Page 3 of Veiled Yearning

“So we have an already expanding Veil,” Frederick says. “It started down in the Catskills, and we know for certain it’s reached as far west as Boston and north up to Saratoga. Possibly further. Escalating attacks on vampires not allied with Nicolas and his Custodians. Rituals that are allowing more of them to travel in the Veil.”

“We’ve encouraged the more vulnerable people to stay out of the affected areas,” I add. “But if the Veil keeps expanding, we may not be able to protect them.”

“Which is why we need to go to the people who can really help us.” Larkin ticks off names on his fingers. “Ethan and Ivy. He can teleport, and the two of them together can heal. They would be a great defensive addition to the cause. And Roman and Grace. Just think how much help they would be. If we can use their mind control, we can take out the Custodians before they can hurt anyone.”

“There’s no way,” Alex says quickly. “Roman will never agree to Grace being close to danger like that. And I don’t think Ethan will want Ivy near it either.”

“Ethan and Roman may not be able to protect their women from danger much longer,” retorts Larkin, a sharp tone to his voice. “However skilled they are, if either of them is forced to face off against a half-dozen Custodians, the odds of winning won’t be in their favor.”

“If we try to press them, it could backfire.” I look down the table at Larkin, holding his gaze. “You know that. Do you want to create enemies instead of allies?”

His expression shadows. “Are you suggesting Ethan or Roman could go to the Custodians? Betray us?”

Frederick interjects. “No. They wouldn’t. But if Roman, for example, thinks you’re going to put Grace in danger… That’s a guarantee he will never work with us. The same can be said for Ethan. Or any of our other allies who have partners.”

I finger the leather band around my wrist, smoothing my thumb across the polished black stone woven into it. It’s a simple item, but one of my most valued, and I never go anywhere without it. “If we could offer more protection, more assurances of safety…”

“What do you mean?” Raine asks, her brows jumping up in confusion. “If we had something else, wouldn’t we be using it already?”

Raine doesn’t know, because she’s new to the Sentinels, having joined only a few months ago. But everyone else knows exactly what I’m talking about. Or rather, who.

David turns to Raine. “You know the necklace I gave you? The one that shields you from being seen or tracked by the Custodians?” At her nod, he continues. “Everyone in this room has one, and they all came from the same person.”

“Chiara.” Jules looks at me, frowning. “Gavril. You can’t be thinking of asking her to get more involved. She made these talismans for us. Isn’t that enough? After what she went through…” she trails off, shuddering.

A shaft of guilt hits me. When we rescued Chiara from the Custodians, Jules was nearly taken by them as well. If not for her quick thinking and telekinetic ability, she might not have escaped. And I’m the one who asked her to help, who got her in that situation to begin with.

But it doesn’t change what Chiara can do, and how much she could potentially help us.

Keeping my tone low and conciliatory, I answer her. “It’s not that I want to, Jules. But the shielding talismans are only a portion of what Chiara can make for us. She can imbue fire into weapons and healing light into stones. And that’s only what I know she can do. There might be more. Think how that could help us.”

“He’s right.” Larkin nods, enthusiasm lighting his eyes. “With Chiara, we could have enough shielding talismans for every allied vampire. If we can offer magical weapons and healing items as well? I think it will make the choice to join us more reasonable.”

Frederick is already shaking his head. “She won’t. After what happened when she was abducted… she has no interest in being involved. All Chiara wants is to be left alone.”

Larkin casts a skeptical look at Frederick. “And you know this how?”

“Because I’m the one who went to her to get the talismans. I’m one of the few people she trusts to even know where she lives. And of course I asked her to join us, months ago. But she’s…” His face pinches. “She’s not doing well. As her friend, I won’t have a part in trying to force her to help us.”

I remember Chiara as we rescued her from that warehouse, covered in both fresh and dried blood, new bruises all over her face, and a haunted look in her eyes. And I remember the vision that first told of her captivity, the horrifying sight of Custodians gleefully beating her over and over.

Do I want to pressure her into helping us? No.

Do I think we need her? Yes.

“I’m not saying we force her. Just talk to her. Does she know the extent of what Nicolas is doing? What he plans to do?” I look between Frederick and Larkin, my two oldest allies. “All I’m suggesting is giving her all the information. What she does with it is her choice.”

“I agree.” Larkin gives me a quick nod, then looks at Frederick. “Not pushing her, but making sure she knows everything. And offer her our protection, if she wants it.”

Frederick takes a breath and holds it in, then blows it out slowly. “If we just talk to her… I know she would be able to help us. I just… I don’t want her threatened.”

Cait laces her fingers through Frederick’s, casting him an affectionate glance.

“Just talking,” I agree. “But it needs to be soon.”

“I should go, since I know where Chiara lives, and she trusts me.” Frederick turns to Cait, his voice dipping apologetically. “I don’t think you should go, love. It’s just too risky traveling that far right now. You can stay here and be protected until I get back.”

“Frederick, no.” Cait looks stricken. “If I’m not with you, and someone tries to hurt you…” Her chin wobbles. “I don’t want to be away from you.”

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