Smoldered Flames: Part I of the Edonia Series
Chapter 33

Valeri

I woke from troubled dreams. The wailing of children still haunts me, but the nightmares of being six-feet under terrifies me. The coldness that seeps in my bones, darkness encloses around me, and that voice…. That deep baritone of a voice telling me to rise. The scene felt like a summoning ritual. But why would someone summon me? Did I… die at some point of my life? I thought vampires were immortal?

Putting that to the back of my mind, I decided to take a quick shower. I didn’t know what was on the agenda today, but I wanted to be prepared. I took out the magical leather and it contours onto my body. It forms an indigo halter neck maxi dress with large floral designs. Preppy style wedges appeared and my look was almost complete. I briskly do a wash-and-go with my hair and my curls pop beautifully. The halter part of the dress prevents my accursed mark from being seen.

I come back to the room to replace Stanley in his underwear, middressing.

I close my eye in horror. “Gah! I’m sorry, I didn’t know!”

I open my eye when he taps me on the shoulder. He smiles with a face full of embarrassment. I return his smile with a small one of my own.

“Are you hungry? Did you eat?” I inquired. Stanley shakes his head.

“Well let’s replace you something.” I grabbed my bag and we walked out of the room together.

Stanley rushes to the fridge. The others woke up before us and seemed to have a heated discussion. They stop short when I come close.

I laugh softly. “Don’t let me stop you.”

Adeyemi beckons me over. “There was nothing to interrupt. We were just discussing the ways to secure Sacrum Solstitium. The festivities will commence tomorrow night before the moon is at its highest.”

“Alright, what’s the game plan?”

“We are to secure the outside perimeter until the ritual begins.”

“Why wait until that time?”

Eros jumps in. “The Witch Queen will produce a powerful and protective barrier before performing the Mating Call Ritual.”

A feeling of dread drops to the pit of my stomach. I knew what the Sacrum Solstitium consisted of, but I wasn’t ready for my mate to be revealed. I didn’t want it to be known that I was Cassius’ mate. By the way he looked at me, I could tell he felt the same way. Daxter caught the look exchange between us and his eyebrows knit together with a small frown.

“Soooo, do I need to look for an evening gown? Or do I dress in a uniform?”

“I said “we” which doesn’t include you.” Adeyemi says.

I walk up to Adeyemi, fuming. “And, just why can’t I join?”

His nostrils flare. “Might I remind you: you are a prisoner for murder, nothing more.”

“Let me get this straight. You allow me to go on missions, you train me, you house me, and I can’t secure a fucking perimeter? For a few fucking hours? I took a blood oath for gods’ sake!”

Adeyemi stalks close to my space. “Watch your tone, Omega. That is the command you will obey.”

“Or what? I’ve already been threatened once.” I baited.

Cassius cuts in between us and bares his teeth. “Silence, you obnoxious whore!”

I flinch at his mental rebuke. His bullying was exhausting. “Or what, mutt? Just what do you think will happen? You won’t lay a hair on me.”

Cassius releases a mirthless laugh before retreating a few steps. His normal spinel-colored eyes turn dark with a concealed emotion. A wave of apprehension came over me and I took a step back.

I become expressionless and turn to my pet. “Fine. I didn’t want to be a part of this pod anyway. Stanley, come. We are going shopping.”

“You aren’t going alone, Omega. Eros and Daxter will go with you.”

“Whatever.” I grumbled with my arms crossed.

“It is “Yes sir.” Omega.” Adeyemi says with a huff.

I ignore him and walk out the door. Stanley continues to follow me like a silent shadow. I can hear Daxter’s light, even breaths, the catlike way that Eros walks, and the distant shouting of Cassius and Adeyemi. I wonder what they are arguing about?

We go back to the compact train station and wait behind a small line. A stout looking conductor stands at the doorway to collect tickets or virtual payments. I sigh and pull out my old, warren wallet for my clear card for payment.

“Don’t worry about that, tigress,” Eros whispers in my ear. “I’ve got it covered.”

I turned to him. “No need.”

We are next in line and Eros quickly sticks his hand out. In his hand is a heavy looking golden card. It catches in the light as he waves it in front of the conductor. I exhale in displeasure.

Eros cracks a smile. “This should cover the four of us.”

The conductor takes one look at the thick metal card. “Why, yes Mr. Lamius. Right this way.” he leads us towards the front of the train. A small golden dot is displayed above the sliding door.

“Enjoy the ride, Mr. Lamius and guests!” says the conductor with zeal.

“Thank you, Mr. Lyles.” Eros regards him lightly.

Mr. Lyles’ cheeks grew rosey with sheepishness. We enter the grand front end of the train. The interior still consisted of gray metal, with thick steel colored curtains concealing the windows. A pianist plays a light musical tune as soon as we come in, a bartender dressed in a white suit with a black tie, serves cocktails in the back corner. A few white sumptuous couches line up beside the walls.

Eros leads us to the back of the train. The couches were so comfortable that I nearly sunk into them. I sigh aloud in content.

“Enjoying your seat, tigress?” Eros purred. I turn a deaf ear to his voice. There was nothing to say.

