to think of death right now. There has been too much of it.

He moves to pull a card from a vase of flowers and looks at it.

"They're for you," Astrid's voice comes from the living room as she appears on the opposite side of the flowers. "They're gifts from the creatures who reside in the underground city. Apparently, news of you two's little adventure has spread. Hello, Constantine."

"Lady Astrid," he answers.

I take a step forward, inching my way through the flower path.

"And not just flowers." Astrid is holding a drink in one hand and points to a stack of boxes with the other. Two maids carry boxes toward a table that has been set up in the living room. Unwrapped presents are piled at one end. "We have jewelry boxes, rare stones, potions, handwritten notes—some in languages I can't even read."

"They're thanking me?" I ask softly, more to myself than to them .

"For saving them." Costin appears on the other side of the flowers before I make it across. "For saving all of us."

"Thank you cards will have to be written. We're making a list." Astrid sighs. "We can't keep half of this stuff here. We'll have to transport it to the estate. Some of it is too dangerous."

Costin offers his hand like a gentleman as I step nearer. I take his hand, letting him unnecessarily guide me out of the floral maze. I'm grateful for his presence. It seems to keep Astrid on her better behavior.

"Let me see you. What are you wearing?" Astrid orders with a wrinkle of her nose.

Or maybe not.

I glance down at the clothes Costin gave me to wear. I didn't ask where he got it because, quite frankly, I didn't want to know. The white one-piece jumpsuit looks like something that came out of the disco era. I shrug. I'm pretty sure she would prefer this to the scorched, torn, dirt-covered ensemble I had on after the labyrinth and dragon battle.

Upon full examination of me, Astrid's attention instantly goes to the amulet around my neck. "Is that the same stone?"

I nod.

Costin gives me a questioning look, as if he expects me to say more. When I don't, he takes it upon himself to do it for me. "Tamara completed the labyrinth and repaired her talisman."

I glance at Costin, and he meets my gaze with pride in his eyes. Astrid makes a weak noise and waves her hand like she's unable to discuss it.

"Constantine, will you be staying?" Astrid inquires, giving a pointed glance at the floor-to-ceiling windows. "I'm afraid our guest room is not set up for vampires."

Through the windows, I see the sky is just beginning to lighten, casting faint shades of pink and orange over the skyline. The sun is coming, and I know what that means for him.

"Perhaps there's a coat closet where you might feel comfortable hiding from the sunlight," Astrid offers.

I give Costin an apologetic look. It doesn't seem to bother him.

"Thank you for the kind offer," he says, matching the forced politeness in her tone. "But you are right. It is almost sunrise, and I should get back to safety."

He turns to me and takes my hands in his. I can tell he doesn't want to leave me.

"I know," I whisper, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest. "Go."

Costin hesitates, his gaze sweeping over the flowers and gifts. His attention stops on the stacks of messages littering the coffee table. His eyes narrow slightly before coming back to rest on me.

"I'll be back for you tonight at dusk," he promises.

Before I can answer, he leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead. It lingers briefly, like a promise, and then he's gone.

"Tamara," Astrid's tone instantly changes now that he's left. She comes at me, shaking her head. "What on earth are you thinking?"

"I'm sorry," I defend. "I should have told you about the prophecy, but I didn't want you to worry. I swear to you I didn't have a choice. Grandfather George did not learn about the threat of the dragon until after he gave me the amulet, and it was too late. And I think he was going to tell us about it, but then he died and never got the chance. Costin knew about it so he came with me, and we had to go to see a troll and?—"

"Tamara, stop babbling." Astrid finishes her martini and holds her empty glass out to the side. One of the maids rushes to grab it from her. My mother doesn't look at the woman, not even to thank her. "Yes, I'm not pleased about the prophecy. And yes, you should have told us. It was embarrassing to find out about it by a bouquet of goblins delivering flowers. However, that is a conversation for another time."

I'm confused. "I don't understand. Am I in trouble?"

I mean, I kind of assumed that I would be, but if she's okay with the prophecy, then what is this about? Surely she's not pissed that people are giving me gifts. Honestly, I'm more annoyed because I'm the one who's going to have to fill out ten billion thank you cards.

