Page 23 of Addicted in Blood
Simone nodded to Bella, who turned and strode to the door, the sound of her boots echoing off the ceiling.She stuck her head out the door, waited several seconds, then nodded back to Simone.
Simone waited for the door to open again, then turned back to the Council.“I’d like to present Lyra Trelane.”
For the third time, the Council erupted in loud whispers, but once Lyra began her stroll to the dais, the members watched in silent awe, obviously confused by Lorenzo’s earlier comment that she’d been in a catatonic state.
Lyra strode in as regal as any queen with her head held high, her shoulders back, and her rose-colored tunic and flowing pants giving her a youthful appearance.Her House medallion draped around her neck, reflecting the lights from the chamber.Her hair, pulled back into a chignon, gave her the touch of maturity the Council needed to see.
Simone glanced at Lorenzo, who appeared shell-shocked, and it took every ounce of strength to not laugh out loud.It was difficult enough to hold in a self-satisfied grin.She stepped down to let Lyra take the dais.This was where their hopes lay, at the feet of a woman who, up until two days ago, seemed nothing more than an adult child requiring diligent supervision.
Isabella smiled at Lyra.“Welcome to Council chambers, Miss Trelane.”
“Thank you, Mistress Stanton.”Lyra’s voice was lyrical but strong, and her smile ethereal.
“Did you wish to address the members?”
Lyra nodded.“If I may.Just a few words.”She smiled at the members, and when her gaze fell on Lorenzo, her expression changed.“Hello, Lorenzo.It’s good to see you again.”Her stony countenance belied her words, but she didn’t dwell on him long.
For just a moment, Simone wondered what would happen if she left Lyra and Lorenzo in a room together with just one dagger.Though he towered over her, Simone would easily put her money on Lyra.
“As an heir to the House Trelane, I wanted to make my intentions clear.I have full faith in my brother and know well the kind of vampire he is.And while he may have faults, he is not capable of the assertions that have been raised against him.”She paused, seeming to catch her breath, or god forbid, remember why she was there.Simone breathed slowly, not wanting anyone to hear her accelerated heart rate.
Then Lyra shrugged.“I’ve discussed our options with the cadre.It is my duty, not as Devon’s sister, but as the daughter of Guildford Trelane, to take the role as leader of the House Trelane.However, once my brother is exonerated, the role will return to him.”She paused and looked down at her hands, which she’d been wringing.She dropped them to her side.“Should he be convicted of a high crime and put to death, then I will retain the role.”
“Just like that, you’ll assume leadership.”Lorenzo chuckled.“I’m curious as to where you’ve been all this time.I’m sure my fellow members would like to know as well before we decide if our previous judgment should be vacated.”
This time her glare was icy.“Master Venizi.The Council has no other option than to vacate the previous judgment.Our succession laws are quite clear in this matter.”Her smile was sickly sweet as she turned her gaze to the rest of the Council.“Unless, of course, the Council was going to readdress succession rights.I’m sure there wouldn’t be any problem gathering the Houses for deliberation on the topic.”
The members dropped their gazes, busying themselves with taking notes, jostling paper, or picking at the tapestry weaves on their robes.
“That won’t be necessary, Miss Trelane.”Isabel wrote something in a journal then closed the book.“The previous judgment against House Trelane has been vacated, and the Council recognizes Lyra Trelane as the new leader.However, the matter of Devon Trelane and the charges brought against him remain.Since the matter of sanction has been set aside, you have one week to bring him in, or the Eliminators will be sent.”
She hit a gong with a small, bronze baton.Then she rose, followed by the rest of the members as she left the chamber through the back doors.
Once they were alone, Lyra stumbled, and in a flash, Lucas grabbed her around the waist.“Are you all right?”
Lucas’s worried expression told Simone all she needed to know.“Let’s move.Keep it tight, but we need to show decorum, people.”She leaned toward Lyra.“What’s happened?”
Lyra shook her head.“Sometimes the voices require more energy than I have.”She tapped Lucas’s arm.“Get me to the limo as quickly as you can.”
Simone froze for an instant and glanced at Bella.“I didn’t just hear that, did I?”
“At least she didn’t mention the voices to the Council.”
“Small favors.”Simone glanced around at the tapestry-filled walls and painted ceilings.“I hope I don’t have to look at this place anytime soon.”
She strode out, Bella at her heels.She was going to have to have a long talk with Sergi when he returned from New Orleans.
ChapterThirteen
I waketo a dark room and an acidic scent I can’t place.It’s cold, and I tug the puffy blanket closer.My body aches, and there’s a hunger that nothing satisfies.I unfold my limbs and stand, the cover dropping to the floor.
My eyes adjust, and the room comes into focus.Alone.Hungry.I move to the next room, tripping over something on the floor but catching myself before I fall.A bank of lockers is against one wall.They’re large, and I yank one open.Empty.I try the next.Empty.I continue until the fourth attempt.A deer hangs upside down.I slice it open with my long fingernails.And I feast.
“Devon!”
I sprang up,my joints aching and a fierce hunger gripping me.It took a few minutes to remember I was in a hotel room, the afternoon light seeping through the edges of the heavy drapes.I stumbled from bed and managed to slam my toe against the dresser.A curse word flew from my lips, and tears filled my eyes.I didn’t know if they were from the pain in my foot or something residual from the dream.
The bathroom was comfortably dark, and I felt for the tub, reaching up to turn on the shower.I ripped off my tank top and undies then climbed in.The icy water pricked my skin, instantly forming goosebumps.When the fog left my brain, I turned the water to hot and stood quietly until my skin changed from blue to red.When I couldn’t take it anymore, I shut off the water and dropped to my ass, holding my knees to my chest.
