Survive the Dawn (15 page)

Sebastian and Alex exchanged curious glances. “Okay, Mr. Scanlon, I think we all can use a good laugh,” Alex said with a smile.

“Tatiana would tell me of those times when she knew my ancestors. She was in Ireland many times apparently. She said she was captivated by the Irish and our mystical and mythological powers, you know, the gods and goddesses. Apparently, there was your kind back then, as well. From what I understand, Tatiana was quite taken with many of them. Of course, this is all from what Tatiana told me. There are many in Ireland who believe all the god and goddess talk is pure fantasy, a myth really,” he said with a laugh. “However, to hear Tatiana speak of them, you would think she had firsthand knowledge.”

“She never spoke to me of that time,” Sebastian said. She wondered why, but Tatiana’s life was not an open book to Sebastian. Perhaps, if things had turned out differently, she would have told her. One would think after nearly five hundred years, Tatiana would have found the time. Caught in her musings, she almost missed what Scanlon was saying.

“Well now, back to the present. Without the box and the amulet, there isn’t much we can do about the transference of Tatiana’s power to you, but you need to understand what will transpire once you find Nina and the box.”

Sebastian laughed ruefully. “You make that sound so easy, Mr. Scanlon.”

He smiled sadly. “I know, I don’t mean to make light of it. However, Tatiana sired you for a reason, Sebastian. And from the looks of you and knowing you for only a short time, I can see great strength in you. She was not wrong to choose you.”

“You’re right, Mr. Scanlon,” Alex said.

“It’s a moot point now.” Sebastian heaved a sigh of resignation.

“This is what Tatiana wanted you to read next.” He handed Sebastian another manila envelope, sealed the same way.

Sebastian broke the seal and took the letter out. It was in Tatiana’s handwriting, as the other.

Sebastian,

I am going to give you a history lesson; I would rather have told you in person. This is the origin of the box. It contains all the power of our world I possess—that you will possess in a short while.

During the Dark Ages, what is now known as Romania was in constant change with warring nobles, invasions from Hungary and eventually the Mongols and even the interference of the pope.

In the beginning, the elders were scattered and searching for power and the secrecy they needed to survive. I was one such elder, and I knew I needed a human “familiar” to help ensure my survival. I was now in Romania, far from Rome, so I chose a man of noble birth,
Vasile
. He had been rewarded with land and riches by Andrew III and established himself and his lineage. He agreed to my request out of greed and avarice, such are some mortals.

I knew of his weaknesses and abilities and was wise enough to use both. Most of
Vasile’s
victories and success were due to his talent for the black arts and his ability to keep his true nature concealed. Once I told
Vasile
of my request and of the remuneration that would follow, he followed my specifications and produced results.

I spoke to him of those I knew in Ireland. He researched and found a silversmith there. The man was a sorcerer, I believe his name was
Figol
. He was greedy, as well, and with what I was offering them,
Vasile
and
Figol
accomplished what I needed.
Vasile
had my specific measures, details, and designs, and
Figol
would have all the resources needed to complete his task.
Vasile
knew the secret of the box and its power could never be revealed by
Figol
.

The design of the box is a swirl emanating from a center crystal. The crystals were supplied by me, and I was specific where they were to be placed. There are seven crystals at various points creating a circle at the center, which you undoubtedly see, Sebastian. Each crystal is placed in an open filigree setting. It was explicit that the settings be exposed. The design immediately becomes the outstretched wings and body of a dragon swirling across the top of the box and extending over the sides and surrounding the lock on the front of the box. The lock is a similar design to the center of the top of the box, but without the crystals, and unique in that it has no opening for a key, just a recessed, intricate swirl. The inner box is of oak, which I supplied.

All the details of the commission were specific. There were no limits on the one who was making the box. I wanted it perfect upon completion, no matter what.
Vasile
relayed my demands.

Inside the box is a carved area for the amulet. I remember
Vasile
being amazed at the intricacies of the design. You will notice, darling, at first glance it seems to be an angel with wings and a flowing robe, but look closer—it is a dragon in full flight, teeth bared and armed for battle with sword and shield.

You have seen the amulet, so you know it is of the finest workmanship, heavy silver with the tail of the dragon worked in filigree to surround the amulet. Forgive me for going on about this, but the detail is important. I want to make sure the box I had made is in your possession.

After over a year of work,
Figol
had completed his task, the box was completed, exactly as specified.

If you look at the top of the box, you will see the reason for wearing the ring. Only this will unlock the box. It must be worn by you at that time. By now, you are wearing the ring, and you have seen what has transpired before you. The amulet will give you the power and the strength to lead you into the next thousand years. I have trusted only
Kasandra
. She will assist you. Only
Kasandra
. You must go to her.

You were my choice, my only choice. In over a thousand years, I have fed off the mortals. I have destroyed and I have lived the existence of our kind. I have attained the power and have reigned over our world.

It is now your time, Sebastian.

Sebastian took a deep breath and slipped the letter back into the envelope. “At least I’ll know the box whenever we find it,” she said evenly and looked at the ornate ring on her finger. “This will unlock it.”

