“I’m getting to that part. So, the Enchanter slowly loses his humanity and becomes a vampire. It didn’t happen instantly, like we read about in stories. It was a slow process, his magic fighting with the vampire’s magic until finally he was a vampire.
“But nine months later, two little ones were born after his rampage. The new vampire felt so terrible about what he’d done that he swore he’d watch over the children. He did, and when they reached their tenth birthdays, they both developed magic of their own.
“He made sure they had the training that they needed, found other Enchanters to look over them. They grew up and had little ones of their own, the vampire always watching over them, keeping them safe. Eventually, one of the lines died out, as no children were born.But the other carried on, generations of them, and he watched over them.”
“Simon, come on,” Cade grumbled, “tell us how this helps us.”
“My grandfather was one of the children he watched over. And so am I.”
Gray grabbed Simon’s hand. “He’s still alive?”
“Yes. My grandfather said he was scared of him at first, that he believed the stories about how they should all stay apart. And in some ways, he was right. If a vampire, or any other one of us, tries to forcefully change another, bad things will happen. But Grandfather believed that keeping everyone separated didn’t have a real purpose.”
“Cool!” Garon exclaimed. “So we can find this Enchanter guy, and he can help us, right?”
“Well, that’s the plan, if you guys think it’s okay. The thing is, vampires have soul magic, so if this guy is truly a vampire now, he’ll have it as well. And the demon that is attacking us is doing it with soul magic. I think,ifwe can find him, the Enchanter can help.”
Everyone started talking at once, the arguments growing more boisterous by the minute. Cade and Rocky seemed to be the most intense, yelling at each other. Even Garon was getting in on the act, his voice rising over the mix of the others.
Simon leaned into Gray, the loudness not bothering him as it had just a few days before. He felt relieved by it somehow, like he was one of them and they were looking out for him, like any other family member.
Gray released Simon’s hand and wrapped his arm around Simon’s shoulders and pulled him close. Simon looked up at him, and their gazes locked together. They stayed that way for several minutes, just staring while the arguing went on. Finally, Gray seemed satisfied and said, “Silence.”
Everyone quieted and settled back into their seats. He looked at his second-in-command first. “Liam?”
“I’m in. I think it’s clear we need some outside help, and this is the only lead we have.”
Gray continued around the room. “Cade?”
“Count me in.”
“Rocky?”
“I am not comfortable with this. I’d advise extreme caution.”
“Noted. Aunt Maggie?”
“I think it’s a good idea.”
“Robert?”
“I agree.”
“Garon?”
His son looked at him for a moment, surprised at being included. “Well, if Grandpa told me something important like that, you’d tell me it was the truth, that I should trust him. Simon’s grandpa told him this, so I think it’s okay.”
“Good point, son.” Gray looked around at everyone else. “So we’re agreed. We’ll contact the vampire and see if he can help. And we’ll proceed with caution.”
Everyone nodded their agreement, and Gray turned to Simon. “So how do we contact him?”
“I don’t know. The only thing I can think of is to leave him a message at my house. He must be watching. Maybe he’ll find it?”
“Okay. Simon, I’d like for you to come stay here for a while. With the second attack happening at your home, I don’t think you will be safe there on your own.”
“Okay. But only for a few days. Any longer than that, and I can’t explain my absence to the Conclave if they come looking for me.”
14
