Yasmine Galenorn - Night Seeker

I pressed my lips together and shook my head. Then, finding my voice again, I said, “Influence, yes, but controlling government, not so much. But I spent most of my life in bigger cities, on the run with my mother. Remember-I had as little to do with authority as possible.”

Lannan, Regina, and Ysandra stared at me, then shook their heads and went back to discussing politics. I sidled away, moving next to Luna and Zoey.

Zoey had a strange look on her face. “This is why we keep our records,” she said softly. “This petty bickering over who controls what. They’d all be surprised if they would read some of the records in the great halls of the Akazzani fortress. There are older powers than both the Vampire Nation and the Consortium at work in this world. And no, I’m not talking about the Fae.”

I glanced at her, wanting to ask her more, but at that moment Wrath returned. At his side marched Lainule, and behind them, the contingent of Fae.

They were solemn, looking neither right nor left, as they spread out in two lines behind their King and Queen. As I gazed at them, my heart soared, a surge of pride racing through me. I realized I was beginning to identify with my Fae nature more and more.

Lannan looked at the Fae, then at the magic-born. “We might as well move to the bigger chamber and bring in my men as well. It’s time to talk strategy so we don’t all end up shooting each other by mistake.” And with that, he and Regina led the way and we filed out of the rapidly filling room and into one of the ballrooms where we could spread out and discuss plans.

The next hour was a flurry of consulting with Lannan, Regina, Lainule and Wrath, Ysandra, and my own group. The warriors-Fae, vampires, and magic-born-stood at attention, listening and keeping quiet so that everyone could hear us.

We argued, mostly about where to post the guards. Lannan still wanted to cover every door, but neither Wrath nor I thought it practical. Finally, we agreed on covering the main entrances, securing the side doors, and keeping lookouts armed with cell phones on the roof so they could call us with any developments.

I glanced over at the Fae warriors. Their obsidian blades still called to me. Wrath caught my look. “You dare not take your blade into battle-look at what happened with the fan.”

Lainule frowned. “What are you talking about, my husband?”

Wrath stared at me and-reluctantly-I explained the hold the blade had over me. Lainule forced a cold smile to her face. “It gives her an edge. And any edge over Myst…”

“You cannot be serious, my wife. It puts her in danger.” Wrath stared at Lainule, shaking his head. I held my breath, hoping they wouldn’t have another falling out this close to battle.

“Danger? We are all in danger. She is your daughter, and she is as good as my adopted daughter, but whatever danger there is, we all share it.”

“Would you be so quick to put your niece in as much danger?” Wrath’s nostrils looked pinched.

Lainule narrowed her gaze. “Leave that subject alone, my husband. That discussion is for another time .” Her voice was hard, cold, and she stared at Wrath until he finally inclined his head in agreement.

Ysandra broke in. “There is time for arguing later. We are agreed, then. We cover the main doors, the hallway leading to the studio, and the roof. Meanwhile, Lannan-Regent-you send out troops onto the street to guard against insurgents from Myst’s court taking the city when the word goes out.”

Lannan nodded, a look of amusement playing over his face. “As you so wish, Lady Ysandra.” But his tone was lightly patronizing and his lip twitched when he said her name. I had the feeling Lannan would just as soon have retreated to his study for an evening of reading.

“We have gone as far as we can with these plans. Myst must make the next move.” Regina pushed out of her chair and stood. She’d not bothered to change, still in the red leather bustier and black pencil skirt she’d worn earlier. Her perfectly coiffed chignon and brilliant red lips never shifted, and I wondered if she ever got dirty or unkempt. A little part of me wondered what she looked like when she and Lannan were at it, but I quickly dismissed that thought. I didn’t need to know and I sure didn’t want to be invited to join in.

We headed toward the door, filing out in order. As we waited for the others to leave, I turned to Peyton.

“We haven’t had a chance to talk and I guess now isn’t the time, but how’s it going with your father? And has Anadey shown her face?”

She shook her head. “I haven’t heard a peep out of her, or about her. That’s just as well for now. As for my father…Rex is a good man. I really resent the fact that my mother kept us apart all these years. He made mistakes, but he was willing to try and compensate for them. She wouldn’t listen. I guess I understand-he hurt her-but sometimes…not often, but now and then a person can change.”

I nodded. “We killed Heather while we were out in the woods,” I said softly so that Rhiannon didn’t hear me. “The snow hag warned us she was there. Rhia and I…we staked her together.”

Peyton blinked, ducking her head. “Ouch.”

“Ouch is right. But she’s out of the picture now. She can rest, and Myst can never control her again.” I hadn’t mentioned Heather much since we got back. Rhia had been through a lot-more hell than she was used to-and I didn’t want to compound it by ripping open the still-bleeding wound. “I just thought you should know.”

“Thanks. I don’t want to step on delicate territory.” Peyton fell silent as we swung into line, filing out the ballroom door last. As we headed to the foyer, behind the others, there was a noise and a vampire-one of the guards-staggered in through the grand double doors. He was bleeding, with several stakes thrust into his body, but none had managed to reach his heart.

Lannan stopped short, motioning for his guards to close the door. “What happened?”

But before the guard could speak, before the men could reach the door, all hell broke loose. A flurry of activity hit the foyer, as Myst’s Shadow Hunters spilled into the hallway. Screams echoed around the large room, as they went into action, attacking whoever was closest.

I turned to the others. Myst had decided to take the offensive. She’d come to us and all our plans were so much spilled milk. Frantic, I waved at the others. “Spread out! Whatever you do, don’t let them corner you.”

Wrath whirled around. He held out his hand and there was my obsidian blade. “Take it,” he said hoarsely. “We have no choice. This is going to be bloody.”

I laid hands on the blade and felt the tingle stir within me. As I sought for the winds, whispering a prayer to Ulean that she might help me, the Shadow Hunters continued to pour through the door.

And with that, the battle was on.

“Holy crap.” Rex’s voice echoed from somewhere to the side as the horde of Shadow Hunters pushed through the doors. There must have been twenty or more-it was hard to count in the milling throng. I heard a scream but couldn’t see who had cried out in the sudden flurry of chaos.

The vampires were flying into battle-everywhere I heard their snarls, as they fell upon Myst’s brigade. They were a vision in black, snapshots of carnage, and there in the front, Lannan and Regina led the way. At least the pair didn’t lack for bravery. And then I saw them take on one of the Vampiric Fae; they closed in on the cerulean-skinned man, fangs down, hissing as they approached from both front and back.

They toyed with him, like cats with a mouse, Regina shoving him into Lannan’s arms even as he shoved the man back into her embrace. She dipped her head and struck, fangs sinking deep into the flesh, as the creature screamed and flailed. He didn’t have time to defend himself. They had taken the offense. Then Lannan fell on him. He sank his fangs deep into flesh at the base of the throat, ripping down through the skin, leaving two long gashes in his wake. The blood flowed freely and Lannan pulled away, laughing hoarsely before licking his way up the man’s chest.