“And, knowing Lucien, they’re specifically calibrated for witch magic,” Darick adds. “Though I suspect they might have nasty surprises for vampires as well. Lucien’s never been one to discriminate when it comes to eliminating potential threats.”
I feel my family’s eyes on me, and I resist the urge to sink deeper into my chair. The weight of my reckless decision presses down on me, but I force myself to sit straight. I may have acted impulsively, but at least we gained some concrete information about what we’re up against.
“Oh, Kara,” Mom sighs, reaching out to my shoulder. “Thank the goddess you had Marcus to help you.”
Ugh. I wish she wasn’t right. It makes me feel like some kind of helpless female.
“I’m fine, Mom. It was nothing. No big deal.”
“No big deal?” Marcus raises his eyebrow. “I’mcrushed.”
I narrow my eyes on him. “Funny,” I mutter. I’m aware that the others are eyeing us with interest.
A shadow detaches itself from the corner, making me jump. Marcus moves instantly, placing himself between me and the potential threat, but relaxes as Soren steps into the light.
“At ease,” Soren says, his dark eyes sweeping the room. “Though I appreciate the reflexes.”
“What are you doing here?” I demand, then take a deep breath. I really need to calm the hell down. Something about being squished like a bug disagrees with me.
“Kara!” Mia scowls at me. “Rude much?”
I give a sheepish shrug. “Sorry. My nerves are on edge.”
My sister moves to the tall male, smoothing a hand over his tousled hair. “I’m glad you’re back. I was worried about you.”
“I’m here with news.” He brushes his lips over her forehead before turning to the rest of us. “The vampire community is…unsettled. Valmont’s death has sparked outrage, but not all of it is directed where Lucien might hope.”
Marcus straightens. “What do you mean?”
“Many see his attack on the witch coven as reckless – an act of war we can’t afford right now. There’s growing dissent about his recent proposals.” Soren’s gaze fixes on me. “The moreconservative elements are particularly concerned about forcibly taking witch blood. They remember the last war all too well.”
“As they should,” I mutter, but without my usual heat. The memory of Marcus pulling me from that trap is still too fresh. He saved my life, after all.
“Arabella won’t be able to maintain neutrality much longer,” Soren continues. “Not with Valmont dead and evidence mounting of Lucien’s…excesses. The timing of his attack on the coven couldn’t have been worse for him politically.”
“You think she’ll finally act?” Marcus asks.
Soren nods. “Many of the old guard remember what happened the last time we provoked the witches. They won’t stand for another war, not when we’re already dealing with the Bloodbane crisis. This could be the push needed to galvanize the Grand Elder into taking action against Lucien.”
“Or not,” Darick mutters.
Dad moves to the center of our living room, his posture telling me that he’s about to deliver news. “We have important feedback, too.” He glances at Mom, who gives him an encouraging smile. “The Conclave has voted unanimously to take action. Even Morgan Shadowmaster abstained rather than oppose.”
“Morgan actually kept his mouth shut for once?” I exchange a look with Rowan. The Shadow Veil’s leader usually jumps at any chance to defend the vampires. “That’s…unexpected.”
“Two of our sisters are dead.” Dad’s voice turns hard. “Clara Bell and Jasmine Vespyr from the Whispering Winds. Their blood is on Lucien’s hands.”
My stomach twists. I’d known Clara – we’d trained together last summer. She had a wicked sense of humor and made the best healing salves I’d ever used.
“The Conclave demands justice,” Mom adds, her fingers interlaced tightly with Dad’s. “And they want Gran back. Theelders are pushing for an emergency joint council meeting with the vampires.”
Marcus shifts from his position near the window. “Arabella will agree. The timing works in our favor – Lucien’s actions have alienated many of the older vampires.”
“But not all of them,” Darick points out. “Victor’s clan still backs him, especially after his death, and Isabella’s people are on the fence.”
“A slew of dead witches might change their minds,” I snap, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice.
“Two witches,” Marcus corrects quietly.