He chuckles lightly. “You can’t ignore me forever, you know.”

I snort heavily.

“That is such an unattractive trait, Valeri.”

“Eros, leave her be. She will come around when she’s ready… Depending on what you did of course.” Daxter intervened.

Silence soon follows as more richly dressed people climb aboard carrying on various conversations. Their voices buzzed with excitement about the prospect of potential mates, others expressed their worries over missing families, but one in particular conversation caught my attention.

“Did you hear about what the Fleurs say about their daughter?” a strong voice starts. The voice was rich and deep.

“No, what happened?” another asks excitedly.

“Well the oldest daughter will be twenty-five years old soon and has yet to replace a mate,” said the first. I glance up and see a middle aged woman wearing a thick cream colored fur coat with her hair in a severe bun.

“What’s so important about that?” the other inquired. She was a small woman dressed in a light blue winter coat. The woman’s honey chestnut tresses were in gentle waves.

The first lady replied. “Well, I heard that if she isn’t mated this Winter Solstice, she will disinherit the Pumian throne.”

The lady in blue gasped in shock. “That’s a little severe don’t you think?”

“I agree. They rule with an iron fist for such a small clan.” says the lady in cream.

“Well, everyone hopes she will be mated to the Queen’s son.”

“I personally hope she isn’t. He deserves better.” mumbles the second lady.

The first one gasps. “Eunice!: she said in a loud whisper, “you mustn’t speak like that. Although, I do agree. Especially after that tragedy ten years ago.”

“He’s never been the same…”

What tragedy did Adeyemi endure? A growing ache expanded within me. There was a sudden drive to resolve whatever kept him cold and reserved. His heart was a puzzle that I craved to piece back together.

“There’s nothing you can do, Val.” I swivel my head around to the sound of the voice. Daxter stares keenly at me. His divine green orbs captivate me. “You can’t change the past.”

“You seem to know what happened.” I queried

“As one would normally say: it isn’t my story to tell.” Eros stated.

I disregard what he says and look over at Stanley. He stares intently at the two middle aged women. My skin crawls when seeing the look in his eyes. His pupils dilate, overtaking the iris, and the sound of his heart quickens to that of a panting dog.

I shake Stanley lightly. “Hey, what’s wrong with you?”

He practically leaps out of his seat. The whites in his eyes remind me of a startled calf.

I place my hands on his shoulders and he flinches. “Stanley…look at me. I need you to look at me.”

The sclera of his eyes gradually go back to normal, but his heart thumps out of his chest.

“You’re safe, Stanley. Breathe with me. Inhale…exhale…”

Stanley’s chest swelled with the inhalation and exhaled in the next breath. We repeated the motions for the next few minutes. Background noise becomes muted while I continue to calm Stanley down. After what felt like forever, I finally got his heartbeat to steady.

“Better?” I asked

He nods his head slightly.

“Good.”

The train stops at a large station. A grand fluorescent sign reads “Central Station” a few feet from the drop off point. It’s swarmed with people of different backgrounds. From elves to dwarfs, to tall winged beings with colorful skin tones, to even broad shouldered species with scaly skin. I was amazed to see such an array of beings outside of SU.

Eros appears beside me. “Come on, this is just an ounce of what Central City is like.”

He takes the lead through the wave of people. Eros glides in and out effortlessly while I bump into every other person. I glance back to see Daxter and Stanley struggling behind. Soon after, we make it past the throng of people. Eros waits for us nearby a wide street. A sleek black limo sits beside him.

“You want us to ride in that?” I asked, my voice grew an octave.

Eros cracks a grin. “Yes, actually.”

I realized then that I broke my silent promise of not speaking to him again. “Fine.”

The driver opens the door for us, and we climb inside. The windows were tinted to the darkest percentage. The seats are surprisingly white bordered with carmine. A bar sits further inside with seats set at the opposite side. All in all it was pretty lavish.

I sit at the end with Stanley on my right, Eros sits by the mobile bar with Daxter with us. The ride was quiet, and the world around us was as busy as ever. The limo pulls into a fancy looking plaza. A dozen or so stores are connected to one another. The most imposing building was the one at the center. It was similar to a small palace.

We leave the limo and Eros leads us to the magnificent building. Amber toned pebble stones lead up to gold revolving doors and tall columns. Sunlight pours into a glorious stained sunroof. It shows a similar depiction to the mosaic back at the hotel. Something itches to the back of my mind though… it was as if I’d been to this place before. The weeping willow…the verdant pastures..that mystic lake.. And the stars. Where does this come into play?

Sadly, I couldn’t replace my answers here. Observing my surroundings, thousands of clothes hang from racks. They come in a variety of different categories, color, and designer wear. The clothes range from casual to dress suits, to jogging wear to evening attire. Towards the back of the store were parallel escalators dripped in gold.

Eros looks back at us with his hands in his pockets. “Meet back here when you all are done shopping.” he lightly commands before sauntering up the escalators.

Daxter turns to us. “I guess I’ll be heading that way as well.. I guess.” he comments awkwardly while pushing up his silver spectacles.

His sharp herbal scent made my stomach clench in hunger. My needle sharp fangs ache to be released. Damn… when was the last time I had a decent meal?