"Today is the worst possible day to deal with any of this. Your father left for Europe last night to personally oversee a shipment of iron weaponry. Chester and his family know you're in a supernatural city with a vampire. Fairies saw you two kissing. Those gossip whores told everybody. I thought we talked about this. You were to end it with him until a later date. And always, always, you must act with discretion." Astrid pauses as the maid returns with a fresh martini and hands it to her. My mother takes a sip and wrinkles her nose before handing it back. "More liquor, Rosemary. I want to taste the gin, not just guess that it's there."

Rosemary takes the glass and rushes away. It's not the maid's fault. My mother gets like this when she's annoyed. It's one of the reasons why there's a heavy turnover with the New York penthouse staff.

"Mabel, with her usual lack of etiquette and foresight, told the ladies at her club about her son's engagement. Any imbecile knows you don't make announcements before the ink is dry on the contracts. But thinking has never been your future mother-in-law's strong suit."

"About Chester," I try to interrupt.

"Don't worry." Astrid pats me on the shoulders. "The Freemonts will be here first thing this morning. Chester is a man, and about as bright as his mother. Men are easy. Play dumb about the rumors. Don't admit to any wrongdoing. Bat your eyelashes, stroke his ego, and make him feel like a man."

Gross.

"I'm more concerned about his father. I just know that he's going to use this to renegotiate some of the contract's terms. I've asked your uncle Mortimer to join us as well." Astrid stops as the maid returns with a fresh drink. She gives it a light sniff and then nods in approval. Rosemary looks only too happy to return to the gift table. "I don't want you to worry. This will all get straightened out. But afterward, you and I are going to sit down, and we're going to have a talk about what discretion means."

I catch her staring at my clothes again. Her nose wrinkles, and she shakes her head. "There is no time for you to change. They're going to be here soon. When this is over, though, I want you to burn that outfit. I never want to see it again."

I really wish Costin would come back. I should never have left his room. I would much rather lay in his arms, feeling his kisses lingering on my skin.

The elevator dings. Astrid busies herself, heading toward it. Delivery people bring in more boxes, and she directs them to add them to the stack.

Though I tell myself, I'm not really surprised. This is what I expected. Well, that is what I expected, minus the flower garden and presents.

"I think we should talk before everyone gets here." I follow my mother, and she gestures for me to be quiet as she waits for the delivery people to leave.

As soon as the elevator closes, Rosemary says, "That was the front desk, Lady Astrid. Mortimer is on his way up."

"Yes, yes, thank you." Astrid looks around the room in a complete fluster. "Oh, this mess!"

She's not stopping to listen to me. I suppose it's best if I make my case to everybody at the same time. It'll save me from repeating myself all morning to people who don't want to listen.

It's not long before the elevator dings again, and I hear the doors sliding open.

"Ladies," Mortimer states by way of greeting.

I don't turn around as I hear the distinct sound of footsteps entering the foyer. They're deliberate, as if my uncle wants me to know his displeasure before he even begins his tirade .

I turned slowly to face him and realize he's not alone. Chester is with him.

Fuck.

Mortimer looks around the penthouse, his face set in his customary scowl of disapproval. He glares at the sight of the flowers and gifts that crowd the room.

Chester's expression closely matches my uncle's. Only his face is flushed and tight with anger. His eyes narrow when he looks at me. I think it's safe to say that he did not come here to celebrate my survival.

The intercom buzzes to indicate that the front desk is calling again, and Rosemary disappears to answer it.

"I don't suppose these are engagement gifts?" Mortimer almost sounds hopeful.

"No," I say. "They are thank you gifts for me."

"Right," Mortimer drawls. He looks at my amulet, unable to contain his scowl.

I cross my arms, already feeling the tension gathering in my stomach. I've had enough of Mortimer's superiority to fill a lifetime. "If you have something to say, just say it, Uncle Mortimer."

"Zephronis is on his way up," Rosemary announces.

The news seems to spark Mortimer into action. He approaches me and grabs my arm to escort me several feet away. I'm not sure why he bothers with trying to give the conversation privacy. When he speaks, his tone is loud and annoying. "What is this I hear about how you've been spending your time? I thought we were clear. You were to end it with the vampire. That cannot happen."

