Page 65 of Ever Dark Academy: Vol. 3
Could the Sect member be a Mirryr Vampire? Grayson asked as the couple flopped on top of him. He used some of his power to lift them off.
But Legion is Weryn–
Didn’t you say that Charlie was interested in creating scents? Grayson interrupted as he managed to free himself from the pile of people.
Only certain high level Mirryrs could do that. According to Charlie, he thought he was the only one. He pooh-poohed it, but we have proof, Balthazar said with a bitter laugh.
That could be what’s happening here, Grayson said as he backed away from the apologetic, but giggling couple.
If that were the case then they would have to know that Ryder would remember that scent and–
The Ring, Balthazar. Everyone knows that Weryn is back. They don’t know that Ryder is resisting becoming Weryn by not exploring his memories, Grayson pointed out. They would likely think Ryder remembers that scent–
But why would they do this? What is the point? Balthazar asked.
I don’t know, Grayson confessed as he threaded his way through the crowd. He was squeezing everyone, but there were no structures and more and more people kept getting in his way, forcing him back down the stairs. The party was in full swing and people were headed to the dance floor. I don’t know how he can smell Legion with everyone here. The way we’re packed like sardines–
Maybe that’s how. Maybe the Sect Vampire was around Legion, but is not actually them, Balthazar admitted.
More to think on, because that would mean that they met up with Legion on Earth or–
Legion is here. But Daemon would know they were! Balthazar began. Again, I just can’t imagine how they got in here unless they are someone else.
Isn’t everybody someone else these days? Even us? Grayson asked.
He did not hear Balthazar’s answer. The crowd swelled. Grayson’s foot slipped off a stair. He started to pinwheel his arms and fall backwards. An arm shot out and grasped Grayson just as he was about to sink under the flow of people. He let out a cry that was smothered by the crush of the crowd. But then he was up against the wall and a big body was between him and the other people, protecting him. His heart was hammering so hard that it was practically beating out of his chest. But then it beat hard for another reason. He was staring into Ryder’s eyes.
“Ryder!” Grayson cried out as relief flooded him. “How did you get down here so fast?”
Ryder lifted an eyebrow. “Fast?
Grayson furrowed his brow. “I thought–”
Grayson! Balthazar’s voice was insistent and stole his voice for a moment. That’s not–
Not Ryder, Grayson realized as those familiar silver eyes held no warmth for him.
The Ryder-clone was smiling and looking down at Grayson with a kind of predatory amusement. Grayson knew if he checked that he would find a structure in that mind. Dress and slinky woman had become leather and big man. But he didn’t. He couldn’t risk it. He had to pretend to be normal. Ordinary. Uninteresting.
You couldn’t be that if you tried, Balthazar admitted. We’re coming to you.
No, you mustn’t, Balthazar, Grayson warned. Stay away.
That’s a Mirryr Vampire, Grayson. They will change their appearance in a moment and we’ll lose them, Balthazar said. We need to get to them now!
No, we won’t lose them, because I’m going to bring them to you, Grayson said. They’re pretending to be Ryder. They want to be with me. I’ll lead them where I want.
Grayson, Fiona can whisk them away–
People will see! Please, Balthazar, trust me on this!
He gave his most seductive smile to the Ryder-clone who had two massive hands on either side of Grayson’s head. If this Mirryr Vampire had wanted to, he could have crushed Grayson’s skull with a single blow. But he had to show none of that knowledge. He was a student here. He wanted to become a Vampire, which was true. He thought he was totally safe here, like the place was Vampire Disneyland. This was not true. Not at all.
“Hey, thanks,” Grayson said, trying to slur his words slightly as if he were again that slightly drunk partygoer. He was glad he’d drunk something earlier so that there was alcohol on his breath. He would have been able to tell how much someone had consumed as Ashyr, but he was hoping this Vampire wouldn’t. “I thought I was going down there. I couldn’t get up and body surf the crowd.” He reached up and cupped that familiar face. “But here you are. Saving me. My knight in leather and combat boots.”
The Mirryr Vampire glanced down at himself as if he couldn’t remember what body he was wearing, but Grayson couldn’t be sure. He gave Grayson a wolfish smile when he lifted his head to meet Grayson’s gaze. His silver eyes burned.
“Would you like to see me out of this leather?” The Ryder clone smiled broadly.