I face Stanley finally. He stands awkwardly in an old rock and roll band shirt with ripped old jeans. “Come along, stanley. You need a suit for tomorrow.”

We walk towards the evening attire department. There was a wide variety of ball gowns, midi dresses, cocktail dresses, and men’s fancy attire. The store gave its customers a way to replace a matching clothing set, or dress uniquely. I was in awe of the wide assortment of outfits that respected all religions and traditions.

High pitched squeals of delight assault my ears and the Bitch Squad comes into sight. I groan internally. I really didn’t want any problems today. I see Greta in the back corner looking at dresses half off. I drift over to her as she touches a paradise yellow mermaid gown. Embroidered sequins swirled within the extravagant dress, the bottom flared out like the sun and a tropical scene played within the cloth. It was a phenomenal number.

“Hey.. Greta. Long time, no see.” I say lightly

She nearly jumps out of her skin when I approach her. “Oh! Hey, Valeri!” she responds overly cheerful.

I tilt my head in observation. “Is everything okay?”

Greta fidgets with a button on her current outfit. “Yes…” she says, glancing around, “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Alright. Well, how are you liking SU so far? How’s your break?”

She gives a small smile. “All is well.”

“Oh look, the freaks have united.” someone cackles behind me.

“They were just leaving, Gisele.” Greta mumbles.

“I don’t think you can afford this place, mutt. You best use one of those magical leathers you love so much.” Jillian jokes.

“I was just looking. I know I can’t afford anything here.” Greta comments silently before walking away.

I was fuming. “How do you know what she can and can’t afford? For all you know she could buy this entire store! But then again what should I expect from a bunch of bitches with sticks up their asses.”

Jillian inhales sharply. Her face turns red with rage. I summoned a shield over my person and Stanley -I had learned to place a shield over myself in defense in class. A light orange glow surrounds us as Gisele raises her hand, preparing an incantation. I didn’t see Mystique anywhere.

“I thought you understood your role here at SU.” Bianka starts, stepping into my space.

I stroll up to her, our nose nearly touching. “And I thought I said: fuck you. Or was I not loud enough for the little kitten?” I sneered

Bianka’s hand moves without me realizing it. I feel a light sting and press my palm to my face. The Bitch Squad squawks jovially at my pain. My eye heats and I leap at her. We claw and punch and tussle around on the floor. People get out of the way as we roll around. Finally I get the upper hand and punch the hell out of Bianka in rapid successions. That was until someone pulled me off of her.

Bianka wails on the floor, curling up in a ball. Gisele rushes to her and tries to heal her wounds. Greta looks on in horror. Jillian’s orbs are filled with black rage while her body shakes. I mirthlessly smile at her silently taunting her to come my way.

“Valeri! That’s enough!” a voice snaps.

A figure appears in front of me blocking my view. I growl and attempt to push them away, but they place their hands on my shoulders.

“For fucks’ sake, snap out of it!”

Eros comes into focus. I get his hands off of me in repulse.

“What?!” I mildly shout.

He puts his hands up in surrender. “Do you know what you’ve done?”

“We fought, so what?’

“You just assaulted the Pumian Crown Princess.”

I knit my eyebrows in a frown. “She certainly doesn’t act like one.”

“It doesn’t matter! Just laying a hairsbreadth on her head is a death sentence.” he whispered loudly.

I snorted. “Well, I’m already on death row. Just with better housing benefits.”

A commotion comes near us as Gisele helps Bianka to her feet while Jillian motions her hands wildly.

“I want her head on a silver platter now!” Bianka roared.

Security comes swooping in hearing Bianka’s side of the story. She weeps and wails about how I -the mutant- assaulted her like a wild animal. The security guard walks up to me

A wide male leads the way. “Ma’am, you’ll have to come with us.”

“And where are we going?”

“She’s not going anywhere,” a voice growls.

Daxter comes up on my left side and pulls me behind him. My lower region clenches at his sudden authoritative aura.

“What she’s done to the Crown Princess is a crime, but she also damaged store property.”

I look around at clothing racks that were knocked over. “What, this stuff? Are you serious right now?”

“We have to document the damage done to our product as well as the assault placed on the Crown Princess.”

Eros crosses his arms. “Just write up a list of the damage done and send it to my suite at Etorius Gardens. Valeri will come with us.”

“But-”

“That will be the end of discussion, Maldros.” Eros ordered.

The pot bellied guard shut his trap instantly and his eyes glazed over. “Yes, Mr. Lamius.”

Bianka storms up to him. “If you do this Eros, you and all you know will be the enemy of my kingdom.”

He gives a level gaze. “Finish your shopping Valeri, and we’ll be on our way.”

I shrug my shoulders and walk around the department. “Come on stanley.”

I hear the irate shouts of the Bitch Squad in the back. I almost laugh with delight. I know I shouldn’t, but the glorious feeling wouldn’t go away.

I grab the paradise themed dress and whisper to Greta quickly, but quietly. “Meet me at the Zephyr suite tomorrow. Tell no one.”

Greta doesn’t say anything but the unshed tears spoke a thousand words.