The Marivaldi estate was a quiet thing on even eventful evenings, only rowdy when it’s Masters were in the mood, and this night was no exception. Despite the flurry of meetings and discussions and small talk, a subdued hush rolled across the grounds like an early morning mist. It was the last day of a major family policy change and Salazaar was all too pleased to finally send the rest of the Marivaldi’s away and indulge in the pleasure of the company of his immediate family. He’d barely seen his wife and son in weeks and now they had the added opportunity to include Amaris in their morning walks around the grounds. He chuckled with a shake of his head and folded up the final letter, dropping it in the outgoing letter bin on his desk for his mages to have sent off.
He leaned back in his chair with a huff. So much had changed since his old master found his rest in the sun. His master’s daughter was grown and pried away from his protection by that meddlesome hag, the Marivaldis chafed with poorly concealed discontent at his position, and the Eves continued to drain the family of critical resources in order to maintain some facade of stability. Several mage factions rose without the help of any vampire, truly independent, and have made his covert network their own personal plaything, sticking holes in it whenever they could. It was a problem though the arrogant Sinnenodel heir seemed to have dealt with one of them all on his lonesome. That made him worried; Sinnenodels were cunning and smart but out playing an entire terrorist group that had just come crawling out of the woods? Salazar’s first thought was that Varis or his mistress decided they weren’t deserving of Sinnenodel resources but his intel suggested they weren’t affiliated with anyone. Clearly they crossed the wrong person somewhere; Salazar just wished he knew why.
He lost track of time, considering everything he’d learned over the past few nights, trying to make sense of it.
Amaris stood silently before the door to Salazar’s study with her arms by her sides and her eyes fixed ahead. Her entire trip home had been spent deep in deliberation as she considered her time spent at the academy. She could remember feeling the same way on her return trip home for her last break, though the circumstances then had been significantly different. This time, however, she found herself less afraid; less confused. If she had to name the feeling, Amaris would have dared to call it determination. Yet again the Countess had been faced with how little she actually knew, not to mention how little control she had over any situation, but this time she wasn’t so keen to take it lying down. Until this point, Amaris had been content just riding the waves caused by other people, pretending she could ignore them and that all would be well. But if life at Ryner’s school had taught the youth anything, it was that this way of existence would only bring her more pain. The question was, what did she want to do about it?
There was a time that the Countess believed she was above the behavior exhibited by her peers. She had thought them petty and cowardly, but it was just the way the world around her was determined to work. The way she saw it, Amaris had two choices ahead of her: she could either learn the game or run from it. No matter what her decision ended up being, though, the girl could not continue the way she was with one foot in and the rest of her running for cover. It put her a step behind the rest of the nobles in attendance but, more importantly, it had blinded her to her own misdeeds.
Having allowed herself to get so wrapped up in her feelings about the loss of Cassandra, and then again with her concern over Count Eve’s mage, she had become one of the lofty do-nothing-hypocrites she often lamented about. Her encounter with Lilie had made that nearly impossible to ignore. Even now she could still hear her voice echoing about her head, the words of a girl who simultaneously accepted the status quo and yet refused to let it rule her. As much as it hurt the Countess to admit it, Lilie had been 100% correct, and more than a little justified in her reaction. If she had the time to be poking her nose into ‘safe’ cases such as the disagreement she had experienced with Benjamin, she had the time to be working on the more severe ones like Aaron and Varis. There was only one issue, she hadn’t the first clue about how she would accomplish such a thing. What she did know was that there was but a single door between her and someone more familiar with the subject than she would ever be.
Preparing herself for what was to come, the young countess finally lifted an arm and knocked her knuckles twice against the door before moving to peek inside. “
I hope I’m not disturbing you. May I come in?” She asked, a sense of calm washing over her that came as a surprise to no one more than herself.
“Oh, Amaris!” Salazar startled, the surprise in his expression melting into familial warmth.
“I hadn’t realized how much of the morning I’d missed. I lost myself in thought, it seems. But please, come in. It’s been far too long; the house is far too quiet without your presence.” He stood and came around the desk to meet her, opening his arms to give her a hug.
Amaris stepped through the door completely, shutting it behind her before stepping forward to accept his embrace. She had heard the past few weeks had been particularly busy for him, and as usual, he had poured all of his focus into his work.
