Page 64 of The Second Sight
“I am Severin Crackstone, leader of the Cracken Coven,” he said with authority. His name sounded different when he said it like that.
Romeca’s lips curled into a knowing smile that sent a chill down my spine. “I know exactly who you are, bloodsucker. I’ve heard things.”
Something passed between them, a current of recognition that hinted at history I knew nothing about. Seven’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, but he gave no other indication that her words affected him.
“This is my sister, Lily,” he continued, gesturing to the elegant vampire beside him. Lily’s face remained an expressionless mask, though her eyes never left Romeca. Seven’s voice grew deeper as he added, “Kasi is my mate.”
The word hung in the air between us. Mate. Not girlfriend, not lover, not bae, but mate. Something primal and permanent, a claim that went beyond human relationships.
Romeca’s laugh echoed through the night air. “A yumboe fairy with a vampire?”
“Half yumboe fairy.” Seven corrected.
Romeca shook her head. “Theia would never allow such a thing.”
The mention of my mother’s name in present tense, confirmed what Romeca had said earlier. My mother was alive.
Seven’s face hardened. “Theia isn’t here, is she?” The words were a challenge, laced with something that sounded almost like an accusation. “She left her daughter to face the world alone, without knowledge of what she is or the dangers that would come for her.”
“You know nothing of my sister’s choices.” Romeca shot back, her yellow eyes flashing with anger.
“I know she abandoned her daughter.” Seven replied coldly. “I know she left Kasi defenseless against hunters who would kill her or drain her fairy essence for its power.”
Lily stepped closer to her brother, a cold smile playing on her lips. “And we vampires have been taking excellent care of her daughter,” she interjected, her tone making it clear what she thought of Theia’s parenting. “Perhaps she’s in better care with us.”
Kei’ Mani chuckled. “You two vamps couldn’t even get to her in time. Your protection is a joke. faefolk saved her.”
“And I applaud you for your efforts, but Brooklyn was taken. Looks to me like you did a bang-up job.”
“Watch your tongue fanger. We’ve only been out of the realm for a few days. You’ve been here, on earth for centuries and you didn’t protect the one you call your mate. I thought your kind took mating seriously. You pledge to die for your mate.
I wanted to speak, to defend Seven but I didn’t know what to say. I’m the one that stupidly left his home when I had a vision that danger was near.
Kyren moved to stand beside his mother, his hand resting casually on the hilt of a blade at his hip. “Our kind and yours have never mixed well, vampire,” he said. “History has proven that much.”
“History,” Seven echoed, his lips curving into a humorless smile. “Yes, let’s talk about history. The yumboe have always considered themselves superior to other beings, haven’t they? Too pure to mingle with the rest of the supernaturals.”
“Better than those who feed on the living,” Kei’Mani cut in, her eyes were so similar to mine. “At least we don’t need to steal life to sustain our own.”
Lily laughed. “No, you just hide away in your secret realms, appearing only to meddle in affairs that don’t concern you.”
“My niece concerns me.” Romeca countered. “The Bambara Brotherhood is a threat to all fae.”
“Then perhaps you should have warned your niece sooner,” Seven retorted. “Instead of leaving her ignorant of her heritage and the dangers it carries.”
“Stop it!” I shouted. I stepped away from Seven. “Just stop!”
They all turned to look at me, momentarily startled by my outburst.
“Brooklyn is out there with those hunters,” I continued. “My best friend.” I glared at Romeca when I said this, unable to hide my bitterness. “She’s human. She has nothing to do with any of this. And she’s only in danger because of me, because of what I am. I don’t care about your ancient feuds or whatever history you share. I care about finding Brooklyn before those fuckin’ monsters hurt her.”
Seven’s expression softened as he looked at me. For all his supernatural power and centuries of existence, in that moment he seemed almost human in his concern. “You’re right,” he said quietly.
Romeca’s fierce expression didn’t change, but she gave a short nod. “The Bambara Brotherhood is our common enemy.”
“We need to track them,” Seven said, turning to face Romeca directly. “My coven has resources throughout the city. We can find where they’ve taken her.”
“There are witches who can sense the Brotherhood’s magic,” Romeca countered. “Their dark rituals leave traces a skilled witch can uncover.”
