Epilogue
CORVINUS
Overmaster Descallia stands on stage at the podium addressing the vampire masters, lords, and some of the future warriors.
“It’s not every day that we form a new hierarchy, a new court of vampires.
I believe this will bring the vampires together in a solidified single approach meant to move us into the next century.
And as Lord Corvinus takes his place by my side, I’d like to have him say a few words. ”
The crowd parts as I walk toward the steps of the stage and make my way up to where Overmaster Descallia stands.
I shake hands with him and take the microphone as he steps back.
“It’s my honor to be here and to accept the position bestowed on me tonight.
All of us, together, we make a difference, each of our positions adding to the strength and protection of the vampires’ future. Thank you for your trust in me.”
My chest tightens as Embry walks in on cue in a short black gown, little black boots, and fishnet stockings that show off her shapely legs, but it’s her glowing eyes that captivate me the most.
Embry joins me on stage and stands next to me as planned, and her beauty almost takes my breath away.
I take her hand and turn to the crowd, watching their smiling faces, their delight in being able to be part of something as special as this.
“Tonight, I wanted all of you to be able to witness the moment when I officially make Embry my queen. Many of you have heard what she’s done for the vampires but may not know that she has thwarted attempts by our enemies to harm the vampires multiple times and has sacrificed greatly in order to do this.
As Overmaster has shared, Embry will be the leader of the warriors, an elite and new society of skilled fighting operatives, a combination of groups and skills, the official title to be unveiled at another time in the near future, but in addition to that, she has also agreed to be my queen. ”
Cheers erupt as my close friend and colleague Lord Theron steps forward with the crown. Embry’s eyes mist as I place it gently on her head before kissing her trembling lips and making her mine officially for everyone in the community to see.
The crowd starts clapping, a thunderous applause.
I wrap my arm around Embry and walk with her off the stage and through the parting crowd.
“Two Descallia Reds,” I tell the bartender as we reach the other side of the room and the noise dies down allowing Overmaster Descallia to finish up his speech.
Lord Theron comes to stand by us and claps me on the back and gives Embry a brief hug. “Congratulations.” He turns to the bartender. “Descallia Red, please.”
Embry nudges me as a majestic woman in a long trailing red gown floats through the crowd, all eyes wide, watching her as she moves toward us. It’s not her beauty alone, it’s the fact they know, if her gaze meets yours, by chance or other, your fate could be sealed and life changed forever.
Her eyes meet Lord Theron’s and hold them for a moment before turning to Embry and me. She smiles gently. “What a vision you both are. Lucianna, my dear friend, could not have been more right.”
My attention is pulled away as Master Romano’s blazing red eyes meet mine from across the room and he and Raven make their way hastily through the crowd.
He joins us quickly. “I know this is bad timing, but Raven’s friend, Tabitha.
She’s gone missing and aside from the fact that obviously Raven is worried about her, she has information about the meeting between the high priestess and Devora.
She was planning to tell Raven about what she learned but suddenly disappeared. ”
Embry’s eyes go wide and she hugs Raven. “I’m so sorry. We should have known that Devora would find out Tabitha was giving you information.”
Raven wrings her hands. “We have to find her. I feel completely responsible.”
I suck in a breath and look at my dearest friend. “Lord Theron, I’m sorry to make this my first official order, but I need you to go after Tabitha.”
His dark eyebrows arch. “A witch?”
“Yes, one who has been helping us by giving information to Raven, and now it would seem she may be in trouble.”
Raven starts texting quickly. “I may know where she’s gone, but . . .” She looks up at Lord Theron, whose dark eyes have narrowed. Raven continues, not dissuaded one bit. “There’s a place in the city Tabitha loves. I can get you the address.”
“In the city where?”
“A club, she likes to hang out there, blend in where no one knows she’s a witch. She may go there. I don’t know for sure, but maybe, it’s a long shot but it’s all I’ve got.”
Lord Theron does not look pleased but takes a long swallow of his drink. “Give me the address. I’ll find the witch.”
Want to find out what happens next between the dark vampire Lord Theron and the sassy witch, Tabitha?