The Iron Dagger (The Vampire Series Book 2)

Chapter 11 - More Plans

Persephone watched as all of the vampires and Kai suddenly froze, whipping to look at the front of the house. They seemed like they were listening intently for something. Persephone looked out the window into the dark night, not noticing anything other than a strange mist on the ground that was rolling through the trees towards the house.

"What's going on, guys?" They asked. Kit moved between them and the front of the house.

"Someone we didn't invite. How did he make it past Eloisa's wards?" Kit asked, voice cautious.

"Beats me, must be old and nasty, but not directly malevolent towards us," Eloisa said, watching the mist cautiously. Persephone realized that it looked familiar, like a creepier version of the mist Kit turned into. Daniella rose, sniffing the air slightly before sighing angrily.

"His name is Vladislav, and he's a nuisance. Watch your necks, those of you with blood. He bites," she sighed as she went to the door. Persephone watched anxiously from over Kit's shoulder as she went to open the door. "You can enter, but if you try to attack we will kick you out," she said sternly. The mist crept through the door before slowly rematerializing into a tall man with black hair and reddish-brown eyes. It was weird feeling his magic energy radiating off of him, the other vampires so rarely used it that they sometimes forgot what it felt like. He gave them all a grin, one that felt a bit like a threat.

"I hear you're taking Boulder for the vampires, Daniella. I'd love a shot at a hunter-free buffet," he said coldly. He sniffed a bit. "Witches, too? How delightful. Hello, my dear," He said, eyes locking on Persephone. They felt a strange fog settle over their mind. "Why don't you come closer, my dear, so I may say hello?" His voice was so soothing, and his grin suddenly seemed charming and friendly. He'd never do anything to hurt them, they were sure of it. They went to step around Kit, but he grabbed them and held them in place. Persephone whined a bit, Vladislav wanted them to come to him, so they wanted to go.

"Let me go," the words spilled out.

"I am very sorry, my dear," Kit apologized. They felt a sharp sting on the side of their neck as he bit them. Persephone felt the fog lift await with the pain, head clearing up.

"Thank you, I was not feeling good," they shook their head and smiled up at Kit. Kit gave them a worried smile before moving angrily towards the vampire.

"No fun," Vladislav said. Daniella grabbed him and threw him out the door.

"I literally told you to behave and the first thing you do is try to compel one of our friends," she said flatly. He just laughed, hands up.

"Come now, just a bit of fun. That witch smells like she's been the blonde one's blood bag for a while," he said. Persephone watched Kit charge forward before suddenly freezing in place, straining to get closer to Vladislav. "Well that's interesting. Wait! I remember you. The rabid dog," he grinned, snapping his fingers. Kit dropped to the ground. They lit a small fire in their hands.

"I was told vampires were flammable. Care to see how fast you burn? I bet it's faster than me," they said, staying in the doorway.

"Ooh, fiery," he said with a grin. "Let's find out," he waved his hand and Kit rose, turning to face them with a glassy eyed stare, standing between the two of them. Daniella cursed under her breath.

"Be careful, Kit will defend him at all costs right now," she warned, stepping outside. Ercole and Stefan followed, looking wary. Persephone nodded in understanding, they looked him in the eyes.

"Fear," they tried to command, but when they went to cast, mentally he was able to shrug it off. Daniella lunged, but Kit grabbed her with a snarl and tossed her away.