For days Rook Vasser watched his leader Faolan waste away to mere bones, his withered skin paler than its normal ashen shade. It pained him to see a man of great power reduced to a weakened state where those who'd once admired him now looked on in pity. The sudden change in loyalties disturbed him. They'd be nothing without him. He'd be nothing, and that knowledge had helped temper his rage in the past. Though it hadn't always been that way.
Many times he'd been lured into battle, wanting nothing more than to rip his rivals in two and adorn the forest floor with their carnage. But he'd resisted.
Under Faolan's rule, the Ravyn Myst clan remained peaceful-sworn against spilling blood unless provoked. Before, he'd honored those vows. Recent events were about to change that.
There'd been talk by head members of clans to merge into one unit with current leaders battling for top rank. And to complicate matters, the number of rogue vampires had tripled-rebellious independents hell-bent on breaking traditions, bleeding innocents dry, and waging war among clans. They'd targeted the Ravyn Mysts at first word of the leader's poor health. The moonstone served as an added incentive. Hold it and they held the power to unlock otherworld secrets.
Rook sensed the restlessness of his brothers, and while they questioned the path the Ravyn Mysts would take, he stayed busy formulating a plan. He'd be damned to stand by and watch all that Faolan had built crumble into nothingness. His leader deserved to finish his reign and name a new leader when warranted.
He would see to it. He also needed to prepare for the worst.
The problem lay in tracking down the moonstone. He had an idea of its whereabouts. If correct he'd find it in the Blood Mountains in the heart of the Amazon. But without proof he'd cause more harm than good. Time was precious.
He hoped to receive the confirmation he'd been waiting on tonight.
With swift strides, he moved through the manor toward the common room. Cadoc-one of the few he trusted-stepped into his view and nodded.
"I have news. I was just on my way to find you. How's Faolan?"
"Worse than yesterday," he said, unable to cloak the strain in his voice.
Cadoc bowed his head and sighed. "I'm sorry."
"You said you had news," Rook prompted, wanting to move away from the glum subject. "I take it you confronted Lucretia?"
"Yes." A wry smile followed. "Your instincts are dead on. There's only one she'd trust to destroy the moonstone."
Slade . Adrenaline rushed his veins. "Excellent. It gives me a starting point."
"The Blood Mountains ?"
He checked that no one else had heard and nodded.
Cadoc frowned. "You know the rogues will have their spies out."
"I know."
"Did you want company? Someone to watch your back?"
Rook appreciated the gesture but knew Cadoc well enough. He couldn't afford distractions. "I need to do this on my own. If I fail, I want to know there's still someone here I can trust."
"You've never failed at anything, friend." His disappointment was apparent, but brief.
"Let's hope I don't start now." He winked and patted Cadoc's shoulder. "Keep an eye on the clan for me while I'm gone."
"Of course, and an eye on Faolan too," he added. "Safe journey."
"Always."
Satisfied with the news, Rook continued outside and stood at the cliff's edge. Turbulent waves crashed below, mimicking the rage that battered his gut. He meant to find and destroy the one who held the moonstone, and restore balance to the clan. Failure wasn't an option. At this point, neither was his promise to uphold peace. Blood would be shed.
"Forgive me, Faolan. I'm about to let you down."
A full moon illuminated the night. Its brilliance would light his way.
Rook glanced behind him at the only home he'd ever known, and then took to the sky. |
