Page 56 of Obsessed in Blood
“Because Hamilton was human?” Simone asked. “It would make sense to Lorenzo that it would be beneath vampire etiquette.”
“And a reason for Lorenzo to believe Guildford had become weak,” Lucas suggested.
“And his first step at proving Guildford wasn’t fit for Council,” Sergi agreed.
“Maybe it was deeper than that.” Colantha patted Lyra’s arm. “Were you aware that Hamilton was a dreamwalker?”
She nodded. “He brought me to his dreams a few times.” The ethereal expression appeared again. “It was the most amazing experience.”
“Did anyone else know?”
She shook her head. “He made me promise not to tell anyone, and I didn’t. Who would have believed someone like that existed? Though I always wondered if Father knew more than he let on. Though I don’t think Hamilton said anything to him.”
“Something’s nagging at me.” Lucas picked up his cup and glanced at Jamison. “Would you mind?” When the vampire nodded with a smile and returned to the kitchenette, Lucas continued. “You mentioned Guildford was good friends with the curator at the Renaud Library. What was the man’s name?”
Devon shook his head. “I don’t remember. Father had many friends, and I was a son with no thought of running the House but had gone on my required sojourn anyway. At that time, I’d been in Europe for several years. It was one of the Renauds, that much I do recall.”
“It was Philipe Renaud,” Lyra said. “They were getting together to discuss a book. I believe it was something Hamilton suggested Father should read.”
The room fell silent as Devon and the cadre glanced at each other.
“It wasn’t theDe første dage?” Devon asked.
Lyra tilted her head. “That sounds familiar. Yes, I’m sure that was it. How did you know?”
“Are you mad?His island is a fortress.” Simone stared at Devon as if he’d lost his mind.
They had adjourned from Lyra’s room once the book was mentioned, and the group had lapsed into more questions than anyone had answers for. Devon had sent everyone to their rooms to rest before he’d entertain any more discussion. Colantha had remained with Lyra, and Cressa fell face-first in her bed and would probably sleep for several hours.
A great deal had happened since Cressa’s return and her discovery of Hamilton being alive. He hadn’t spoken to Colantha yet about how Hamilton could still be alive after a hundred years; he remembered questioning her age the first time he’d seen her in New Orleans. But that could wait. They had more important issues.
He’d called for the cadre and Decker a couple of hours after sunrise. He let them talk amongst themselves as he settled behind his desk and picked up the white crystal, finding the warmth of the stone comforting. He’d never asked his father where he got it. It just showed up on his desk one day, and like him, his father would pick it up when he needed to think. Whether the crystal was meant to center him, focus him, or just give him something to do with his hands, it didn’t matter. It did what it had always done for him—allowed his mind to sketch the beginnings of a plan. One that required the cadre’s expertise in helping to shape and hone.
“He might consider it an act of war.” Sergi’s words might sound as if he was against the idea, but the light in his eyes reminded Devon of their early days just before they went into battle.
“It’s definitely bold. I love it.” Decker’s laughter filled Devon’s study. “I wouldn’t mind seeing him taken down a peg or two. He must have been raging mad to come home and find Cressa gone with no explanation of how she did it.”
“His first thought would be inside sources.” Bella’s lip curled in disgust. “Anyone who’d been around her will be thoroughly interrogated. And he’ll expect a possible raid.”
“That might keep him occupied for a time, but it won’t last.” Lucas watched Bella pace. “He can’t stay on lockdown forever, assuming he’d choose to do that. And he didn’t hear one word from Devon after the accident. He has to be wondering about that.”
“Maybe he thought Devon considered her a runaway after the crash.” Bella nodded, warming up to the idea. She stopped by Jacques, placing a hand on his shoulder. “If she was trouble for Lorenzo, maybe he’ll believe she was a handful for Devon and he’s thankful she’s gone.”
“His thinking her a handful wouldn’t be wrong,” Simone said.
They all laughed. The group continued to discuss Devon’s crazy notion, but Lucas and Bella turned silent, both in their own world, most likely running through scenarios. Bella had always been itching to go after Lorenzo. Lucas would be mentally listing a pro and con analysis, considering ramifications from the Council.
But the Council wouldn’t care. They were aware of the long-standing animosity between the two Houses, and as long as no other Houses were impacted, and the human world was none the wiser, the Council would look the other way. They preferred Houses to take care of their own problems.
“Alright. Let’s focus.” Devon attempted to bring the cadre to order, and it took another minute before they quieted. “I’m not planning on storming the island tomorrow. In fact, I’d prefer a plan where he didn’t know it was us. And we have to ensure anything we develop has a high probability of success.”
“How do we know for sure this Hamilton is really there?” Simone asked.
“Most of you have dreamwalked with Colantha.” Devon smiled when Simone shivered, and the others shifted in their seats. “You only witnessed a glimpse of what she can do. She’ll try to reach him on her own, and then most likely with Lyra and Cressa. If they all agree it’s him, and he is, in fact, on the island, then we need to rescue him if we can.”
“You think Lorenzo knows Hamilton is a dreamwalker?” Decker asked.
“I do. Or perhaps not a dreamwalker but someone with blood that interacts with vampire blood. I don’t know how he knew about Hamilton or why he saved him from the fire. At this point, I’m once again questioning my parents’ accident—why they were targeted, why Lyra was saved, and why Hamilton was taken.”
