Sight Page 4

  "You and your kind are poison to us; your blood can kill us. You can kill Sebastian," Eir's soft voice came from beside her.

  "Eir, you know what Sebastian said."

  "What did he say Catrin," asked Arel.

  Glad to have the older woman here she knew she would tell her what she wanted to know. Repeatedly Eir told them Arel had a right to know what secrets they were keeping. The soft skin of the aged hand rubbed the top of her hand, her palm resting up for Arel.

  "Will you just tell me," she asked, holding the older woman's hand on her own.

  "Where should I begin," started Eir. Her eyes looking off into the distance as if she remembered something that happened long ago. Excited, Arel squeezed her hand, a slight smile forming on her face as she waited to hear the woman's story. The bubbling of anticipation rising from the pit of her stomach, her ears tingling, wondering what she would learn of her mother.

  "There had been in the times of Iona and Emi twelve princes born to them. You have seen the nine lines that remain, have you not?"

  "Yes. Marc, Brenin, Emil, Alon, Aymon, Guit, Yvain, Basil, Caden, and of course Cadell."

  "Very good you have remembered them all," she replied, tapping Arel's leg with her hand.

  "The other two lines were Reinald and Adrian, both middle houses in the line of the children."

  "What happened to them," Arel asked intently listening. Sebastian had never mentioned two other houses, and she didn't remember meeting any of his cousins bearing those names at their wedding.

  "What do you think," Catrin responded. She continued to stand in front of the bookcase, turning the pages of a leather-bound text in her hands. Arel doubted she was reading it, instead of taking on her babysitting duties begrudgingly.

  "After the signing of the treaty, there was much contention among the families. Reinald and Adrian were the most vocal. They demanded the treaty be ended and vowed they would have no part in promising their children over to the Darken."

  Arel sat quietly listening to Eir continue her storytelling, the things Sebastian did not want to hear. A picture formed in her mind as she listened to the recollection. She envisioned the families gathered around discussing the very treaty like she had seen Aeron and the other houses do when she first arrived.

  "The other families had said they would not take arms against the Darken, they would honor the treaty. For Reinald and Adrian not giving in meant war. They gathered their forces and sought allies that would help them in rising against our enemy," she continued.

  Catrin walked over to the pair still sitting on the couch. Arel could sense the anger settling under her skin. Although she wanted to peer into her mind and see her memories, she would not. Instead, she waited for the apparent explosion that headed her way.

  "Marcus reasoned with them to speak to the Darken," continued Eir.

  "While they were talking," interrupted Catrin. "Zorin sent his armies to round them up. Every man, woman, and child were marched to the field in front of where the discussions were taking place. There among the house of Reinald was Margo, his wife. Marcus begged for her life, the life of Margo now of the house of Marc. They all watched as Margo and their unborn child were slaughtered. After everyone in that field was dead, the lines of Adrian and Reinald, Zorin's men turned to those at the negotiation table."

  "Didn't they fight," Arel asked quietly although a part of her new the answer to the question.

  "They tried," replied Eir softly.

  "How could they escape," demanded Catrin. "They were women and children, weak and feeble, young and old. The houses of Reinald and Adrian were artisans and lawmakers, they were not warriors like the houses of Cadell and Emil. The Darken strength and speed match our own, and you ask if they fought. How do you defeat an enemy whose strength matches your own and whose very essence brings about your death?"

  "I'm sorry. I didn't know," Arel apologized. It had become an unnatural habit, repeatedly apologizing for the actions of her people.

  Catrin's passion fueled by anger burst forth towards her. She did not shield Arel's feelings like Sebastian. Adrian and Reinald served as the final reminder to the others anyone that resisted would find death. It was inevitable that they would die if they did not give in to the demands of the Darken, so they became prisoners.

  "They," Eir continued.

  "Eir," yelled Catrin.

