Daywalker (6 page)

Chapter 11

Elizabeth showed Akaisha certain parts of the magnificent castle she had not shown her weeks ago, or so Elizabeth thought. Akaisha had somehow managed to drift off to some of these hidden places. Some places were dark, eerie, and cold, while others were colorful and cheery she discovered. Quite often, other vampire covens would stay for many nights for festivities such as orgies and discussing business.

Elizabeth spoke of a few vampire elders who made up the council as well. Komin was a vampire elder, wise beyond his centuries. He was a great warrior, but chose to fight with his mind, instead of his strength. Surprisingly, he was small, but he fought hard, when necessary.

The grounds were kept in the utmost condition. The full moon shed light on cobblestone paths, leading into the thickest parts of the woods. Plush green grass adorned the large acreage of land in which Castle Daegan stood. Akaisha swooned over the breathtaking view of it all.

Along the outskirts of the woods, Akaisha could just make out a couple, writhing in the throes of passion, the male vampire, dominating the female human, before feeding upon her. The rich smell of blood adorned her senses, causing her incisors to lengthen. Akaisha craved Daegan’s blood, wishing he were with her. She fought hard to put him out of her mind. Vampire mates fed solely upon one another, rejuvenating each other, for an equally, stimulating bond that would last an eternity. Smiling to herself, she thought of the next rendezvous she would experience with Daegan.

“Well, my darling, I’m afraid it’s time for me to turn in. I need to catch a few winks of sleep before awaking in the morn. I—”

Before Elizabeth could say anything else, a large black wolf leapt between the entrance to the castle and the women. Two blood red eyes peered back at Akaisha, apparently warning her of something. Sensing the beast’s urgency, she yearned to communicate with him. Unfortunately, Elizabeth stepped forward, speaking in another tongue, not familiar at all to Akaisha.

Surprisingly, the beast stepped back, fear in its eyes, retreating into the woods, but not before shooting another look of warning to Akaisha.

“What in the hell was that all about, and how the hell did you calm him so!” Akaisha demanded, trying to calm herself.

“I don’t know, child, let’s get you inside. I’m not sure as to why that beast would want to rip you to shreds. He is one of the friendlier watchers of the ground.

“Elizabeth, what did you say to it—him? He meant me no harm, I know it.”

“It is of no importance. Let us count our blessings we live to see another day.” Akaisha departed from Elizabeth, whom stopped to gossip about another servant in the west wing. Slowly, she sauntered to her bedchambers, locking the doors behind her.

Sitting down before the mirror, Akaisha brushed her hair, in an effort to make sense of all Elizabeth had just introduced to her. Akaisha had more than enough time to access Daegan while in his bedchamber. Truly, she was attracted to the man. However, something was amiss. Daegan was capable of showing tenderness, and Elizabeth was lying her ass off!

Every time Akaisha sensed suspicion, Elizabeth conveniently found an excuse to re-shape her mind, which meant one thing—Elizabeth was covering her tracks about something. Another mystery to her was the werewolf they encountered on the castle grounds. She knew he tried to warn her of something, until Elizabeth spoke her jibberish, making the beast retreat to another part of the grounds. Tomorrow evening she would try to locate him, without Elizabeth’s knowledge.

Exhaling sharply, she slipped in between the bedcovers, finally allowing sleep to claim her.

* * * *

Akaisha awakened, feeling rejuvenated despite the few hours of sleep she received. The castle was weighing her down, as she was not used to closed walls, and utilizing torches during daylight hours. She knew it was day, however the disenchanting gray stone walls of the castle made her feel like she was imprisoned within a tomb. If she were in Egypt, she would greet the day by taking in the breathtaking view of her land. The Nile River beckoned to her each morning. Upon waking, she would always bath in the beautiful waters of the Nile, the warmth of the sun adding to her motivation to start her day.

