Fated In Secrets (Nocturne Vampire Clan #2)

Chapter 52

52

BLAKE

T he first thing I noticed was the warmth of Evie’s hand on mine.

That single, soft, grounding touch was a lifeline reeling me out of the dark fog of marrow-deep pain. My body had been put through a meat grinder, the after effects of a thorough healing, but I was alive. Somehow, impossibly, I’d survived.

How ?

When I opened my eyes, Evangeline was watching, perched on the edge of my bed, her thigh pressed against the length of my torso, my ridiculously large hand sandwiched between her tiny ones.

Her pale face was shadowed, her bare arms…pebbled with still-healing scars?

"Welcome back," she said softly, a weak smile tugging at her lips.

I went to sit up, but a shooting pain in my shoulder stopped me cold. I slumped back against the pillows, tried to say her name, but all that came out was a wheezing, pathetic gasp of air.

"Don’t move," she said quickly, pressing her hand gently against my uninjured shoulder to press me down into the pillows. "You’re still healing. I’ll get you some water.”

I took in the dimly lit room, bloodied blankets piled in one corner, furniture shoved against the opposite wall. My chambers , I realized dimly, though right now they looked like a war zone.

She tipped a glass to my lips and that first sip of cold water tasted like heaven, soothing my cracked, parched throat. The second was even better, clearing my head enough I got my bearings. "You came for me," I rasped, the fire in my throat reigniting until I took another cooling sip.

She nodded. "Riordan and me and Nash. But Riordan’s the one who saved you."

The mention of Riordan sent a strange flicker of dread through me. Then I remembered the way his red-tainted power had burned so brightly in the dark halls of Hemlocke House as I flickered in and out of consciousness.

His face, that somehow… hadn’t been his face .

"What happened?" I asked, my voice rough. “Tell me everything.”

Evangeline hesitated, her hand falling away from my shoulder. She looked down at her lap, twisting her fingers nervously. Guilt seeped from her in a thick, sour stream, and my relief turned to dread.

"I’ll explain what happened, but there’s something I have to tell you first," she said, pursing her lips, before glancing to the window, blocked by heavy, closed drapes. One sigh and she nestled into me, lips pressed against my ear. “We have to be careful. Malachi is listening.”

Even the tone of her voice sent a chill down my spine.

"Riordan isn’t himself," she continued, her voice the barest whisper. "He’s... possessed. By someone—or something—named Ravok."

I froze, the name hitting me like a punch to the gut. No, this couldn’t be happening .

"Ravok?" My sore throat moved as I swallowed down my fear. "That isn’t possible, Ravok is…"

“Dead. I know.” Evangeline shivered. "But he showed himself to me. He’s taken Riordan over, and if there is anything left of Rohr, he’s buried so deep, I’m not sure…I haven’t seen him in days,” she swallowed. “And what I have seen…hasn’t been pretty.”

I picked up her wrist, my fingers rubbed over two new punctures on her wrist, and my blood ran cold.

“How long have I been out?”

“Three days. Sylvester kept you sedated to give your body time to heal because he knows how you are.”

“Determined?” I muttered.

“Stubborn.” She corrected, and nipped my ear.

Fuck. If I was in this bad of shape after three days, I must have been half-dead when they brought me back. My eyes drifted once again to the pile of bloodied sheets in the corner. Yeah, that was a fuckton of blood.

“So the working theory is Ravok was somehow attached to Tyrell’s magic. That’s Sylvester’s best guess anyways. I pointed out that Caine’s the one who turned Tyrell, but…well, everyone ignored me. But the end result is Rohr is infected with the soul, or whatever you want to call it, of this Ravok creature. Which would explain the differences we’ve all been noticing these past weeks.”

“Maybe Sylvester’s wrong.”

She shook her head. “I’ve seen the proof with my own eyes. You’ll see, too. The magic, the way Riordan acts—this isn’t him. This is someone far more…evil.”

I swallowed again, my mind racing. Ravok was one of Caine’s Thirteen. Those first creations had taken on near-religious connotations in our species, worshiped by some, feared by most, and a cursed beginning to our species .

"Caine was the first. The one who made the original deal with the darkness that gave us our power. But the ones he made,” I shook my head, and the room spun. “They were far worse."

Evangeline frowned. "According to Sylvester, there were two original vampires."

"There were," I said, my voice grim. "Caine and Lilith. But Caine was the one who birthed the magic that gave us immortality. He was obsessed with power, with control. He didn’t just want to live forever—he wanted to rule this world, by filling it with monsters."

Evangeline’s brows knitted together. "That’s kind of what I was afraid of.”

“What do you mean?” I shook my head, instantly regretful as pain lanced through my shoulder. "An Elder can’t really be here, in America .” I argued softly, my palm beginning to slick with sweat. “No one’s seen one in the flesh for centuries, and Ravok…he disappeared almost a thousand years ago.”

“And how would you know that, Blake Marten?” Her heart pounded so hard I could feel every beat inside my chest.