  "Okay, what of the Resistance," questioned Arel gently. She had remembered, knowing they had fought to build an army that would be able to stand up against Zorin and his forces. Though her memory had returned, she still lacked the location that would lead her to any bands of the Resistance that remained.

  "Many of them died that day with the other families. Zorin used them as an example. When he and his men were finished, none would stand against him."

  The more she learned about Zorin, the more she wanted to ask if her mother participated in the massacres that day. She doubted whether her mother would have taken part in killing the innocent, but she wanted to be sure, primarily since the Resistance had raised her and her sister. Reasoning it was better to not press the issue, she sat quietly looking at the vast number of books lining the bookcase. Her thoughts trying to reconcile the information she learned. Iliad, the one who had the most to hate her for was the kindest to her.

  "Was Iliad there," she asked, finally breaking the silence.

  "Marcus has shielded his daughter from the knowledge of how her mother and unborn brother died," responded Eir.

  "Did Sebastian know," she asked, hoping the answer would be favorable.

  "We all know the stories of Zorin," replied Catrin.

  "I am not the enemy. What he did was wrong, but it was before my time. If we do not find a way to trust each other, it will happen again," said Arel.

  "Trust you," snickered Catrin.

  "Catrin, she is Cahira's daughter," said Eir.

  "I have heard the fears the others feel. If they are correct, Zorin and his army returns, where will we all be? Who is Cahira?"

  "You expect us to defeat him? How? The Resistance doesn't exist, and even when they did, they couldn't see past their own differences to battle together. The last bands have all been wiped out. No one could stop him, not even your mother could stop him."

  "Catrin," Eir called.

  "What do you know of my mother," Arel asked, the hairs at the nape of her neck standing on end. They had been careful not to mention or think of her mother in her presence. Because Sebastian guarded her so tightly, she was unable to delve as deep into their subconscious as she would have liked.

  "Zorin killed his only daughter, his weapon when she stood up against him," responded Catrin. A slight smile curled the corners of her lips as she watched Arel's expression after revealing the information they had kept hidden.

  Standing within a few inches of her, Catrin towered over Arel, her canines exposed the anger seething off of her. Tears in Arel's eyes, she looked up at her sister-in-law, peering into her life.

  "My mother is . . . dead," she cried.

  Unwilling to believe this new information, she thought only of escaping from the two women in her presence. Her hope faded as she knew they relied on the truth that her mother had died. Out of anger, Catrin told her the things she wished to know. Out of love, Sebastian kept the facts from her. Her vision revealed more than she wanted to bare. Although Catrin and the others passed down the story of Arel's mother's death, she doubted believing in its validity.

  She had stepped into Eir's memories, learning more than she had wished. Tears streamed full force out her eyes, flowing down her cheeks onto Eir's hand. The pain in her heart seemed to overcome her as she jumped from the sofa running through the door. Desperate to leave and return back to simpler times she headed for an escape, unaware of where she was heading. Vision blurred from the tears that continued to pour from her eyes; she ran towards the outside door.

  Falling full force into a torso she assumed was Sebastian, she threw her head into his chest. Sobbing hyst
erically, she released the pain, the pain of their deaths into his body. Letting his scent pour over her, she inhaled deeply, the smell familiar but slightly off. Thinking it was a result of her emotions, she continued to press into his chest, waiting for his arms to wrap around her.

  "Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me," she begged, crying into him, grasping him tighter around his waist.

  Catrin stood in the doorway watching her, neither of them moving closer to the scene unfolding before their eyes.

  "I love you, and I'm not like them," she continued crying. Devastated by the news, her hopes dashed that her mother was still alive she cried uncontrollably. "I know why your family hates me. You know I'm not like that, I'm not like them! I would do everything in my power to protect you and them. They have to understand that. They have to know I would kill to protect you," she sobbed.

  It was only when he remained rigid to her grasp that she realized something was wrong. Fear crept in as she released her grip on him. Slowly backing up, she stared at the floor. Allowing her eyes to trail from his shoes up to his black pant leg. Without looking up, she knew the pant leg was not that of Sebastian. It was not him that she had held on to so tightly.