“
Working hard as always I see.” Amaris responded, flashing a smile as she spoke. If there was one thing she could always count on, it was Salazar knowing exactly what to say to make her feel at home. “
I heard about your meetings so I thought you’d like a moment to yourself before I started pestering you. But I agree, it’s been way too long. I’m happy to be home. You’ve been taking care of yourself I hope?” She asked with a pointed look, a joking accusation laced with genuine concern.
“Thankfully, an immortal biology carries the burden of my negligence well.” Salazar laughed.
“I can hardly remember how I got by as a mortal, magic and all, anymore. But here, sit down. Regale me with the stories of your time at school while I open some blood for us to enjoy.” He gestured at a chair and made his way to a locked cabinet, opening it with a key on his keyring, and pulling out two glasses and a bottle before turning his attention back to Amaris and bringing the bottles to the desk.
“
You still shouldn’t let it become a habit, old man.” She clicked her teeth at him as she found herself over to a seat. Settling in, Amaris found herself struggling to find a place to start. There was so much she wanted and needed to say, yet now that she was here it had all but abandoned her.
“
Well, I can tell you what hasn’t changed: the place is quite an experience and I dislike my neighbors more than ever. But my new partner is pretty great so I suppose that makes up for a good portion of it all. I think you would like her. She knits these comfy little hats.” Amaris couldn’t keep a small smile from creeping onto her face at the memory. It didn’t last long, however. She knew she was just delaying the inevitable by choosing to talk about the warm and fuzzies but it also didn’t seem fair to drop all her problems on him so soon after he wrapped up work. The way she saw it, if she could wait this long to talk to him, she could wait just a little longer to bring up the heavy stuff.
With that in mind, Amaris chose to recount the most interesting event she could think of since her last trip home: the mage’s exam. She excitedly set in to telling him all about how the vampires had been blinded and the bizarre puzzles that had been set up as obstacles on their path. It was likely a strange thing to be excited about but there was so much about the experience that was so fascinating to her.
“
You should have seen Varis, he was absolutely fuming. I’m talking tantrum levels of not having any of it. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought it was fate's way of apologizing for his little soiree in advance.”
Salazar chuckled at her enthusiasm. He’d known she wouldn’t get along with Varis Sinnenodel since he’d heard they would be attending together but he hadn’t expected her to relish in his childishness. “Well, home hasn’t changed much at least. The family is vying for attention constantly, bemoaning the current status of mage rights, and avidly launching auctions for rare items just to outbid each other. In fact, you’d have met them all if you’d been able to come home a few days earlier but maybe it was better that you hadn’t.” He muttered, rubbing his head just at the memory of the rabble. Yeah, definitely not.
“Speaking of Varis, I thought I’d inform you that the purpose of the family gathering was to discuss the business proposal put out by Green Vision Inc. Giving them a seven year plan to lease our current facilities and upgrade them would save a significant amount of money for us as well as reduce the overall price for both vampires and humans in all Marivaldi territories. Of course, that means letting a snake into the garden.”If she had to be perfectly honest, she didn’t feel like she had missed out on much with her timing. The Countess was already somewhat familiar with the behavior Salazar spoke of, having heard the whispers around the house whenever their presence was due. There were times when it seemed nothing would satisfy them, even when their requests were being met. An interesting bunch to be sure, and she had no idea how either he or her father had dealt with them in the past. It was certainly no envy of hers. Still, it would not be their immature antics that would capture her attention.
Amaris barely contained the look of disdain that threatened her good mood. She understood the importance of maintaining good business relations across territory lines, and that sometimes that meant tolerating the presence of less favorable folk, but why did it have to be them? Of all the houses, of all the opportunities, why did it have to work out to be the Sinnenodels?
“
I suppose it is better to bring it in under your watch than to have it sneak in and cause havoc but I can’t say the idea makes me very comfortable. Not that I don’t trust your judgement, I do! That’s part of why I needed to talk to you. It’s just difficult for me to comprehend how we can continue to be so accommodating of people who openly mock us at every turn. Why should they get to benefit off of us when all they do in return is screw us over?” It took a moment for Amaris to realize that the ire she had kept from her face had instead seeped into her words. Casting her eyes downward, the countess apologized sheepishly.
“
I’m sorry. It’s not really my place to feel any type of way about this, is it?"
"You're a Marivaldi. Of course it's your place to have an opinion on our family's relationships." Salazar chuckled with a sympathetic smile.
"Time will temper that fire and you'll wield it with honed precision, I have no doubt, but this is an opportune learning moment. We are not accommodating; this is neither charity or hospitality and we are certainly not welcoming them with open arms. The Sinnenodels are our enemies, our polar opposites in almost all regards, which is why before we can consider the reasoning behind my decision, we must first understand who the decision involves." Salazar's expression grew grave and he sat taller, no longer her friend and guardian, but for all purposes Lord Marivaldi as he instructed his ward.
