Soul (Vampin Book Series #18), Page 3

  "Who are you?"

  "I'm Cesik. Although I've been at rest the last few millenniums, I've consulted with my people on matters of import. You were our last matter, but I've also risen so that I might go home."

  Starr was distracted by Gwen who had walked up and touched the green stone that still glowed, warmly, around her neck.

  Starr stepped back, defensively.

  "You'll get it back, after we've returned the soul to the baby."

  Gwen smiled and said, "I really don't care." Then she turned her focus to the Primordials, nodded her head and said, "Nice to see you all again."

  Starr wanted to ask more questions but was distracted by bright orange lights, like a lunar eclipse, only instead of darkness, the moon was washed out by a sea of lights that reminded Starr of pictures of the milky way. In the bright mass, shadows were constant. As her eyes focused in the penetrating light, she realized the shadows were shaped like people, and they were walking across the sea of lights towards them.

  "Who are they?" asked Starr.

  "They've come to take us home," said Stelar.

  "What do mean?"

  "Our time is done. We had only one a few things to do before we could retire, forever: find you, aid you in defeating the Queen, and give you this."

  Stelar pulled an old Roman key, the size and shape of a crowbar, from his robe. She accepted the key and turned it over in her hand. Memories from her old life reminded her of how such things were used back then.

  "What does it go to?"

  "It's a master key that goes to the castle and all its chambers."

  "Why give it to me?"

  "Because," Vidar replied. "Someone needs to protect it, and all that we leave behind."

  "I'm not the right person for the job. I have responsibilities, and I'm going back to New York after all of this is over."

  Starr tried to hand the key back to him.

  Stelar wouldn't accept it. She tried to give it to Vidar. He put up his hand and said, "We don't know that you're the right or wrong person for this. We do know that you're a great warrior, the most responsible person, and the least likely to abuse the power and the wealth we leave behind."

  Then Cesik added, "You're the most human of us all, what with your friends, your kids whom you honor with your commitment and devotion, and your desires for a normal life. Because of who you are, we know you'll do the right thing."

  "And if you're wrong about me? I am, in a way, the Queen, after all. Let us not forget that she is not dead, either."

  "Like we've said to you so many times before, there will always be war and there will always be evil. One day, someone will view you as evil and come after you as well; one day you'll lose that battle, too," Stelar replied.

  "Then why bother giving this responsibility to me or to anyone?"

  "Just because it is so, doesn't mean we shouldn't try to do what we believe is right," Vidar replied. "Doesn't mean we shouldn't fight for our side."

  "You know, perhaps you should try being grateful," said Stelar. "We're giving you an advantage; because of Credenza, the whole world knows now that we exist, where once we were forgotten. The whole world could go after the city. Would you rather I give the key to anyone else?"

  Starr sighed solemnly.

  "I thought not. You don't have to return to Valhol just yet. As was said, the city is locked up, but I'd keep my eye on it, if I were you."

  Suddenly, it became unbearably hot and bright. They looked out at the sky. The celestial sea of shadows had landed just outside the castle.

  "It's time to go," said Cesik.

  They turned and floated into the air, toward their fellows. Stelar hung back, looked at Gwen, held out his hand and asked, "Want a lift?"

  She smiled brightly, crinkling her eyes as she placed her small hand in his. Then he lifted her, softly and slowly, into the air, toward the light.

  "Wait!" shouted Starr, suddenly remembering. "How do I put the soul back in the baby?"

  Gwen turned back and said, "Ask the crystal!"

  Gwen, Stelar and the others converted to shadows as they stepped into light. And the light receded quickly, leaving just the light of the moon behind, almost as if heaven had never opened its door upon the Earth.

  "Do you really think that was heaven?" Shane asked.

  "I guess so."

  "I don't understand how."

  Starr didn't have time to explain because, suddenly, a slew of shadows flew past their eyes. She spun around and realized that all of Credenza's allies were leaving, including Lily.

