Page 39 of Ever Dark Academy: Vol. 3
The Order’s stories had seemed much like the stories in the Bible to him. He listened to them, but felt no truth in them. They seemed too simplistic and had no bearing on the world he lived in. But now, maybe they meant more to him than he knew.
“You know that Kaly was the one to warn Eyros and Seeyr about their other selves’ plans, don’t you? That they put this all into motion to fix things. Things they did and things we did.” She made a mixing motion with her hands. “We’re only here because of them.”
“But that’s both good and bad.” He shook his head. “They caused the War and found a way to restore things.”
“It is. But the present is good, I think.” She nodded more to herself than him. “The present is full of possibilities.”
“I want to feel that way.”
“Wanting is the first step. Shall we take another step, Ryder, into the future and leave the past behind?” She offered him her hand.
She sees farther than us, Weryn whispered.
With a smile, Ryder took Fiona’s proffered hand and said, “Lead the way, Fiona.”
More Complications
“It looks like everyone is here,” Grayson said as Ryder and Fiona companionably entered the room together..
It was clear from the light expressions on Ryder and Fiona’s faces that they both enjoyed the other’s company. That had him smiling even wider than he would have just seeing Ryder. He was so glad to know that Ryder was reaching out to another Immortal in a friendly way. That’s what this meeting was all about.
Together we stand. Divided we fall.
“Go kiss and snuggle Ryder, Grayson. Otherwise, I fear the pheromones in this room that the two of you are giving off will cause us all to explode,” Balthazar drawled from where he was leaning, negligently, against the mantle of a fireplace.
They were meeting in one of the Eyros Palace’s gracious living rooms. A fire crackled and popped in the generous grate. There was blood wine for the Vampires and sparkling water for him, along with some snacks. Meffy wandered in and out with another kitten, a white one, chasing cat toys and asking for head scratches. It was actually quite a pleasant environment, which Grayson hoped would engender good feelings all around. Not that he saw anyone actually looking askance at one another. They all seemed quite at ease despite the War that had ripped them all apart.
While I know that Kaly was against everyone, maybe these Immortals were on the same side? Grayson wondered. Or, except for Seeyr, they just don’t remember the past.
But Grayson ignored that thought and played into Balthazar’s feigned annoyance at his romance with Ryder by saying, “Explode, Balthazar? Really? You couldn’t think of a better description than that?”
Balthazar made an exploding motion with his hands. And Grayson, admittedly, sprang towards Ryder who eagerly caught him around the waist and held him for a moment. Ryder clearly wanted to spin him much like Nero had, but that might have caused some head-exploding. Instead, they pressed their foreheads together. Touching his lover had him immediately feeling a little more relaxed and calm.
Less explosive…
“Are you all right?” Ryder asked, immediately zeroing in on the fact that he was not quite 100% after going to his palace. “You look a little tired.”
“Being near my palace was draining,” Grayson admitted. “But I’m recovering quickly. I should be fine soon.”
Ryder frowned and tightened his hold upon him. “Then no going there again until you are turned.”
“I agree,” Grayson answered, pushing aside all that would have to be decided and done before that could actually happen. How disappointed would his Bloodline be? Balthazar had warned him that they would be none too pleased with his plans for turning either. Ryder might not be either. So he quickly added, “Besides, I’d rather be in your palace.”
Balthazar snorted and rolled his eyes. Grayson knew that Balthazar was doing this to keep the mood light and fun. The Eyros Vampire was the biggest romantic in here. Grayson held onto Ryder tighter. Ryder gave Balthazar a chilly look. But, of course, the Eyros Vampire was unrepentant.
“I, for one, enjoy a little romance,” Seeyr chuckled from where she sat on one of the high-backed wing chairs. She sipped some blood wine and turned towards the fire, stretching out one thin hand towards it to get warm.
“Balthazar can hardly judge the sappiness of others’ romances when he is writing poetry to Christian every night,” Caemorn remarked dryly.
The Kaly Vampire was standing in front of a bow window, a glass of blood wine in his one hand, as he stared out into the night. He was a tall, spare, and beautiful figure. More like a lovely statue than a man in some ways. But for a Kaly, the body was but a vessel, a set of clothes really that could be shucked off for another set.
“Christian loves my poetry, I’ll have you know!” Balthazar looked quite affronted.
“You only think that because you don’t read his mind about it to confirm,” Fiona chuckled as she sat down on a brocade sofa with a contented sigh
“Would you like some wine, dear?” Seeyr asked her.
“Yes, thank you,” Fiona said.
