Magic Forged (Hall of Blood and Mercy #1)(51)



“I was hoping you would fall,” the vampire across from me said. “You make a different sound when falling from when you just dangle.”

“Do I?” I sarcastically asked. “How very unexpected.”

A few of the vampires showed a sliver of fang or exhaled a chuff of amusement.

Which meant Rupert, of course, couldn’t let it pass. “I am surprised, Celestina,” he said. “I would have thought you’d hate the wizard.”

Celestina took a sip of heated blood from her mug. “Why?”

“She is the recipient of the Eminence’s attention. Is that not enough?”

Celestina smirked. “Quite the opposite. I’m thankful.”

Now it was my turn to be surprised. “Really? I would have thought this would be a big pain in the butt for you.”

“Not at all.” Celestina shook her head, and the glossy curtain of her hair swished. “I think it’s good for the Eminence to have a hobby—particularly one he can laugh over.”

“Of course,” I grumbled into my mashed potatoes—which were flavored with flecks of fresh parsley. “Anything for the Eminence.”

Celestina patted me on the shoulder. “It isn’t an entirely selfless desire. I was finally able to get my hair cut for the first time in a decade. Ever since he made Eminence, he’s worked every moment of the day. I have hopes he’ll play with you more, and maybe I can go get a manicure.”

The vampire sitting across from me had yet to touch his food (he and all the other vampires were served noticeably less than me) and instead nursed his frosted mug of blood. “That is a profound thought.”

“If he spends too much time with his new hobby it might hurt the Family,” a female vampire farther down the table nervously said.

Julianne pressed her lips together and gave the other vampire a flat look. “Do you really think the Eminence would ever neglect his duties, or let the Drake Family image be tarnished by slothfulness?”

Even though she had addressed the question to the female vampire, just about everyone, even Rupert, shook their heads.

“It’s a good stress relief for him,” Celestina said.

I eyed her as I ate my last forkful of potatoes. I had labeled her an ally, but this was a gentle reminder that her priority was, obviously, the Drake Family. Still, I could have done without being seen as a stress management device.

Celestina continued, “Even before the murderer was on the loose, he worked relentlessly, researching the cause for all the failed vampire turnings and attempting to rally other vampire Elders from their deadly apathy.”

I wrinkled my forehead in confusion. What is she talking about? Deadly apathy? The failed turnings weren’t a shocker—everyone knew vampires, shifters, and werewolves were slowly dying out. But what did the leaders of the other vampire Families have to do with anything?

“Which brings to mind—who should take the Eminence his evening blood?” Steely Voice asked.

“Was there a new blood delivery today?” Josh asked.

“Yes, it came in late. I saw the delivery girl leaving when I came up to dinner,” Julianne said.

“Excellent, we should try to give him extra, then,” Celestina decided.

“Why?” I asked.

Celestina considered the question. “The Eminence is particular about his blood,” was the non-answer she finally gave.

“That tells me nothing,” I said.

Celestina smiled mysteriously, and I grunted and went back to my food.

“Why don’t we send the wizard?” the male vampire who’d sat across the table from me suggested.

“Hard pass.” I stabbed some asparagus, assuming that was the end of the matter.

“It’s an honor to be chosen to go.” A cold beauty enveloped Julianne for a moment as she stared at me. (It was then that I realized maybe dinner really was a bonding experience for the Drake Family.)

I took care to chew, buying myself a moment to come up with a respectful response. “All the more reason why it shouldn’t be me,” I said. “I’m just the wizard.”

“You’re also entertainment,” said the vampire across from me—who I was really starting to wish had ignored me like everyone else used to before I was dropped off the patio. “Given the murders, it is more important to keep the Eminence amused than to secure additional honor for ourselves.”

I almost choked on my ice water and glanced at the other vampires to see how they would correct him.

Unfortunately, they all looked thoughtful.

“Perhaps it’s a good idea—for tonight, at least.” Steely Voice folded his arms across his chest—he was pretty broad shouldered and muscled for a vampire.

Desperate, I looked to Josh, hopeful that my instructor might get me out of this mess—the last thing I wanted to do was deliver blood packs to Killian. Even though there was no chance he was going to bite me—my blood reeked as Rupert liked to constantly remind me—if Killian was hungry it wasn’t a good situation to be in. Josh was my last hope for deliverance.

The black-haired vampire met my gaze. “The joy of life can defang the bleakness of eternity,” he “helpfully” said.

“But—” I started.

“It’s settled, then,” Celestina said. “Hazel will deliver the Eminence his blood—though I will go with her to show her where to take it.”

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