Astrid frowns and looks almost embarrassed. Chester smirks and gives me a superior look.

"Uncle Mortimer!" Anthony appears and stops at the sea of flowers. His easy smile is meant to defuse the tense situation. "I wasn't told we had company."

My brother is pale but determined to look at ease. He's clearly still recovering. Considering he'd been imprisoned and drained in the labyrinth as one of my trials and then had to outrun a dragon while caving in a tunnel with every bit of magic he had left, he looks remarkably well. It's good to see him standing upright. He crosses the flower maze, his steps careful and measured, but his gaze never leaves mine.

My brother looks at Chester and belatedly greets the annoying man with a monotone, "Chester."

"Anthony," Chester returns just as unenthusiastically.

"Anthony, sit," our mother orders as she urges the maids to clear more room for the guests.

Anthony ignores her, instead choosing to come by me. He drops his arm around my shoulder in support. He leans against me a little heavier than usual as if needing me to stay on his feet.

"Uncle Mortimer," Anthony says. "What brings you here so early? Did you come to congratulate Tamara on completing the labyrinth? It's quite an accomplishment, wouldn't you say? Not many mortals can make the same claim."

Mortimer appears flustered. "Yes, yes, of course. Well done, Tamara."

"Chester, did you congratulate my sister?" Anthony presses. I see his lips curl mischievously, and I give him a slight nudge on the side to tell him to stop. "She saved the world. Not many people can brag that they defeated an ancient fire dragon."

He might be taunting Chester, but I see the respect in my brother's eyes when he looks at me. He's proud of me.

When Chester doesn't congratulate me, Anthony pulls me into a half hug. "You did good, sis. Really good."

The elevator dings again, and we all turn to greet the wizard. The door is open, but the inside is empty.

"Zephronis?" Mortimer calls out, going to look inside. He frowns, shaking his head.

"It's nothing," Astrid dismisses. "Don't worry about it."

"Tamara, if we may have a word." Chester steps forward, and I'm immediately struck by the desperation in his movements. "In private."

"Ah, come on, ole chap," Anthony denies him. "No side parties."

Chester's hands clench at his sides, and his face is flushed an unhealthy red. His breath comes in shallow, angry bursts. He's barely holding himself together.

Anthony steers me away from him toward the couch. I duck my head and suppress a laugh.

"You didn't think I'd leave you to face the wolves alone, did you?" Anthony whispers.

I slowly lower next to him on the couch, supporting his weight. He lets out a small sigh of relief to be off his feet.

"You should be resting," I say under my breath.

"And let you have all the fun?" Anthony chuckles. "Not a chance."

The elevators open, and Mortimer's tone becomes overly formal as he announces, "Ah, there he is. Greetings Zephronis. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us."

Mortimer reaches into his pocket and pulls out paperwork.

"I have the new contracts right here," Mortimer says.

Zephronis shuffles into the living room. His presence commands attention, though he doesn't say a word. His dark robes flow as if they're made of shadows. His purple gaze locks onto mine, and then he shifts his attention to Mortimer and Chester, who are already on the offensive.

I stand and cross my arms over my chest. "Zephronis, thank you for coming."

Astrid nods at me in approval. I don't expect that expression to last long.

I take a deep breath and prepare myself for the fight that is to come. "Though I'm afraid it might be a wasted trip. I was just about to explain to everyone that I have no intentions of getting married. I'm sorry if we've wasted your time."

Anthony tries to hide a soft laugh and fails.

"Nonsense. You can't do that." Chester's voice is frantic. "You can't just call off the engagement now. We've already told people. I've already made plans. This alliance was supposed to?—"

"Supposed to what?" I cut him off, unfolding my arms and stepping toward him. "Get your mother off your back about grandchildren? Get your mistresses to stop pressuring you to make them honest women?"

"Tamara," Astrid warns.

I ignore her as I keep going. It's stupid, maybe, but it feels good. "Secure your place in whatever world Mortimer's been trying to force on me? I never agreed to this, Chester. I never wanted to marry you. And you know it."

