Dark Slayer

«She is healing, as is her lifemate. We had no choice but to complete the conversion and put them both in the ground. They went at her first. She was-mutilated.» Gregori shook his head when Razvan stopped and looked at him. Keep walking. This is a very difficult situation. Without Lara, we cannot break the cycle of the microbe attack. We sense their presence but they hide from us. We have no way to lure them to the surface. Being fully Carpathian, Lara will no longer be able to trick the microbe, but it was necessary to convert her. The women must rest in the ground, as do we, but then the microbes invade, Gregori added telepathically.

«Tell me how she is.» There was a bite to Razvan's voice. He felt Ivory stir in his mind, surrounding him with warmth. Deeply merged with him as she was, she heard every word and knew what his control cost him.

«It will take time, Razvan. The vampire wanted to make a statement. He went after her womb. I did the best I could, but I am not a miracle worker.»

For a moment he couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. His daughter. Lara. She had suffered so much. He found himself on one knee, his head down, dragging air into his burning lungs. When he looked up at Gregori, his eyes burned with ruby red flames and death stalked behind the fire.

I go no farther, healer, until you tell me her location.

You know I cannot. My daughters are at stake here as well. Savannah struggles to keep them within her. One is very weak. We will lose her before this night is gone if I cannot find a way to defeat the microbe.

I bring you our best chance at it, but unless you give me my daughter's location so Ivory can aid her, I will not go one step farther. And you are welcome to slay me, but I take your answers with me.

Gregori let out his breath in a long, slow hiss. «I know you are not guilty of the crime, Razvan. I have spoken out and defended you.»

«I want my daughter to be whole. Ivory can see to it. We will call it my last request.»

Gregori cursed in the ancient tongue, frustrated and angry to be put in such a position. Mikhail. I believe he should have the chance to save Lara's ability to have children when I cannot. I know he is not guilty of these charges. You know what is inside of this man. He has a will of iron, and what he says, he means. He will go to his death, and for what? Tell me, for what?

Give him the coordinates.

Gregori instantly passed Razvan the location.

Ivory sent another burst of warmth. I will ask for Mother Earth's assistance. She has been good to us, Razvan, and I believe she favors you. She will give aid.

He clung to the promise in her voice. Lara deserved a full life. He wanted her to have it all, even if he didn't live to see her happiness. He swallowed the rage and fear and forced a calming breath before he stood and resumed walking, again looking neither left nor right.

Tell me when it is done, Ivory.

Gregori guided him through a small series of caves and tunnels leading lower beneath the ground. Heat rose and swamped them, forcing them to regulate their temperature continually. Large crystalline formations burst from the walls and through the high ceilings, as well as rose from the floor. Instinctively he knew this was the warriors' council chambers, and this was where his fate would be decided.

The chamber held more male Carpathians than he'd known existed. As he entered, the giant columns hummed in welcome. Gregori glanced at him, and then his silver gaze slid around the room, marking each warrior's face. He remained at Razvan's side as the most despised Carpathian walked, head high, through the warriors and straight to the prince.

He inclined his head. «Mikhail. I understand there has been trouble.»

«As if you did not know,» a voice said.

Mikhail lifted his head, his gaze sweeping the crowd. «One more word and this room will be cleared. As you have seen, Razvan has entered of his own free will and the chamber welcomed him. I apologize for that unfortunate outburst,» he added and stepped forward, clasping Razvan's forearms in the traditional greeting between warriors. «Sivad olen wakeva, han ku piwta-may your heart stay strong, hunter.»

«Pesasz jelabam ainaak-long may you stay in the light,» Razvan replied.

«A master vampire attacked Lara and Nicolas as they went out to hunt in the early twilight hours. He knew where they would be. Nicolas fought them with valor. Had he not been the skilled warrior that he is, they would not have escaped. He killed three of the lesser vampires and nearly destroyed a fourth. Nicolas recognized the master vampire as Sergey Malinov. As he slashed up Lara, he told her that his sister sent her regards.»

Razvan didn't flinch. He heard the soft murmur swelling to outrage behind him, but he kept his gaze locked with that of the prince. «And you believe Ivory would order such a thing done to my daughter?»

«No, but the attack was clearly orchestrated, with the victims specifically chosen and information given about them.»

«So there is a traitor among you.»