Page 58 of Kiss of Light

“I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure,” he drawled. His chest was throbbing where the bullet hole was healing.

“We met a few decades ago. That is, I met you. I don’t think you saw me. I was standing very close though. Close enough to smell the blood.”

“What are you talking about?”

The host leaned down to whisper in Lemar’s ear.

“I made you rip out the throat of that girl.”

Shocked, Lemar stared up at Ravij. The smile on the host’s face was so wide, little rips appeared at the corner of his mouth, staining the beard red. Lemar caught a whiff of something. Some odour that filled him with rage and self-loathing.

A scorched, ashy smell that made his mouth go dry.

How could he have ever confused that rank stench with Tala’s scent?

“You,” he snarled. “You were there. But why?”

“I wanted to see if I could possess a Vetali.”

“That’s impossible,” screamed Tala. She pulled with all her strength against the grip of her captors but they were holding her too tightly. “Shaitun can’t possess vampires. You know that.”

“I know that most are scared to try.” Ravij curled his lip contemptuously. “You see, Lemar, trying to possess a vampire is like hurling your consciousness into an abyss. Vampires are neither truly alive nor truly dead. Do you know what that feels like to a shaitun? It’s like standing in a black desert with a howling void around you. Tala sees that as terrifying. Whereas I…” he leaned closer to Lemar. “I see that as exhilarating.”

Lemar lunged, fangs extended, and just missed grabbing Ravij by the throat. The shaitun yanked his host body out of the way at the last second.

“Temper, temper. It was just an experiment and I’ll admit, controlling you took a lot of willpower. But you came through with flying colours. You fed on that girl until she was bone-dry. And then you tore her throat out.” He tapped a finger on his chin. “I was surprised you were so distraught about it. I always thought Vetali were remorseless creatures.”

Lemar let out a howl of rage and helplessness.

“If it’s the last thing I do, I will kill you, demon,” he screamed. Veins traced across his face and his canines were fully unsheathed. It took another two vampires to hold his shoulders to make sure he didn’t shake himself free.

Tala trembled with anger as she glared at Ravij.

“It’s not true. You’re making it up. You can’t possess a Vetali.”

“Oh I assure you, my sister, I can. It is difficult, certainly. And my physical body has to be very close to amplify the power of my astral being. But it is achievable. In fact, I’ve had a rather splendid idea.” His eyes danced in macabre glee as he examined Lemar again. “A hunter is driving my inert self over here as we speak. I was going to let him have the pleasure of taking your head because asTala-jiso rightfully points out, I can’t be seen to have anything to do with your death. But now, I wonder if it wouldn’t be a better idea to possess you and make you kill Lord Shadeed’s favourite shaitun.” Ravij turned his host towards Tala. “What do you think,Tala-ji? Would Lord Shadeed go to war with the Vetali over your death?”

“You’re insane, you fuckwit.”

“So charming.”

“I would never hurt Tala,” Lemar said fiercely. “And you could never make me.”

“I think we’ve already established that Icanmake you,” smirked Ravij. “We’ll find out soon enough. I can feel my body getting closer. The car is about twenty minutes away.”

Tala’s heart clenched in fear. Not for herself, but for Lemar. Her eyes met his.

“I’m sorry. I was meant to keep you safe. I failed.”

Slowly, his fangs retracted and the black veins of his fury dissipated. He gazed at her steadily.

“Whatever happens, Tala, I will never blame you. In the darkness of my life, you were a shining light.” He emphasized the last two words and she felt a prickle of comprehension. “A light you should never be afraid to share.”

“This is all very moving, but she’ll be dead in about fifteen minutes.” Ravij turned away dismissively. “And after that, I’ll let this vampire horde feast on the humans inside the bar.”

Tala stared at Lemar, eyes wide. He wanted her to use the light-bringer. But without touching him, he would die too. She shook her head.

There had to be another way.

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