Blood and Snow 5: Prey and Magic Page 2

  Little pixilettes fluttered around them, serving them something red (blood?) in crystal goblets. The vampires took the offered glasses and then shooed the pixilettes away like they were irritating gnats. The little things seemed worn out, their shoulders hunched, their eyes droopy.

  If you hadn’t lost the necklace you could fix this, change the way things are done, my inner voice scolded. I cringed internally. That wasn’t possible. I couldn’t change anything.

  After we walked through the sitting room, we entered the circular room I remembered from my dream, or vision. Only this time it was empty of anyone except her and I.

  She went up the steps in front of two high back chairs. Had there been only one the first time I was here? I tried to go back through the dream. I couldn’t remember. The second throne looked like it belonged there.

  The Vampire Queen sat on the chair to the left. “Sit here,” she said, indicating the throne on the right.

  After I sat, she waved her hand and the room vanished. We were in the middle of a grass and flower filled meadow. I heard birds chirping happily, smelled the sweet fragrance from the flowers, and felt the cool breeze against my skin.

  The Queen stood and walked into the meadow. I listened to the stiff grass crackle under her shoes. When she reached the edge of the meadow, she reached up and plucked a red apple from an apple tree on the fringe.

  My heart began beating fast. In the story of Snow White, the wicked witch gave the girl an apple. She took a bite, and fell under a spell. Only true love’s first kiss could wake her.

  Was that the Vampire Queen’s plan? Did she intend to offer me the apple? Poison me? And hope my true love would find me and kiss me.

  That’s stupid, my inner voice quipped.

  I snorted. Love didn’t work that way. It was complicated, messy, and took effort. A kiss in real life didn’t have the same power.

  That’s because you haven’t kissed your true love yet, my inner voice huffed.

  Maybe. I couldn’t help but think of Gabe and of Christopher. I’d kissed them both. Nothing happened.

  Another thought occurred to me. Had Christopher left because he accomplished his goal? I’d become a vampire. Wasn’t that all he was required to do. And now I was a vampire, could a kiss return me to human? Probably not.

  I messed up so badly there was no way the Seal of Gabriel, the beautiful pendant Christopher gave me, would work any longer. I ruined any chance of restoring balance when I became a monster. It was too late for me.

  Maybe I should eat the apple, I thought. Then I wouldn’t be able to harm anyone.

  “Snow,” the Queen barked, interrupting my thoughts.

  “Yes,” I said, moving from the throne and into the meadow. The landscape was beautiful, peaceful. I ran my hands over the tops of the tall grass and the white daisies that grew in clumps.

  The Vampire Queen waved me over.

  Determined, I went moved closer. When I was near her, I held out my hand. I would eat the apple. I would sleep eternally and no longer be a detriment to those I loved.

  The Vampire Queen batted my hand. “Get your own,” she said, taking a large bite.

  I inhaled, surprised. “I will,” I said after I recovered. Reaching up, I plucked a large apple from one of the branches. The sweet scented blossoms filled my lungs. Rubbing the apple skin on my sleeve out of habit, I scanned it for bruises or wormholes, and seeing it was unspoiled, took a bite. I chewed slowly, expecting there to be no flavor. All food tasted like ash since Christopher bit me. It was delicious though. The flavors a mixture of sugariness, and… I dropped it. Blood.

  Closing my eyes, I waited for the inevitable toxin to send me into blissful oblivion. Several seconds passed, and I still felt the same. When I opened my eyes, I noticed the Queen watched me with an amused expression.

  When I swallowed, she said, “It won’t be long now.”

  I gasped. “You did poison me.” A fusion of relief and fear filled my veins.

  She laughed. “I’m teasing.” She took another bite. Some of the juices dribble down her chin. “These apples are some of the best in Sharra. I wanted you to try them. Didn’t you like it?” She indicated the apple I dropped.

  Truth was the flavor was exceptional. The combination actually made my mouth water. “Yes, it was fine.”

  She shook her head. “This is your home as much as it is mine. Let me show you around.”