  Not Over Yet

  Chapter 5

  Starr knew her battle with Credenza wasn't over. What had just happened was not victory. That was a worry for another day, she thought as she placed the Abatha Crystal around Meghan's neck.

  She felt dizzy as the soul bled through her pores, and reabsorbed itself into the baby. But unexpected was a small feeling of warmth, like a lingering coal in her gut, rather than cold and emptiness.

  "Are you okay?" asked Shane, looking at her strangely.

  "I don't know. I feel like a piece of her is inside me, still; a piece of soul. It's like I've been touched here." Starr tapped the side of her head. "I wish I knew if we did this right. I would hate for this baby to grow up and suffer because of what's happened, or because the soul transfer wasn't complete. What do you think? Can you sense anything off about her?"

  Shane looked at Meghan a moment, and then said, "She seems normal. We'll just have to keep watch over her through the years."

  Starr nodded in agreement.

  "Come on," Shane said, tapping her on the shoulder, "let's get out of here. I don't like this place."

  ~~~

  During a round of goodbyes, Starr, Shane, the Scamalls and the remaining fleet members agreed to meet up in Boston the following week. There, on the block where they set up training, they'd discuss their next move, which was to hunt down Credenza. Then they took off in the air.

  She tried to convince Shane that it was a better idea for her to stay at the lake. Unfortunately, she wouldn't hear of it.

  Shane held up the floor door for Starr and Meghan. Inside the castle, they descended the stairs, and stopped in the room to gather the baby's things. Then, taking Shane by the hand, later back on the bell tower, she flew them to the Castel de Negru.

  ~~~

  They touched down on the wet grass just as dawn approached. The door to the castle opened immediately, and a woman beckoned them inside.

  The old gray castle was as cool and dark as last time, except the servants had all returned.

  "Well," said Adam who walked down the old stone stairs into the entrance hall. "You beat the Council."

  "No," said Starr. "Credenza is alive and well. Our fight is not over."

  He nodded his head in understanding.

  "Your friends are upstairs, sleeping. I've had a room prepared for you and the baby, and for you, Shane."

  Just then, a woman appeared at the top of the steps and waived at them.

  "Natalie will show you to your chambers. Breakfast will be served at 9 am."

  Adam turned down the hall and disappeared into the kitchen.

  Softly, Starr walked up the stairs, trying not to wake Meghan. They followed the woman down the short ceilinged hallway to some rooms at the very end. She opened one door for Shane, and the other for Starr.

  Inside was just as she remembered: a small stone chamber that felt like a cave. On her right side was a short bed, and at the foot of it, a small fireplace. On the opposite side stood a Victorian bassinet in which she gently laid Meghan.

  She looked out of the small window. Another servant was below, setting ring ramps up on the stone dais. Starr knew this meant that, as usual, the Castle Black was planning another party; it was likely they'd expect Starr and others to stay.

  A motion from the mountains caught her eye. Someone was walking toward the castle. Immediately, Starr was on her guard, for the only reason someone would venture that
way would be if they were going to or from the Council's castle - Credenza's official home. It was hidden in the Carpathian Mountains where no one could reach it, unless by flight.

  Quickly, she turned and ran down the steps. She bolted through the entrance hall and slipped into the ballroom. Almost shattering the glass door, she rolled it back across its track, and then pounded her feet, fast, across the grass.

  As the movement, she'd spotted, came closer into view, she realized it was Lily. With a smile on her face, she ran faster.

  "Lily, hey!"

  Starr pulled her into an embrace.

  "Have you come back to us?"

  "Yes," she said.

  "That's great!"

  "Why are you smiling?"

  The question was a surprise. She touched her face and realized Lily was right. Smiling was something that happened only on extreme occasions.

  "I don't know. I'm happy to see you. Aren't you happy to see me?"

  The look on Lily's face told her she hardly cared. For a second, Starr was offended, but then she realized that it wasn't Lily who was off, it was her.

  What did that soul do to her? Yes, it felt great at the time - the power boost was good, but she didn't want to spend eternity with the weight of emotions.

