Aris Reigns: The Kingdom of Vampires - Devin Morgan

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evasion and techniques to turn the enemy’s strength against themselves. She was made in ancient Japan.” The young woman tilted her head forward and lowered her gaze to the floor, appearing to be embarrassed to be the subject of conversation.

      When he realized the female was not going to speak, Sebastian continued, “As a child, a traveling monk came to her village. He told fascinating stories of the first fighting monks to be trained at his monastery. He told tales of their great physical prowess and high spiritual powers. It was from that day forth, that her wish above all things was to become one with that unique order. In her twelfth year, she ran away from her village, traveling in disguise as a young boy. Females were not allowed at the monastery and she was determined to find a way to be accepted.”

      Aris caught her eye and smiled. The corners of her red lips turned up and she closed her eyes as she tilted her head toward him. He couldn’t imagine anyone so small and delicate in a battle.

      Sebastian continued. “Kitsuko began as a servant to the monks and as time passed, she pleaded to be accepted into the order. Because of her diminutive size, the trials and tests presented her could have been overwhelming, yet her amazing speed was the great equalizer with her opponents. Taken in and trained at last, her skills were so exceptional that, soon, her fame began to spread.

      “The young monk came to the attention of a small coven of Immortals living near the monastery. Their leader began to hear new stories of a great warrior in training. She decided to visit the cloister to see for herself if all the tales she heard were true. Spending but a short time with the legendary fighter, the coven leader realized that this powerful force was, in fact, a female. Intrigued, she had the young monk watched closely by members of the coven and was soon even more impressed by the reports, not just with Kitsuko’s physical ability, but also with her honor and integrity. Eventually, Kitsuko was approached and courted to join the Immortals. When she was offered eternal life, she agreed and it was there she was changed. Her fighting skill is unique and powerful. She is brave and loyal, coming to us the moment she found the Catacombs had need of recruits.”

      Aris placed his hands together and, responding in kind, tipped his head toward the woman, returning her respect and honor.

      “We welcome you,” Aris spoke. “We are grateful for your assistance. Will you join us on the training floor tomorrow?”

      Kitsuko nodded her head in agreement. Sebastian smiled at his friend before turning to lead the new captain from the Council meeting.

      The sound of the great doors once again being opened signaled Aris it was also time for him to leave. He bowed his head toward the assembly who held his and Sarah’s fate in their hands as he slowly backed out of the chamber.

      Sarah circled her traveling bag much the same way a lioness surveys her prey. Chuckling, Gabriela sat on the edge of the bed.

      “It is not as if you are traveling to another planet. Anything you need, we are able to provide.” She noticed her friend’s hands tremble as she folded a blouse to pack in the open suitcase. “Sarah, are you frightened to go to the Catacombs? You know you are in no danger from any of us.”

      “I know. It isn’t that.” She sat next to her friend.

      “Well?”

      “It’s just being below the ground. I’m not really fond of caves and pitch dark and rocks and cold.”

      “Your mental image of the Catacombs is simply an image, not as it truly is. It is warm and bright. The surroundings are marvelous, a perfect blend of modern and ancient. You are to be welcomed by all who live there.”

      “I know. But meeting the Council? That is a little bit scary. You have to admit that. I’m used to being with you and Richard and Aris, just the three of you. I know you. I’m comfortable with you. I can’t imagine what it’s going to feel like to be surrounded by nothing but Immortals, to be the only human on the block.” Her chin trembled as she tried to grin.

      “One of we three will be with you any time you need us. If you wish human companionship, we will bring you above ground. But you must be kept safe until we march on Spain. Once the Spanish coven is no more, you will no longer be in any danger. Your life can return to normal. You see, Sarah, Aris will not leave you and without him, our cause is lost. Only with you safe in the Catacombs will he take his position as commander of the army.”

      “I understand.” Sarah rose and resumed her packing knowing her life would never be what Gaby called normal again. After a moment she spoke. “I really have stepped through the looking glass and now I’m on my way to Wonderland. Who would have ever thought?”

      “I am so sorry, sweeting, but I must bind your eyes.” Richard drove while Gabriela sat by his side. Aris and Sarah rode in the back seat as the car made its way through the crowded early evening London traffic. “No human may ever know the entrance to the Catacombs.” He tied a black silk scarf over her eyes then took her hand in his.

      “I understand.” Her voice was shaking as she answered.

      Gabriela turned at the sound. “Sarah, do not be afraid. All is well.”

      A nervous laugh escaped Sarah’s throat as she tried to speak. “Easy for you to say.”

      Gabriela reached into the back of the car to pat her friend on the hand. “No fears. Aris has worked like a madman to create a place for you that will be comfortable for you. We are all here to stand by you. Your stay will be made as pleasant as those of us who love you can make it. And you will be safe from harm. Soon we travel to Spain and this will all be behind you. You will no longer be in danger and can return to your human world.”

      Her human world. Sarah thought about her friends in Chicago. Colleen, Bob and their daughter, Collette, her godchild. Bonnie, her therapist and friend. Maggie, her assistant who always made her laugh. When she telephoned them, they had all readily accepted her story that she was going to stay in England a few additional weeks to travel. Bonnie had been more than willing to help by taking over her practice while she was gone. Maggie would step in whenever she was needed. She was happy to have some free time to spend with her new boyfriend.

      Sarah loved her human friends. She missed them. She longed to share her other life with them. Her secret caused a deep gap in their relationships only Sarah felt. Her mind raced between her two worlds as the car drew to a halt.

      “We have arrived.” Aris spoke softly. “Here, take my hand. I will lead you.”

      She felt the warmth of his hand on hers as the car door opened. Carefully, she stepped out. The atmosphere around her was close and moist. There was no light shining through the black silk that bound her eyes. She knew there was no turning back. Aris squeezed her hand, wrapping his free arm around her waist to guide her into the deep cavern of his world.

      A gentle breeze touched Sarah’s hair and the air she breathed was warm and sweet. The four friends had walked for what seemed an eternity to her. They maneuvered stairs and countless corridors speaking only when necessary, Aris guiding her confidently forward. The floor beneath her feet changed from hard stone to soft carpet. Their movements no longer echoed on the walls.

      “We are here.” He untied the silk binding her eyes. “Here are your rooms.”

      Even though the light in the room was soft, her eyes had been bound for such a long time, she blinked furiously. As she became accustomed to the light, she saw the wondrous room that surrounded her. Aris had created a palace for her.

      The walls were covered in pale blue silk brocade. An over-stuffed sofa and chair upholstered in the softest pink velvet sat before a fireplace blazing in welcome. The white marble mantle held an antique porcelain clock flanked by blond cherubs on both sides. Pink and white roses rested

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