  Focusing on the stern-faced Aeron Cadell looking down on her she gasped. Shaking her head, she ran past him blindly. Bursting through the front door, the thick rays of afternoon sunlight shooting into the darkened foyer. Down the stone steps towards the orchard at the side of the house, she fled, embarrassed. Desperate to go home she knew it would be impossible to leave the fortified estate. Confused, she fell onto a wooden bench sitting under a large flowering tree in the orchard. Overcome by grief, exhausted, she cried as she waited for Sebastian to find her.

  Laying on the bench, she thought that perhaps Sebastian was right; she wasn't ready to know the truth. Her thoughts ran rapidly as she tried to think of a way to protect Sebastian and his family, gain their trust so they would help her in protecting their child. Arel desperately hoped her mother lived, able to rescue her from the foretold future of the Resistance. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to drift off to sleep.

  "Arel," Sebastian whispered into her ear. Bending beside her, his eyes looking sadly at her, he stroked her hair gently. Partly opening her eyes, she saw the forced smile framing his face.

  "Am I dreaming," she asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

  "Come, let's get you inside."

  Sitting up, she looked out into the orchard at the light of the early evening sun, the flowers blooming on the heavily laden tree branches. It was peaceful. The calm gave her hope, which seemed to be attacked at every new piece of information she learned.

  "Let's sit for a while," she replied, sitting up so he could sit next to her.

  The thought of returning to the house facing Catrin and the others upset her uneasy stomach. Already feeling unwelcome in the home, she didn't want to have to face Aeron after the incident. She imagined that the household knew she had embraced Aeron in her confusion, professing her love for him. He had remained silent as she hugged him. She could only imagine the look on Catrin's face as she embraced him.

  "When was the last time you ate? We should get you something to eat."

  "I know what happened to Reinald and Adrian, to the others."

  Sitting next to her, he placed her hand into his. Sebastian sat quietly, waiting for her to finish telling him the thoughts at the forefront of her mind. She knew he knew where she was, she imagined they had told her what had happened in his absence.

  "I understand why they hate me, why they won't trust me," she whispered.

  "I told Eir not to say anything, you were not ready," he spoke softly to her, his hand caressing her hair.

  "I needed to know," she replied quietly but defiant.

  "Now that you know has it helped," he asked her.

  She remained silent, staring off at the horizon and the sun which had just started to set. It was unclear to Arel if the new information she had learned had helped, right now it felt like anything but helpful. It hurt, deep in her chest, a bottomless pit of fear and grief, but she would not tell him that. She wanted answers, and now she had them, whether or not she believed the responses she received was another matter altogether.

  "Come on, let's get you something to eat," said Sebastian. Lifting her up, he carried her towards the house.

  Resting her head on his chest, she no longer protested. Slowly her eyes closed, the rhythm of his steps lulling her to sleep. Bringing her into the kitchen, he walked over to the fridge.

  "I don't want anything to eat."

  "Just a little something, for me," he pleaded, grabbing a bowl of berries from the fridge.

  Carrying both of them, he headed up the wood stairs towards their room. Resting her head firmly, she inhaled his scent. Closing the door behind them, he laid her on the bed, placing the bowl on the table beside her. Drawing the curtains closed, he made sure the doors were locked and secure. It was the first time he had locked the doors and windows since they had come. Arel assumed it was to keep her from leaving as she knew no one would try to harm her in his father's house. Sitting next to her, he looked down before grabbing the bowl and placing it in her lap.

  "Eat, please."

  Sitting up Arel, pulled her knees up to her belly, resting her back on the pillows plumped behind her back. A look of sadness framing her face. She had not stopped thinking about what she had learned. Gently, Arel shook her head in protest, tears filling her eyes. The light from the chandelier danced across the walls catching Arel's eyes. Staring up at the ceiling, she tried to compose herself, forcing back the tears.

