Page 82 of Becoming D'Vaire
“Good, because the thought of you setting aside all you’ve worked so hard for since you were a child makes me weak in the knees.”
Delaney grinned. “It’s a personal matter, nothing to do with the Spectra Wizardry.”
“Sure, we can meet whenever you like. Is there anything else I can do for you both?”
“We’re just super excited you’re here,” Grigori responded.
Vadimas leaned in slightly. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Now, I’m off to speak with T’Eirick and see what he can remember about the origins of wizardry.”
“Good luck,” Delaney said as the Prism Wizard wandered off.
“Are you going to ask him about your sealed file?” Grigori asked once they were alone. As it happened so often, Grigori read his mind.
“Yeah, I think I’m ready to find out why it’s sealed and what’s hiding in there. You know, as long as you’re there with me.”
“Where else would I be?”
“Knowing you? Either locked in a lab or poring over sex toys on the Internet.”
“Say that a little louder, my family just got here.”
Delaney turned to find three vampires as well as Tigglesworth and Charlie walking toward them. Dra’Kaedan teleported the group as the two former humans weren’t gifted with that ability. After greeting Aleksander, they made it to the area near the two-story fireplace where Delaney and Grigori were planted. Grigori was embraced by each of them, and then it was Delaney’s turn.
“Thanks for being here, and welcome to D’Vaire,” Delaney offered.
“This place is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the rest,” Irina enthused. “Congratulations again to you both. I’m overjoyed about your ceremony tomorrow.”
“We’re excited too,” Grigori told his mother as Delaney nodded enthusiastically. He turned and spotted Trystan, who he waved over.
“I’d like you guys to meet Trystan D’Vaire,” Delaney said, then went through the list of names and titles of Grigori’s family.
“Vampyress, I can’t tell you what it would mean to me to be able to work on a book about your Vampyr Clutch,” Trystan remarked after greeting them.
“Call me Irina, and I’m grateful you’re interested in getting our story out there. We’ve been plagued by misconceptions our entire lives, and perhaps this would be one step closer to helping people see who we truly are.”
Delaney listened politely as they discussed times and places to get together to start the research for Trystan’s book. He gazed around the room as the Arch Lich and his entire family arrived as well as the Emperor and his brothers. The Reverent Knights and their parents, King and Queen Beradraconis, along with their first duke, Drogo, and his mate, Emmeline, were also among the people mingling. It reminded Delaney that he needed to refrain from speaking about the darkfallen until the D’Vaire house cleared out. Their guests would learn of the resurrections only after they were conducted.
As if she sensed that she was on his mind, Saura caught his eye. He gave her a gesture to know he wanted her to come on over and meet the vampires. She grabbed T’Eirick’s hand and dragged him away from Vadimas’s side. The two were fast friends, and they would have plenty of time over the weekend to discuss whatever topic was at the forefront of their minds.
When the former warlock rulers made it across the room, Delaney quickly went through the introductions and after greeting each other, the vampires insisted on their titles being dropped.
“Irina, your son’s an absolute delight. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him. I don’t think there’s any doubt he’s a perfect match for Del,” Saura said.
“Oh thank you, we obviously adore him, and I feel the same way about Del. They’re such a delight to be around.”
“I hope you don’t mind Del telling us about the origins of the Vampyr Clutch,” T’Eirick stated. “I’m glad Trystan’s going to take on this project. It’s a powerful and moving story about tenacity. Although it happened before I became Grand Warlock, I can’t help but be ashamed of what my people did to hurt yours.”
“We hold nothing at all against the warlocks. As far as we’re concerned, it could’ve been any group of sorcerers obsessed with the idea of immortality. This group just happened to be warlocks. We’re so thrilled about Trystan’s desire to write about us. Magickind hasn’t always been receptive to vampires. We first approached members of the Council that we’d traded with or had simply met once or twice over the centuries to join after they left for North America. That stemmed from our fear of the Consilium Veneficus and what it might mean for us. Our overtures were ignored for a long time as I continued to get all the Vampyr Clutch on board to leave everything they had and start fresh. When we were finally all on the same page, I decided to appeal directly to the Emperor. I was so happy when he welcomed us with open arms,” Irina replied.
“All we knew of your people in our lifetimes was rumors and innuendo. Neither T’Eirick or I had ever seen a vampire, we weren’t sure if it was anything more than fables. Races were so isolated hundreds of years ago. I wish we’d known you. We wouldn’t have hesitated to ask you to join the Council in the brief time we led it,” Saura commented.
“We appreciate that,” Alexei said. “I think we can agree that it wasn’t the right time. I doubt our people would’ve been willing to join—they lacked trust in magickind, but I do wish things had worked out differently. Still, I think we’ve all wound up where we’re meant to be, and I’m greatly encouraged about what the future holds. For us and for the both of you.”
“It was such a tragedy how your people were destroyed by Carvallius and his greed. His deal with the Cwylld elves was disastrous for everyone involved. I was incredibly moved when I learned that the Cwylld chieftain now calls D’Vaire home right alongside the Grand Warlock. It told me a great deal about what kind of men you raised,” Irina added.
“I understand you have two amazing sons yourself. I’m sure you can relate to our feelings of awe over being a parent to children who literally forge ahead, changing destiny along the way,” Saura responded with a broad smile. “We can swap stories about their less-than-jaw-dropping adventures when we get a chance to sit down and chat. For now, we’ll give you some time with Del and Grigori.”
T’Eirick and Saura strode off. Delaney was not surprised when they sought out Vadimas and the three began chatting animatedly.
