The Darkness Within

29 - Unexpected Tempers

Ciara walked forward, her right hand on her wolf and Lucienne at her left. Behind her, she recognized the synched gaits of the werewolf twins as they flanked the Goddesses and could feel the power they both outwardly released, Evelyn's power marginally stronger due to her alpha status and her recent mating to Raisa. Behind them was the Light Goddess's personal guard, two angels, if their scent was any indicator.

The ground beneath their feet crunched, indicating that it was some form of smaller stone. The wind blew gently past them, bringing with it an even deeper winter chill and Ciara was thankful she had put her winter furs back on. They provided a nice sense of normality through all the newness. They ascended a few steps before stopping, the sound of a large door being opened following afterward.

"Light Goddess, Domina Evelyn," came the voice of a male before them, his voice strong and commanding but his tone respectful of their positions. Ciara also noted that he spoke with an accent but it was small enough that it didn't impede his speech. The shuffling of clothing suggested he bowed as well. "We are happy to welcome you to our home."

With that, they began moving forward once more. Ciara practically jumped out of her skin when Lucienne grabbed her elbow gently a few steps later.

"There's a lip to the door, watch your step," Lucienne whispered in her ear.

Ignoring the heat in her face from the mixture of embarrassment over needing the female's help to not trip and from the close proximity, she stepped over the lip and onto the carpeted floor of what she assumed would be a castle or some sort of grand home for the vampire royalty. Tala was doing an excellent job at guiding Ciara through the space, so the female was a little surprised that Lucienne's hand remained gently placed on her elbow. The contact did calm her nerves a bit though, and so she silently welcomed the touch, sending thankful emotions down their bond. Lucienne's hand tightened a bit in response.

"Since it is evening here and I'm sure you've had a long flight, we had a feast prepared for you," the man said as they continued walking, their steps echoing in what must have been a fairly large room.

"Thank you, King Raynard," Lucienne responded to the male, identifying him as the vampire's king. "Who all will be present?"

"Just the royal family, Light One," the male answered, "My mate, our three sons and one daughter, and their mates. As you may have heard, our youngest son recently found his mate, leaving only our middle son unmated."

"Congratulations on that good news, King Raynard," Lucienne said, the pride in the male's statement obvious.

"Dinner will be ready shortly, do you wish to freshen up beforehand?" the male asks, and Ciara could feel his gaze wash over her making her uncomfortable. Lucienne's thumb on her arm made soothing motions.

"Do you wish to freshen up, Ciara?" Lucienne whispered so quietly in her ear that Ciara was sure no one else could hear it, supernatural hearing or not. Feeling like 'freshening up' would accomplish nothing or any real value, Ciara shook her head no. After a moment where Ciara could feel Lucienne turn to the twins and to see if they wished to freshen up, Lucienne responded to the male, "No, thank you, but please ensure that there are four seats set for myself and all my companions."

"Of course, Goddess," the male responded as their path of walking took a right turn. "Here is the sitting room, if you would please wait here a moment while I ensure that the table is set and the meal is ready."

Lucienne responded with a noise of agreement before Ciara felt herself be pulled down next to the female onto a comfortable couch. Evelyn sat on her other side meaning Lila had likely taken Lucienne's other side, and Tala curled up at her feet. The location of the giant, but silent, Fenna was unknown to Ciara so it was really anyone's guess.