Sacrifice (Book 2)

Chapter 22 - Revelations

Walking through a narrow alley, ancient cobblestones below her feet, surrounded by stone buildings and archways that dated back millennium, Madison took in the beauty of Perugia and answered Terra's call.  The four mortal sentries that accompanied her stayed close.  She pretended to enjoy the architecture and continued her stroll. 

Terra, I'm here.  Where are you?  Are you alright?  The wind howled through the narrow passageway and a flock of pigeons flew overhead. 

I'm fine.  I'm still in Venice. 

Why didn't you go home?  Did Ethan and Mariposa make it to San Francisco?  A cold dread took hold of her.  What if something happened to them?  Did Erdo find them before they made it out of the country?

I don't know.  I haven't been in contact with anyone in the last two days.  Listen, we have a problem.  You sent home information about the vampire uprising.  The timeline isn't what you think. The massacre is set to begin on  your wedding night.  Terra didn't verbalize the loathing and contempt she felt, but it came through loud and clear.

I think you're wrong.  I've spoken with the high premiers.  They're waiting for their veins to grow to five million.

No, Madison.  Their numbers are over that now.  They're only waiting for you to be crowned queen and Erdo to marry you.

The information hit her like an iron fist.  You're sure?  How do you know this?

I'm with Italy's high premier right now.  He's been included in the meetings.

You trust him?  Why do you think he's telling you the truth?  Even as she asked, Madison knew Terra was probably right.  István had been cagey when she inquired about their numbers.

I trust him.  Not everyone believes this is in the best interest of the nation.  Tobia, the high premier, needs to meet with you to discuss options. 

Terra had always been a good judge of character.  Could she trust her judgement now?  Was this a trap?  Had she been compromised in some way?  Can he read your thoughts?

No.

You believe what he is telling you?

Yes.

I can't get to you; can you come here?

Yes.  But we need to move quickly, Mom.

Her heart squeezed.  I'll arrange an impromptu gala in Perugia's underground caves.  Give me a week to organize it.  I'll send invitations to all the premiers so Tobia will be expected.  You really are okay?

Yes, I'm good.  There was something about the way she said it that lead Madison to believe she was more than just "good." 

One of the guards turned and studied Madison's face.  I need to go.

I'll see you in a week then.  Terra's voice went silent and the link was broken. 

Digging into the man's mind, she erased his last thoughts, and continued her walk.  She hadn't taken more than a dozen steps when she felt Lizzie's urgent plea.

Madison!

Lizzie, what's wrong? Terra said she hadn't talked to anyone.  Did Lizzie have bad news?  Madison could feel the anguish in her appeal.

Ben has been shot.  He's in the hospital.  He's in bad shape but he's going to live. 

Swaying, she leaned against the rough stone building beside her.  Realizing the guards were watching, she pulled off a shoe and pretended to examine it.  Her heart was racing; she felt flush.  This couldn't be happening.  She never had a chance to talk things through with Ben.  She hadn't given up on them.  Oh, God.  How did it happen?  She only managed to remain standing because Lizzie said he'd live.

Ben went to San Francisco to find out what was going on after he saw you in D.C.  He got there just before Terra and Ethan left.  Cole and Ben stayed together.  They went out for dinner and were attacked.  Ben stepped in front of a bullet that was meant for Cole.  Cole saved him by feeding him some of his blood.

He's going to be okay?

Yes, the doctors are calling it a miracle.

Who did it?  Do you know?

There was a long pause.  Madison wondered if the connection was lost.  Then Lizzie answered and her greatest fears were realized.

Erdo did it.

*

"Why did you think giving Ben your blood would heal him?"  Ethan asked Cole, as he wrapped a protective arm around Mariposa's waist. 

It had been a long evening.  Mariposa looked forward to the time she and Ethan would have on the plane together.  The night started out pleasantly enough--until another vampire joined them on the plane.  Ethan and she were seated and the doors were about to close when Ren boarded.  She recognized him immediately.  She remembered him from the time he spent with Erdo and her in America back in the 1900s.  Ren was there to take her back to Castello Scuro Velo, she was certain, but it didn't matter.  The safety of Ethan and the other passengers' was more important.  She was prepared to do whatever was necessary to keep them from harm's way.

Ren locked eyes with her and sat down in one of the rows ahead.  She considered grabbing Ethan's hand and trying to exit the plane, but they would never have made it past the flight attendants blocking their path.  When she looked at Ethan, she saw his laser focus concentrating on the back of Ren's seat.

Ethan took her hand and told her not to do anything, to wait.  Once the seat belt sign was off, Ren got up and headed in their direction.  Ethan quickly stood, ready to do battle.  Mariposa was about to join him but he told her to stay down, and placed a heavy palm on her shoulder.

Ren faced Ethan in the middle of the isle and told him they needed to talk in the back of the plane.  The flight attendants quickly vacated the area and the two had a conversation.  Mariposa watched from her seat, ready to pounce if Ren made any move to hurt Ethan.

It wasn't until they were in the car on the way to the hospital that she discovered Ren was part of a group working against the vampire insurrection.  Mariposa wasn't sure they should trust him.  She believed he was far more devious and cunning than Erdo realized.  She also observed how dedicated Ren was to Erdo, and how devastated he was when Erdo treated him like a dog.  Was it possible one could be a despicable human being and yet be on the right side of this cause?  It wasn't until he began reciting names and places where the opposition was growing that she and Ethan knew they would have to trust him for the moment. 

Cole was hesitant to answer Ethan's question.  "I heal fast now," he finally said.

"Would you care to elaborate?"  Ethan rubbed his thumb over her hipbone as he asked.

"The incident in the warehouse.  Things changed after that.  I seem to have some enhanced abilities."

"Cole, just tell me what's going on, dammit. Stop being so cagey."

"Madison seems to think I may be some kind of half-breed.  Not quite vampire--but more than human.  I'm stronger, heal faster, and have phenomenal hearing and sight."

It looked like Ethan asked Cole a telepathic question. 

Cole nodded his head.

Ethan frowned.  Mariposa wished she could hear the exchange they were having.  Ethan didn't look happy.  He scrubbed a hand over the stubble on his chin.

Cole tipped his head, as if to answer a question.

Ren interrupted the silent conversation.  "There are a few confirmed cases in the sacred book of mortals who are halflings.  The Queen's blood is strong, it's not surprising.  Frankly I'm surprised you and your sisters aren't halflings too."

Oh God, no!   Madison didn't want them to know.  Mariposa's heart was in her throat.

"Why do you say that?"  Ethan made the question sound accusatory.

Ren looked confused.  "What do you mean?"

"Why would I and my sisters be halflings?"

"Because your mother turned you," Ren answered.  "That's why you can walk in the light."