“We studied the Thirteen in school, and he was the first of the Elders to disappear. Nobody knows who killed him, but he’s gone.”

“Well, he’s back, stuffed into Riordan’s body. Ready to rule the Nocturne Clan as our king. Something tells me he won’t be satisfied with that for long.”

I dipped my gaze and between my fingers, studied the still healing bite on her wrist. “What is this, Evie?”

She swallowed. “The price I was willing to pay for your life. And before you get angry, I’d do it again in a heartbeat, so don’t,” she rubbed her forehead, the scent of tears perfuming the stale air. “Just don’t yell at me. Please.”

“I wasn’t yelling.” I brushed a tear off her cheek, noting her paleness, the bruised circles under her eyes, her bloodless lips.

“Yes, you totally were, and normally, I’d let you, but right now…. I can’t, Blake . I need you. I need someone to lean on. Because I’m so tired of trying to handle everything myself. I’m not strong enough to deal with all this on my own, Blake. I’ve really been trying, but…”

I coasted my hands over her shaking shoulders, down her back and tucked her in tight. She sucked in a ragged breath. “I was afraid you wouldn’t wake up. That Sylvester’s magic wasn’t enough. That I’d lose you.” her hand crept across my chest until her palm rested over my heart. “But this right here kept me strong. I always felt you here .”

“I’ll never leave you, Evangeline. Even if I have to crawl out of Hell to come back to you, that’s what I’ll do.”

But I swallowed down the horror clogging my raw, aching throat. This was…nothing I’d ever expected to face. Ravok, back from the dead. Riordan, lost to a monster.

I’d woken to a fresh nightmare.

“There is some good news.” Evie shot me a tentative smile, like she knew exactly what I was thinking. “Ravok seems to be on our side. For the moment. We can leverage that. Him.”

Evangeline leaned closer, keeping her voice low. “Riordan saved you," she whispered. "Even with Ravok inside him, he asserted himself long enough to fight off Valaine and Collum. And my fucking father. Then he subdued Morvessa. And when I asked him to leave her alive, he did.”

Her fingers traced over one of the old scars on my chest, “ What if…what if Ravok isn’t such a bad thing? You didn’t see him in action, Blake. He’s so strong…no one could stand before him, not a single enemy will dare rise up to challenge him. And if Riordan manages to control him…”

There was so much hope in her voice I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Evangeline, the Elders weren’t just powerful. They were abominations. If he’s controlling Riordan, it’s only a matter of time before he uses that strength to destroy everything we’re fighting for. He’d be worse than Tyrell, worse than anything you could imagine."

She looked away, her jaw tightening. "But what if Riordan wins?"

"He won’t." I shot back. "We’re talking blood hierarchy. Basic vampire biology, and these are the creators of our race. This is like going up against an all-powerful god with sticks and stones. Then comes the day when it’s not Riordan who wakes up, but Ravok. Do you presume he’ll care about your loyalty, about the kingdom? He’ll destroy us all."

Evangeline fell silent, her hands going still as she considered.

“I know you see a way to victory here, Evie. I know things seem hopeless, but this is not the way to win. Riordan wouldn’t want to win this way.”

"Then we have to do something," she laid her head on my chest. "If we don’t stop this transformation—if it’s not already too late—we’ll lose him."

"We’ll figure it out," I murmured, stroking her arm, studying all the tiny scars, burns that still blistered. "We’ll figure out what to do, together."

For a moment, we just lay together, the silence between us heavy with uncertainty, but whatever came next, one thing was for certain: We had to get Rohr back .

No matter the cost.

Evangeline sniffed, then sat up and scrubbed the tears from her face. “I know you feel like shit, but I have to show you something.”

Her expression hardened, then like she’d made some sort of a decision, she pressed her wrist to her mouth and bit down hard. I grabbed for her as pain seared down my spine, but then her wrist pressed against my lips and all I tasted was her.

Warm, silky blood flooding my mouth, spilling down my throat. My cock hardened and I pulled her over me, wanting more contact, more of her softness rubbing against me. She pressed a kiss to my cheek, leaving a streak of wetness behind and my lust turned to ice.

She was still crying.

And there was nothing but regret in her face when she told me, “Drink and I’ll show you how we’ll save Riordan.”

“I’ve never been down here.” My voice echoed into the darkness. “Heard there was a library, but never set foot in here. It’s…magnificent.” I admitted. We navigated the labyrinth of book laden shelves, tucked deep beneath the western wing of the castle, if I had my bearings right. Evangeline moved quickly, like she’d been here numerous times before, and the back of my neck prickled. This place was enormous, hundreds of stacks, illuminated only by the faint glow of enchanted sconces casting flickering patterns on the ancient books .

“This place feels... alive,” Evangeline said, her voice hushed.

“It is,” I replied, my voice equally low. “Clan libraries are more than a collection of books. They’re a record of our history, our magic. Even our mistakes.”

We rounded the next corner and I yanked Evie behind me, putting myself between her and the cloaked figure leaning casually against a towering shelf. A few strands of red hair caught the dim light, and from his shadowed face, sharp gold eyes glittered.