  Lily must have caught her thoughts, for she said, "I'm a vampire, now, Starr. I must admit I find this amusing, the way you look at me, because I used to look at you the same way. You were cold and unfeeling and strange. Now, I'm the same."

  "Are you okay, though? I mean, I don't understand why you've come back. I thought you resented us."

  "Yes, I resent you all, but I don't hate you."

  Starr didn't believe her, but whatever the case, she didn't want her with Credenza.

  "Come on."

  She grabbed Lily by the hand and led her back to the castle.

  Inside, they ran into Adam in the hall. He was pushing a large cart of food, and from it, Starr got a whiff of fresh blood.

  "Lily," he said, "I've heard so much about you."

  He kissed her on both cheeks.

  "I've got a breakfast cart here. Come with me into the parlor."

  The sound of the cartwheels squeaking bounced, noisily, off the walls, and travel down the hall.

  In the parlor, a large fire was going. Adam pulled the cart to the side of the fireplace and said, "This side is for us," he waved his arm to right of the cart, "and this side is for the others." Meaning the right side was for the blood drinkers, and the left was for the kids.

  She helped herself to a red tinted French press. After pushing the plunger down, the liquid poured smooth, with a bit of shine, into her cup. When the blood-coffee smothered her tongue, a feeling of giddiness made her heady.

  Silently, Lily stood by and touched nothing.

  "I've chartered a plane to take you and the others back to the United States. It'll be here tomorrow by eleven 'o' clock."

  "Wait, Adam. I know you're planning a party?"

  "Don't worry, there aren't any games scheduled for tonight."

  Upstairs, the baby started to cry.

  "Well," said Starr. "I'm gonna wash up and I'll be back down later. Please, stay. We want you to come home with us."

  Lily said nothing, but looked away.

  "If there's anything you want to say to me, you can, you know. I understand if you're angry, what with the way we treated you at the lake."