"Any fool with an eye and a half a brain knows none of Lady Sinnenodel's heirs will ever see her throne. She changes them like outfits, bestowing on them all the privilege and responsibility they could dream of, and goals them into action with the whispers of power and prestige. Most families would fall apart at this kind of chaos. Leadership changing hands too often, rules and guidelines changing every century? A recipe for disaster. So, why does she do it?" Salazar asked Amaris.
As Salazar took on a more serious tone, Amaris instinctively shifted her own position to match the change in role that had occurred. She agreed with him that Lady Sinnenodel’s methods of leadership did little to provide structure for the house long term but she had never really given it much thought as to why she would choose such methods. It didn’t really make much sense of the surface but then again, what did make sense about the snakes? You never really knew for sure where you stood with one of their kind, and the moment you thought you had an advantage something would happen to put you right back at square one. Amaris’ expression twisted subtly as she fought the urge to dive down the rabbit hole of theories. Instead she decided on two guesses and hoped that they weren’t complete disappointments.
“
Misdirection perhaps? Or to maintain control? Chaos serves well as a smokescreen to outsiders as well as an obstacle for those within. And, if you control the shift in the tides, you leave your enemies a constant step behind. Sort of like the sleight of hand in a card trick.” While she was fairly proud of her theory she still remained uncertain. She was used to observing people from afar, learning about them from a safe distance, but the motives of nobles always seemed just beyond her reach.
"Correct but superficial. Everything a Sinnenodel does is a smokescreen, everything is for control. Their house is a deception. They could tell you a fact and it still is a lie. But Lady Sinnenodel does it specifically to deprive her house of the one greatest ally any vampire has: Time." Salazar explained.
"Sybil Sinnenodel has had centuries on centuries to expand and solidify her influence and resources. It would take obsessive planning and preparation to even consider toppling her. And she is fully aware of this so she twists them against each other. Even those willing to ignore the heir position are caught up in the chaos, desperate to at least ensure they don't come out rock bottom. Everyone is so busy protecting themselves that Sybil is impossible to touch, even if they wanted to try.""However, it also serves a second purpose. Not only does it deprive them of time, it demolishes any capacity to trust. They live in a house where they can't use weapons and magic against each other so they have to be on guard for weapons in words and actions, for spies and skulking threats. They develop a fierce independence and a protective apathy from those around them, both in and out of family." Salazar sighed, shaking his head.
"It doesn't excuse any of their actions but it should offer some insight into how they work and the methods they use. In an environment where their political skills are primarily developed to adapt and change on a short term basis, they've become opportunistic manipulators. What do you think that means and how have you seen that in Varis?"Amaris’ eyes widened with dawning realization. She almost shouted in her excitement to share her thoughts, but her somewhat recent training with Victor flashed through her mind. This was an opportunity for her to really put his teachings into practice. While this was her home, and she knew that Salazar was far less strict with certain matters, how was he supposed to take her seriously when she was constantly blurting out answers like a child? With a fair amount of conscious effort, Amaris took a moment to resituate herself by sipping at her glass before speaking.
“
I don’t think I have any better example than his recent blood tasting.” Admittedly, it had taken until this very conversation for her to fully grasp the idea of what had taken place. Even Victor had picked up on it but she had been so focused on Benjamin and Lilie that the notion had completely passed her by… As was likely the design.
“
By making the party about welcoming Count Benjamin, he made it impossible to refuse the invitation without coming across as rude. However, by stacking the table with two traditionalists and only one modernist, he essentially forced a man from a house desperate for allies to skew his responses to political based questions. Simultaneously isolating two parties while putting one under his thumb.” She said aloud before shifting her eyes guiltily to the side. It seemed that she might have to consider apologizing to the Count… especially after her chat with Lilie.
“
There was, however, something else that stood out to me. He has some kind of relationship with that actor, Eris Samael. From the outside, you would assume that the two of them were friends… but based on a few things I’ve seen and speaking to you now, it doesn’t really seem like he’s capable, let alone willing to have such a thing. I’ve always thought it sort of odd, but I suppose there is a lot of opportunity to be had.” Amaris fell silent for a few more moments as she tried to consider what lesson Salazar was trying his best to teach her.
Salazar listened intently, nodding along with her assessment.