  I hesitated. What harm could it do? Shrugging, I followed her back to the thrones.

  Once we were seated, she said, “This is the entrance to the orchards. Beyond the apple trees are peaches, plums, and pears. All of them are grown and cultivated to our specific tastes.” She nodded, and I knew she referred to the blood. Somehow it was fused within the fruit. “Sometimes it’s nice to eat solid food. A liquid diet can get boring after a few hundred years.”

  She snapped her fingers, and we were in a forest. Giant trees shaded the fern and moss-covered floor. A babbling brook rushed along next to us. Three deer drank from its edge, unaware of us. She put a finger to her lips. I bobbed my head, indicating I understood, and watched her move without sound toward them.

  I fought down the knot forming in my stomach. What did she intend to do? When she snapped the neck of the largest deer, I shuddered. “Why?” I asked, stunned.

  The other two deer bolted.

  The Queen pulled a knife from a sheath I hadn’t noticed before. Laying the deer on its side, she sliced open its belly.

  “Stop,” I shouted, turning away so I wouldn’t have to see its guts. Tears threatened, but I pushed them back. I had the feeling weakness would only irritate her.

  I sensed her move next to me. Smelled the blood on her hands. It was heady. An aroma similar to that of a human. I turned, and saw she held something—a piece of meat, or an organ—in her hands. “Try it. Like the fruit, the animals in Sharra are cultivated for our needs.”

  I shook my head, but the scent had my canines threatening to burst forth, and my mouth watered. “No, thank you. I’m a vegetarian.” The words sounded hollow.

  She chuckled. “Really? That isn’t the impression I got from the way you handled those humans.” She stuck the thing in her hand in front of my face. “Try it. You’ll like it.”

  The Vampire Queen was right, of course. I certainly didn’t act very vegetarian. Stepping slightly to the right, I turned my nose away from her hand. “I thought we only drank from humans,” I finally said, trying to buy myself some time.

  She took a bite from whatever it was she held. Disgusted, I looked down, studying the red Converse on my feet.

  When she finished, she said, “Humans are trite creatures. Their presence on this planet has been useful. I’ve recycled them to benefit our race, but they will die out long before we do.”

  “Recycled?” I kicked at a chunk of moss in the dirt at my feet. “I’m human. You…” I paused. I’d almost said she was human too. That wasn’t true, but I now got what she meant by recycled. “What about the other vampires? They started out human. They are as human as I am.”

  She waved a dismissive hand. “You may look human. Even I look human, but after your first drop of human blood, the genetic code within your body changed. You are no more human than the deer, or these trees. You are now a vampire. Accept it. Embrace it.” She threw the remainder of whatever she held in her hand into the stream. “I thought you already had.” She wiped the blood on her hands on the moss near her feet.

  At her words my heart sank. “Is this what you wanted?” I couldn’t meet her gaze. Professor Pops told me Christopher’s job was to turn me into a vampire, so I figured the Vampire Queen was happy.

  “Of course it’s what I wanted. You have such potential. And Sharra is a wonderful place to live, to learn, and to become what you are meant to be.

  “Which is a vessel for you,” I spat out.

  She shook her head, making a tsk-tsk sound. “I don’t know what you’ve been told, but you’ll be more than a mere vessel. You’ll
become the most powerful creature on Earth. Everything you desire, anything you wish, will be at your fingertips.”

  “For my body only, but I’ll be gone.”

  “You’ve been talking to Adam Henry? Perhaps even Kenmei? Those two are such drama queens.”

  “I have.” A part of me hoped Professor Pops and Kenmei weren’t telling the truth, but I doubted it. What reasons would they have to lie?

  The Vampire Queen continued, “I’m sure they even told you the story of Silindra and me. About the war?” She raised an eyebrow. “And maybe even about a necklace?”

  She was leading me.

  Deny. Deny. Deny, my inner voice shouted.

  “Maybe.” I shrugged.

