Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 145341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 727(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 727(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Thank you for the information, Petru.
“There is more than one fracture,” Vasilisa whispered, grabbing at the one topic that didn’t include her brother or her people.
“That stands to reason, sívamet.” Afanasiv pressed kisses from the top of her head to her temple in an effort to soothe her. “I would imagine once Lilith knew the exact notes for her demons to create the quakes, she would do so in remote places no one would think to look, as well as the strategic ones for battles.”
“You’re right, Siv. She’s been planning this for a very long time.”
“She’s patient. She didn’t get far when she first tested her abilities against Adalasia and Sandu when defenses were crumbling around the gate Adalasia and Leona guard. Lilith didn’t give up; she simply switched to another gate and another plan,” he said.
“You sound as if you admire her.”
Over her head, Afanasiv had to smile at the little bite in her voice. “There is much about her to admire. Always study your enemy, Vasilisa. She’s a brilliant strategist. If we can figure out why she wants control of your brothers, we can shut her down so much faster. She had to have worked for years to develop something that would work against whatever is in your DNA that prevents a royal from being compromised.”
“How was she able to start in the first place? For any experiment, you have to have a starting point.”
“Your aunt. Lilith somehow connected with Barnabas, most likely through his father, Xaviero, and Xavier. Barnabas seduced your aunt and eventually got her to voluntarily give up her soul to Lilith. Once she was enslaved, taking her blood would have been easy enough. She would do anything Lilith required of her. For that matter, she would have given her blood to Barnabas should he have asked for it.”
“I always thought Aunt Olga was so strong.”
“Everyone has a breaking point, my lady. Or a something or someone they value so much they would do anything for them or give anything to keep them safe.”
“Even you?”
“I have you. Before I would have said no. But now there is you.” He was honest.
She was silent, staring at the wall with her head resting against his chest. “If the demons ever succeed in taking me, Afanasiv, and they are torturing me in front of you to make you do something horrible to the world, what would you do?”
“Forgive me, sívamet, but I am far too dangerous to unleash on the world in the control of Lilith or anyone like her. If I knew with all certainty that there was no hope of escape, I would have no choice but to take both our lives simultaneously. First, I would tell you how much you mean to me and what a miracle you are. In my mind, I would make love to you and transport us to another world as we left the one of pain and torment behind.” Uneasiness rippled through him, a kind of dread, and he shut his mind to what their conversation was dredging up.
“A woman could so easily fall in love with you, Afanasiv,” she murmured.
“That is my hope, Vasilisa, because every moment I spend in your company, I find I want more time with you.” He brushed more kisses in her hair.
“Please contact your other friend and find out what happened with Grigor.”
Afanasiv reached out immediately. Nicu, how does the battle go? Did you manage to destroy the master vampire? What of the demons and Grigor, Vasilisa’s brother?
It was a terrible battle. The vampires and demons and even the royal seemed intent on taking Skyler captive. No matter how many we killed, more kept coming. There is a vent close, but I have been unable to take the time to find it. The demons fled, and Dimitri and I are still fighting the vampires.
Did the demons take the royal with them?
Yes. Skyler was injured, and Ivory and Razvan took her with them. They will guard her, along with both packs of wolves. With them are Branislava and Tatijana Dragonseeker. Zev and Fen are with us.
Afanasiv didn’t like the fact that so many Dragonseekers were gathered in one place. That place might be undisclosed to everyone else, but Lilith could have ways of knowing exactly where it was.
“Are you able to read the land and who is on it? Where every individual is if you seek them?” Afanasiv asked Vasilisa. “If someone attempts to hide from you, would you be able to find them?”
“Eventually, but our territory is quite large, and it would take a long time.”
“If you knew the general vicinity and could narrow it down?” he persisted.
She nodded. “Yes, we are able to do that. It isn’t easy, though, Afanasiv.”
His uneasiness grew into alarm. Nicu, I think the vampires are a distraction to keep you away from the real target. Get back to Skyler and the other women. They want a Dragonseeker. Or they want to kill them all. I don’t know which it is, but they are definitely after a Dragonseeker, and you have three women and a male in one place. The royal can guide them to that place without prior knowledge of it.