Realm of Monsters
Chapter 623: Celebration Part 3

Chapter 623: Celebration Part 3

  Lady Isolde Ravelle strode through the grand hall and made a beeline for the head table centered at the base of the steps leading up to the Veres throne. A pair of Gale swordmasters suddenly appeared and blocked her path, their hands on the hilt of their swords.

  “I wish an audience with the esteemed Lady Veres,” said Isolde.

  “Our lady is not seeing any guests at the moment,” replied one of the Gales.

  “Yes, I’ve gathered.” Isolde gestured at the rest of the tables behind her and the countless guests staring at her as if she were a fool. “But I have a feeling she will see me.”

  “And why is that?” asked Gian, stepping away from the table and joining his nephew and niece. Even without an arm, the elder vampire struck a terrifying appearance as he loomed above the other two Gales. Every vampire in the city knew the stories of the eldest and arguably the most dangerous vampire alive.

  “Lord Gian,” Isolde bowed her head. “You are as intimidating and elegant as always.”

  “Lady Ravelle, I never knew you as one to participate in these sorts of gatherings,” he replied with a raised eyebrow.

  “That’s because they were never hosted by the Veres.”

  “Hm. So, tell me why would Lady Aurelia take time away from resting and enjoying her meal after her long coma to meet with a noble whom she has never met and, quite frankly, is known to stay neutral in all political powers that be in this city?”

  “Because of the very reason you just stated. You know me, my lord. I am meticulous with every political decision, but here I am, risking my very life by potentially angering the Veres and Gale families in their own home. Not very sound of me, if I didn’t have something important to speak about.”

  Gian gave her a long stare. “You have a minute.”

  “Thank you.” Isolde walked past the Gales and headed straight to the mysterious woman sitting at the head of the table.

  Up close, Aurelia was more beautiful than Isolde had guessed. Her features were sharp, and Isolde could note the traces of vampire and drow nature. But it was the suppressed sigh as Aurelia put down her utensils at her arrival that gave Isolde pause. The goblin’s aura flared with deadly purpose.

  Isolde had learned to read much from the fluctuations of a person’s aura over the years as a True Blue and without a doubt, she knew that Aurelia Veres was prepared to kill her right where she stood if needed. Isolde unconsciously curled her lips in a terrified, admiring smile. 

  Krall and Evelyn Katag saw her approach and stepped aside, but stayed to watch in silent curiosity.

  Isolde hurriedly dropped to her knees, removed her black veil, and bowed, her forehead touching the floor. “I, Lady Isolde of the Great House of Ravelle, greet the first Ebon Lord of the new age.”

  And that caught Aurelia’s attention. She assessed Isolde in a new light. The Katags’ jaws went slack in surprise, but they stayed quiet.

  “Who are you and how do you know of me?” asked Aurelia.

  Isolde raised her head, but stayed on her knees. But before she could answer, Aurelia cursed under her breath. “Your eyes. You’re a True Blue. I guess that answers one question.”

  “You are correct, my lady. I am the only True Blue arch mage in the Ebon Realm.”

  “I’m not so sure about that,” Aurelia glanced at Melantha in the distance.

  Isolde followed her gaze, and her pride visibly wilted, but only for a moment. “Oh, well, that woman, whoever she may be, has long surpassed the rank of an archmage. She is something else entirely.”

  “So I’ve heard. Now, since my uncle has let you pass, it must be for a very good reason. What do you want?”

  “To pledge my House’s and my own eternal loyalty to you and House Veres.”

  “My son is the head of House Veres, I am the First Mother of the Blood Fang Tribe.”

  Isolde appeared confused, but she carried on. “I know you do not know me, but I hope to prove my loyalty to you this very night in the hopes that you may accept me as one of your vassals.”

  “House Ravelle is already a vassal to our House, but mostly only in name,” said Gian, rejoining Aurelia and standing behind her. “Simply put, we leave them alone and they don’t join any of the other Ruling Houses.”

  “So what spurned this display?” Aurelia gestured to Isolde on her knees.

  “I wanted to dissuade any ambiguity and make my loyalty to you very clear from the start. I only wish to serve, if you’ll have me.”

  “And why would I do that?” asked Aurelia.

