“Yeah, but isn’t it great that you can now?”Julian flashed him that winning smile.“He needs more friends.He deserves more of them.”
It was truly startling how effective that smile was.Ryder had been among many pretty people in his day, but Julianconnectedsomehow on a level that others did not.His good looks only added to that.
“I suppose it is,” Ryder admitted.
“The wilds are amazing.And terrifying,” Julian added the last quickly as if to assure Ryder he wasn’t foolish.The Ever Dark was beautiful but deadly.“Christian and I have already filmed twenty shows for our Youtube series,Existence, just scouting out a five-hundred foot section of Shadow’s Company nearest the west wall.”
“I can well imagine.Creatures must come near with you two out there, lured by your blood and voices.”Ryder tried to keep any warning note out of his voice as the Master Vampire in him was coming out to protect the young fledgling.
“We really want to check out the Mer people in the oceans.Daemon said that no one has gotten them to communicate, but I think we will,” Julian happily said.“Yet that’s well down the line.There’s so much justhere.We’re doling those videos out in between our Vampire content, which most people tune in for.But I can honestly say that we get just as big numbers on our creature content these days too.”
“I will have to watch those as well.I’m curious what you’ve found.”
“As more and more people understand the fullness of the Ever Dark, there’s just so much interest in it.”Julian’s eyes gleamed.“Human scientists are begging to come but Daemon is not so keen on them being here.I suppose to him it would feel like he was getting examined because he and the Ever Dark are so connected.”
“I know you still identify with humans, Julian, but they are–”
“The enemy,” Julian finished for him.“I know.I know.But they aren’t only that.And not all of them are.”
“True. Your show was already quite successful before all of this, wasn’t it?”Ryder gestured around them even as they passed by the box hedge and were heading towards the path that led into Shadow’s Company.“Now I’m sure it has exploded in popularity.”
Julian nodded.“I’m used to being on camera and having the public feel that they know me because of my parent’s show and my own.But even I have to admit that this amount of attention can be a little staggering.Christian and I have had so many offers from media companies toassistus in our endeavors, but we’ve said no to all of them.Even the Vampire-owned ones.I hope that it gives our show more credibility with the public and it definitely cuts down the red tape for whatever we want to do.”
“I’ll bet.It just depends if Daemon and Balthazar are in agreement with what you want to do and where you want to go.”Ryder bobbed his head.
“Oh, no, they don’t have a say in it either,” Julian answered with an airy wave of his hand.
“But surely…” Ryder stopped.
While he could not remember it, he knew from the stories alone how much Julian must mean to Daemon. The stained glass windows of the Kaly Palace told the tale. He couldn’t believe the king allowed his very young fledglingcarte blancheto go where he pleased.But perhaps Daemon just let Julian think so.And if that was the case, he would not make trouble for Daemon.
“It’s not like that.Daemon trusts my and Christian’s judgment,” Julian was explaining and then flushed again.“Sorry, I shouldn’t have listened to your thoughts.I’m still having difficulty with intention.If someone is thinking very loudly or about me, I tune into it.Balthazar warns me that those are the thoughts that will really sting.”
“I did not mean to have my thoughts sting you.”Ryder turned to the young man alarmed.
“No, not in the least.You didn’t either.”Julian waved his hands through the air as if to clear it physically of any such suggestion.“I guess I’m glad I’m not the only one.”
Ryder frowned, feeling he had missed something.“You’re not the only one thatwhat?”
Julian paused, but then flashed him an understanding look as he explained, “Who underestimates his power.”
“Daemon’s?No, I–”
“I know.I know.You would never question the king, but you don’t remember him.Not how he was.And he’s keeping a low profile right now,” Julian interrupted gently.It was his turn to gesture around them.“This is the Ever Dark.His domain completely.Do you truly think anything could happen to me here that he could not stop?”
Ryder considered this.“I suppose not.But the Sect has infiltrated our ranks and he did not foresee that.”
Julian gave him a hard look.“Are you sure he didn’t foresee it… and allow it?Or even plan it?”
That last sentence had Ryder’s stride faltering slightly.
“I–I assumed if he had that he would take care of it,” Ryder admitted finally.
“Some might say that he is taking care of it by having you and the others take care of it,” Julian pointed out.Looking thoughtful, Julian added, “There’s more to be gained or lost here than simply a battle with the enemy.”
“I see or… perhaps, Idon’tsee,” Ryder admitted.
He found he wanted to ask Julian if he had started to use his Seeyr gift to see the future, but something stopped him from asking.
