Grandma Redbird added, “I have to agree as well. ‘By the blood of she who is neither foe nor friend he is free,’ is quite specific. From what Zoey and our friends from the Other World have described, it seems that our Neferet is in as much danger as we are—and because of that she might ally herself with our cause. If only temporarily.”
“It makes sense,” said James. He’d surprised everyone when he’d announced at the beginning of the Council Meeting several hours before that they should call him by his first name—and not just while Stark was visiting from the Other World. Apparently, James had had quite an epiphany over the past couple days—Kevin was impressed with the change already noticeable in him. “Kacie and Aphrodite both felt the residue of her fear, and as those of us from this world know all too well—Neferet is not accustomed to being afraid.”
Sitting beside James, Kacie spoke up. “Yeah, and remember, it wasn’t normal fear. It was terror—a deep, visceral reaction to something—our guess is Batshit.”
“Good point, Ice Cream Shoes,” said Aphrodite. “All of us who came from the Other World saw what Neferet had turned into before we entombed her. Back then she was frightening. Now she has to be doubly awful.”
“The first thing she did was eat an apartment buildin’ full of people,” said Stevie Rae.
“She was a monster when we entombed her.” Damien looked grim. “And teetering on the edge of madness. It’s logical that her captivity pushed her over into insanity. We cannot emphasize too much that she is utterly unpredictable and entirely dangerous. From what we know about her, none of us would find it shocking that she is set on destroying the other version of herself.”
“Yeah,” said Zoey. “There’s no way our Neferet would help yours. Use her, maybe, but it’s more likely that she’d see her as a threat and kill her.”
Anastasia breathed out a long sigh. “Well, one thing we know about our Neferet is that she is far from stupid, and her self-preservation instincts are highly developed. Perhaps she will see the wisdom in allying with us temporarily.”
Dragon snorted. “Whether she does or not, once she is found, she will be brought back here. Nowhere in that prophecy does it say her blood has to be given willingly.”
“It doesn’t even say she has to be alive,” said James darkly.
Grandma Redbird stood. “I know I am only a guest here, and not a vampyre who has lived hundreds of years, but I am compelled to remind all of us that we follow Light, and the Great Earth Mother in her many forms—Nyx, specifically. Aphrodite’s unique Marks and her gift of giving second chances remind us that we all have the ability to grow and change.”
“Thank you, Sylvia,” said Anastasia. “Your reminder is appreciated. James and Kevin, as it is almost dawn and you have already traveled from one world to another today, I would like you to rest and be prepared to take the jet to Scotland tomorrow at dusk. We need you to follow Neferet’s trail and find her—quickly. Is there anyone you’d like to join you on your quest?”
Kacie raised her hand and Anastasia nodded for her to speak.
“I’d like to go with them. I don’t know this world, but I know things, and I think those things could help us track Neferet. Plus, fire and water are good allies.” She turned from Anastasia to Zoey. “That is, if my High Priestess doesn’t mind.”
Zoey smiled at her. “I think it’s a great idea. Kevin and James, remember that Kacie has shown an aptitude as a prophetess, so if she gets a feeling—”
Kevin grinned at his sister. “We pay attention. For sure.”
“Excellent. So, this meeting is adjourned. Stevie Rae, Kacie, Stark—as red vampyres I am aware that you would be more comfortable sleeping below ground, but though I dispatched a large group of our soldiers to begin cleaning and repairing it, our depot is in abysmal condition. Would you prefer rooms in the dormitories or the professors’ quarters? Both have blackout windows and, sadly, after our recent events, there is plenty of room in either. It is entirely up to you.”
Kevin gestured, “Um, Anastasia?”
“Yes, Kevin.”
“I think Aphrodite should stay in my, well, Aphrodite’s suite.” He turned to look at the prophetess from another world who was so much like his lost love. “It’s really your room—just over here.”
“That’s sweet, Kev,” Aphrodite said. “But isn’t that your room now?”
He shrugged. “Kinda, but I haven’t made it my own. And I know my Aphrodite would like it if you were there. Plus, all her clothes are still in the closet.”
Aphrodite sat up straighter. “And her shoes too?”
“Every one of them.”
“Sold!” she said. Then hastily added with a nod to Anastasia, “If the High Priestess doesn’t mind.”
“I think that sounds quite nice,” said Anastasia.
“I’ll bunk in the dorm,” said Kevin. “I like it there anyway.”
“Rephaim and I like the dorm too,” said Stevie Rae, taking her mate’s hand as he nodded.
“The dorm’s all I know,” said Kacie.
“The dorm is always nostalgic to me,” said Damien. “Makes me feel like a fledgling again.”
“Stark and I will take the professors’ quarters near Aphrodite, if that’s okay,” said Z.
“Absolutely,” said Anastasia. “Now, you should get something to eat and then rest well. Zoey, I would ask that you and your people, except for Kacie, of course, who will be on her way to Scotland, aid me tomorrow in casting protective spells around the walls of the school. Thanks to our Neferet, we have a tragic shortage of High Priestesses.”
“We’d be more than happy to help,” said Zoey.
“Okay, then,” Anastasia said as she stood. “Please remember to make yourselves at home. Consider this campus yours. I believe it will seem rather dour and empty after what Kevin has described of your House of Night, but we are in the process of changing that.”
“Thank you for your hospitality,” said
