Chapter 6 Kael
KAEL
Standing in my bathroom, staring at my haunted reflection, I want to look away.
It's almost amusing to hear the folklore among the human world about vampires who are not blessed with a reflection, and I often wonder if that stems from the pain and heartache of a vampire themselves. One, just like me, who was unable to bring themselves to look in the mirror to begin with.
But I do now.
I stand before myself in full assessment.
My eyes, although a different color, replicate my brother's. My nose is my father's, the slight crook most don’t notice, and my lips are my mother's.
Once upon a time, family and bloodline meant everything; now, none of that matters anymore.
I’m creating my own family. One centered around a scythe, one who may not reciprocate my thoughts, but that doesn’t matter.
She’s the glue holding Rion, Thorne, and me together, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. My shoulders roll back as I recall last night.
Seated on the sofa, my hands clasp together in my lap as I look up at Elodie. She stands tall and confident, yet the nerves that vibrate from her are undeniable.
“It's okay, Elodie,” I promise, the word ‘enchantress’ on the tip of my tongue once again, desperate to bring her back to the badass that she is. But since we've got an audience, I keep it to myself.
Rion, Thorne, and Ocean watch in silence.
Thorne has already figured out what needs to be said and has written it down on a piece of paper for Elodie to read, while Ocean has lit a few candles around the room.
She says it fuels her magic, but I'm sure the Veilstone would work just fine without it.
Not that I question it. As long as we get the end result, nothing else is important.
“I’m nervous,” Elodie whispers, and I offer her a small smile, ghosting my hand over her leg as she stands before me.
“I know, and that's okay.”
Fucking her in that display room was reckless, especially since we haven’t had our big conversation to see if we're possibly back on track. But I had to take my opportunity.
There might not be another.
Maybe it’s a good thing that we didn't have some earthbending conversation to go with it, because now I would probably be trembling right along with her.
When she still doesn't move to place her hand on me, I reach for her, doing it on her behalf. Her fingertips are cool against my skin as my t-shirt lies on the sofa beside me, while I await her mark.
She sucks in a breath, and I nod, watching as she curls her free hand around the Veilstone.
“Do it, Elodie,” I say, and she cocks her brow at me, likely questioning the imbalanced control, but the sparkle in her eyes is exactly what I am looking for.
Clearing her throat, she nods, and the room plummets into even deeper silence before she speaks.
“Kael Forrester, I, Elodie Blackwood, am now your master. I reign supreme, and your actions are mine. Your responsibility is to keep me safe at all times from anyone or anything. You must do what is possible for us to succeed. You must not place me in a vulnerable position. Your protection is required at all times in my presence or not. When we come face to face with our enemies, and we watch them fall to their demise, my power over you will be no more.”
Warmth glows over me as she exhales, and I know it's taking root.
Blinking back to the present, I stare at my reflection once more, but this time, I lift the hem of my t-shirt until I spy the small mark that wasn't there before. No bigger than a pea in the crevice under my arm, just like a forgotten freckle.
Her mark. Her seal.
Releasing the fabric of my t-shirt, I glance at the time, and I know I need to move.
Quickly slipping back into the lounge, I glance at the pull-out sofabed.
Elodie lies in the center; the spot I occupied moments ago remains empty, while Rion lies on her other side, arm flung around her waist. Thorne got the short straw and is lying on the other side of Rion, arms folded over his chest as he sleeps.
They're going to wake up soon, and I'm going to be gone.
Guilt threatens to rise inside of me, but I can't face the emotions swirling or acknowledge the worry I know will be in Elodie's eyes.
It's definitely a good thing we didn't have a heart to heart.
Making for the door, my fingers curl around the handle and I offer myself one last glance over my shoulder just as Rion blinks up at me. I shake my head and his brows furrow with concern, but thankfully, instead of causing a commotion, he holds Elodie close to his chest.
My gut aches, but it’s with jealousy this time, wishing it were me in that position. Instead of drowning in it, I suck it up and slip into the hallway. Quietly closing the door behind me, I stare at the door ahead, which is supposed to be Elodie's room.
I know Ocean is on the other side.