"That is exactly what he did. It wasn’t so much that he stacked the room on purpose, it just happened to be a happy coincidence. He saw the opportunity to apply pressure and seized it. And, knowing the Lady he serves, he probably barely lifted a finger during the whole thing and just watched as the scene played out.” Salazar considered the information Amaris gave him about the actor.
“Eris Samael… While I’m not personally acquainted with him, I do know his work and I did come across an odd bit of information recently. For some reason, Varis was funding a rival production studio against the Samaels but recently transferred ownership to the Samaels. Why, I’m not quite sure, but perhaps that can help you if you plan on figuring that out.”“Now, we know that the Sinnenodels are short term goal oriented and they don’t trust enough to allow others to handle the issues they face. Which means any success they can achieve, they’ll snatch it up in a second. They have too many things going at any given time with a limited amount of direct attention to always allow a situation to ferment to its greatest potential. They’re impatient and hasty in their obsession for success and that is where we can get them.” Salazar paused to walk across the room, grab a bottle of blood, and two glasses. He spoke again as he settled back into his chair and poured them both a glass.
“Varis’ company has seven years to earn my approval, well within their short term goal orientation. I have no doubt he’ll succeed since my initial goal is to ease the financial burden of our human populace. After that, I’ll offer him a twenty year contract, which also fits nice and neat into the Sinnenodel model, and his company will do a little worse but still much better than we did. After that, a forty year contract which is starting to push the Sinnenodel’s typical strategy timeframe. It’s likely that, since Varris’ tenure will likely come to an end, mistakes will be made and issues exposed.”“That’s what I’m waiting for, Amaris. When the Sinnenodel scheming machines break down and fall apart and their mistakes come oozing out, I’m going to light the whole damn thing on fire. I’ve let them in because Varis wanted a win. After failing with his bid for the Astorio paper company, he was desperate and I handed him one on a silver platter but now he’s in my territory, playing by my rules. And when they stumble, I will skewer them for the sun and if I’ve put a few… stumbling blocks in their way, well, no one really needs to know, now do they?” Salazar asked as he sipped.
“
So, if I’m understanding this correctly… their greatest strength is simultaneously their greatest weakness. If they always have to be prepared for some sort of shift in the tide they’re not always looking at the bigger picture, making their foundation about as solid as the desert sands. Planning for a long game with that in mind does sound like the optimal strategy but it doesn’t come without risks of its own, does it?” She questioned. Time ran differently for vampires than it did mortals. Sure, there were likely ways for mages to augment their lifespans to a certain extent, however, that was not a luxury humans had, and it was not nearly enough to be considered a significant amount of time. Especially not when vampires endured for an eternity.
They were talking about decades as the short term, with forty years only beginning to push the Sinnenodel’s out of their comfort zone. That was nearly half the life expectancy of a healthy human, meanwhile the Sinnenodel’s short term games continued to cause harm wherever they went. Mages and humans already under their direct protection could afford the wait but what about mages like Aaron whose life was tethered to a man who saw benefit in pain? Or Lilie’s unnamed friend whose teacher was allowed to cause him physical harm while refusing access to assistance?
“
How do we avoid the loss in trust that we will achieve our goals? Even mages have started to turn their noses up at our name. We have so much pride in something we can offer to so few, with wishes of a world they’ll never know. How many generations can we expect to keep them waiting before they think our efforts are nothing but empty gestures? Do we not do more harm than good offering hope to those that are likely to never see it, will our own charges not eventually feel the guilt of having escaped what others could not? As we speak, my peers are essentially having their vile habits validated and reinforced by our very own rulers… is that not something of importance to us as well?” Amaris could hear her voice waver despite her own efforts to remain steady. It was still difficult for her to hide her true emotion behind stoic masks, even with Victor’s help. Besides, Salazar could read her like an open book. There wasn’t much she could hide from him.
“While I understand your frustration, the simple fact of the matter is our opinion is in the fierce minority. We have come a long way from the signing of the Treaty but as it stands, we are still ultimately bound to a Traditionalist agenda. The concept of equality does not exist in those who’ve seen mortal kind as livestock for this long and their progeny do not care to disagree because it benefits them. The Council is founded on Traditionalist principles and it has taken five hundred years of fighting and scrapping even to get what little rights they have now.” Salazar sighed.
