Page 81 of Dark Master's Redemption

It takes away my sorrows, leaving only a deep, pure joy as it curls away upon the last edges of the Music. All is quiet; as I stroke Lucca’s sweat-streaked hair behind me and kiss Quinn’s ultra-soft lips before me, I feel that same Light beam inside them, too. There’s nothing more to say as we all bask in the afterglow.

Reveling in each other and the Music we create.

A quiet step up the wrought-iron staircase of Quinn’s loft has the distinct stiletto heel click of Devi as she interrupts us. Quinn comes to with a casual attention; he doesn’t move from our exhausted cuddle as he nods her over to the bedside.

As Devi laces her hands, I see her red nails are impeccably done, her dark auburn locks perfectly curled once more, as per her usual. Though she waits to be acknowledged by Quinn in our afterglow, wearing one of her sexy little black dresses with her spiked red stiletto heels, I see deep consternation on her face. As Quinn glances at her, raising his eyebrows for her to speak, Devi pauses.

Then delivers the message she came here to tell us.

“Quinn. The Vampire Council sent a messenger to the front doors just now,” she says, a dire look in her dark chocolate eyes, even as they spark scarlet with wrath.

“Go on.” Everything inside Quinn comes to full attention now, though he doesn’t move from our trio’s repose.

“They have declared war on you.” Deep fury spikes in Devi now; I feel it through the Dark Haven’s new bond, as she delivers her news. “They have given an ultimatum that any Master discovered aiding you in any way will be declared an enemy of the Council and waged war against. This edict is effective as of sunset tonight. They have declared open war on us, Quinn—and it’s personal this time. It is only a matter of time before they truly strike. To end us, once and for all.”

As he digests this news, I feel Quinn spiral deep, into the ancient stillness he once had as a Vampire.

But then he blazes with his scorching Dark Fae fire—as righteousness devours him.

“Let them come,” Quinn snarls softly, though he doesn’t relinquish his cuddle with Lucca and me. “For they will not find the United Haven of Florence so easy to take, as the Dark Haven of Florence was. We will be ready. We will do everything we have to, to protect those we love, here in this hallowed place of love, consent, and the pleasures of the flesh. The Vampire Council want a war? They’ll get one. And our blaze of true love will be great.”

As Devi nods, a righteous fire filling her eyes at Quinn’s response, I feel everyone in our United Haven agree.

We’re ready for whatever war the Vampire Council of Rome wants with us.

Bring it on.

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