Aris Reigns: The Kingdom of Vampires. Devin Morgan

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СКАЧАТЬ is not as if you are traveling to another planet. Anything you need, we are able to provide.” She noticed her friend’s hands tremble as she folded a blouse to pack in the open suitcase. “Sarah, are you frightened to go to the Catacombs? You know you are in no danger from any of us.”

      “I know. It isn’t that.” She sat next to her friend.

      “Well?”

      “It’s just being below the ground. I’m not really fond of caves and pitch dark and rocks and cold.”

      “Your mental image of the Catacombs is simply an image, not as it truly is. It is warm and bright. The surroundings are marvelous, a perfect blend of modern and ancient. You are to be welcomed by all who live there.”

      “I know. But meeting the Council? That is a little bit scary. You have to admit that. I’m used to being with you and Richard and Aris, just the three of you. I know you. I’m comfortable with you. I can’t imagine what it’s going to feel like to be surrounded by nothing but Immortals, to be the only human on the block.” Her chin trembled as she tried to grin.

      “One of we three will be with you any time you need us. If you wish human companionship, we will bring you above ground. But you must be kept safe until we march on Spain. Once the Spanish coven is no more, you will no longer be in any danger. Your life can return to normal. You see, Sarah, Aris will not leave you and without him, our cause is lost. Only with you safe in the Catacombs will he take his position as commander of the army.”

      “I understand.” Sarah rose and resumed her packing knowing her life would never be what Gaby called normal again. After a moment she spoke. “I really have stepped through the looking glass and now I’m on my way to Wonderland. Who would have ever thought?”

CHAPTER 7

      “I am so sorry, sweeting, but I must bind your eyes.” Richard drove while Gabriela sat by his side. Aris and Sarah rode in the back seat as the car made its way through the crowded early evening London traffic. “No human may ever know the entrance to the Catacombs.” He tied a black silk scarf over her eyes then took her hand in his.

      “I understand.” Her voice was shaking as she answered.

      Gabriela turned at the sound. “Sarah, do not be afraid. All is well.”

      A nervous laugh escaped Sarah’s throat as she tried to speak. “Easy for you to say.”

      Gabriela reached into the back of the car to pat her friend on the hand. “No fears. Aris has worked like a madman to create a place for you that will be comfortable for you. We are all here to stand by you. Your stay will be made as pleasant as those of us who love you can make it. And you will be safe from harm. Soon we travel to Spain and this will all be behind you. You will no longer be in danger and can return to your human world.”

      Her human world. Sarah thought about her friends in Chicago. Colleen, Bob and their daughter, Collette, her godchild. Bonnie, her therapist and friend. Maggie, her assistant who always made her laugh. When she telephoned them, they had all readily accepted her story that she was going to stay in England a few additional weeks to travel. Bonnie had been more than willing to help by taking over her practice while she was gone. Maggie would step in whenever she was needed. She was happy to have some free time to spend with her new boyfriend.

      Sarah loved her human friends. She missed them. She longed to share her other life with them. Her secret caused a deep gap in their relationships only Sarah felt. Her mind raced between her two worlds as the car drew to a halt.

      “We have arrived.” Aris spoke softly. “Here, take my hand. I will lead you.”

      She felt the warmth of his hand on hers as the car door opened. Carefully, she stepped out. The atmosphere around her was close and moist. There was no light shining through the black silk that bound her eyes. She knew there was no turning back. Aris squeezed her hand, wrapping his free arm around her waist to guide her into the deep cavern of his world.

      A gentle breeze touched Sarah’s hair and the air she breathed was warm and sweet. The four friends had walked for what seemed an eternity to her. They maneuvered stairs and countless corridors speaking only when necessary, Aris guiding her confidently forward. The floor beneath her feet changed from hard stone to soft carpet. Their movements no longer echoed on the walls.

      “We are here.” He untied the silk binding her eyes. “Here are your rooms.”

      Even though the light in the room was soft, her eyes had been bound for such a long time, she blinked furiously. As she became accustomed to the light, she saw the wondrous room that surrounded her. Aris had created a palace for her.

      The walls were covered in pale blue silk brocade. An over-stuffed sofa and chair upholstered in the softest pink velvet sat before a fireplace blazing in welcome. The white marble mantle held an antique porcelain clock flanked by blond cherubs on both sides. Pink and white roses rested on the table before the fireplace. Perfect white marble lamps with pale, pale pink silk shades sat on the side tables.

      “It’s beautiful.” She wrapped her arms around Aris and buried her face in his shoulder, taking in the intoxicating fragrance of his skin.

      “Come.” He took her hand. “See your bed chamber.” He led her from the room as Richard and Gabriela sat quietly gazing into the fire.

      A four poster bed large enough for a whole family waited for her. The bed hangings and spread were white satin; the walls were covered by tapestries. Thick silk Persian carpets adorned the floor. Sconces mounted on either side of the bed radiated the soft light of a perfect sunset.

      The bathroom was appointed with a huge claw foot tub and pedestal sink as well as all the necessities to fulfill her human needs.

      He watched her closely as she examined every inch of the beautifully decorated room before her. “Will you be comfortable here?”

      Turning to him, she smiled. “Aris, how can I ever express my gratitude? You have given me a haven of safety that looks like Versailles. How in the world did you do this so quickly?”

      He laughed. “Super powers, remember?”

      “How could I ever forget?”

      “Are you hungry?”

      “There’s a kitchen too?”

      “Not a full kitchen. You have a small pantry and a place to brew coffee and tea. Your meals will be delivered to you. There is a call button in the pantry. If you desire anything at any time, simply press the button. One of our women has been assigned to assist you with anything you might need. She will bring your food and keep your quarters for you. If you like, we can summon her now so that you may meet her this evening.”

      “At the moment, I don’t know what I would like. I’m amazed at this home you’ve created for me. It is so beautiful, so royal.” She gazed at the lights. “Even below ground without windows or sunlight, the room is warm and bright and welcoming.”

      “See here?” Lightly touching one of the wall sconces, he changed the brilliance of the globes. “You are able to change the light to match whatever time of day you choose. Watch as the СКАЧАТЬ