  “Because, besides the army of mages I can bring to your side, I have information you’d like to hear. At this very moment, a small coterie of nobles has come here for the sole purpose of challenging your son’s authority in the hopes of sabotaging him. They are led by Seraphine Blackvein, a woman whose son was recently killed by your own son.”

  “And how did you come by this information?” asked Aurelia, her claws digging into the arms of her chair.

  “I pretended to join this coterie in order to gather more information on the situation,” she lied without missing a beat. “But if we do not act fast, your son may be in trouble.”

  Aurelia glanced at Gale, a silent question on her lips. He nodded, “Lady Ravelle is known to stay neutral in most matters. If she is here, it is because it benefits her. Lying to the Veres and earning your family’s wrath would not benefit her in the least.”

  “And my foolish son is no doubt at fault,” Aurelia pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head. “That boy is always killing people he is not supposed to. I blame his father.”

  “Naturally,” Gian agreed smoothly.

  Aurelia pushed her chair away from the table, her feet were dangling off the chair, and she jumped to the ground. She adjusted her scarlet wreath on her hair, the mark of a tribe’s First Mother, and then grabbed the knife she had just been using to cut her meat. “Jahn, come with me.”

  “Aw, but I’m still eating, the chefs haven’t even brought out the dessert yet,” Jahn grimaced. He had been doing his best to stay small and hidden from the conversation, but sitting next to Aurelia did him no favors.

  Aurelia gave him a withering glare.

  He grinned sheepishly. “I mean— Who needs chefs and their delicious desserts? Fuck ‘em, am I right?”

  “Glad to be able to count on you, little brother.”

  “House Katag will gladly offer our help,” added Krall.

  “We would not let any harm come to our future son-in-law.” Evelyn smiled.

  Aurelia glanced at Isolde. “Well, what are you waiting for? Lead the way, rabble.”

  “It’s Ravelle, actually,” Isolde said weakly.

  “It won’t matter if you don’t show me to my son.”

