The Trouble with Hades

Chapter 7

Niko was intrigued, quietly watching as we walked into the caravan. I dumped my bag, flicking off my shoes without a care. I was done with hot shoes and socks, which were the next to be removed.

"Is everything okay?"

"We're having a meeting, apparently," Brad muttered.

"Oh, don't act so hard done by. You need to play hard to get. Otherwise, Nora's going to think you're a tramp."

Brad frowned at me, and I did my usual by smiling sweetly as if I was innocent.

"I've been sitting on this for a few hours so that Evie could get the day done."

"It's alright, Anzide." Niko implored.

He clearly figured out that Anzide was stressing out about not telling us this information sooner. It was obvious that Anzide knew me well enough not to say anything because I would insist that we return here immediately if it was as bad as I think it is.

"So, when Evie was talking to Karina in the cafeteria, I knew she was relatively safe, so I decided to check out a few other minds. When Kannon sat down, I utilized Audrey's anger and her distraction to enter her mind. She's cut a deal with Drakkus to become a vampire."

Everyone looked at Niko, who was silent for a few seconds, then gave Anzide a firm nod.

"That is good information. I will relieve your distress by telling you that only the leader of the ruling coven can perform the alteration of species. Drakkus cannot change Audrey unless he is made leader. Now, for a little extra information on that particular subject. It was one of the lessons that I'd intended to give you, Evelyn, so please pay attention."

Sure. Not a vampire, but go ahead.

"If a person wishes to become a vampire, as I stated, it must be the leader of the ruling coven that they apply to and, if granted, given the new life by them. If the leader does not agree, or in the instance before Evelyn's arrival to Hades, where there was no official leader walking the streets, a person can go to another town and ask their leader. Most will refuse a stranger. Leaders want to see people be a part of their town for several years before they are approved. They also usually require a guarantee that the person won't skip town once the deed is done. If Audrey were to approach, she might be lucky and find a leader who is willing to do it and then let her leave, but I seriously doubt it. She would be expected to do her time as a resident of the town, and if she were to bail on her agreement, they would hunt her down and kill her. And yes, they would tell her of the ramifications of her negligence. There is one thing to note about this situation, and it is that Drakkus has a reputation that has spread far and wide. James and I discussed this yesterday. Many leaders want nothing to do with Drakkus at all. When I say many, I do mean it in the largest way possible. It even extends to those who have associated with him and his clan. The followers are seen as untrustworthy."

"Such is the price of their crimes against you, my love."

Niko gripped Beatrice's hand with a loving smile on his face.

"It is."

I turned to Anzide.

"Was there anything else?"

"Just a lot of things that we don't need to talk about. A lot of things that I'd like to have purged from my mind."

"Can you enter Kannon's mind?"

"Previously, I've tried and never been successful, which I assumed was because of Hannah. Now that she's gone, I decided to try again. I could get into his mind, but it was a thin exterior with a strong resistance to anything that I tried."