Chester's eyes flash, and he takes another step toward me, the anger spilling over. "Oh, like you're a prize. This isn't just about what you want, Tamara. This is about our families. About power. You can't just walk away from this like it means nothing. You will not make me look like a fool! When we are married, you will learn your place?—"

"You're embarrassing yourself," I snap back, my voice cutting over the room.

Before Chester can respond, Zephronis steps forward with an unsettling calm. I feel a rush of energy commanding our attention. The wizard's movements are slow and deliberate, as though the world must bend its will to his.

"The engagement cannot be sealed," Zephronis declares, each word precise, like a judge handing down the final sentence.

"But," Mortimer protests, "she doesn't know what she's saying. She's just nervous. Marriage is a big step for a mortal."

Zephronis turns his gaze to Mortimer. "It is impossible."

The room goes still.

Anthony nudges my leg and winks at me.

"W-What do you mean, impossible?" Chester sputters with shock. "You said everything was ready. Plans have been made. Agreements reached. You said?—"

"I said nothing," Zephronis cuts him off, his eyes flicking to Chester with a hint of annoyance. "You were never in control of this situation."

Chester stares, open-mouthed, struggling to process what's just been decreed. "But... but I already told people!"

Mortimer pushes Chester aside and takes a step forward. Zephronis turns his full attention to him.

Though it's clear he does not like what's happening, my uncle's tone is more respectful of the wizard. "Zephronis, there must be something we can say to change your mind. My premonitions were clear."

"There is not." Zephronis's expression is unchanging. He doesn't raise his voice, and he doesn't deign to explain himself. His decision has been made, and no amount of protest will change it. Something in his tone silences any further argument.

I watch Mortimer's resolve crumble under the weight of the wizard's authority. His lips press into a thin line. My uncle, despite his power and status, stands no chance against one so revered and powerful. He lowers his gaze, barely managing a frustrated exhale. "So shall it be."

"But—" Chester protests .

"It's over." Mortimer turns to Chester, his jaw tight. "The engagement is off."

Chester's face turns a deeper shade of red, and his fists clench so tightly that his knuckles turn white. He shakes violently, teetering on the edge of a full-blown tantrum. "This is ridiculous. You will be hearing from the tribunal."

It's all bluster. There is no way the tribunal would go against a wizard. From what I know of them, half the tribunal is probably made up of wizards.

"Perhaps you should see yourself out," Astrid states calmly. "Give my regards to your parents."

Chester doesn't move to leave. Mortimer's hand clamps down on his shoulder, pulling him back with surprising force.

"Good day, Chester," Mortimer says, his voice low but sharp. He leads him forcibly to the elevator. "This matter is settled. Tell your father I expect the paperwork for that other thing we talked about in the next few days."

Chester seems to deflate, his anger turning to a simmering frustration. "If you think we're still making that deal?—"

The elevator closes and cuts off his threat.

I can't say I'm surprised that Mortimer would have made some kind of side deal connected to all of this. At this point, I honestly don't care what it was. I'm not engaged to a creep. This day is looking up.

"That was unpleasant." Astrid takes a drink and rubs her temple.

Zephronis comes toward me.

"Thank you." I reach to take his hand. I can't begin to convey how grateful I am for his unexpected support against marrying Chester.

"The alliance could not happen now." He turns my palm to study the lines. Then, balling my fist, he taps it lightly before letting go. His eyes glow as he looks at the amulet. "I was not sure you would survive. I am glad to see you prevailed."

"I'm just glad it's over." I give a nervous laugh. "I'm ready for some peace and quiet."

The wizard looks at me with pity.

I want to ask about it, but Mortimer demands suddenly, "What are you doing here?"

We all turn to him in surprise.

Elder Leviathan appears gingerly, carrying a small satchel in both hands. The necromancer is in a dark, floor-length cloak with openings for two black sleeves. The last time I saw him was at my birthday party. He gave me a creepy ring shaped like an eyeball. Apparently, they're the underworld's version of a spy cam. I have it wrapped in a washcloth and shoved deep in a drawer where there is no chance of him spying on me. If it were anyone else, I'd have declined it, but when an elder from the Sacred Delegation gives a present, the recipient should know better than to refuse.

