Old Friend
DAMIEN
I pace the confines of Valeska’s room, breaking into shadow and testing every corner. There is no escape. I’m a prisoner here, as certainly as when I was surrounded by sunlight. Only a few days ago, I was ready to die, secure in the promise of one day being reunited with Eloise in the Darklands. Now my fate is far worse. Only with careful and clever distraction have I been able to evade Valeska’s questions about Eloise. I suspect the only reason she hasn’t forced the name out of me is that she wants me to give it to her freely, wants me to accept culpability in my mate’s death so that I’ll be more pliable once I’m hers.
That will never happen. I will never give it willingly. But how long can I deny her? With her poisonous blood in my veins, she will compel it from me eventually.
Unless I can find a way to dilute her influence.
A knock comes on the door and I break into shadow, hiding in the darkness behind the bureau. A human meal is delivered to me once per day, a necessity for a shade. Only now am I strong enough to consider how to use the regularity of its delivery to my advantage. If I can find an alternate source of nourishment, I can purge Valeska’s blood from my system. I might even be able to hasten the process by bleeding myself just short of death and then replacing what I’ve lost with a clean donor, preferably human.
Yes. The plan forms in my head. I will pounce upon the deliverer of my food, knock them unconscious, then drain my own blood before replenishing it. If all goes well, I’ll be free of this room before Valeska returns.
I hear the door open. The wheels of the cart squeak into the room. The door closes again. The serving cart rolls across the wood floors into view. I hover like a storm cloud over the dark-hooded servant’s robe, ready to descend with a violent blow. But pale, knotted fingers pull back the hood, and my plan is shot to hell.
I coalesce in front of the ancient scribe in my corse form. “Lazarus.”
“Oh, Damien, gods it is good to see you alive.” The scribe spreads his arms, and despite my disappointment at not being able to enact my plan, I embrace him. He is a true friend. I know that now more than ever.
“You’ve put yourself at risk coming here, old friend,” I whisper, glancing toward the door.
He sighs. “It was necessary. I mean to warn you—you must not drink her blood. She’s spelled it using a potion to bind you.”
My shoulder’s sink. “It’s too late, I’m afraid. I don’t suppose you have the antidote.”
He frowns. “There is none. You must wait until the blood leaves your system.”
It’s a disappointing realization, but I’m suddenly distracted by the scent of the food. Hunger pangs cut through me, and I pull the dome off the tray. Chicken. Roast vegetables. After tearing the leg off the bird, I swallow it whole, bones and all.
“Oh dear. She’s been starving you then?”
“Until recently,” I admit. “I am only allowed to drink from her and supplement with these human meals, so of course I’ve taken as little blood as possible. The lack of nourishment has slowed my recovery.”
He groans. “Then her blood concentrated inside you. I fear it will be some time until we can break her hold. But this should help.” He uncovers a goblet and hands it to me. It’s full of blood.
“Lazarus, you brilliant male.” I drain the cup dry, then tear into the chicken again.
“Had to compel the human servant to donate and allow me to serve you. I’m not sure I can do it again. It cost me. I’ll need to visit Marabella’s soon.”
“I thank you, my friend. I will not forget this.”
He studies me for a moment. “You truly will not give up her name?”
“I love her, Lazarus. She is more than my mate. She is the other half of my soul. I will not give her up. I would rather cut out my own tongue.”
Lazarus nods. “I can smell it on you. Your mating scent even overpowers the scent of the queen’s blood in your veins.”
I finish the last of the chicken and start in on the vegetables. “You’ve already done so much for me, but I must ask one more favor.”
“Anything, Damien.” The scribe’s bulbous eyes shift.
“Find Cassius. Ask him to get a message to my mate that she’s in danger. He’ll know how to find her.”
Lazarus frowns. “Cassius knows who she is then.”
I nod once. “He does. He’ll hide her. He’ll protect her.” I swallow hard. “I’m unsure if I can anymore. If Valeska commands me…”
“Say no more. I will do it at my earliest opportunity to leave Night Haven undetected.”
