Page 56 of Dark Reckoning
“As a member of the Council, I have no fucking idea. For all I do know, they may not do anything. I know I don't have any plans to go out there fighting individual skirmishes. Not when all of my attention has to be on the bigger picture. Maybe if people are afraid to be out and they stay home, that's better than nothing. I'm sure the other Council members are on the same page I am. We have to focus on the real threat,” Sage said. I knew that would be my priority. “Unfortunately, people would just have to die.”
“God, that sounds so cold, but I know you're right,” Adrian said, and he looked so forlorn as he ran his hands over his face. He looked at Sage. “If we're able to stop El-Kazir, then at least I'm sure the Council can just do a memory wipe. It wouldn't be the first time they hid this kind of horror show. I'd actually be happy if people could forget this shit ever happened,” Adrian said. “It was just so terrifying seeing the people in the video filming others being attacked and killed or turned by those things.”
“Lots of shaky cam,” Nakago retorted with a frown.
Adrian shot him an annoyed look with a scoff. “That's what you're complaining about? People are running for their lives. Of course, they aren't filming with a steady hand.”
“I just meant it was hard to see exactly what was going on, which may be why so many think it's a hoax and won't take the warning seriously,” Nakago clarified.
“Oh,” Adrian said. “Yeah, the internet has made a lot of people skeptics.”
I nodded. “The news pretty much just told people to stay safe if they have to go out until more information is gathered. Or to stay at home. I'm guessing the government and military will be getting involved and that will just make for more monsters.”
“Maybe we need to help on that level to prevent that. I mean, what if we can help the military fight those things so they don't go in blind,” Adrian asked.
“Again, that's a job for another mage, not members of the Council.” Sage wrapped his arm around Adrian, pulling him closer. “For now, maybe we can take turns looking at the grimoire. Why don't you get some rest for now, I'll look.”
Adrian looked up at him “Why don't we look at it together in the morning? The spell we need may be for both of us. We need to stick together from this point on.”
“You're right,” Sage agreed. “Oh man,” he sighed. “This was even more stressful than the night we helped Salino.”
“I don't know about that. I was in an actual battle that night,” Adrian said.
Sage nodded. “Ah, that's right. I stand corrected. While I was working the spell to sever the link of the Dark God and reconnect it to Salino, you were actually in the midst of danger, fighting for your life.” He took Adrian's face into his hands, trying to plant his lips on Adrian's. “The fact that you might have died still frightens me. Had it not been for that spell giving you power, you would have. Therefore, I'm very grateful for dark magic. Salino called it Magic's Reward... maybe he was right.”
Adrian kissed him this time. “I was going to live no matter what. I had to get back to you.”
“Ugh, god, this little display of total devotion makes me want to puke,” Nakago complained and I chuckled.
“Not a romantic, child?” I asked him. I'd been watching my two mages converse and could see even more how much they loved and trusted each other. I also wondered if I'd ever be able to have sex with them again. Sage wasn't the sharing type, but maybe? One could hope.
Nakago shook his head. “Not that damn sappy.”
“Go fuck yourself,” Sage said, tossing him the middle finger.
Nakago winked.
“We need to rest anyway,” Adrian said.
Sage nodded because I was sure he could see the logic in Adrian's statement. I was exhausted and really did need the rest, so I could only imagine just how much more tired they were after performing so many spells in a twenty-four-hour period.
“That's wise. Cairo is ready to take you to your room,” I said, having telepathically summoned one of my vampires to guide them.
“Thanks.” Sage and Adrian followed him out the Throne Room where Cairo was standing just outside.
Nakago was at my side as I made my way to the grand hall to address my new vampires. I entered the room and nearly three hundred vampires turned to face me. I could feel the confusion, resentment, and in some cases, relief coming from them as I walked through their ranks to the front of the stage. The one thing that was universal among them was the sense of awe. I was more powerful than any of them now and the sole emperor.
I stepped up to the stage, and then turned to face them. “I understand that there may be a multitude of emotions and questions that you have. I'll try to keep this simple, as I will be retiring soon. I've had a long day. Your emperors are all dead. They made the mistake of threatening my life. I have four very powerful mages at my side, one is my child and the others are linked to me. They are also members of the Echelon Imperial.”
At that reveal, I could hear quite a few gasps and see so many shocked and terrified expressions. I'd be lying if I didn't love the fact that Sage and Adrian were now members of the Council. I also liked the fact that Kakashi and Aldéric were also linked to me, although, I didn't feel like I could control them. They were just my silent guardians, so to speak. In any case, having them only increased my influence and bragging rights, as they say.
I continued. “Yes, our link to the Dark God El-Kazir has been severed forever. Personally, I don't care. We can do away with that cruel and archaic tradition. I have no reason to kill vampires for a ritual to honor him. Every vampire in the world is now linked to me and the rules still apply. What happens to me will happen to you,” I said with a little embellishment. I needed them to fear any repercussions that could come from any attack against me. I went on. “There is good news. In gaining this new power, all vampires are now immune to fire.”
The crowd erupted into conversations as more shocked expressions and smiles spread among them. I allowed them the moment to rejoice. If they were happy, then it would make what happened a bit easier for them to accept. “Now, onto more pressing matters. As I'm sure you're all aware, the world is under attack. The monsters who were trying to attack you are a result of the Dark God, El-Kazir, and his plan to wreak havoc, if you will. The Council is doing what they can to protect supernals and deal with the matter of the Dark God. In the meantime, you will remain here under my protection. Is this understood?”
One vampire raised his hand and I nodded at him to speak. “My Liege, why is he here?”
I didn't bother to lie. “Because a pact was broken when I slayed my emperor. I, of course, was unaware of this consequence. But I would not change my actions even If I'd known,” I said, because I didn't want anyone to get any misunderstanding. As far as I was concerned, this was inevitable.
