“Er- it’s Brooke, Brooke Carn.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Brooke.” Before she could move an inch, Cazantian flitted around the table and took her hand. His touch was so cold, it was painful. Not like the cold, but pleasantly tingling touch of Arantay. Cazantian’s lips were even icier as he kissed her hand.

Stunned, she said nothing as he rose to full height. Their eyes met and she felt an irresistible tug, like a magnetic pull towards him.

“Cazantian,” Malian hissed.

Cazantian let go of her hand and smirked, striding silently as he took a seat back at the table.

“She is quite beautiful Malian, though perhaps not worth sacrificing two of our coven over.” Cazantian’s smirk turned malignant. “The vampires returned here minutes before you, and told us of the casualties.”

Several vampires around the table echoed Cazantian’s sentiment, glaring at her and Arantay, as if it was their fault the vampires had been killed by Dark-Venators.

“’Tis no matter.” Nalia spoke above the others. “The two slain were underlings, and Malian was only acting on Hallia’s orders.”

“Blasphemy,” an older gentleman roared. He jabbed a finger at her and Tay. “We never interfere with Venator business. The night we do, this happens. Blood demands blood. All we know is that magic slew our brethren. Magic these trespassers possess.”

“Quiet, Terence,” Malian replied. His voice was soft, yet there was a subtle edge to it.

Terence faltered. “Hallia will not-”

“Hallia knows the risks,” Malian spoke over him. “And she knows the casualties to our coven will be far greater if we do not act now. An alliance between the werewolves and these Rakarn will be the end of us. All of you may enact vengeance for those slain tonight when we meet the Rakarn in battle.”

Terence’s murderous scowl was mirrored by the moroi around him.

“Fine speech.” Cazantian raised his glass. “Now, Brooke was it? How about we-”

“We came because Hallia requested us.” Arantay interrupted. “Not to chat.”

“Yes.” Malian cocked his head, listening to something Brooke couldn’t hear. “Hallia will see you now, follow me.”

“Goodbye, Elfpire.” Nalia flashed another alluring smile Arantay’s way.

“Careful, sweet.” Cazantian called after them, his eyes burning as he looked at Brooke. “A moonlight war is coming.”

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 28- City of the Gnomes


 

Evan’s body flew, speeding through space and the fabric between realms. After several moments of swirling amidst multicoloured flashing lights, his feet planted firmly back on the ground.

Emillia landed beside him, staggering to the side until he grabbed her arm to steady her.

The pavement beneath him was bright green stone trimmed with gold.