Those fond memories, she continued to hold close to her heart, as though she had spent years within Castle Daegan. Choosing to keep a clear mind, and not dwell on the past, Akaisha picked out clothing for the day. Daegan provided her with beautiful clothes of the era, but they paled in comparison to her beautiful Egyptian clothing she was accustomed to. These clothes weighed heavily upon her petite frame, sometimes irritating her skin.

Determined to explore more of the castle grounds, Akaisha eagerly ventured into the great hall.

The only other inhabitants were other servants, and a few of the guardian werewolves who reverted to their human forms. Michael, one of the werewolves who faithfully protected Castle Daegan’s vampires for a century, introduced himself to Akaisha.

“How long have you been a guardian to the Daegan Coven?” Akaisha asked, happy to have someone other than Elizabeth as a contact.

“I have served here since for approximately one hundred years,” Michael replied sheepishly. “I was born into servitude, and my family became close to Daegan and Biele. Daegan was a completely different person in those days. Please forgive me, Akaisha, we weren’t properly introduced.” Michael said, puzzled. “Although, you seem vaguely familiar to me.”

“Michael, I’m originally from another time and land, and it is too much for me to explain at this point in time,” Akaisha murmured as the two ventured onto the castle grounds. “I’m unsure as to how I’m familiar to you.”

“Ah,” Michael replied. “You have been brought here to help watch over the vampires.

Werewolves have been leading revolts in other countries, and in some parts of Ireland. The vampire council suspects we will betray them as well, I would presume,” Michael sighed heavily. “They forget, some of our kind revolt, while others strive to prove their loyalty. All vampires aren’t cruel, heartless beings, neither are werewolves. Some vampires need to recognize that.“

Akaisha and Michael continued their morning stroll to the far side of the grounds. Werewolves prowled the grounds, some in human forms, others proudly patrolling the grounds on all fours, while others preferred to walk on two legs, towering as high as seven feet.” Akaisha shuddered at the thought of having to battle these creatures.

“I’ve heard talk about the revolts. It is all senseless bloodshed to me,” Akaisha stated firmly.

“Michael, what do you know of Elizabeth?” Akaisha pried. “How long has she served Lord Daegan?”

“Elizabeth,” Michael rolled his eyes, shaking his head. “I have nothing to do with the woman, to be honest with you,” Michael confessed. “She has served Lord Daegan for many years, preaching to others one thing, while her actions prove differently. She is a very secretive woman.”

Akaisha, sensed Michaels inhibitions towards Elizabeth, and they were not good. He later confessed that none of the werewolves trusted her. To them, she simply was an enemy, someone who used people to obtain certain goals, unknown to any of the werewolves. They made it a point not to make it any of their business, as long as Elizabeth left them alone. She was an impetuous, manipulating woman, who could be ruthless when she wanted. Somehow, Akaisha knew all this before meeting Michael. Could it be so, that she was just as soulless and black hearted as some of the vampires who dwelled within Castle Daegan?

Chapter 12

Michael departed from Akaisha, leaving her to roam the castle grounds on her own. She obtained valuable information from the werewolf. Now, it was up to her to dig through the lies Elizabeth continued to weave, in efforts to cover her own ass. What in the name of Anubis could she be up to?

* * * *

Inside the castle, Elizabeth questioned Akaisha’s whereabouts. The insidious little wench had vexed her the evening before, and proved fatal to everything Elizabeth planned. She could not help but sense Akaisha was purposely avoiding her this morning.

In vain, she questioned the servants of the daywalker’s whereabouts. No one seemed to know where the little wench wandered too. Valaris was sleeping, and she dared not awaken him before his time. She needed him to guard Akaisha closely, until they could finish what they started. As it was, their plan had taken far too long to set into motion. Cursing deeply under her breath, Elizabeth searched the parts of the castle of which she had familiarized Akaisha. The wench knew nothing of all the castle’s nooks and crannies, so it was apparent the little harlot was purposely hiding from her! Retreating to her room, Elizabeth pulled out a few loose bricks within the walls of her bedchambers, retrieving a small velvet black box. Impatiently, she opened the box, retrieving the black crystal Valaris stole from Daegan’s magus.

