Chapter 377: Vampire Visit 2
"Thankfully it was just those in outer containment who vanished," Zagan said, continuing to stare off into the distance in the direction of the containment center, though it wasn’t visible from where they were standing.
"So... what happened?" Nedra asked, pressing him for more information.
He sighed. He didn’t want to entertain her curiosity right now. There were too many other things going on that he needed to attend to and think about.
"They just vanished, Nedra. I don’t know what else to tell you," he grumbled.
"Was it the new alyko you brought to the castle?" she asked, hoping to get more out of him. His patience was running thin, but hopefully his desire to appease her would win out. "Is that why you needed the cage?"
"You know as much as I do," he turned and glared at her, annoyed by her questions.
"That’s certainly not true," she argued. "You must have discovered a truly powerful one."
"Yes, perhaps I can finally replace you," he muttered.
Nedra’s heart sped up in fear at the suggestion, and he must have heart it, because his lips twisted into a smirk—the first indication that he was enjoying himself.
"Does that frighten you?" he asked, his eyes narrowing at her like a predator’s might.
"Not at all," she lied. "It seems your new one is more skilled at freeing the alyko rather than containing them. You still need me, clearly."
If Zagan were to no longer need her, she would lose her precious freedom and Seth would also be in danger. He was the vampire’s second-in-command because he was worthy of the responsibility that came with the post and other strays submitted to him, but Zagan didn’t care about him personally. He would replace him in a heartbeat, and he knew any stray would be drooling for the opportunity to take his place.
He would probably lock Nedra up and kill Seth just to ensure that the lycan wouldn’t give him any problems about it. Having a lycan in his crew that had feelings for one of the alyko was a problem. With Nedra being relatively free, Seth did not take issue with her being here. But once that freedom was taken away, who knows what Seth would do? He may decided his feelings for Nedra were stronger than his loyalty to Zagan.
"For now," he said, a threat clear in his tone. "Is that all?" he asked. "I have other things to attend to."
"Actually there is something else," she replied, deciding to push her luck a bit. "I came across something that I thought might interest you. That is, if death is still what you seek."
Zagan’s eyebrows pulled together briefly, and he tilted his head back as he watched her, waiting for the rest of what she had to say. This sudden offer of new information was odd, and the way her eyes were dancing excitedly seemed awfully suspicious.
"Go on," he prompted.
"Have you ever heard of vampires having mates?" she asked, trying so hard to keep a straight face when his expression exploded into obvious surprise. Something about the topic touched a nerve, alright.
"Only royals have mates," he replied, dropping his arms to his sides from where they had been clasped behind his back.
"Oh," she said, frowning as if that was at odds with what she read. "So the royals are capable of dying?"
Zagan went very still as he honed in on every little twitch and flicker of Nedra’s. What was she playing at? How did she hear of this when he had only just heard of it? Was she spying on him?
"I-I just thought... if it were possible that you had a mate, that would be a worthwhile investment in your time. Seeking her," she added. "But you seem very disturbed by it. I apologize if it has angered you."
"Where did you learn of this possibility?" he growled.
"It was in an old book—a notation in the margins. I still seek to help you in that quest," she explained, ducking her head as she became flustered at the dangerous look in his eyes. He rarely scared her anymore, but he was clearly outraged by this.
"What book?" he asked. How had he never heard of it?
"’The Mythic Immortals,’ I believe it is called. It is not printed in there, but it is a handwritten note from a previous reader," she explained.
"Where is this book now?" he asked.
"I-in my cottage. Do you wish to see it?" she replied, fidgeting now as she kept her eyes diverted from him and the terrifying aura that was wrapping its way around her like a thick fog.
"I would have thought you would bring it with you if this was the purpose of your visit," he answered, unperturbed by the obvious indications of how he was frightening her. Something told him that she was playing with him or teasing him regarding this topic, and that was not acceptable. He did not appreciate being the object of any jest.
"It was not my primary reason. I came wondering about the alyko," she told him.
"I want to see the book you are referring to," he replied. "Shall I take you to retrieve it?"
"No. I can bring it to you," she said quickly. She no longer wished to be in his presence. Perhaps this was a mistake.
"Bring it to my office then. I expect it soon," he growled and then quickly departed from her side.
Once he was gone, the sun seemed to shine again in its full capacity on the plants around her, and she sighed heavily. How could Penelope describe that creature as anything other than the dark, soulless monster that was brooding and empty? His physical form was a mere imitation of life—there was nothing soft or tender behind those hard eyes. Nedra wondered if he were to remain standing next to these garden flowers for too long if they would’t wilt and die just from his mere presence.
"I hope I still have that damned book," she murmured to herself and stalked off toward her cottage. Maybe she would get lucky and find the wandering August on the way.
