Page 51 of The Vampire King's Gift

“They’re like little stuffed toys or something now.” Balthazar set the man down, who immediately curled away from him. “Most humans in the presence of Vampires run, yell or throw themselves at you. I suppose it’s different because they know we’re Vampires, and they once were themselves and… oh, the tumult of thoughts! How they are ruing the day they picked the wrong side! I mean, I could have gotten some Vampire pummeling in to make it a really good night, but this will do.” He grinned again.

“Daemon, are you okay?” Julian was leading Sophia by the hand through the cringing crowd.

She was fixing her hair, and scrubbing some dirt off of her cheek. Caemorn stood still in spite of his ripped clothing and bedraggled hair. He still appeared noble and that was irritating. He suddenly lunged out and grabbed Vivica. He dragged her behind him like a kite with no wind. She stumbled and pulled, trying to break free, but it was utterly impossible.

Daemon immediately reached for Julian, and the young man came into his arms eagerly as always. Balthazar heard Julian ask, “Hey what’s wrong?”

Daemon said nothing out loud, and like with Christian, Balthazar would not pry into the Vampire King’s private thoughts.

“Can we go get my Mistress? She is in the dark, and I so want to hug her, too!” Sophia cried.

“I would be happy to take her to Seeyr,” Caemorn offered as he tossed Vivica at Daemon’s feet. When she sought to get up, Caemorn shoved her down. “Stay.”

“What do you think, Caemorn? Frightened? Armageddon could be your fate, too.” Balthazar gave him a toothy smile.

“Of course, I am afraid. I do not want to become like them. I want to stay as I am or get more powerful.” The Kaly Vampire tossed his head back. “But I served the king before I knew of his true power. I hope that counts for something.” He looked down at Vivica. “Unlike others who thought they could stand against him.”

Daemon was still holding onto Julian like his life depended upon it. Which was so strange. His own fledgling though looked like he understood what was going on. Balthazar felt rather stupid with the whole thing.

What’s going on, Christian? What am I missing here?

Daemon turned Vampires back into human beings,Christian said gently.

Yes, yes, quite aware of that! Isn’t it wonderful? It’s like the absolute worst thing that could happen to them!Balthazar beamed.

Christian let out a soft dry cough.That’s why you’re not thinking about it in the way that Daemon is. You’re not remembering how he was afraid of Julian and I knowing what he was going to do here.

I don’t understand…But then he did. And all the joy fell away. This wasn’t a victory. It was adisaster. Balthazar whirled around on Daemon, who was already looking at him over Julian’s shoulder.

Why did you do it?!Balthazar shouted at his king.Why did you use Armageddon here? In front of our boys? We could have simply ripped them apart! We didn’t need you to do this!

Daemon looked at him with understanding. The Vampire King hadn’t wanted to do it. But he had to. Becausethis, of all things, would terrify every Vampire out there, just like Fiona had said. The “horror” of it. But there was more. More that made Balthazar want to pull his hair out, to scream, to wail even louder than these former Vampires were doing.

I had to,Daemon said.You understand why. Half of it. The other half…

You can’t want them to leave us! You love Julian! You—

Lies are the fastest way to lose someone,Daemon interrupted.You know this.

We’re going to lose them!

You do not know that,Daemon whispered.

Don’t I? You’ve never been human. You were never turned. They were just turned! Now is the worst time to tell them they can go back. Because it’s so much easier now to regret it!Balthazar nearly threw his arms up in the air and screamed into the sky.

Lying would have been a mistake,Daemon reiterated.

Why couldn’t you just dust these traitors? That would have been plenty impressive! But no! You had to use Armageddon!Balthazar snarled.The boys haven’t drunk from anyone but us. They haven’t tasted eternity. They’re still so young that they think they’re immortal anyways!

If they wish this life–

Neither of us got them because they chose us, Daemon!Balthazar moaned. Julian sacrificed himself for Christian! Christian chose to live because he feared for Julian! THEY DID NOT CHOOSE US! So now they know you can undo what was done to them!

Daemon understood this, better than he did. Julian might be the only person in existence—ever—who could survive Daemon’s blood. If Julian wanted to behuman…

You will suffer more than me, but you chose for both of us!Balthazar shouted.You should have told me!

He turned away from the Vampire King. He felt Daemon gently touch his mind. He wanted to turn back and tell his best friend that all was well, but he pushed Daemon away. He couldn’t lie convincingly right now.

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