“With the Eves in disarray, the Sinnenodels and the Astorios command unparalleled influence over the Council. Even the Noilas, with the exception of Princess Ryner, lean traditionalist and while Ryner is a political force to be reckoned with, she cannot stand against both the Queen and her sister. Which is why I’ve turned to targeting higher ranking members of the families and pulling them under our influence. Who knows how long it’ll take the Eves to stabilize even once they have an official head of house and who knows which faction will command them. Unfortunately, short of a drastic shift of the fundamental ethics and morality of the Council and it’s leadership, it could very well take another 500 or 700 years to get anywhere near what you envision.” Salazar explained.
“And now I sound like your godfather all over again.” He huffed in amusement before taking another drink.
Amaris heaved a sigh and sunk further into her chair. It was difficult, she understood that, but was there truly nothing they could do in the meantime. She wasn’t expecting everything to turn around immediately, nor even quickly, but there had to be something she could manage in the meantime. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem that she was going to quite get that answer just yet.
“
I know, it just feels like I should be doing more. I mean, look at Varis. He’s running companies and signing deals, and scheming all on his own. Victor is a full fledged soldier. And Ben, well, he might be just one of many vying for the lordship but it’s a goal. And then there is me, who can’t even make it through a simple party without losing my cool. I am not feared but I am also not respected, not really. Even I am starting to wonder if I am the family failure.” As hard as she had been trying, Amaris found herself tapped out of any reserve of energy she had left for class. She tipped her glass back and downed the rest of her drink seeking comfort she wouldn’t find. Amaris moved to set the glass down on a nearby surface, but her fingers hesitated in their departure from the object. Something wasn’t right.
“
Hold on a moment… Did you just say godfather? I don’t have a godfather.”
"I am clearly more tired than I thought." Salazar muttered, rubbing his temples.
"You aren't supposed to know you have a godfather. Not yet. You have one for an unpleasant reason and you certainly don't need to have that hanging over your head. But before any of that, you aren't the family failure. You sequestered yourself out of grief and as a result you are a little behind your peers. It takes just a little effort to push yourself forward and I have no doubt if you take this experience and use it as motivation, you'll catch up in no time. Don't doubt yourself, Amaris. You're on the precipice of amazing things. All you have to do is jump.""As for your godfather, if you wish to know, I will tell you. It isn't pleasant and you won't find him anytime soon but we sounded so much like him, I couldn’t help but laugh." Salazar chuckles.
It helped uplift her somewhat to hear Salazar speak so kindly about her, though it would likely still take some time for her to believe the sentiment herself. Much of it, however, was overshadowed by the discovery of something brand new. Well, brand new to her anyway. There was a small twinkle of curiosity in her eyes, the one that appeared any time she was presented with something fascinating. It was like the book all over again, forbidden and yet meant for her. But why hide the knowledge of a whole person for so long? What could be so bad?
“
I take it you know him well then?” She figured it might be better to get some of the distractions out of the way sooner rather than later. It wouldn’t do her much good to have the information come back to bite her in the ass later on. “
You’ve already dangled the piano, might as well let it drop.”
He chuckled, taking a moment to compose his thoughts.
“Your father never had siblings by blood but there were a group of vampires who he would consider his kin. They knew each other before their turning and their vampirism only brought them closer together. The five of them were dedicated and driven and for a long time, they only cared how they affected each other, until Lord Ralmevik met your mother.” Salazar’s gaze grew distant as he slipped into the past.
“The others didn’t approve when Ralmevik introduced her to them. They called her a distraction and a weight, something that would drag Ralmevik down when she finally died but your father stood his ground and they relented, giving the couple their blessing.” “Your father took those words to heart though. He knew she would die and he would be alone in a world without the woman he loved and it broke his heart. He wanted to turn her but she refused every time. She didn’t have any interest in this life but she offered an alternative. A physical reminder that their love was real, that the memories wouldn’t be consigned to the inexorable march of time. That reminder was you.” Salazar smiled fondly at Amaris but his laughter was bitter and dark.
“Of course, imagine the uproar that caused. His siblings, for a lack of a better phrase, flew into a frenzy. The arguments turned physical and Ralmevik banned them from his property to protect his wife. He put up every defensive countermeasure he could and despite the threats, your parents still had you.”“Six months after your conception, they broke through. I had never seen vampires with such vicious fury as I had that night. There was no shred of humanity in them that night, nothing but the monsters we are so often made out to be. We were unprepared and so it took them less than an hour to secure the estate, including myself and your father. We were helpless as they dragged her, kicking and screaming, to a pyre. One of them told him her death would purge this unnecessary distraction from him.” Salazar shivered involuntarily.