  "No," said Lily, shaking her head. "I'm fine; it's fine."

  ~~~

  About 8 am, Starr heard the kids start to come down from their rooms. She'd had a long hot shower for herself, and a bath for the baby; then she joined them.

  When she and Shane entered the parlor, the kids screamed and hugged them.

  "When are we going home?" asked Mot.

  "Tomorrow."

  "That is if they don't eat us," said Misaki.

  "What?" asked Starr. "Don't be ridiculous."

  "You told me about this place: the games, the labyrinth, the food."

  "No," said Starr shaking her head.

  "Oh, then what is this?" she asked, and picked up a dark circular piece of meat with a light beige skin. On the plate from which it came, many more pieces of it lay, and they got smaller and smaller - in a circular pattern, eventually turning into little nubs.

  Starr's jaw got extremely tight. She looked at Shane, whose eyes were bulging, as were Mica's, Marla's and Lily's.

  "Adaaam!" she shouted, as she rolled the cart out of the room.

  Elegant Features

  Chapter 6

  Later that morning, a team of seamsters and seamstresses fitted them all for formal wear. Starr selected a casual black dress that was made of stretch silk and a pair leather flats that were one step away from being house slippers. There were at least a dozen more gorgeous materials within their portable closet, but Starr wanted comfort.

 

  The others seemed to like the attention, and had fun considering the colors of fabrics, and the placements of rhinestones and sequins on their gowns. Starr watched on as she casually rocked Meghan in a cradle.

  The only downer part of the day was the shock on their faces when Bulgari, who had returned earlier that day, ordered a large bull to be strung up on the dais' pyre. This was a common ritual for theirs, and many other vampires, parties.

  Starr hurried them inside so they wouldn't see the cutting out of its live heart, which was later served to them with lunch. They looked at it loathsomely, but Mica, Marla and Shane enjoyed it, though they wouldn't admit it, afraid to scare off the kids. Only Lily had no qualms about live flesh eating. For once, someone was more animal than Starr.

  At 7 pm, the guests started to arrive. Parker entered the parlor and tried to get Starr to dance with him, but she was reluctant to leave little Meghan alone.

  Throughout the evening, many people came by and congratulated her on her accomplishment. Starr felt awkward because she knew it wasn't: the Queen was still out there. Her defeat was luck that wouldn't last.

  However, they didn't listen; instead, they called her new Queen and hailed her. Some of the older vampires even bowed and got down on one knee. Only when a man, named Striker, told her that she'd be the richest most powerful woman on Earth, if she killed the Queen, did she realize they weren't being ridiculous.

  Not once did it occur to her that Credenza's fortune and castles might be hers. An amassment that must have cost many lives, especially as she lost her throne by right of birth and being a bastard child. A fortune of blood, the Queen would bequeath her, and everyone in the Castel de Negru was ready to homage her, it seemed.

  All of that on top of being the keeper of Valhol? What would she do with it all?

  Nothing, I'm going home. I'm - going - home, she repeated to herself. Somehow, hoping repetition would prepare her for the arguments that might come.

  At eight 'o' clock dinner was served on the patio. Natalie was kind enough to promise to watch the child as Starr and the others made their way to the outside.

  They took their places at the long table that was brought out from the dining hall; it seated fifty guests. Starr sat between Shane and Misaki.

  "I've never seen such a long table," Becky, from across the table, said and grinned at her.

  "Everyone," said Adam. "We will have a toast."

  Madam Balaji, headmistress of the order, in her usual white gown, rose and said, "Let us raise our glasses to our new friend, our new protector, and our new Queen." The guests erupted in brief applause and agreement. "Although it seems premature, we know the Queens time is at an end. The Primordials knew it, the witches knew it, and all good things will come to pass. Hail to the new Queen."

  Starr, having been touched by a soul, couldn't have been more unhappy.

  "Starr, are you blushing?" asked Shane.

 

  After the party died down, and everyone had gone, she retired to her room. But she couldn't sleep. As soon as she closed the door, she paced in a circle and contemplat
ed what those people could possibly expect of her, in the event she did conquer Credenza.

  Once again, she looked out of her window. Down below, she saw Lily standing on the dais, watching the embers burn down.

  Telepathically, she whispered into her mind.

  "What are you doing?"

  Starr sensed that Lily knew she watched from her window, but she neither turned nor looked up at her.

  "Nothing," she whispered back.

  "Will you look at me?"

  She turned.

  "What's wrong? What aren't you telling me?"

  "I'm going to bed, now."

  She stepped off the stone and went back inside.

  ~~~

  After a good breakfast, the next morning, they waited outside for the plane. At 10:30 am, it circled the land, and plodded down across the cement walking strip in the back.

  Everyone hugged and exchanged goodbyes. Adam and Madam Balaji invited them back anytime. Bulgari stood to the side, smoking his cigarettes, as usual.

  Nearly twelve hours later, they landed on a strip in the next city over from Lake George. The flight was hell with Meghan crying most of the way. All that hell was forgotten when they saw that they were home.

  "Woo hoo!!" shouted Lucas. "We are back!"

  They clambered off the plane.

  "I almost thought we'd never make it back," said Mot, hugging Misaki. "That we'd end up stuck in some immigration facility."

  "Me, too," she replied with a smile.

  "If you need to rest," Starr said to the pilot, "you can come home with us for a bit."

  "Nah, I'll be fine."

  "Okay, thanks."

  Starr walked down the stairs.

  "How do we get closer to home?" asked Becky.

  They walked to the front of the airport where they spotted a van that still had a set of keys in it.

  At the cabin, the kids got settled in right away. The place was still a mess, from when Credenza abducted them, but they didn't care. It was too good to be home.

  Starr looked over the edge of their cliff and saw the entire bank of Lake George was covered in snow - not even ash from the fire could be seen, and the lake, itself, was frozen.

  Using her mind's eye, Starr went out and looked in all the cabins around them. No one was home; they were still the only residents at the Lake.

  "Not for long," she muttered to herself.

  She needed to find a permanent and safe place for them all. Word was New York City was still on the fritz. Perhaps Boston was a possibility? After all, they needed to get back to school: all of them, including herself.