Chapter 11- “The Talk”

“Kiore,” Cassandra says hugging her daughter. “I was so worried. Denali had told me that you’d been working with refugees in the southern regions of Marmoreal. But I can see that was not the case. You weren’t hurt were you?” She asks, “Cause if you were, I will have their head on a silver platter for you. Your father will be in full support if you decide to.”

“The only parts on my body that have been hurt were my fingers and heart. But those cannot be helped. My brothers are helping restore justice. And I know exactly what you are thinking. Please do not force Damien and I to wed. Not yet. We are truly not ready.”

“I understand daughter and you must understand, that you must make a decision soon. I know that Damien here is fresh and is still dealing with the change. You are going to need to care for him now, he looks as if he’s about to drop.” In a whispered tone she warns her, “Kiore, from the way he looks right now, he may not make it. I’m not joking either. He may just not be a good candidate for our breed.”

Tears well in her eyes and Damien presses a hand to her cheek. “Damien, do not worry, I’m fine. Mother can you leave us.”

Cassandra leaves them to be alone and watches as Denali enters.

“I should have known you’d make your way back.” She says seating down upon her bed.

“Why Denali?”

“Why? Why? How would you like to have your lover of over four hundred years leave you for your sister? I should have known he’d have feelings for you. I sent you to Dorval, well gave you as a gift so I could possibly win back Dorian. But now that you’re back, I can tell that this is not going to be over with.”

Drayman and Mayner appear in Kiore’s chamber. Drayman holds the head of Dorval proudly, like an ancient warrior would after a kill.

“Dorval,” Denali screams. Drayman tosses her his head and it lands in her lap. She begins to stroke the lifeless flesh. “Dorval,” she cries again.

“Why did you kill him?” Kiore asks her brother.

“He violated my sister. He tried to use you as just another slave and he needed to pay. Besides, he came at us with a knife. I wasn’t about to just stand there.”

“Drayman, you bastard,” Denali screams at him before disappearing to her room.

“What is her problem,” Drayman asks pulling his sister to sit upon the bed with him.

“Mayner, could you please take Damien here to have a meal. I need to talk to Drayman.” Mayner helps Damien to the door and they disappear down the hall.

“Drayman,” she cries to her brother, “he may not live.”