Page 9 of The Shadows of the Dawn

Veronica’s eyes welled with tears, dewdrops reflecting the silver, resembling liquid mercury. “It’s not fair. If the gods are the ones who put us in this mess, why can’t they fix it?”

“Because I think the affairs of humans are outside of their power,” Asher answered. “And vampires like Nikki and me are their best channels. They can speak to us both directly at the same time. We needed the Blood God’s strength and the Moon’s motivations to take care of the High King and Malkolm, but now we need the Moon’s magic more than ever.”

Veronica let her face drop into her hands, shaking as she wept. Without really thinking about it, Asher pulled her into a tight embrace. She cried into his chest, his shirt dampening with tears. He hated his gods for doing this to his beloved friends. “We just got you two back,” she sobbed.

“I know,” Asher breathed into the crown of her head. “But I promise you, we will get back together, and I double promise that we will stay together once we do.”

Veronica pulled back to look at him with a wet smile. “A promise from Master Asher Black must really mean something, huh?”

Asher grinned with all his teeth. “You’re goddamn right it does.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Nikola

When Nikola called Queen Morrigan to relay Kat’s plans, her acceptance was immediate. Her efforts to conceal the tremor of relief in her voice fell short.

He did not hold the same high hopes.

Once Nikola returned to the hotel room with the message, Asher confronted the newborns and the human, as if challenging their decisions. “You need to understand that you three are returning to Grander under the leadership of Queen Morrigan. That means answering to her.” He spoke severely, as if forgetting his own qualms with the group. But Nikola understood the young hybrid’s motivation. Grander had been a cage for the both of them, the vampiric royalty the keyholders. And that very well may end up becoming true for the newborns.

Liam and Trish exchanged a glance before the sister nodded with a grave expression. “Where else can we go?” she murmured, rubbing her arm.

“Anywhere in the world,” Liam started. “We could go—”

Trish hissed, cutting him off and gesturing at Moss. “And what about Moss, hm? We dragged them into our shit. The least we can fucking do is bring them back home.” She steeled herself, taking a deep breath.

Liam flushed deeply, placated by his older sister’s scolding. With forced calmness, Trish said between gritting teeth, “The best way we can protect ourselves is by protecting Grander. And the best way I can protect you is by bettering my Moon skills.” She gave a pointed look at Kat, who acknowledged her with a nod.

Liam raised his hands in defeat, ending the conversation. Moss hovered without comment behind him.

“Right then,” Asher clipped, glancing at Katsuki. “On to the next stage?”

Nikola had pictured Katsuki hotwiring an older vehicle. Or locating one owned by a fool who left their keys behind. Or perhaps even tapping into a mortal’s mind and convincing them to hand over a car. But the ancient vampire took it to the next level.

Kat spotted a convenient grey minivan in the parking garage, followed the scent trail to the owner’s room, and upon breaking and entering through the window, stole the keys. For extra measure, they sprinkled deep sleep and temporary confusion throughout their dreams.

Asher cackled with delight as Kat spun the keys around their index finger. “Did you really fucking burglarize a car?”

Kat half-smiled. “You pick up some tricks over the years.” They caught the twirling keys in a grip, sucking on their teeth. “However, those tricks do not include driving itself.”

Nikola ogled at the ancient, but no one dared poke fun at the strongest Moon Child within the vicinity. Kat wordlessly offered the keys in an outstretched palm. “Ah, fuck it,” Asher said, but as he started to reach for the keys, Liam snatched them instead. Asher sneered.

“I hate long road trips,” Liam said. “I’d rather drive.” No one argued. The kid might as well make himself useful. Nikola would keep a close eye on the young Blood Follower, lest he forgot his place.

“We leave soon before the stolen vehicle is reported,” Kat announced. “Gather your belongings and your wits.”

Veronica, wiping away makeup-stained tears, stepped forward. “I’m not treating this like a goodbye because that would mean we might never see each other again. Just don’t make me regret it.”

The party split four-ways before planning to regroup and depart back to Hell. Francis, Veronica, and Kat’s coven would be heading straight to the Canadian border for a property owned under Katrina’s name. She had inherited it via the death of her retired surgeon of a father six months ago prior. Evidently, they hadn’t seen her since her Changing just nine months ago, believing her to be exploring Europe.

“Oh, so you come from money-money,” Asher had quipped.

Katrina glared at him over his insensitivity, informing him, “All the money in the world hadn’t stopped the drunk driver from mangling my car. If Diesel hadn’t been nearby, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

Kat commanded everyone to feed before they embarked on their quests. The ancient vampire, curious of how exactly Trish stayed her Blood brother’s hand, accompanied the siblings. Moss, of course, stayed behind in the room.

Nikola and Asher found themselves at a random downtown club. Nikola smirked at the way his beloved scrutinized the drunken patrons, seeking out anyone who might’ve had malicious intent and a pinch of a roofie. Like a misplaced dark guardian angel.

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