Chapter 1 #2
“Mia, I can’t guarantee that your vampire strength will save you,” says Soren. “If the darkness takes over, you could be dangerous. I saw what happened in that church. Can you tell me that there was a single moment when you could control it?”
Mia casts her eyes downward. “No.” Her voice is small. “You…you’re probably right. I might hurt someone.”
“If anyone should go, it should be me,” Rowan pipes up. I shoot a look at her, then exchange glances with Mia.
“Hey! What’s that about?” Rowan looks from me to our sister and then back again. “My magic has changed.”
“I know it has, Ro,” I tell her, “but you’re still so new to it. And it’s strong. If it’s misdirected, it could be a disaster.”
“You might accidentally fry someone beyond redemption this time,” Darick says drily.
Rowan looks sheepish. “That was one time. And I didn’t kill you outright. Besides, Gran’s been teaching me how to…” She trails off at the mention of Gran’s name.
“None of this is a solution, girls,” Mom speaks for the first time. “I’m not having any of you rushing out to confront a madman. Your father and I have a better chance than any of you of taking him down.” She presses her lips together. “And we won’t do it.”
“What?” I stare at her. “Why not?”
“Because the time for hair-brained schemes is over,” says Dad.
“The coven conclave is finally ready to act,” Dad says, looking grim. “Lucien’s dark magic has left traces even they can’t ignore anymore. We need to call both councils together – the Blood Assembly and the Conclave. Get everyone in one room to deal with this.”
I snort. “Right, because that’s worked so well in the past. When was the last time either council actually accomplished anything?”
“She’s right,” Rowan adds. “They’ll just sit around debating while Lucien does whatever he wants.”
“There have been…political obstacles,” Soren admits. “And after what happened with Mia killing Council Member Valmont, there will be consequences—”
“Lucien just declared war on the witches,” Dad cuts in. “That’s going to send shockwaves through both communities. The Conclave won’t be able to ignore this – they’ll have to take decisive action now.”
Mom steps forward, her face set with determination. “This will flush out the traitors, too. Force everyone to show their true colors.”
Marcus nods. “Not everyone in the Blood Assembly supports Lucien. While gathering allies, I’ve sensed growing opposition to his methods. He’s built his support through blackmail and threats, not loyalty.”
I glance at Marcus despite myself. The way he says it, with such quiet certainty, makes me wonder just how deep his intelligence network runs. For a moment, our eyes meet and that strange energy from earlier crackles between us again.
I look away quickly. “So, what’s the plan, then? How do we get both councils to meet?”
“Let me worry about that,” says Dad. “The Blackwood name still holds some sway in these circles. And now, with what’s happened to Mother…” His jaw tightens. “I’m going to call for an emergency gathering.”
“Another one,” Rowan mutters, clearly not convinced.
“Things have changed, sweets,” says Darick. “With all that’s happened, I think we can be sure that we have their attention now.” He glances at Marcus. “Do you still have things lined up with the others?”
Marcus gives a curt nod. “Elias and Selene haven’t taken their eye off the ball since it all began. I believe they’ve gathered the evidence we need.”
“Thank fuck,” Darick huffs out. “Arabella’s been pigheaded about it.”
“Do you think she’s under his influence?” Dad asks.
Marcus shrugs. “Impossible to tell. The Grand Elder has always remained neutral. But she’s not immune to personal bias.”
“I think she’s been influenced from within.” Darick rubs his jaw.
“Wouldn’t surprise me,” Marcus agrees. “I can get someone into her court to see what comes up.”
“We don’t have time for that now,” I snap. “Gran’s out there with that animal doing who-knows-what to her. We need to act fast.”
“We need to gather allies and go in with a plan,” Marcus disagrees. So, of course, I want to smack him.
“Vampire allies, no doubt.” My lip curls. “Typical. This is what vampires do – take what they want and destroy lives. We don’t need any more of your kind interfering, thank you very much.”
“Kara, wait. Marcus is right,” Dad says, annoying me too. “I agree that we need to confront Marlowe head-on, but it’s going to take a strong force. We need all the help we can get.” He turns to Marcus. “Are you willing to work with us from your side?”
“Of course,” he responds immediately.
Darick is nodding. “This is all of our fight now.”
“Then it’s settled,” says Dad.
“No! Wait,” I say, then bite down on my lip when everyone stares at me.
Crap.
“Do you have something to add?” Dad tilts his head.
I glare at Marcus, then look over at my parents.
Crap. Crap.
I have no reason to object aside from not liking the man. I’m being unreasonable, and that’s unlike me.
“No,” I say limply. “Sounds good.”
Sounds terrible. But there’s nothing to be done. Like it or not, I’m going to have to deal with Marcus Nightshade.
I just hope he doesn’t get in my way.