The Sorcerer's Touch Read online

  Concentrate, Daniel. He had to push these thoughts away if he hoped to make it through the interrogation that awaited him. The door slid open under his hand and he smiled, noting the way Javed and Celina both frowned.

  Daniel took his time, settling himself without a word in the seat opposite Javed.

  “So?” The confusion on his half-sister’s face amused him. She hates being kept waiting. If the situation hadn’t been so grave, he might have laughed.

  “I met with Caridad.” His blunt words filled the air and he waited for them to ask what about, or even to come to the natural conclusion, seeing as he was here to meet with them. They both eyed him with blank looks. Clearly his suspicion that Caridad would have spoken to Javed, given he was the head of the house, was wrong.

  “She suggested…” Now that he was about to say the words, they lodged in his throat. It hadn’t seemed that hard before arriving in the office. He’d expected them to guess what would come next.

  “And?” Javed leaned forward in his chair, Daniel heard the creak and groan of the metal of the vampire Master’s chair. “Daniel, just tell us, so we can deal with whatever needs to be addressed.”

  Celina’s hands curled and Daniel wondered, not for the first time, if she was aware of her actions. In the past months he’d come to know Celina well, and he’d learned the small things she did that gave away her concerns.

  “She thinks…” His mouth dried and he had to swallow. “She suggested I should embrace the change.”

  Javed’s face might as well have been carved marble, and Celina continued to look oddly unaware of what he was saying.

  Celina moved in his direction. “She what?”

  He cleared his throat. “She, and I, agree. In order to fight and hopefully defeat Creedar, I should become a vampire.”

  Shock stole over Celina’s face. “No!”

  He winced, as did Javed, at her shout. “Celina, let me—”

  “No. Javed, tell him that’s not what he wants.” Her voice was hoarse, and not for the first time he saw a shadow of pain cross over Javed’s face when she made such a comment. He knew Celina had been changed without her consent. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be a vampire, but she’d been dying and there’d been no opportunity for her to make the decision herself. Javed had changed her in order to save her life. He knew Javed struggled with guilt over that.

  “Listen to me, Celina. The prophecy says…” He had to stop and regain his equilibrium as she kept shaking her head.

  “Damn the bloody prophecy! You don’t want that. Please, don’t let them… Javed?” Now she gripped her mate and Daniel felt an odd sense of embarrassment, and to him it was like an invasion of their privacy.

  The vampire on the other side of the desk scooped Celina into his embrace, holding her close. A spurt of envy almost overwhelmed Daniel. “Hush, Celina. Let’s hear what he has to say first.”

  “But, Javed, you can’t let them turn him into a monster!”

  Once again Javed’s face blanked, but not before Daniel caught sight of the deep pain.

  Daniel needed to act before the situation became worse. “Celina, I would do anything to stop Creedar. When I took my oath to Javed I swore whatever I could do, I would help save the innocents. It’s the same oath you took.”

  “But you’ll never have children. You’ll be condemned never to see the daylight again. You have to think rationally.”

  “I have. I am. Celina…” Daniel moved in her direction, reaching toward her. “I love you and know that you are worried for me. But this is my decision.” He kissed her cold cheek. “A decision I’ve taken. Javed?” He knew then that the choice he made, the one both he and Caridad agreed on, was right. In order to beat this creature, he’d have to become one of them. Until he embraced his new future, he would remain fragile. Easily overcome. He needed the strength that came with the curse to fight.

  Now that he’d accepted the truth, he felt free.

  Perhaps it had been his destiny all along, or maybe it was his need to balance the scoresheet. Daniel just knew he’d made his decision and he wasn’t going to look too carefully at his reasons why. Now I’ll have to tell Father.

  Javed rubbed a hand across his chin as he stared at Daniel, as if searching for a hint that he wasn’t sure. Daniel knew all he’d see was resolve. “You’re sure?”

  Celina gave a mewl of distress and Javed reached out. He gripped her hand.