  "They will never see me as anything more than their enemy."

  "Arel, you must stop worrying about their approval. I know you are not the enemy."

  Sitting on the bed, he pulled her close to him. Facing her, he wrapped his legs around her drawing her into his chest. Her head leaning on his shoulder, she closed her eyes as he rubbed her hair and back. Breathing in deep, she sighed falling into him completely.

  "We need their help. The Vampires don't trust me, they hate me. Everywhere I turn, I am surrounded by someone who wishes for my death. How can I feel at home here? How can I help them? How can I stay here? At least with my sister..."

  Pulling away from her, he grabbed her hands. Anger and hurt in his eyes as he stared at her. Desperate to gather his support in the idea that was building in her mind. She knew they would protect her because they wanted her.

  "Your sister? You're thinking of going to them, the Darken." The anger in his voice, his fangs showed as gripped her hands tighter. "They are THE ENEMY!"

  "The Darken are my people, they will protect me, us!"

  "Protected with the Darken? You don't know what you are saying."

  "I do! Your kind will gladly sacrifice me to save themselves. Zorin will protect me because they need me. They have been looking for me, waiting for me. Don't you see it's them that I have been running from, hiding from all these years? I can go to them; they will protect us."

  Here in the moment of fear, she had revealed hints of her memory returning. Slowly since the night, her sister had communicated with her, the memories had started pouring back. Bits and pieces of her childhood, raised by the Resistance crept into her consciousness as if they were never forgotten. An aroma, a sound each spurring the remembrance, unexpected and welcomed.

  "Need you?"

  "I want to go home. I want to feel safe," Arel cried, changing the subject. Not ready to reveal the secrets she had been keeping in the house where the others could hear. The memories of her training, the home she lived in, many things, but not their names.

  "You are safer here than anywhere else. My father"

  "Your father and sister both want me dead," she interjected. "The only ones who are kind to me besides you are Eir and Iliad. Viktor tolerates me, but the others would gladly kill me."

  "My father wouldn't kill you."

  "Are you sure about that?"

 
; "Arel, look at me. I would never allow anyone to hurt you, my father included."

  She knew he would protect her at all costs. She believed him, his every word, even if it meant his death, he would protect her. Just as much as she loved him, she knew he loved her more. He had defied his family, his traditions, and his people's laws for her, she knew without question that she would do the same when it came to him.

  "I know. You will die protecting me," Arel whispered. The words hurt. She wondered if this was the meaning behind what Catrin said in regards to Sebastian's death. Could Sebastian's death not be the result of her blood but dying protecting her?

  "Arel," said Sebastian, his voice softer, gentler. The anger wasn't gone, she could still see it in his eyes and his clenched jaw.

  "Iliad . . . does she know about her mother," she asked, trying to find logic in the information she had learned.

  "She knows her mother and unborn brother died when she was a child."

  "Does she know who was the cause of it?"

  "We never talk about it. It's not really something you want to bring up to someone you think of as a sister."

  Sebastian had said the tribunal would be seeking answers in regards to them, she wondered if it meant the same for Iliad and Xavier as well. She couldn't imagine Marcus giving his only daughter or grandchild to the Darken as a tribute even if he was the keeper of the laws. Although she had never let the rules, even in the human world, govern her actions, she knew for some, it was crucial. It gave them a sense of security in a world where very little was secure. For Marcus, it seemed his purpose was ingrained in the laws he fought hard to protect, even if they seemed unjust.

  "What will happen to their son?"

  "I need you to keep up your strength, to do that you must eat," he replied, ignoring her question.

  "I'm not hungry."

  "You want information?"

  Skeptical if he would freely answer any of the questions. Avoiding him, Arel looked to the opposite wall to the large glass doors of the balcony draped in heavy curtains. Pushing her legs to the side of the bed, she leaned back on the pillow, briefly closing her eyes. Sebastian's hands gently rubbing her small belly for the first time. Ariel shook her head in agreement.