“It’s okay, Blake, this is Eldric Drakon, the clan historian.”

“Drakon?” I peered at him sharply, wondering what sort of game this was.

“I was wondering when you’d show up,” his voice was smooth, unsurprised. “Word travels quickly, even down here.”

Evangeline stepped forward, tipping her head up. “We’re looking for answers, Eldric.”

He chuckled, “not a surprise, given the rumors I’ve heard. Let me guess—this time, it’s about the king.”

I stiffened, but Evangeline nodded, her shoulders sagging and guilt swept through me in a sour wave. She was exhausted, she’d been injured, and still, all she thought about was how to help me, how to save Riordan. “You’ve heard.”

“Of course,” Eldric said, pushing off the shelf and strolling toward us. “Ravok’s name hasn’t been spoken aloud in centuries, yet suddenly it’s on everyone’s lips. The barracks are filled with crazy rumors. Quite the resurrection story.”

“Cut to the chase,” I said, my patience fraying. “You’re the historian. How do we stop him? ”

Eldric raised an eyebrow. “You’re assuming it’s possible. That’s... optimistic.”

Evangeline’s hand twitched at her side, but she kept her voice calm. “Tyrell was possessed for years, wasn’t he? That’s why he always spoke about Caine as though he were still alive.”

Eldric’s smirk faded, replaced by something colder. “You’re not wrong,” he murmured. “Tyrell and Caine were two minds sharing one body. But Caine never took Tyrell over completely. My guess was, he wasn’t worth the bother.” Teeth flashed in the darkness.

“Besides, Caine was alive, until recently.”

Drakon lifted an eyebrow at my look of shock. “Oh yes, it is quite the story. The new Darkfell queen in Louisiana killed the father of our race, barely five years ago. Still, we’re not talking about Tyrell, we’re talking about our king. Ravok is an entirely different beast altogether. With entirely different appetites.” When his glittering gaze settled on Evie, my blood froze at the knowing light in his eyes.

“Can we stop him?” She asked, chewing her lip. “Perform an exorcism….or something?”

Eldric frowned. “Perhaps the better question is…where did Ravok come from? He was supposed to be dead a thousand years ago. How did he get inside the castle wards in the first place? How did he get inside Riordan? Perhaps those are the questions you should be asking.”

A chill ran down my spine at the implications. “So, what does this all mean for Riordan? Like Evie said, is there a ritual to unbind the Elder from Riordan’s body?”

Eldric’s gaze softened slightly. “Possibly. Tyrell began his existence as a monster and welcomed Caine with open arms. Riordan, on the other hand, is honorable, and decent, and I expect he’s fighting for his life right now. ”

Evie nodded solemnly. “He is.”

“Riordan hasn’t been possessed for long. There’s still a chance to pull Ravok out before he consumes our king. But you’ll need help.”

Evangeline crossed her arms. “From who? I only know one witch and I’d sooner drive a knife into her heart than ask her for another favor.”

Eldric’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Lady Fiona Drakeheart.”

“No.” I snapped. “Not happening. I don’t know how you gained access to this library, but I’m evicting you right the fuck now. House Drakeheart rejected my every offer for an alliance. Fiona herself told me to go fuck myself— politely, of course. If Fiona’s not our ally, then she’s our enemy.”

Evie’s mouth dropped open as I spooled up my magic. My shadows responded like thick tar, stubborn and slow, but a haze of power spun out around us. Barely a mist, compared to my full strength, but enough to put this asshole on the floor.

“Is she, though?” Eldric asked, tilting his head. “For your information, Fiona despised Tyrell. And choosing to remain neutral is not choosing sides. However, if you approach her the right way , you might find she’s more... flexible than you think.”

Evie frowned. “Why would this…Fiona help us? What does she have to gain?”

“Ask Blake,” Eldric said, shaking his head. “He would tell you vampires are complicated creatures. That alliances shift like the wind. That often, things are not as they appear. Perhaps a conversation is in order to clear the air between you.”

Evangeline narrowed her eyes. “And what exactly do we say to convince her? ”

Eldric stepped back toward the shelves, running his fingers along the spines, sending dust spinning through the air. He stopped abruptly, plucking a book from its place. He handed it to Evangeline.

“Give her this as a peace offering,” he said, his tone light. “And while you’re there, tell Fiona her big brother says hello.”

Evangeline stared at him, confusion and suspicion flickering across her face as I clenched my hands into fists. “Her brother?”

Eldric simply winked as he sank into a bow. “Eldric Drakon of House Drakheart, at your service. I just happen to like books better than I like war. I’m a lover, not a fighter. Like I said, vampires are complicated.”

I watched him disappear into the shadows, fading away as swiftly as he’d appeared.

Evangeline looked down at the book in her hands, her brow furrowed. “What is this?”

“A bargaining chip, I suppose,” I muttered, my voice grim. “For Rohr’s sake, let’s hope it works.”