My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(21)

He growled impatiently. "Then why do you leave the Medallion with her?"

A faint smile touched the lined countenance. "You must understand—the Medallion is more than mere metal. It has been imbued with blessings that allow it to bestow powers upon the one who has it. In return, however, the Medallion takes on the qualities of whoever possesses it.

Goodness or evil. Love or hate. That is why I chose Miss Hadwell. For her courage and ability to care so deeply for her brother. It is also why it is so important to stop the traitors. In the wrong hands, the power of the Medallion would be terrible indeed."

Sebastian frowned. As a scholar he had, of course, studied the Medallion. He understood the history and the powers. He had even managed to unravel the complex spell that had been used to create the Veil with the assistance of the Medallion. Still, he had not truly considered the artifact's ability to echo the qualities of who might possess it.

Nefri had clearly considered the maidens she had chosen to bond with the amulets. He could hardly ptotest her choice simply because he was becoming far too attached to Amelia.

He heaved an unconscious sigh. "Then perhaps it should be another who is sent to protect Miss Hadwell."

The vampire blinked in surprise. "Why?"

"I have managed to do no more than prod her into foolish behavior. She does not trust me."

Her unwavering gaze regarded him for a long moment. "I believe that you underestimate yourself, Sebastian," she at last said softly. "You possess a quiet, studious nature, but your strength is undeniable. Miss Hadwell will turn to you in her time of need."

Sebastian unconsciously grimaced, recalling the harsh words that he had exchanged with Amelia only a few hours earlier.

"I fear she is more likely to believe she is capable of facing any danger on her own. She is extraordinarily fearless."

"Then we must simply do what we can to protect her, with or without her awareness," Nefri said firmly.

He paused a long moment, his heart troubled. "Yes."

Easily sensing his lingering disquiet, Nefri leaned forward to regard him with a hint of concern.

"Sebastian, is there something more troubling you?"

He briefly considered denying his most pressing hesitation. He was supposed to be a gentleman of sense. A gentleman who observed and studied others with a scholar's aloof objectivity. It was not easy to admit, even to himself, that he had somehow lost that necessary edge.

"I am not as ... detached as I should be," he reluctantly confessed.

Surprisingly, Nefri raised her brow as if puzzled by his admission.

"And why do you believe you should be detached?"

Sebastian frowned. "If I am to outwit Drake, then I must have my senses clear. Something that is impossible when Miss Hadwell is near."

Without warning, the vampire gave a low chuckle. "Do not fret, Sebastian. You are perfectly suited to be a Guardian for the Medallion."

Sebastian could not find the humor in his situation. Indeed, he found it all utterly frustrating.

"Oh, I have proved to be quite a Guardian," he said dryly, his fingers still pressed to the slowly healing wound upon his temple. "I cannot even protect myself."

Nefri clicked her tongue. "Do not blame yourself. The vampire you battled tonight possessed great powers. Powers perhaps even greater than my own."

Sebastian could not halt a small shiver as he recalled the fierce attack. There had been something unnerving in the cunning manner he had been lured into the stables and the savagery of the villain. There was also a lingering puzzlement as to the motive for the attack.

Had it simply been designed to allow Drake to be alone with Amelia?

Or had it been meant to put a permanent end to him? And if so, why had the vampire not finished the task? If he were willing to use forbidden powers, he could have destroyed him. Or placed him under a spell that would have held him captive for an eternity.

"But who?" he demanded in harsh tones. "And why attack me?"

Nefri's countenance hardened with a bleak expression. "Those are questions that I fear will be answered soon enough."

After yet another restless night, Amelia rose and attired herself in a muslin gown the soft shade of daffodil. She even took extra care with the raven curls that she piled atop her head, leaving a handful to softly frame her face.

A glance in the mirror assured her that only close scrutiny would reveal the shadows that darkened her eyes and the faint hint of strain upon her features. It was important that she hide her prickling sense of unease. She did not want William or Mrs. Benson fretting needlessly. Having to devote her days to comforting and reassuring them was an additional burden she did not desire.

Smothering a sigh, she ran her hands over the soft muslin of her skirt and squared her shoulders. She was already late for breakfast. If she did not show herself downstairs soon, Mrs.

Benson would be in search of her. The mere thought of her squawking was enough to make her teeth clench.

With a measured step she left the peace of her chambers and made her way to the lower floor.

She discovered a portion of her lingering alarm fading beneath the bright summer sunlight that tumbled through the wide windows. Mrs. Benson had even filled the rooms with freshly cut flowers that managed to mask the less pleasant aromas that drifted from the streets.

Entering the small breakfast room, she was surprised to discover that William had already eaten his meal and departed. As a rule he remained, awaiting her arrival, regardless of how late she might be.