Smoldered Flames: Part I of the Edonia Series
Chapter 36

Cassius

The enemy explodes in a pile of dust, leaving Daxter keening out loud. My ears ache from the agony deep within his cries of woe as Eros holds him back. My wolf howls from our shared soul, but I shut down the wall that separates us.

I was pretty impressed by Sirus’ performance. But, Nerissa wasn’t part of the plan. Nor were the children. Just where did he replace them? My wolf screamed that this wasn’t right. I ignored him. I played the concerned citizen and watched as time caught up. Everyone panicked, Queen was crumpled on the floor with what appears to be a head injury.

“Queen Winona!” Gisele screeches as she runs to the witch queen. “What happened to you?!”

The masses scattered about like busy bees. It was annoying. Let the witch breathe! Damn!

The crowd grows quiet when the Witch Queen gathers herself and is helped by Gisele and the others. “Thank you, sisters.” she groans with gratitude.

Gisele assesses her wounds. “I must heal this head wound. You could have a concussion, my Queen.”

Queen Winona brushes her off gently. “No, no, little Gisele. I must restore this sacred place from the corruption that entered this place.” she pauses when she takes in the scene around us. “What exactly happened here?”

Gisele swallows hard. “Crown Princess Nerissa is missing!”

“How did that happen? The barriers….”

Another witch steps forward. “The barriers were broken, and the enemies offered a trade. “An eye for an eye,” they said.” her voice wobbles towards the end.

“What was the trade?”

“They returned two of our children for two more people.”

Queen Winona stills. “And just who was the other person?”

“It was that Hunter killer. What was her name..?”

“Valeri. She was taken?” Queen Winona queried quietly.

Suddenly wind blew through the windows and a grainy, salty scent hit my nose. I hear a small gasp followed by a silent “no”.

“Everyone needs to take a step back from the sand.” Queen Winona demanded with urgency in her voice.

We all do as she says and she waves her hand in the air, whispering an incantation. A slight hiss enters my ears and gray-sorrell colored sand floats through the air. Queen Winona holds a clear mason jar and the tiny particles pile into it.

“May the gods bless you with happiness, prosperity, and good health.” Queen Winona looks around cautiously. “I must return once more. Until then,” she nods and disappears in a burst of light.

“Alright, alright! Stop acting like lost kittens and split into groups of four or five to scour this city from head to toe! I’ve already alerted the Enforcers to block off every exit. Our primary goal is securing the Crown Princess. If any of you locate the prisoner, treat her like a hostile. If she resists, shoot to kill.”

“That’s a little extreme, Kamau.” Eros yelled from across the room.

A flame of red hair distracts me from the ongoing banter between my pod.

Jillian tries to hide her look of satisfaction, but it was unmistakable. “I didn’t think you had it in you, Cass.” she whispers tenderly. Her soft lips tickled my ear.

I look down at her and see the same vile emotions I felt towards the halfbreed and I give her a crooked smile. Jillian stands on the balls of her feet to give a small peck on my lips. A promise of more to come later on. My stomach wrenched at the way she felt on my skin. And a part of me wanted to tear out my insides. This repulsion will be the death of me, but it should go away soon. Depends on when Sirus will finish the deed.

Valeri

The effects of whatever shot was injected dulled my senses, and prevented much movement. I am, however, able to lift and move my head to and fro. Not that that does me any good anyway. I’m rolling and tumbling in a small box. Voices speak in a harsh language near me. I feel limp and heavy. The chains rattle softly underneath me as I roll again. The small box felt soft against me, and I could hear the harken of a horn, seagulls squalling, and ocean waves crashing against something. A boat maybe? And I was its precious cargo. The steady sway washes over me and I fall deep in another slumber.

I shot up like a bullet from the cold ground. I was surprised to not wake up to someone dumping cold, sludging water over me. Unfortunately, I was surrounded by stone walls again. This time, it included thick, rusted amber bars at the front and three gray walls. Small sniffles, sobs, and moans bounce off the walls and I realize I’m not alone.

“Hello?!” I yell out.

No response.

“Who’s there?” I yell again

“Shut up, before they know you are awake!” someone shouts back to me.

“What’s your name?”

A deeper voice responds. “Let her shout out nonsense. They’ll shut her up quick.”

“What does that mean?”

But silence was all I got. I sit up, and glance down at my now ruined dress. My eyepatch was miraculously on my left eye. The chains around my body are weakening me. My senses are still dulled, and a sludgy sensation compels my limbs to be heavy.

How the hell was I going to escape this?

The last I remember was being transported by boat… it must mean this was an island. Nevertheless, I couldn’t leave right away. I had to figure out the disappearances of the hybrids and wolf packs, and why.

Slow and steady footfalls resound against the walls, followed by a hum of satisfaction. The steps belonged to a man. A man that I knew, but couldn’t place. He had a widow’s peak of a hair line, with greasy-looking black hair. His eyes held a dark malice with thick arched eyebrows, he wore an old black suit straight from the 1930’s. And I could’ve sworn that the metal chain leading up to the pocket held a timepiece.

“How long did you think you could stay away from me, Helena? What, did you think that rotting Sex club was going to help you pass time? Do you know how many spies I have under my wing?” he tutted.

“My name is Val-”

“You are Helena Tafari, born of two unknown parents. Raised by that old bag you call grandfather.”

I gaze levelly at him. “You must not be so memorable, if I have no recollection of you.”

“Release the amnesia act, Helena. It’s just you and I now.” he demanded lightly.

“It’s Valeri!” I snarled.

The man holds up one finger as if to scold me. “Ah, ah, ah. That is not how one should act in front of their Elders. Or did Sundancer University not teach you any better? No matter. You’ll be reconditioned soon.”

He steps to the side and another form stands in front of the bars. “I’m sure you remember Hargis? He is a special pet of mine.”

I swallow deeply. I remember this strange creature very well. I remember his rank breath that practically singed off my eyebrows, his sickly body on top of mine when he attempted to do gods’ know what if Eros wasn’t there to rescue me. And lastly, I remember his crazed expression as his desire to please his masters outweighed decent thoughts.

I see it now while he holds what appears to be a spiked dog collar. It dawned on me just then. I looked back at the other male and I remembered him…

He was one of the Executives at my court hearing. This was King Broderick of the Vampires.