He holds up one hand. Shakes his head. “What I propose is that you come with me to meet the master of the Lamia coven. Together we can relay the risk that Damien’s capture means for her and the Chicago vampires. She and her consort are shrewd when it comes to these matters. It’s possible she’ll agree to use her political influence to pressure Valeska to give Damien up.”
I nod because my throat is too tight to speak. In my heart, I grip the last shreds of hope he’s handing me. But Valeska is the only vampire queen I know of. It’s hard for me to believe that the Chicago master will be any different. I cough a few times and find my voice. “When can we go?”
He smiles as if he’s relieved that I agree to his plan. “Tomorrow night. With it being Halloween, she is otherwise engaged this evening. I will take you to the Star tomorrow night.”
“The Star?”
“The Star of Lamia. It’s the subterranean world the Chicago vampires call home.”
“Is it safe? You should know the queen has a price on my head.”
“We will share your identity only when necessary. Once my master knows who you are, her priority will be to protect you, not hand you over.”
“Is it safe otherwise? I mean for humans?” Maeve was adamant that visiting Night Haven would be a death sentence.
“It’s safe. Our master forbids killing humans. We may feed on them, but we cannot harm them. And I will be there to protect you.”
I nod, resigned. All these questions, they are only to help prepare myself. Even if I had to descend into a passageway lined with barbs and broken glass, I’d agree to his plan. He’s my last chance at helping Damien. “Okay.”
“We’ll go at twilight.”
I place my empty glass down on the coffee table. “In that case, I should go. I haven’t booked a hotel yet.”
He stands. “I won’t hear of it. You must stay here tonight. Damien would never forgive me if I left you unprotected in the city, especially now that you’ve shared there’s a price on your head. You took an incredible risk coming here alone. This house is warded, and I have plenty of room. I insist.”
“Thank you.” I sense I can trust Cassius, and not just because he’s like a brother to Damien. There’s something about the shade that puts me at ease as equally as my meeting with Morpheus disturbed me.
He picks up my bag. “Then allow me to show you to your room. I must report to the Star within the hour, but I’ll be back by dawn. Make yourself at home and help yourself to anything in the kitchen. Vampires here don’t eat, but as Damien probably shared with you, shades do. You’ll find the pantry well stocked.”
With only the slightest tug of apprehension about trusting a veritable stranger, I follow the shade upstairs, committed to a plan to descend into a world of vampires tomorrow night.
15
The Vampire & Her Mate
ELOISE
That night I help myself to a slice of deep-dish pizza Cassius has in his fridge and find a fantasy novel I’ve been aching to read in his well-appointed study. The doorbell rings every now and then, although I keep the lights at the front of the house off. I don’t answer it. Maeve praises me for that bit of wisdom when I text her a play-by-play of what’s happened.
Maeve: The last thing you need is to open the door and for some vampire or witch to connect you with the shade. That could get back to Valeska before you even leave Chicago.
Me: Vampires are going to know tomorrow. He’s taking me to the Star, which is the Chicago version of Night Haven.
Maeve: Goddess help you. Have I ever told you that you attract danger like honey attracts ants?
Me: I try. I’m thinking of taking up sword swallowing.
Maeve: I’m not worried. On a different subject, can I have your green velvet couch if you die?
Me: You want my couch? You know my great-grandfather picked it out, right?
Maeve: It’s vintage.
Maeve: Hey, gotta go. Work stuff.
Me: K. See you in two days.
Maeve: Don’t die.