"Was that you in the elevator before?" Mortimer asks.

"Yes, apologies for the distraction. It's best to sneak up on the restless, and I wanted to pick this one up before it recovered from the energy drain." Leviathan answers with a small lift of his satchel. "Sorry for the intrusion. This one won't be giving you any more trouble."

I move toward him. "Is that…?"

"One vengeful spirit," Leviathan answers. He looks at the elevator. "Mortimer, if you wouldn't mind?"

"Of course," Mortimer calls up the elevator for the necromancer.

"Conrad?" Anthony asks, pushing from the couch. "I want to see him."

"Anthony don't strain yourself," Astrid orders. She waves at Leviathan to bring the satchel forward.

The necromancer carries the bag and sets it on the table beside my presents. Gingerly, he opens it and reaches inside. A red glow flashes and reflects off his face as he lifts a large, round crystal. Streaks of red dart around inside it, bouncing off the walls of the prison. I stare into the crystal's depths and get a glimpse of Conrad's face. It's like a reflection, temporarily flashing against the circular edge.

The elevator dings and Mortimer rushes over to hold the door open.

"That's enough." Astrid motions for Leviathan to put my brother back in the bag. "Please get it out of here."

Guilt fills me to see him like this, but I don't know what else we can do with him. At least he can't hurt anyone.

"Oh, Conrad," Anthony whispers with a shake of his head.

"I'll walk you out." Zephronis joins the necromancer. He frowns as he looks at the bag and then puts a little more distance between them. "That's an angry one. You'll want to be careful with him."

"I have just the place for him. He'll have plenty of company." Leviathan grins in excitement. "I'm lucky his energy is drained. Otherwise, he could have done some real damage."

I sit beside Anthony and reach to take his hand. He gives me a sad smile.

We wait in silence until they leave.

Goodbye, Conrad.

I know I should feel relief that the haunting is over, but it all just makes me sad.

"I think it's time for that family meeting," Astrid states. "Just as soon as I get another drink. "

Mortimer gives me a long, hard look but says nothing. He crosses to a chair and falls into a seat with a big sigh. He pulls at his necktie. To no one in particular, he says, "Bring me a bourbon."

Anthony gives a small clap of his hands. "Any chance Howard has coffee on?"

"I'll check," Rosemary said. The maids were so quiet I'd forgotten they watched the family drama.

"Here. Sort through these." Astrid hands me a stack of messages. "I suppose we should have Constantine over for dinner soon. I need to call the country estate and have them deliver some of the blood he likes. I'll have to check your father's schedule."

Astrid disappears into her flurry of plans.

My eyes skim over the notes and the names of the creatures who sent them, all thanking me for what I did. But then, a pink slip used by the front desk to take messages catches my eye. Everyone else sent fancy stationery or old parchment. I drop the other cards on the couch next to me.

"Miss Devine. A human man came by asking about you. He didn't leave a name," the message reads.

I glance nervously at Anthony, who seems more interested in watching for coffee.

I again look at the message.

Anthony suddenly snatches it from me. He wads it up and throws it on the floor next to empty boxes. "Stupid reporters. The front desk sends me these ominous messages all the time. They're always trying to do investigative pieces on the family. If they only knew the half of it, eh?"

I give a weak nod.

"Ignore them if you can, but if they ask about anything supernatural, the family lawyers will take care of it," Anthony continues.

I know all this, but I let him talk. I sense his need to fill the silence. Otherwise, we'd be watching Uncle Mortimer pout and grumble over the failure of his plans.

Rosemary brings my uncle's drink before handing Anthony a coffee. Astrid reappears with a refill and orders the maid to give us privacy.

"Promise me, Tamara, that you will not let Constantine turn you into a vampire," Astrid states. "If you insist on continuing that affair, I must require that promise. Vampires can be very seductive, but they aren't like us."

I touch the amulet. To transform means to die. I'm not sure he could change me unless I take the necklace off again. "I have no plans to do so."

"Good." Astrid gracefully takes a seat and shoots Anthony and me a severe stare. I feel as if we're two little kids in trouble. "All right, you two. Start talking. Tell us everything."