  “Right this way, my lady.”

~~~

  A dainty finger tapped Stryg’s shoulder as he watched Tauri pull Loh across the dance floor. “May I have this dance, Lord Veres?”

  He turned and found Elzri’s old secretary and Loh’s new confidante standing before him. “I’m not a great dancer, Lily.”

  She twisted her red lips into a smirk, but her scarlet eyes were full of fiery anger. “We’ll make do.”

  The next song began and Lily pulled Stryg into her arms and began to dance. Stryg let himself be moved by the sound of the music and tried his best to follow in Lily’s steps. 

  He had known the vampiress for years, ever since Loh had introduced him to Elzri. Lily had always been in the background of his training sessions with the old man. She was always helpful, always there when Stryg needed anything, whether it be a cup of water or finding a rare book on magic. Although, she was never one for conversation. Nonetheless, he appreciated her company and valued her as a close acquaintance.

  “So, how have you been, Lily?”

  “What did you say to Loh? She was crying when she left you, but she wasn’t emanating sadness.”

  Emanating? 

  “It was personal.”

  Lily narrowed her eyes. “I knew it. You forgave her. Fuck.”

  He blinked. “Is that a problem?”

  She ground her teeth, then forced a smile. “I thought your sisters would be trouble enough, but it seems I underestimated you. You are the real obstacle between Loh and me.”

  Stryg gave her an odd look. “You seem close to Loh these days.”

  “I am the seneschal of House Noir and she is the head of the family.”

  “Right…”

  Lily smirked. “You’re wondering if I’m sleeping with her.” 

  “The thought crossed my mind.”

  “Oh, do we look like a couple?” she asked eagerly.

  “Loh enjoys sleeping with beautiful women ever since I’ve known her. You happen to be one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met, so… I’m not surprised you’re sleeping with her.”

  “We’re not, I’m afraid. Well, technically, I am sleeping with her, just not fucking. Actually, that’s not right, either. Rather, she sleeps and I watch over her.”

  “You watch her sleep?”

  “I don’t sleep and I never really understood the appeal of it either, but watching Loh makes me wish I did. Her sleeping face is comforting.”

  “You don’t sleep?”

  “It’s not a bad thing. I’m there for Loh when she has nightmares, which is practically every night. She wakes up screaming, you know. I wipe her tears and hold her close until she calms down and falls asleep in my arms.”

  “I didn’t… I didn’t know,” he said softly. 

  “Elzri’s death hit her harder than she lets on.”

  “Thank you. For taking care of her.”

  “No need to thank me. She’s special to me.”

  “Sounds like you’ve fallen hard for her.” He grinned.

  “Like you have with Lady Tauri. Though, it seems you’ve already sunk your fangs into her while engaged to her sister, not very noble-esque of you. Usually, nobles wait until after the wedding ceremony before such– ‘undressed’ activities. Then again, you never were one for following these people’s customs.”

  “I’m no longer engaged with Elena. I’m marrying Tauri.”

  “My point still stands. Not that such a thing would have stopped either of you. I see the way you look at Tauri and the way she looks at you.”

  “You think? Does she give a certain look?” Stryg searched for Tauri among the crowd of other dancers.

  “You know, it’s considered polite to pay attention to your partner and not other women while dancing.”

  Stryg glanced at her apologetically. “Ah, right.”

  Lily seemed stunned for a moment and stared into his lilac eyes. “My, my, so this is the legendary charm I’ve always heard about. I’ve never witnessed it this close up before.”

  “Huh?” He wrinkled his brow.

  “Your eyes, no, it’s more than just that. Your chaotic nature twists the very causality of those around you. Just being near you incites death. Logically, I know that spending time with you and your kin is dangerous, and yet there is a certain pull about you, a charm that attracts people to you. ‘Death is beautiful.’ I had heard those words before, but only now am I truly understanding the gravity of it.”

  “Are you—?” His eyes darted at her massive chest, which was only amplified by her pushed-up corset, then back at her scarlet eyes.

  “Relax,” she chuckled. “I’m not hitting on you, I’m simply remarking on the divinity of your chaotic nature’s charm.”

  “Um…”

  “Deadly in battle, yet lacking in words. But somehow, you are still the problem for my future with Loh. What to do, I wonder?”

  “I’m not your rival. Loh and I don’t have that kind of relationship.”

  “Oh, I know. Loh isn’t interested in men. And yet, you’re meddling has spoiled my meal.”

  Stryg had lost her. There was plenty of food still being carried out into the grand hall by an army of servants. Whatever he had done, he was certain there was some dish prepared by the cooks that would rouse her appetite. “Do you like chocolate pudding?”

  “What?”

  “It’s very tasty. Have you tried it before?”

  “Yes…”

  “What’s your favorite dish?”

  Lily licked her lips. “Loh.”

  “Right, of course. I personally find Tauri’s blood the sweetest of any I’ve tried, but I find it more of a drink than actual food.”

  “Loh is my Affinity, there is no better taste nor anyone I’d like to spend eternity with more. Even now, this catharsis she feels is practically oozing off her. I can taste it from here; it isn’t pain, but I still find myself desiring it. I’ve never felt that way for anyone before. It’s odd, really. I had always heard of Affinities from my kin, but to actually have found mine and to feel this way… It’s difficult to come to grips with, but here we are.”

  “Do you always speak in riddles? Or are you just drunk right now?”

  Lily gave him a wry smile. “I like you, Stryg. More importantly, Loh loves you, possibly more than anyone else alive. You are her chance for a new, different path, where she can be more than her mistakes. So, despite your actions tonight, I am going to give you a bit of advice.”

  “What are you—?” 

  “Shh.” She put her finger on his lips. “There was a time when mortal kings and queens would sacrifice countless lives to catch a whisper of the secrets I held. So listen closely. I have walked this land since Love reigned as queen of the vesir. I witnessed the Sundering of this world and the rise and fall of many nations and many gods. I have survived them all. Do you know how? Because I watched and listened, not to what was said, but to what was behind their actions. Things are not always as they seem, son of Death.”

  Lily tapped his forehead. “Your mind is not whole, your memories fractured. You ignore it, that pain you feel whenever you try to think about it. You think your dreams are simply that, dreams, but they are so much more. Some part of you already knows the truth, but you can’t bring yourself to truly accept it. Stop running from it. Until you do, you will never be able to control the power that resides within you.”

  Stryg narrowed his eyes, “How do you know—? Who are you? What are you?”

  Lily brushed her scarlet hair aside and stepped back as the music ended. “It seems we are out of time.”

  “Stryg Veres!” called out a vampire noblewoman. Behind her stood two other nobles.

  “Who are you?” he asked, reaching for Krikolm, only to remember he had left it behind.

  “I am the mother of the man you murdered,” Seraphine growled.