“Understood. Begin,” Caius orders and steps to the center of his chamber to sit in a custom formed seat that matches his body. A normal cryo-chamber is used to reduce pain and inflammation by releasing a burst of nitrogen gas every thirty seconds. He named this unit the viro-genic chamber because it utilizes pods which are uniquely designed for one purpose, feeding a vampire. As the cold air starts to swirl slowly inside the chamber Caius stares out the glass window into the black nighttime sky. The first puff of gas is expelled, and a red mist engulfs his body. It is infused with Lailah’s blood, tissue and everything else that could be harvested from the angel. He inhales deeply drawing it inside. The sweet taste of Lailah fills his senses and he smiles. His tongue licks his lips and he can feel her power entering his body.
The frigid air causes his blood to rush away from his arms and legs to his core in an attempt to warm his vital organs. This is where the cryo-genic process stops, and the viro-genic process begins. His body absorbs her essence through his skin. The very cells that make up his form assimilate Lailah’s gift and he feels reborn. Every scar, wound or damaged cell in his body, heals and Caius gives thanks. The final part of this process is her memories. With them, he will be able to understand the gates and what lies beyond them.
“Don’t worry Lailah, I will take good care of your girl.” He smiles and sleeps for two days inside his chamber.
Chapter 26
Drow are not known for their gentle natures. They are demanding, tough, selfish and prideful, but Vorn is not only Drow. His Father was Fae and his mother was Drow. Half-breed children are used as pawns, slaves or discarded. They were allowed to live within the Vale, protected by the people he came to respect. He was one of the lucky ones. His parents love is special and unique to both species. Finding his mate outside of the Vale is a shock, but he understands now why the Queen of the Fae sent him. She knew he had a larger part in this tale.
They arrive swiftly outside a house in Scotland. Anya releases Vorn and steps away to stare up at the massive house. “Is this the right place?” She whispers to him.
“Yes.” Vorn grins, “A little much don’t you think?” She turns to take in the secluded twenty-acre forest that surrounds the property and can’t help but grin back at him.
It is charming and she can feel the history of the country house. Vorn can sense her nerves as he pulls her to the door. To Anya’s surprise, he doesn’t knock he just enters the house like it is his own. Standing in the enormous entrance hall Anya is stunned by the simple elegance. Solid wood floors with an Oriental rug and paintings on every wall. Voices flow from a room down the hall. Anya knows that voice, tears fill her eyes and she runs.
She moves before Vorn can stop her. One second, she’s beside him and the next she is standing in a drawing room looking at the stunned faces of her two fathers.
“Da?” She calls and, in her voice, he hears her fear.
“There’s my girl!” Keane rushes to her and wraps her in a bear hug. His familiar scent comforts and encourages her.
“I’m so sorry, Da…” she tries to say, but Keane stops her.
“There will be none of that Anya. You’re here and safe, that’s all that matters.”
Vorn steps inside the room and watches. Sebastian is standing near the fireplace, drinking in the sight of her. Keane takes Anya’s hand and pulls her across the large room towards Sebastian.
“Sebastian, I would like ta present your daughter, Anya, to you.” Anya grips his hand tightly and stares up at her birth father. The resemblance is shocking. Both are tall, lean and beautiful, but Sebastian looks and sees her mother.
“You have your Mother’s eyes,” he professes.
“The color is all yours.” Keane asserts.
At that moment Anya struggles with the urge to take his immortality. She glances to Vorn and moves to him and away from her father’s. Vorn meets her halfway and takes her hand in his. “Control it, place a memory in your mind that brings you peace. It will help,” he prompts.
Anya nods and desperately runs through her memories, afraid to pull from her childhood, she instead stares into Vorn’s emerald eyes. ‘You,’ her soul professes to his. Humbled, he takes her other hand.
‘We shall have to give you more to draw on,’ he promises.
Sebastian growls at the familiar way he touches Anya and starts to step forward, but Keane stops him. “Not now,” he murmurs.
“Thank you,” she says to Vorn and turns to stare at the Vampire.
“How did you meet my mother?” She demands, and Keane clears his throat.
“Daughter, I would remind you that he is the injured party here. He had no knowledge that you existed. If you must be angry, turn it to me.” His shames beats at her and Anya sighs.
“You know I can’t stay mad at you, Da. I know you meant the best,” she murmurs turning back to Sebastian, “Forgive me, please,” she asks Sebastian. He gives a nod and turns away to compose himself and hide the hurt he feels.
“I will give you some privacy. This old man needs a shower and bed.” Keane offers and Anya glances at him.
“You’re staying here?”
“It seemed the best solution. You are all welcome, even the Drow, to stay as long as you need. The house has ten bedrooms and plenty of privacy.” Sebastian quips.
“I will see you in the morning, Da.” Anya kisses him quickly on the cheek and