  “Well, of course they did. Those are their weapons. The way they get the Marked and Chosen to do their bidding. That’s why I brought you here. I wanted you to see I am not some power hungry maniac as they led you to believe. I am not a monster, Snow. I’m merely a leader. My people chose me. They need me. I love all of my subjects equally. You may have seen some of them as we passed through the sitting room of the castle. They are given freedom and more power than they could ever need. Everything they could ever want. All I ask in return is their allegiance. That’s all I’m asking of you.”

  I took a step back. “Why would Profess—Adam lie? He has no reason.”

  She sighed. Her shoulders sagged slightly, as though she carried the weight of the world. “They told you about the war, correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well did they happen to mention that it was Adam and Kenmei I fought against? Did they tell you they led those who battled against me for power? For the throne that was rightfully mine.” She started breathing heavily. “Did they tell you they turned my own sister against me?”

  Equally angry, I shouted, “They told me you had her tortured and murdered.”

  Chapter 6

  The Vampire Queen gasped, and pressed a hand to her chest in mock sarcasm. “They what? I could never murder my sister.”

  She’s a big, fat liar, my inner voice hollered.

  Pushing down my fears, I changed the subject. “Are you saying you were in the right? You deserve the power?” I didn’t add that Kenmei and Professor Pops told me they were her hunters at one time, and that I knew they left her. Immediately a small flutter danced in my belly. Is that where Christopher went? Professor Pops and Kenmei never told me what they did to break free of her. Was it just a matter of walking away, or was more required? I thought about the bear Christopher carved, and how excited he was when I gave it to him.

  It’s possible, I thought.

  “Of course I deserve the power. I’ve ruled for thousands of years. That isn’t going to change anytime soon.” She walked back over to the thrones and sat. I did the same. She twirled her pointer finger and we were back at the castle.

  Standing, she moved to the center of the circular room. With her back to me, she asked, “Have you seen the so-called Seal of Gabriel?”

  I gulped and tried to calm my racing heart. My hearing got better after I turned, so I had no doubt she heard my increased heartbeat and already knew the answer. “I-I don’t know,” I stammered, trying to pretend I wasn’t sure.

  She spun around. “Where is it? Do you have it?”

  Taking a deep breath, I shook my head. “No. I don’t know where it is anymore.”

  “You had it in your possession.” Anger burned her features. “Stupid girl. It must be destroyed. That thing could ruin everything.” Her voice softened. “If you see it again, take it and bring it to me.” She walked over, and brushed her fingers along my jaw. “That pendant will be the death of all vampires. The whole race. Including you. And him.” While she spoke she moved her hand in a whimsical S. A glass case, like those my stepmother used to hold her porcelain dolls, appeared. It was much larger and reminded me of a coffin. It sat atop a white stand.

  Someone was inside.

  I took a step toward the coffin, trying to ignore the ball of fear growing in my chest.

  “Who is that?” I asked, giving the Queen a sideways glance as I walked past her.

  “You’ll see, my dear Snow.” The evil smile was back. The ball of fear grew into full-blown anxiety.

  It was a guy, his dirty blond hair flawlessly combed. His eyes were closed, but I knew his eyes were hazel.

  “Christopher,” I whispered.

  Around his neck hung the carved bear. The one he made right before he was changed into a vampire. He wore brown leather pants, and a white shirt, with a leather vest. Dark chocolate brown boots were on his feet and stopped just under his knees. His hands rested on his stomach. “Is he—” I stopped.

  “Dead? No. But if you don’t bring me that necklace, he will be.” She came to stand next to me. “You don’t want that, do you?” She touched my shoulder, and it took all my courage not to shrink away.

  “I don’t know where it is. I swear.” I clasped her hand, begging her to believe me.

  “I believe you, but I know that if you think really hard, you’ll know where you need to start.” She squeezed my hand back, and I thought the bones in my fingers might break.

  And just as I was about to respond, I realized I wasn’t in Sharra anymore.

  “You’re not ready, Snow,” the Vampire Queen’s words echoed through my mind.

  Chapter 7

  A sound escaped my throat, and I clamped the hand the Vampire Queen crushed only moments ago over my mouth. I was happy and scared all at once.

