The Blood Queen

Seven

All of the Phantom Void coven members bowed to me as I made my way up the stairs to meet their Master, nightwalker Daira.  

"Welcome, my Queen."  Daria said as she bowed quickly at Luciela.  

"It has been several decades since I've visited the Phantom Void estates.  There has been many changes since then have their not?"  Luciela said as Daria lead her into the mansion. 

"Yes, Queen Luciela."  Daria stated nervously as she lead Luciela to her office.  "We expanded the mansion and brought the side properties next to us as well behind us.  Our coven has grown to 188 members. The oldest at 388, my first in command Azriel."  

Daria stated as she introduced him to Luciela.  A medium height man with smooth caramel skin and grey eyes bowed to Luciela as they pass him to go into the office.  He closed the door after him as Daria showed Luciela her seat as the two of them sat across from her.  They chose to give her a seat away from the door, to make sure she felt safe.  

"And the youngest?" Luciela asked. 

"The youngest is not 15 years old."  Daria tells her quickly.  "When I say 15 years old, I mean 15 years since her rebirth. Not 15 year old in human years."  

"I understood you."  Luciela said as she leaned back into the chair and crossed her leg.  

"You were close to your previous Master, Master Julian?"  Luciela asks her. 

"Yes, he was grooming me next to be his successor." She told Luciela.  

"No complaints?" 

"There were some, but it was quickly dealt with."  Daria stated proudly. 

"Any complaints you would like to tell me about?" Luciela ask her.  

Both of them stare at Luciela for a long time before looking at each other.  They communicated with each other for a while before Daria sighed heavily and gave in to Azriel's council.  

"Are there going to be any changes to our coven?"  Daria asked politely. 

"In what regards?" 

"Hierarchy, tributes, financially, members?" 

"Should their be?"  Luciela ask them. 

"No, no. No." Daria quickly said as she leaned forward.  "Our coven has been doing well since the true death of our previous Master.  Since I had been training to be his successor, I already knew the ins and outs of this coven and my authority and standing in this coven had been established already.  The changeover to me becoming Master was smoother than the other four covens."  

"Then why would I need to step in and make it difficult for you?"  

Both of the nightwalkers were speechless.  They expected Luciela to throw her strength and power around  and demand more, however when she said that there were to be no changes in their daily operations, they were more than surprised, they were shocked into disbelief.  

"Are you testing us?"  Daria ask Luciela after a long time of silence. 

"Am I testing you?" Luciela ask back. 

"I'm not sure." Daria whispered.  

"What do you mean you're not sure." Azriel mind linked Daria.  "With your powers, you always know!"  

"Stop panicking," Daria yelled at him.  "You're making me panic even more than I am.  I can't get a read on her. Every time I try, its like I'm hitting a metal wall.  I can't get through to her.  She's too strong."