A Call of Vampires (A Shade of Vampire #51)(2)

Calliope, the largest planet of the galaxy and the capital land of Eritopia, thrived under his care and rule. Draven was stern but fair, and thought twice before each command that he gave. Serena was there to support and encourage him along the way, while she developed her own role in the leadership of Calliope. They were a power couple by all possible definitions, and the people loved them and supported their decisions. There was peace on Calliope at last.

The Druid society had been reestablished, and law and order returned under the new Master Druids appointed by the Daughters. Those who had survived Azazel’s reign were not experienced enough to attain the title but were nonetheless necessary in rebuilding Eritopia. Like Draven, they all gained their Circle levels retroactively.

Of the young Druids that Jasmine, Draven’s aunt, had rescued from the Grand Temple of Persea, Thadeus had been appointed Master Druid of Purgaris, and Damion had taken over Mallara. With one Master Druid per planet, the healing process could begin. Ori was given Persea, the original home of Druids and the educational center of the galaxy. He rebuilt the Grand Temple and pushed forward with the Circle ceremonies, as well as the reeducation and reintroduction of Druids across Eritopia.

After we signed the alliance with the Daughters, we opened the GASP central command base on Calliope. We were given Mount Zur, just three miles away from Luceria, Draven and Serena’s official home and the capital city of the planet. The Dearghs were kind enough to assist as we built our GASP base there, incorporating the structure beautifully into the mountain. It was, by far, one of the most beautiful and downright impressive buildings we’d ever erected.

Sprawled across five levels on the north side of the volcano, the GASP base was an asymmetric cluster of rectangular limestone blocks, interconnected through interior and exterior passageways. Each of these blocks held training halls, recruit accommodations, offices and meeting rooms, as well as a kitchen, a mess hall, and locker rooms on the lower level. Thick panels of unbreakable glass served as floor-to-ceiling windows, while the central energy core had been connected to the volcano, drawing raw power to feed the structure’s light fixtures and heating system. The Shade witches had successfully harnessed volcanic energy for electricity, a practice that we would soon help introduce to the Eritopian public, as well.

We also opened secondary bases on the remaining nineteen planets of Eritopia, each a stunning and fascinating world of its own, unique in its individual evolution. Of them all, only Tenebris still presented some problems, as the natives had been thriving under Azazel and disapproved of the reestablishment of Master Druids. Rebellions still occurred often, and blood was spilled on a regular basis, which was one of the main issues on Sofia’s and my agenda for our visit to Luceria this time around—something needed to be done.

The GASP base on Calliope had become an interesting mixture of Shadian and Eritopian agents, who had developed strong bonds and deep friendships. All the original members of the alliance that had vanquished Azazel were given officer positions, thanks to their experience and extensive knowledge of the galaxy and the particulars of fauna and flora on each planet. The GASP base was also a fantastic training ground for our new recruits, given the varied terrain forms and creatures that inhabited it.

Calliope was slowly but surely becoming Sofia’s and my second home, as well, due to the enormous amount of work that needed to be done to restore the democratic processes that had allowed Eritopia to thrive before Azazel’s authoritarian regime.

Eritopia was also emerging as a prime vacation destination for our Shadians, its exotic planets stirring our family and friends with their superb landscapes, endless turquoise waters, gold or black sands, and hot springs, to name but a few of the attractions scattered across the galaxy. It was a completely new experience for all of us.

Once Sherus and Nuriya were brought up to speed, even their fire fae broke from their old, otherwise reclusive customs and began spending time on Jolessi and Aquaris, in particular, as they were two of the warmer planets. The development of “tourism” certainly helped Eritopia replenish its financial reserves, as a good economy was essential to growth and maintaining peace.

As demanding as GASP work on Calliope could be, I always looked forward to seeing my grandchildren and great nephews and nieces again. Their soulmates were extraordinary creatures, their people open and warm, always welcoming us with kingly feasts and celebrations. We had permanent accommodation reserved in Luceria, which had been gradually expanded into a massive citadel, not just the solitary castle we’d found after Azazel’s reign.

“Are you ready?” Sofia asked, gently pulling me back into the present.

I turned to look at her and found myself rooted to the spot, entranced. The black silk poured over her delicate curves, an undulating lock of dark auburn hair accentuating her deep emerald eyes, while the pearls adorning her ears added grace to her already elegant figure.

“I’m ready to go to Luceria,” I replied, clearing my throat. “But I’m not ready to take my eyes off you just yet.”

She smirked, then took my hand in hers and kissed my cheek.

“Come on, honey, the kids are waiting,” she said.

I nodded, and we headed out into the Shadian night, the moonlight glazing us in its milky shimmer as we headed toward the Great Dome, where the Daughters of Eritopia had set up a permanent portal leading straight into Luceria’s throne room.

It had been only three days since I’d last seen Serena, Phoenix, and the others. And every time I did, they found a way to surprise me.