  Maybe I wasn’t ready, but I was home, standing in the middle of my room.

  Purple walls filled with baby animal posters. Purple curtains. Purple towels still hung in the bathroom. I was glad to see all of it. Wistfulness swept through my veins. At the same time, I was terrified. How would I confront Professor Pops, and the brothers? Cindy? Gatsby? And, my stepmom and dad. Were they here? Using my newfound stealth I creeped over to their bedroom and peeked inside. They weren’t in their bed. My heart fell. I’d been gone two weeks. Maybe no one bothered to tell them what happened. I’d lost my cell phone at some point during my time away. They could’ve called. What about poor Gatsby?

  “Here kitty, kitty,” I called, keeping off the lights. I didn’t need light to see and I didn’t want the brothers, or Pops to know I was home. I listened, taking in the familiar smells and sounds of the house. I didn’t hear any soft padding of kitty feet so I tromped down the stairs. In the kitchen I sat at the counter and pulled over the envelope filled with the invitation to my birthday party. A tear fell onto my cheek. The idea of the party was awful, but the person who planned it meant the world to me.

  How could Professor Pops ever forgive me for what I’d done?

  “Gabe,” I whispered.

  “Hello, Snowflake.”

  His voice came from behind. It was a voice I thought I’d never hear again. I didn’t want to move; afraid if I turned around I would realize it wasn’t real or a figment of my overactive imagination. But I sensed movement. My body began to tremble.

  Could it be? Was it possible?

  I was too afraid to find out.

  His voice whispered in my ear. “Snowflake. You’re back.”

  I had to see him. Turning, my eyes caught hold of his face. I could see him, but even that could be my imagination. My mind still wouldn’t believe. I placed both hands on his face. “Are you real?”

  He pulled me off the chair and into his arms.

  And I was lost. Wrapped in his embrace. He was alive. Gabe.

  After I don’t know how long, I pulled back. I needed to see him.

  “How? I saw the angle of your neck. It was broken.” I fought hard to keep the tears at bay.

  He leaned down, his lips pressing against mine. I responded with all the guilt, the sorrow, the excruciating pain I’d held inside over the past two weeks. He scooped me up and carried me upstairs, into my bedroom, and lay me on my bed. His kiss deepened, and I clung to him as his hands went under my shirt sending fiery heat al
ong my skin. After a long time, he lifted his head. “Snowflake, I didn’t die. It may have appeared that way, but Professor Pops and the brothers overreacted. I was just unconscious.”

  I wanted to believe him. But something in his voice, a slight pause when he said ‘overreacted’ gave me pause. The memory of the way his body felt under me, the way I grabbed his body, and I remembered the sound of his neck breaking. The moment ripped through my consciousness as though I was reliving it. I shook my head. “No, you were dead. Why aren’t you telling me the truth? D-Did you…” I paused. “Are you a vampire?”

  He jumped off the bed, a look on his face like I just slapped him. “No,” he said.

  A little offended, I responded, “You know I am a vampire, right? Drinking from you changed me.”

  He let out a heavy breath. “Yeah, I know.”

  “Does that make you uncomfortable because you didn’t seem all that uncomfortable a few seconds ago.” I got to my knees, pulling down my shirt, pushing back the apprehension fluttering like nervous butterflies in my stomach.

  He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze focused on the floor. What was wrong with him? Ever since my Hunter bit me he’d been hot and cold. I couldn’t figure him out.

  “No, it doesn’t make me uncomfortable. It makes—” He paused momentarily before continuing, “I am beyond happy to see you. But…” He let the word hang in the air.

  Finally, I said, “But?”

  “It’s just. Ugh! Why is this so difficult?” His green eyes pleaded, as though I should understand what was wrong.

  “Tell me,” I uttered.

  He sat on the bed and grabbed one of my hands in his. “Professor Pops told me he told you about those who might want you dead.”

  “Yes. He explained that other vampires, even other creatures, believe that if all Marked and Chosen are killed then it will be easier to destroy the Queen.” The internal butterflies quivered.