“We have to find it first,” Mr. Scanlon reminded her.

Sebastian nodded. “Mr. Scanlon, I know you and your family have been in Tatiana’s charge for centuries. I—”

“Yes, Sebastian. It was Tatiana’s wish that I serve you, as well.”

“You don’t have to do this, sir,” Sebastian said. “I would never presume to ask you to continue.”

“I gave my word to Tatiana. I will help you any way I can. Though I will be honest, I have no idea how I can help you any further.”

Sebastian nodded. “I agree. You have done more than enough. If I should ever require your assistance, I will contact you.”

“Very well,” Mr. Scanlon said and closed his briefcase.

When he slipped into his coat, he struck a thoughtful pose. “If finding Nina and the box becomes troublesome, there is a man in Ireland who might be able to assist you. He’s a historian. A little quirky but he’s an expert in his field. He has an extensive library of ancient rituals and mythological prophecies, and if Tatiana had this box built centuries ago in Ireland, he may have some record of it somewhere. Not that it would help, but one never knows.” He picked up his briefcase. “In any event, his name is Timothy Kerrigan. As I said, he’s quirky but a master in his field. No one quite like him. If you should need to travel to Ireland, you must let me know. I will handle all the arrangements.”

“Thank you.” Sebastian walked him to the door. “I appreciate the information and your loyalty to Tatiana.”

He smiled and shook hands with Sebastian. “My loyalty lies with you now. That was Tatiana’s wish. Good luck to you then.”

Alex and Sebastian stood in the foyer for a moment until Alex spoke. “We’re going to need it, aren’t we?”

“What, love?”

“Luck.”

Sebastian put her arm around Alex and pulled her into a strong embrace. She placed a light kiss on the top of her head. “We’re going to need that and much more, I’m afraid.”

Chapter 13

The next night,
Gaylen
met them in Kendra’s lab. Alex had everything she needed and was ready to get to work. However, she was not so eager to work with Kendra.

Alex knew that Sebastian and Kendra had a past. That was obvious. Alex wanted to make sure it stayed where it belonged—in the past.

“I see you’re all ready,” Kendra said as she greeted them.

Alex smiled. “Yes, I’m eager to get started. Just let me know where I can work.”

Kendra swept her arm around the lab. “Mi lab
es
su
lab,” she said with a smirk.

Sebastian looked up at the ceiling and shook her head.
Gaylen
grinned as he leaned against the counter, watching as Alex smiled sweetly and set up her workstation.

“Do you need any help drawing your blood, Doctor?” Kendra leaned on the counter. She smiled widely, showing two prominent canines.

“No,” Alex said and smiled in kind. “I’ll just call Sebastian. It’s rather convenient.”

Kendra was not amused.
Gaylen
apparently was, as he muffled his laughter in his cough.

“You seem to have everything well in hand, Doctor,” Kendra finally said. She then took Sebastian by the arm. “Come, Sebastian, let me show you the catacombs.”

“All right,” Sebastian said; she then looked at Alex. “Will you be all right here?”

“I’ll be fine.” Alex slipped on her glasses.

“I’ll stay with the Adored One, Sebastian,”
Gaylen
said and picked up a notebook, leafing through it.

Alex gently took it out of his hands. “Sit,” she said, “and don’t touch.”

Gaylen
gaped at her in mock astonishment and sat.

Kendra guided Sebastian out of the lab. Alex glared at Sebastian, who avoided her look completely. She watched them disappear down the darkened corridor.

Turning back to the workstation, she saw the gleeful smile on
Gaylen’s
face. “Oh, shut up,” she said and slammed the notebook down on the counter.

“So all the rumors are true,” Kendra said, still holding onto Sebastian’s arm as they walked down the corridor.

“That depends on the rumor.”

“You destroyed Leigh and you’ve taken this mortal as…what exactly?”

“I have taken nothing. Alex has done what no one else has been able to accomplish in over two hundred years. When her work is finished, others will be able to go into the sunlight as I have. It’s amazing, she’s amazing.”

“You sound positively human, Sebastian.”

They walked farther into the catacombs; the entrance of each damp and dreary alcove was illuminated only by a torch perched on the wall.

“I liked you better when you took what you wanted.” She let out an amused laugh. “Usually, it was me.”

Sebastian scowled and fought the old familiar feeling that was creeping through her body. She felt the pulling sensation deep in her belly; she eased her arm out of Kendra’s grasp. “That was a long time ago.”

“Yes, it was, and you left in a hurry,” Kendra said in a low alluring voice that went right to Sebastian’s—

“I needed to go, Kendra. I found Marcus Windham in America.”

Kendra stood near the flickering light of the torch and leaned against the walls of the catacombs. Sebastian watched the green eyes sparkling like two jade stones and saw what flashed through Kendra’s mind; it was a century ago.

“In the hay? In a barn, Sebastian? This could be positively romantic if we weren’t the undead,” Kendra cooed and leaned back against the barn door. She fumbled with the heavy latch behind her. “Don’t want to be disturbed.”