  “Yeah. What do I need to do?”

  “The next step is to petition the Council for permission. We haven’t received an allocation this year, however, I’m sure… Given the circumstances, I doubt they’ll refuse.” He shook his head, and Daniel could tell that Javed and Celina were communicating telepathically.

  “Maybe, and this is just a suggestion, talk to Cressida first. Given the situation, she may have something to say about it.”

  “Of course.” He inclined his head in agreement. “I’ll make some inquiries and let you know.” Thus dismissed, Daniel rose and headed across the room, the carpet eating up the sound of his footsteps.

  At the door he stopped, but when he looked back, he noted the way Javed’s arms encircled his sister and her head nestled into his shoulder. With a shrug, Daniel closed the door behind him.

  * * * *

  “So, I’m sure your plans are sufficient for now, Cressida. But I’ve taken the liberty of talking to Daniel too. I’m sure it was something that you were going to attend to in the near future.”

  Cressida froze at Caridad’s words. ‘I’ve spoken to Daniel’. That could mean a million things. None of them anything she wanted to contemplate. “You mean…?”

  “Oh, Daniel and I understand each other implicitly. I’m sure we both will see the benefits of our mutual decision.”

  The words slammed into Cressida’s brain like spikes. Their mutual decision. “I see. And he’ll be leaving with you…?”

  Caridad’s tinkling laugh echoed through the room and for an instant Cressida had the sense she was being toyed with. But how could that possibly be? Her stomach soured though.

  He’d professed to have feelings and affection for her but he’d agreed to Caridad’s overtures without any hesitation. The emotions of being unwanted—as if set aside—overwhelmed her.

  You were the one who rebuffed his advances.

  She stalked the length of the room. Standing in front of the massive glass panes overlooking the garden, she gazed out. I need to approach this in a rational manner. Her heart broke as she came to the realization. The pain didn’t lessen though.

  “Of course, our plans can only go ahead if he meets the criteria.”

  Cressida tensed, muscles coiled, ready to spring. “Criteria?”

  “Well, the human government is so focused on ensuring only the most suitable can undergo the change that—”

  The change.

  “What have you done, Caridad?”

  She whirled around to see her Overlord smiling, only it didn’t reach Caridad’s eyes. “What had to be done, Cressida. In order to fulfill the prophecy, he must become a vampire. And he must find his mate.”

  “But he won’t be human anymore! It’s not for us to direct this.” Deep inside her mind a sliver of hope lit up the gloom. “You shouldn’t have—”

  Now Caridad’s facial expression hardened. “You forget yourself, Cressida. It is my place. I am your Overlord and you will obey me.”

  The words boomed, a palpable wave of pure power washing over her. Cressida shivered as the magically imbued command ricocheted around the room. Pain sparked briefly before it melted away, leaving Cressida exhausted.

  “Of course, Liege. I would beg your forgiveness.” Cressida dropped into a deep obeisance and when she raised her head it was to note the smile that wreathed Caridad’s face.

  “Good. Now you will make the necessary arrangements. A word of advice? I will ensure this happens. It might be unwise to inform the Council at this point.”

  Cressida nodded, unwilling to
trust her voice.

  “Good. Then I feel for now there isn’t much else I can do. I’ll be leaving tomorrow and heading for my next holding.”

  “Of course. I’ll make the arrangements.” But when Caridad left the room, all Cressida could do was slump to her seat. Daniel a vampire.

  “Cressida? I’m on my way.”

  Tears dribbled down Cressida’s face as she sat with her elbows resting on the desk. Surely no one else could read the fear and misery in her mind.

  “Nope, Cressida. Just me, and that’s because we’ve known each other for so long. So what does…? Vae! She wants to what?” The door slammed open and Samra stood there. “Tell me she hasn’t done that.”

  “Oh, she has.” The words emerged as a wail and Samra strode forward to kneel beside Cressida.