A little after Elodie used the Veilstone, she mumbled about too much testosterone and needing a break. She refused to let Elodie join her, and as irritating as she is, I know she's a good friend. Elodie will need her to get through this. I should say thanks, but that’s not really in my nature.
Heading for the stairs, I let my thoughts and emotions overwhelm me, allowing myself to feel everything before I’m in my brother’s presence, where it would only prove to be a weakness.
My mind swirls with thoughts of Elodie and how much we’ve been through in such a short amount of time. It taunts me, and not even the brisk, cool morning air rouses me from the darkness as I trudge toward The Vale.
When Elodie saw the message from Jude confirming a ten o’clock meet-up, I knew I had to make it earlier.
So here I am, a little before six, stepping inside the Academy halls, but instead of making my way to the portal room, I head for the men’s bathroom at the back of the building.
It’s no surprise to find myself alone. No one else would choose to be here at this time. I’m grateful for it.
Standing on the outside of the bathroom in question, I take a deep breath, sweeping my mind clear of anything and everything but rage and anger, just how my brother likes it.
With one final deep breath, I step inside to find I’m still alone. My brother loves to keep me waiting, so it’s no surprise that when six o’clock rolls around, he’s not here. But with every passing minute, doubt starts to creep up on me.
As if sensing my uncertainty, a rush of movement finally comes, and I turn toward the far stall, expecting my brother, only to come face to face with Walker.
Anger vibrates inside of me, a feeling that seems mutual by the glare in his eyes as we stare off with one another.
My fingers curl at my sides, my instincts beckoning me to beat the fuck out of him, but I manage to keep myself together, refraining for the sake of the bigger picture. I’m going to have to play nice with this fucker, despite my desire to rip his throat out.
I make a silent vow to do it soon enough. It’s the only thing that calms my mind enough to speak.
“Where's my brother?” I ask, and he shrugs.
“He was too busy.” He stuffs his hands into his pockets, a sneer on his lips, and I huff, unsurprised.
“Let's go then.” I start moving toward him and the portal that stands behind him, but he blocks my path as he folds his arms over his chest, trying to appear bigger before me as he tilts his head.
“Go where?”
Great. It looks like someone's on a power trip.
Cocking my brow at him, I remain as unfazed as possible. “Are you here to take me to him or not?” I grunt, and he shrugs again.
“I’m still deciding.”
I scoff. “Ah, I didn't realize my brother gave you power. What's your official title?” I ask in a knowing, teasing tone. It’s undeniable in my voice, and my assumptions are confirmed by the tick to his jaw and the way his nose flares in frustration.
“Or do you not have one?” I add, stamping home that I know exactly what my brother is like.
Instead of giving me a response, he rolls his shoulders back, cracking his neck from side to side, like I'm going to be scared of him.
Foolish fucker.
“Let's go,” he commands, like this is all his idea, and I’m already bored with his cryptic facade of control.
I shoulder past him and storm through the portal, only to collide with an awaiting fist.
I falter, landing flat on my back as I catch my breath. My vision turns red, my vampire senses reacting as I launch to my feet.
My eyes are narrowed, my hands poised at my sides as my fangs elongate. Rage burns through me, ready to shred my attacker, who is revealed to be none other than my brother.
There’s a grin on his lips as the light dances in his eyes and he matches my stance.
We stare off, and this feels completely different from the confrontation I had moments earlier with Walker, who now stands on the sidelines, watching us with rapt attention.
Our senses are heightened, our vampire control at the forefront. This is just how my brother likes me. And if it's a show he wants, I’m going to give it to him.
I make the first move just as he desires. Charging toward him, I don't make it two steps before I'm halted. Vines coil around my ankles and wrists as I'm flung back. My spine slams against the wall with a thud as the vines settle, holding me in place.
Startled, the earthy scent is overwhelming, and it only makes my vampire burn through me even hotter. Despite the rage that consumes me, it’s still clear that this isn’t the work of my brother; this isn’t his magic.
My gaze snaps to Walker off to the right, and by the way he stands, his hands stuffed in his pockets as his gaze pings between the two of us, it becomes clear it’s not his either.
Clamping my eyelids shut, I focus on steadying my breathing. He’s already caught me off guard once. I need to be more aware of my actions.