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I almost said yes, but as if sensing the loyalty between Mark and me, another tug pulled at my chest, forcing my gaze to Kleitos. His glare was soft, but it was there. Kleitos’ arm tightened around my shoulders as his gaze fixed on Mark. “Catch up,” it almost sounded like a question as he chuckle. “But we’d be wiser to use the daylight while we have it. The Elguto father can be my first sparring partner. I’d love to give Starvos a glimpse of my strength.” He smiled, but underneath it felt darker.

I wanted to voice that we didn’t have to escalate anything further, but I knew his grip on my shoulder would only tighten. This wasn’t going to be something I was able to solve. They’d have to figure it out themselves.

Arianna who had been silent during the entire exchange, but snorted. “Why not? I’ll bring Bomani too.” She looked between the two of my parents, her gaze almost playful. “Anyone discovering new abilities that need testing?” She sounded curious, but not hopeful.

“I think… maybe,” my mother whispered, timidly. “When I woke up, something happened. It felt like I was floating. And before I could process it, I hit the bed.” She glanced at Arianna, nervous.

Arianna’s mouth tipped slyly. “Impressive. Most Elguto don’t manifest specialties.” Her eyes slid to Mark, teasing. “How about you, father of Alexander?” Kleitos chuckled low at the comment, as Mark rolled his eyes.

Before he responded, I noticed the hearth flame leaned toward him, like it heard a command. “I’ll show you once we’re outside,” Mark’s voice was edged and sharp. No one else seemed to notice how the flame crackled, but I filed it away.

TAINTED| CHAPTER 18

Encounter

Bomani's thick paws crunched into the layers of the ice beneath our feet as he led us through the woods. The cologne that coated his fur blew back against the group in waves as the wind started to persist. I had almost forgotten how large he was in his true shape. One would think his form would be less graceful from his size. But the way his back arched with each step, he was a true predator in his existence; the only tell he was there was his presence itself.

As the trees around us started to thin into a field, the memory of when Arianna’s fist collided with my cheek flashed before me. My jaw locked, still feeling the blows to the head. She had handed me my ass. I needed to train again soon. Even if it was an assault to some degree, it had been useful. Maybe I’d be able to salvage the dignity she beat out of me that night. The field bloomed out of the forest into a bowl. Fresh snow covered the surface, leaving the spot in nature as if it were undisturbed. There was no reminiscence of our last at all.

Just in front of me, both parents were linked together. Martha’s side was curled into Mark as her brown curls floated behind them. The snow that surrounded us contrasted with the dull beige of her dress. It made the small skin that did show look sickly against the frost. Or maybe it was just the cold itself that took the warmth away. Mark's pale arm wrapped around her. He pulled her close by the waist, protecting her from the slicing wind. From the glimpse I could see of his profile, his face was stone with focus. I couldn’t blame him for it; I would have been just as uneasy.

Despite the tension that filled the air, the image of them intertwined took me back to my childhood. It filled my lungs with something warm and aching. I was in position on the outside of the field waiting for the hike to be called. My helmet was always too tight because of the unruliness of my curls, but I endured for the love of the sport. It wasn’t every game I’d look out and see them both; it was usually just my mom. But when it was, they’d be standing on the sidelines, holding each other, watching me play. It felt just like those moments.

That’s what made this chapter of my life still not make sense. The life I’d known just a week ago had crumbled like ash. It vanished as if it never mattered at all. All the games, the birthdays, the people that I met in that town. It felt so far away. If I had the opportunity to tell that version of myself to cherish everything just a little bit more, I’d take it. I never knew how much I could miss life being so simple. So mundane.

Pillars of white cradled in as we entered the center of its belly. The curls that had been contained so effortlessly by the elastic Kleitos had fastened, had loosened their restraints. The brawling wind whipped the platinum bun back and forth. Kleitos was the first to step towards Mark, not close. Before he made any other movement, his eyes met mine with a nod, then back to his opponent. A grin tugged the corner of his mouth before his deep voice broke the silence. “Now, Mark. If you’d like to withdraw, I can’t blame you.” His smile grew playful as he spoke, but I didn’t dare miss the undertone. “I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

Mark had looked between the faces that were now circled around him and gave nothing away. I tried to read past the emptiness to see if there was something beneath it, but even I couldn’t decode him in that moment as he said, “I’m more than capable. I said I’d do it, so I will.”

Kleitos' smile grew across his face from the verbal acceptance. If I knew him better, I would have said he liked the idea of his opponent giving him permission to destroy them. He nodded, pushing the tendrils that fell in his face away, “Good. I’ll refrain using too much of my strength on you. I just want to see what you are capable of.”

I shared that same curiosity as I watched Mark clench his jaw. Did he have something to challenge Kleitos with? Or was his ego just bruised? Either way, he didn’t have the bulk to rival him. Kleitos was corded in thick bands of muscle in comparison. Mark was lean and was tough enough to take a hit or two…. but win? Doubtful. It’s not like I didn’t want to have faith in him, but he just wasn’t well suited.