  “How could she do this to you? After everything you gave up?” Samra’s voice vibrated with anger and Cressida gave an inelegant snort.

  “Because she can. She’s looking at the overall picture while I sit here and weep in my misery.” Cressida reached into her pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, wiped her eyes. “It isn’t that she doesn’t realize, it’s just that she’s focused on the needs of the innocent. My pain is old and mine alone.”

  Cressida felt foolish and weak. They weren’t exactly emotions that she allowed herself to experience regularly, and for that Cressida was pleased. She needed to be more like Caridad and think outside herself.

  Samra tugged on her hand, making Cressida focus on her second. “We have to get to Daniel, make him realize…”

  Cressida shook her head, understanding exactly what Caridad didn’t say or ask. A ping sounded throughout the room and she nearly moaned. A new email.

  Was this the one that would change so many things? “I’d say no matter what you did now, it’s resolved, if that email header is anything to go by.”

  Both gazes settled on the screen while Cressida tapped the key. A message with the subject heading Change Application—Daniel opened. She didn’t have to read it to know that Javed had granted consent to the request. They were at the point of no return.

  “It wouldn’t bother you so much if you didn’t care. You’re going to have to address that. And soon, Cressida.”

  “I can’t, Samra. You should understand that.” She pulled free of Samra’s hold. Suddenly the tiny necklace weighed a ton and she had to work hard to refrain from pulling it away from her skin.

  “I know what you gave up, Cressida. I know how much it hurt you to try to change your husband. I know how much you lost personally. I’m aware of the child. But that was then. Times have changed and if he’s—”

  A tiny wave of Cressida’s hand stopped Samra. “I can’t face this again. I can’t lose the man I—” Cressida wanted to call back the words but Samra’s expression told her she understood exactly what she’d nearly said.

  “You can’t hide from life forever. You’re going to have to deal with this mess, otherwise it’ll be too late and you’ll lose him anyway.”

  “I can’t… I need to work. There are things that the council needs me to attend to. I have to concentrate on them.” Cressida opened the top file on her desk and tried to focus on the sheet titled Budgetary Report, but the words swam in front of her. She knew Samra was watching her, but right now the memories of painful times were too much to bear. For so long she’d tried to hide her past by remaining cool and detached. When did I change?

  “Cressida? Think on what I’ve said. You can’t hide from this forever.” On that, Samra rose and left her.

  * * * *

  Creedar looked around. The building he’d chosen to annex was perfect for his needs. The raised dais allowed him to look over his minions. They churned like a million ants as they struggled against one another.

  “Master, you are enjoying the spectacle?” The woman beside him undulated, rubbing her naked form against his side.

  Taking the girl had been the highlight of his latest raid. She’d cowered and bleated until he’d fed from her—or it could have been the beating. Not that he really cared one way or another.

  One of his vampires went down and he grinned, watching the spectacle. Only the strongest and best would survive. That was what he needed. An army of warriors. Only those strong enough to defeat those who opposed him could be allowed to survive.

  A spurt of blood splashed up onto the wood at his feet. For a moment his focus narrowed.

  “You wish to feed, sire?”

  The girl knelt at his feet, her naked flesh arrayed for him so that he could inspect every pulse point before deciding where he would take sustenance from today.

  His grabbed at her with his clawed fingers and for an instant a flare of fear shone in her eyes. He smelled it, and gloried in the arousal that hummed through his body.

  Fear. Pain. Blood. Power.

  He’d have it all.

  She collapsed against his lap and his teeth extended. Glorious sustenance squirted into his mouth as he broke the skin at her neck.

  It slid down, rich and heady, the liquid feeding and enhancing his need for the secondary release he’d soon experience. Anticipation filled him until the sound of footsteps intruded.

  “Master? News.”

  He thrust the girl away and watched emotionlessly as she teetered on the edge of the dais. A hand rose to grab at her and for an instant Creedar snarled as the chain in his hand tugged tight. He let go, watching as the girl fell into the pit.

