Page 11 of Ever Dark Academy: Vol. 3
“The Weryn Vampires that were made after the War will only know of me what the Order used to tell them, that all Immortals are monsters who kill Vampires without thought,” Ryder stated. “And, in my case, at least, that was true. The older ones will know that. So when they hear about what I did to Lawson and kicking out all but two Vampires from the Bloodline, I have no idea what they’ll think or do.”
“I can prepare a list for you of the Vampires in the Bloodline and their qualities,” Siban offered. “Ones that you should concentrate on if you think they are worthwhile. Leaders. Not necessarily heads of Houses, but those who when they speak, others listen.”
Demos lifted an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you were tight with anyone outside of Lawson’s House, Siban.”
“I was not tight with anyone inside Lawson’s House. You are being kind to state that,” Siban answered with a faint smile. “But I took it upon myself to know everyone. From afar at least.”
“Like a hunter,” Ryder smiled as he said it to take out any sting.
Siban gave a brief nod. “More to be prepared.”
“Prepared?” Demos’ brows drew together.
Siban lowered their head. “It’s something I learned during the War. To know everyone’s capabilities and character.”
“So you’d know if they were crazy or would betray you?” Grayson guessed.
Siban gave another brief nod. Grayson’s expression went as grim as Ryder felt at those words. He was shocked after everything they had been through that Siban had wanted to try again with him. He was lucky to have them. He needed to tell them that. Repeatedly. As Demos had said, there might not be any way to undo the past, but he had to make the present and the future good for them.
“Okay, so while Ryder is checking out the Weryn, I need to meet with the Ashyr,” Grayson said, stroking his chin.
Dani perked up. “It would mean so much to them!”
“And, hopefully, it will stop them from acting like guard dogs,” Demos gave out a soft huff of laughter. “If we want to keep your identity secret, Grayson, having them following you around like a pack is not going to work.”
“I know it.” Grayson scrubbed his face with his hands.
“I am sorry that I have not curbed this behavior. They are just…” Dani struggled to find the words. “Eager to see you. And very protective. We failed you before, Grayson, we cannot do so again.”
“If others had been there with me, they would have died too. Kaly plans meticulously and is incredibly powerful. We don’t have many defenses against them,” Grayson said.
“You remember how you… died?” Ryder didn’t even remember that. He couldn’t. He simply couldn’t. It was like a black hole opened inside of him whenever he tried to look back at that.
Grayson nodded. Demos gave out a low whistle.
“I remembered it the first night here. At the parade,” Grayson admitted. “Let’s just say that I’m glad that Kaly is on our side again.”
“And you trust him? Even after everything?” Siban asked.
“I do. While what happened was planned, was vicious, was ruthless, was many things, Kaly was very sick back then,” Grayson explained. He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “They were struggling. With Daemon gone, the one person they might have confided in and sought help from was no longer there. Their paranoia grew and the madness with it. But they aren’t like that anymore. I can tell. I mean Eyros and Kaly are best friends. That would have never happened before.”
“He looked ready to take any person’s soul that hurt Balthazar’s feelings the other day in the Ring,” Demos grunted in agreement.
“Indeed.” Grayson nodded. “And Daemon is back. That will keep them stable as well.”
“Many are not so forgiving or certain as you are, Master,” Dani told him gently.
“I’m sure they aren’t. But I was killed by Kaly and it’s my decision how I wish to respond. And my response is forgiveness. I hope that means that yours can be too, Dani. At least on my behalf,” Grayson told her. “I know you have your own pain. I would not ask you to put that aside, but anything you’re holding because of me, I want you to let it go.”
Dani looked down at the ground and pressed her lips tightly together. “I will try. I am trying.”
Her eyes flickered to Ryder. She likely had plenty of reasons to hate him too. As much as Kaly maybe.
Grayson reached out and squeezed her hand. “I know you are. And I know that you and Siban, and many others, remember things that we either don’t or weren’t there for. You’re doing so well. So amazingly well. And I would not ask this of you, if I didn’t think you capable of such a hard thing.”
She covered his hand with her own and nodded. “I understand that if we live in the past, we can’t move forward. And there are plenty of new enemies to worry about.”
Ryder noticed that Grayson did not ask him to forgive Kaly. But he did not have to. It was still strange to look at Caemorn and think that he was Kaly. He was so different. Balthazar was, too. They were versions of themselves that were almost unrecognizable. Because of this Weryn seemed to have no reaction to them at all.