Valentina glided to my side as the circle paired off. Her fingers slid along my palm discreetly hidden by the folds of my cloak. She intertwined each delicate finger within my own. It settled some of the nerves that started brewing beneath my chest. Squeezing her hand, my gaze fell to hers. The chocolate in her eyes sparkled with untold caution. Leaning closer to me, her breath warm at my throat. “I’m intrigued. What do you think he’ll do?”

Shrugging I took a moment to think before I answered. I had no idea what he could have meant, and how powers actually worked here. It didn’t seem like many people acquired them. I wasn’t even sure if I did. “I have no clue,” I admitted. “How do powers show up? Is it at random?”

Valentina tipped on her toes to lean in to reach my ear. Her warm breath curled along my neck, sending bolts of lightning down my spine. I had to fight against the feeling to focus on her soft words. “Most Elguto don’t come into this life with them,” she said. “Their creation is usually accidental, not intentional. It happens the typical way, fights during feedings… their human blood mixes with another vampire. They usually don’t have power. But the ones who do manifest? They are the ones that sought out the unknown. They had a will to become more than what they were.”

I held my breath at the thought. Mark had been very confident when he spoke, and my mother experienced something too. They must have been open to every possible conclusion if they both did manifest abilities. “Fascinating,” I murmured, a small smile tugged at my mouth. Maybe he could have something extraordinary. But if he did, did he even understand it yet? If not he had a team to help him harness it.

Across the field, both of my fathers silently observed each other. Kleitos faced us with Arianna and Bomani flanking him. They spoke quietly in their group, as my mother leaned deeper into Mark side. His hand still rested at her waist, tracing delicate circles along the fabric. Pressing a quick kiss to Martha’s forehead he stepped away from her, he threw a wink over his shoulder. He closed the distance between Kleitos. Even from here I could hear the smile in his voice. “No need to go too easy on me, mate. I can hold my own—I’ve been training for the last year.”

Behind us Arianna’s chuckle braided with the wind. The sound was surprisingly bright, my head turned to find the black in her gaze sparkling. The shadows around her body pulsated around her as her fingers glided through the tan fur along Bomani’s flank. The odd pairing made sense visually, the way her jet curls were slicked back was timeless. Even the way she dressed was so composed. She didn’t wear the same attire as Valentina. No gown, but leather pants with belts along her thighs, and a matching corset that looked functional as well as purposeful. They matched so well. Bomani coloring of tan along his back and the shadows that ran up his paws were so purposeful.

As if I missed a signal, Bomani began to shudder. It was just like my first night here. A deep crack of bones broke away from his shoulder as Arianna stepped back. The fur along his spine broke, allowing dark flesh to peak through the transformation. Once it was finished, Arianna shielded his vanity with her body. Her shadow ebbed free of her pores to wrap along his waist. The black hugged his hips in ripples while he remained bare-chested and barefoot.

At the first crack of bone my mother and father turned at the explosion. Both of their eyes widened in wonder as Bomani had stepped around Arianna Not that he needed to. At his height, he could see them clearly. But his presence alone blew their minds. I just knew it. I was still a bit mystified myself, but their faces were pure disbelief.

My mother’s hand rose to her mouth, the thick waves of her hair bounced as she jumped in surprise. She broke free of Mark’s grip to nearly run towards Bomani. She only stopped a few feet away. “Woah!” she gasped. “What are you?” There was no lack of wonder in her voice as she drifted closer, hands lifting to touch him.

Mark ran right behind his fingers almost gripping the back of her dress, but her step was too quick to catch. “Martha!” my father barked, alarmed. “Don’t get too close!” There was true panic in his eyes, the kind that should have made my heart quicken. Yet, it didn’t because I knew Bomani was safe. I trusted him enough that it almost seemed silly. Every head turned to him at his outburst, but Mark didn’t care. “I don’t want you getting yourself hurt,” he said as he tried reaching for her again.

I hadn’t even noticed Kleitos, he had moved in a blur. Before Mark's finger could hook around Martha’s arm Kleitos’ body was behind him catching him by the back of his hood. “Ah, where are you going?” he cooly said. There was a sly smile placed on his lips. “Your wife’s fine. There is no need to panic at the first mystifying thing you see.” His other hand landed on Mark’s shoulder clamping down hard. “You’re in Velarune. And you accepted the spar—so stay still.”

Valentina’s fingers gripped mine a little tighter as she felt me clamp up on the sidelines. I was torn between the three of them. I knew my mother was fine, but I understood the concern. Hell when I first saw him I almost had a heart attack. It would have been easy to calm Mark down myself, but as soon as Kleitos made his presence known I knew I couldn’t step between them. It wasn’t my place. This was far more complicated than what I had the range for. I didn’t want to under-step or over-step anyone. My fingers curled around her just so I could cling on to that calm.

Mark tried to wriggle away, but Kleitos held fast. There was pure desperation and fury that branded along Mark’s features as his fingers clawed behind Kleitos' fist. “Get off me!” he snapped, twisting to try to face him. “You don’t tell me what’s good for my family!” The statement came out bolder than I remembered him to be. Mark had always been quiet. Twice now, he’d surprised me. His nails dug into the flesh of Kleitos’ knuckles, but he continued to hold Mark there desperate to be freed.