  “Get me another slave.” The warrior at his side bowed deeply and hurried away while Creedar opened the missive that had been shoved into his hand.

  We have been summoned to an urgent meeting. I will report afterward.

  Oh yes, his plans were starting to bear fruit. He steepled his fingers but the roar from below was now an annoyance battering at his mind.

  “Cease!” he bellowed and those nearest stilled, hearing the command of their Master. Some still gyrated on the floor, fighting for survival. Clearly they’d not heeded him. Or heard him. Anger rose and he let it grow, welcoming the surge of power. “Get rid of them and return to your cells.”

  A series of sharp cries rent the air and the scent of spilled blood tantalized, but he’d already dismissed the scene before him. He closed his eyes. What could they be planning now?

  Soon. Soon he would plot his ultimate revenge, then they would understand. He was a God.

  * * * *

  Cressida’s hand shook as she read the request.

  I, Daniel, Yeux Secondes of the house of al bin Habbad, request the privilege of The Change.

  I am cognizant of the inherent dangers, but I feel that I am an excellent candidate and will be able to offer the nests and Council my skills and abilities for the period of my life. Whether natural or vampiric.

  I hereby submit references from my Master, Javed, and his partner, Celina, who attest that I do this for the benefit of all and not for my own needs. Further references from Xavier, Master of the house of Tudor, and his partner, Hope, bear out my past service to the nests I’ve belonged to.

  I promise to swear and pledge my life to the protection of innocents and my nest, should my petition be successful.

  Attached are the necessary clearances and I’m more than happy to schedule any such evaluations as may be required…

  The rest of the words on the page blurred.

  Cressida’s lips felt stiff as she opened her mouth. “He has submitted this of his own free will, Javed?” She might be outwardly calm, but inside she was screaming with denial. Since she’d met him, there had existed an invisible thread binding them together. A mixture of hunger and need that moved beyond blood lust. Fear of naming it had left her with evading the truth, an action so unlike her natural response.

  It scared her.

  He was human, so she’d told herself ignoring those emotions was acceptable. Human lovers died and left her kind alone, something she’d learned early on in her extended existence.

  While pledging their love to her, each
human who’d promised her love and affection had abandoned hope for a future that included love and children. In her experience it had left them bitter and angry.

  In desperation, she’d taken the occasional vampiric lover, but that too left her feeling empty and somehow more shallow than before.

  Many of her lovers had forgotten their humanity, an action she had viewed with regret. Unwilling to chance losing the small sliver of her soul, she’d chosen to embrace celibacy. It allowed her to focus on the humans who served her and the nests she’d headed.

  But from within her mind came the cry, I’ve been so lonely for so long.

  “Madam Cressida?” Javed’s words brought her back to the matter before her.

  If she allowed him—if the Council allowed this—Daniel’s humanity and, even more gut-wrenching, the man that he was, might be lost forever.

  “He has, Cressida. If I may—”

  “You may not.” She choked on the words, realizing that Javed, so recently united with Celina, would happily accept the burden and guilt of this very final decision.

  It wasn’t his place. It wasn’t his cross to bear. Caridad had long ago tasked her with the role of protecting their kind—though she’d shied away from accepting the position in the Council for a long time. Now, her knowledge of the task ahead—that of spearheading the hunt for Creedar and neutralizing the threat he stood to their collective future—chilled her.

  “You may leave us to deliberate, Javed.”

  She turned slowly and met his unwavering gaze.

  Cressida slid the paperwork to Samra, who blinked slowly, accepting the sheaf, then bowed her head to read. Normally this would be a decision of the Council, but in consultation with Caridad, it had been decided that she and Samra would determine his eligibility. Of course, she already knew Caridad considered this the best option.

  Dragging her gaze from Samra’s studied interest, she looked to Javed, giving a pointed reminder that she’d dismissed him.