Page 23 of Dark Reckoning
“Excuse moi, pardon me for interrupting, but what in the hell is going on?” Sarino asked. “The Dark God, El-Kazier, is free? What does this mean?”
“The unfortunate price of the spell that was cast last night, Sarino. He is free and from what I've been told, that isn't good for any of us,” I informed him.
Sage huffed. “Why don't you bring him up to speed while Adrian and I construct the barrier? Where can we do it, because we'll need space?”
“Can you do it in the garage?” I asked.
Adrian shook his head. “It needs to be more intimate than that. No one lives in the garage and the blood of the owner will need to be used, so the place where you live is the best location for the sigil we'll need to draw.”
I frowned. “A permanent sigil?”
Sage nodded. “Yeah, but it won't be one you'll continue to see. This is a very powerful barrier spell. Once we make it, the sigil will burn into the building, encompassing it. It will truly be a safe haven. Not even a torpedo will be able to affect this place. We even put it on our own home to protect my pride, so you're getting the very best in home security.”
“It's probably the ultimate barrier spell because I didn't see another one after we'd learned this one. Ever since merging with the Echelon Imperial, more spells are available to us—extremely powerful ones. Our grimoire has more pages than before, at least a hundred. But with each new spell comes even rarer ingredients and artifacts needed,” Adrian said.
“For instance, we'll need your blood,” Sage said. “You'll hold the key for arming and disarming the barrier.”
“Will my vampires be able to come and go once it's armed?” I asked, because this barrier seemed very intense. “And do I have to be home in order to arm or disarm it?” I needed to know all of the details.
Adrian nodded. “That won't be a problem. Think of this barrier like a double lock and top-notch security system. There are layers to it.” He went on to explain to me how the barrier worked, and I found that alarming.
“That won't do. The barrier may very well think of me and my kind as threats when we feed on humans, or if I have to torture and discipline,” I pointed out.
Sage shook his head. “This is why the barrier is linked to you. Anything that you don't consider to be a concern is not considered a threat to the barrier. I have the same issues in my own home. If I need to feed or kill, I can still do so because I won't feel threatened. It only responds to what I would deem as a threat.”
“Ahhhh, I see,” I said. “And what happens when it's disarmed?”
“Then you're not protected. It's that simple,” Adrian said. “And you can disarm or arm it even if you're not home, or before you leave. It still does its job.”
“And do I just say the words to make it work?” I asked.
“Yeah, it's easier that way than just willing it. But say you're far away, then you can will it to obey and arm or disarm,” Adrian explained.
I nodded, because I understood. “I see. I do like this barrier, indeed. So, how much of my blood do you need?” I asked.
“About a cup,” Adrian said. “We'll combine it with our blood to complete the potion needed.”
“Does that mean you'll be able to control the barrier as well?” I asked.
Sage nodded. “We made it, of course. It's unavoidable.”
I shrugged. “Very well.” I walked over to my liquor cabinet, removing one of my expensive glasses. I bit into my wrist and heard two sharp intakes of breaths. I turned to see both Sage and Adrian looking at my blood as it flowed into the glass. “Do you need to feed?”
Sage cleared his throat and looked away. “Nope. I fed earlier.”
I let my gaze pan over to Adrian, who looked like a dog begging for a juicy steak. “And you?” I asked, one eyebrow arched.
He licked his lips and nodded. “I'm... hungry.”
“For his blood. Why didn't you tell me?” Sage asked.
Adrian sighed. “I was hungry back at the house, but I knew what I needed. I can tell the difference now. Since we were coming to Salino anyway, and the sensation wasn't that intense, I just kept silent. But the feeling was getting more extreme as we got closer. I think after the ritual to join the Council, it took a lot out of me, too, Sage.”
Sage growled, but nodded.
I rolled my eyes. “Jealousy doesn't look flattering on you, child.”
“Fuck you,” Sage said.