“Your father was begging for them to stop. Groveling in front of them like a dog. That image still haunts me, illuminated by the fire as he was. Thankfully, this isn’t how that story ends.”“One moment they were dragging your mother to the pyre and the next everyone was deathly still. No one could move except this strange man who skipped into the estate like he owned the place, cackling like it was the most amusing thing he’d ever seen. But he got the others to release us and sent us on our way, promising to take care of it. Ralmevik spoke with him for a little before we left but I don’t know what he said.” Salazar stayed quiet for a while.
“I’ve only seen two of them since. But the strange man is who your father made your godfather, Cydril Sinnenodel.”It was very possible that she might have underestimated the gravity of the information she had requested. She had expected a piano, and instead had received the entire orchestra. From the very start of Salazar’s tale, Amaris found herself on the edge of her seat as she hung onto every word. Clearly her mother had not been burned alive while carrying her child, otherwise the countess would not be sitting across from the lord to hear the story. But knowing the outcome of her birth did little to quell the anticipation of how things turned out ok. Well, ‘ok’ was relative at this point wasn’t it? By the end of it all, she was reeling from a mixture of pure shock and information overload. Was that why her father had always been so protective of her? Was that why she was hidden away from the same spotlight others were thrust into? It was all a bit much to take in at once, but there was something out of the entire thing that caught her immediate attention.
“
Cydril… I’ve heard that name before.” She mused, trying to remember where it might have been. If memory served, it had been during a conversation with Ryner. The very same one that ended in her revealing a book of magic spells that was supposedly unique to the house of Marivaldi. She was certain that when Ryner mentioned her father, it was as if she was speaking about an old friend, nickname and all… But there was another she had mentioned, a man that was always butting heads with him over the most ridiculous things.
“
He’s… He’s a Sinnenodel?”
“Technically, yes. His own agendas align poorly with the family so if he were to resurface, I have no doubt he’d be stripped of that name and then put to death.” Salazar laughed at her astonishment.
“Cydril Sinnenodel and your father shared similar goals but were drastically different in their execution. Both of them wanted to see mortals and vampires stand as equals but where as your father preferred the slow and steady route, using the Council to build support and trust in a public system, Cydril would burn it to the ground and start again. In fact, he very nearly succeeded along with an Astorio. Cydril was instrumental in nearly toppling the Asotio power structure about three hundred years ago.” Salazar gave Amaris a long, calculating look.
“Now, where did you hear that name from?” He asked.
Amaris looked apprehensively at Salazar, suddenly nervous to answer his question. While she had done nothing wrong, it still somehow felt as if she had been caught somewhere she wasn’t meant to be. There wasn’t, however, much point in lying to him at this point.
“
Princess Ryner. The day she met with me about the book I had, I may or may not have accused her of thinking my father a traitor. She told me about some silly nickname he hated, and mentioned how he and Cydril used to be at each other’s throats over stupid things. It was only in passing, but I definitely remember that she said Cydril, she just never mentioned that he was a Sinnenodel. I suppose it makes sense as to why.” She finally explained, before her expression twisted to one of confusion.
“
There’s just one things that doesn’t quite add up though. When Ryner spoke about my father and Cydril, she spoke as if she were a part of their group. That would be absolutely ridiculous, right? I mean, even if she technically was, it’s not like all ten of the others had it out for mother and I. Right Salazar?”
Salazar held her gaze for a long while.
“Ryner was part of that group. I can’t claim to understand what was going through their minds then but there hasn’t been any ill will since that incident. If anything, we’ve gotten along even better than before.” Salazar leaned back in his chair with a sigh.
“They’re dangerous vampires, Amaris. Use their resources if they offer them but do not, under any circumstances, trust them.”“
I let her near my face with a knife.” Amaris sighed, hand reaching up to touch the memory of the cut. Despite her concerns, there was one thing that she did believe, and that was that Salazar was telling the truth. Ryner had plenty of opportunity to throw her to the wolves if she so desired, but instead she had offered help. Went so far as to protect her from her own sister regarding the book. Ill will or not, however, it wasn’t a very warm and fuzzy feeling.
“And you’re none the worse for it, it seems.” Salazar pushed his chair back as he stood, stretching as he did.
“Our conversation turned unexpectedly heavy. Why don’t we continue this another night? I’ve missed my nightly walks and I would love it if you joined us.”“
We’re starting to make this a habit, you know.” She tried to laugh off the tension, succeeding somewhat, but perhaps not completely. “
Yeah, I think a nighttime walk sounds lovely right about now.”
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