Chapter 27
Bash
KNOCK. KNOCK.
At 8 o’clock, on Monday night, I am sitting in my apartment surrounded by the family I am creating for myself, taking for myself. Sarah and Ethan sit together on one end of the sofa, wrapped in each other’s arms, and Jack sits at the other end, relaxed but weary.
“Come in,” I call out and the door swings open. My cousin Lucian stands there, looking severe, as usual. “What is it?” I sit up straighter in my chair and every face turns in his direction.
“Re Marcus has requested you come to his office in an hour. He has something to share with you.”
“Is it about Elina?”
He looks at me full of disdain and turns to leave.
“9 o’clock Sebastien. Don’t be late.” His voice is rife with loathing.
“What do you think he wants?” Jack asks when we are alone again. Sarah and Ethan are both watching me now.
“I’m not sure. Maybe he has Talia? He said he would call for me when he got her. Maybe he has news? I’mnot sure.”
“Do we need to come with you?” Sarah asks from her spot on the sofa.
“No, not this time. You can walk over with me though, all of you, you need to feed anyway.”
“What’s with that guy?” Sarah says, while we walk.
“Who? Lucian?” I give her a sidelong glance.
“Yes, he seems like a grade-A asshole. What’s his deal?”
“Lucian is my cousin, he’s a Malvani. He’s actually my mother’s cousin. He’s been a trusted member of the court for Marcus for almost 700 years…” I try to explain the complicated relationships—it’s as frustrating to me as it is to him. “He’s older than me but not a direct threat to Marcus’s seat. When Marcus took Ville de Sang, Lucian was…slighted. Marcus uses Lucian as his executioner and enforcer, but passed him over for any meaningful position within the court. He’s been pretty pissed about it for a long time. There is a lot of bad blood between us.”
Walking into thecattedralea half hour later, my family following me, we go to the blood bar, finding warm blood on tap. Jack doesn’t usually drink this way, but right now, we need to present a united front to the court—my sirelings and friends at my back. There is a power struggle happening with Marcus, and I need to show the court that I am as strong as I have always been.
Sarah gets us all tumblers full of warm blood and we sit at a table in the middle of the room. Others who are seated around watch us interestedly, curiosity warring with loyalty to Marcus. There isn’t any reason for it, Marcus and I are fine.
I may be vulnerable right now, but I’m still going to Re one day and I will be respected.
Walking into Marcus’s office right at 9, I am greeted by the seated man looking very like the cat who ate the canary, a small knowing smirk on his face. Mother sits in the corner exuding pleasure.
“Uncle,” I greet him, inclining my head respectfully. “Any news? You two look suspicious today.”
“Nipote.” He reaches out and grasps my hands in greeting. “I do. Talia is below. She was brought in this morning before sunrise. Hopefully we will get a lead on Elina tonight. I was hoping you would like to visit her with me. I’m certain it will be fun attempting to get some answers from her.” The raw, exposed excitement in his face while discussing torturing someone who has been in his court for a century gives me pause. Is it anger toward her for her potential part in this plot or is it bloodlust, plain and simple?
“Yes, of course I will come down. Has she said anything yet?”
“Lucian has been with her tonight but we haven’t heard anything yet.” My mother chimes in from her seat.
If Lucian is doing the interrogation, it is going to be difficult for her. Lucian and I may not get along as much in the last few decades, but he is by far the most ruthless investigator we have and is completely devoted to Marcus.
Marcus leads the way to the interrogation room below the altar of the church. It's not a large space, but large enough to allow Marcus, mother, and I to spread out around the wide, raised stone table on which Talia is stretched out, Lucian standing at her side. The walls and floor are also stone, the room looking as though it has been in this place since thecattedralewas built, maybe longer. Large lighted torches line the interior, there doesn’t seem to be any electricity. There arepuddles of blood gathered around the base of the stones below Talia.
Lucian has already started working on her, it seems. My cousin has pulled a steel table alongside himself, on which lay various metal tools, knives, and pliers. They are all covered in wet blood, slowly dripping onto the floor. I’ve known Talia for a hundred years, and yet, looking upon her in this place, knowing she had a hand in Elina’s kidnapping, I feel nothing. No remorse. No concern.
“Talia,” Marcus says, drawing her name out long and sensuously, like a lover. “It appears you have gotten yourself into quite the predicament.” Marcus’s face turns to a sneer of disgust as he scents the air and smells the blood. It’s all a game meant to confuse her.
“Re Marcus, please, why am I here? Please. Please.” She sobs to him, fear and panic increasing her respirations, nostrils flaring and eyes widened almost comically. Her entire body pleading with Marcus to help her.