* * * *

Akaisha continued her search for the werewolf who approached her while in Elizabeth’s company the evening before. She needed to speak with him; however, the task would be daunting since Elizabeth concealed his name from her. This was another black mark against the older woman.

As Akaisha returned to the entrance of the castle, she envisioned a man, locked in what appeared to be some type of confinement. Dirty and weak, the man was purposely cut off from the outside world.

“Akaisha, are you all right?” Elizabeth’s voice rudely penetrated the daywalker’s vision.

“I’ve been searching for you the entire morning. What have you been up to, child?” Elizabeth approached Akaisha, her hands behind her back. “Have you had a chance to eat?” she asked pretending to care about Akaisha.

“I wasn’t very hungry this morning,” Akaisha admitted, scanning the woman’s aura. “I was simply taking a stroll of the castle grounds and enjoying the sunlight. I’m not used to spending my time indoors.”

“Well, I could imagine you would have some minor adjustments to make for your new life,”

Elizabeth said dryly. “Come, I have asked Helen to prepare a meal for you. You should eat something; you need to maintain your strength.”

A red flag rose within Akaisha’s mind. Not trusting Elizabeth at all, she politely dismissed herself, seeking the confinements of her bedchamber, away from Elizabeth.

“You aren’t going to eat, Akaisha?” Elizabeth asked, bewildered, and pissed off by Akaisha’s defiance.

“No, I told you, Elizabeth, I’m not hungry at the moment.” She stared deep within the woman’s soul, suddenly knowing the truth. Elizabeth intended to harm her.

Akaisha avoided Elizabeth for the remainder of the day. The very thought of Elizabeth sickened her. Her visions, becoming increasingly clear, convinced her to seek out Daegan. She would pay him a visit to his chambers as soon as the sun set. Akaisha made the mistake of lying down for a few hours before sunset, allowing sleep to claim her. She dreamed not of Egypt, but of Daegan and Biele’s wedding night.

* * * *

Happiness flourished between the couple as Hysteon spoke the words that would bind Daegan and Biele together forever. Daegan carried Biele to their bedchambers, eager to consummate their marriage. Before courtship began, a persistent knock came from the door. One of the vampire elders demanded Daegan’s presence within the lower east wing. Unfortunately, it was a demand Daegan could not refuse. Kissing his beloved Biele, Daegan left her unattended. After his departure, the double doors were forced open. A large, faceless man charged the bed in which Biele lie.

Before he could approach her, Biele jumped up in a flash, retreating to the other end of the bedchamber in an effort to transform into wolf form to defend herself from her assailant.

Unfortunately, the large man wrestled Biele to the ground, punching her several times, dragging her to the bed. Struggling for her life, Biele howled in pain as her assailant greedily tore into her flesh, draining every drop of blood from her body, and eventually snapping her neck.

Chapter 13

Akaisha awoke with her hands at her throat, gasping for air, scanning the room. Shaking, she lit the candles along the wall, fighting to control her breathing. Pacing back and forth, recalling the dream, she hissed at the very thought of her being murdered. It was as though she were in Biele’s place; she felt every ounce of hatred, his hot breath upon her skin, and the increasing pressure around her neck. She recalled the searing pain of his incisors ripping through her flesh, and the brute force her assailant used, eventually snapping her neck.

Shivering, Akaisha changed her clothes, brushed her hair, and entered the corridor. The slaves had already lit a few candles so they could see in the dark. She passed Helen on her way to Daegan’s chamber.

“Hello Akaisha, how have you been? I have not seen you around much lately. I hope all is well,”

she said.

“I couldn’t be better,” Akaisha lied.

Deciding to trust no one, except her instincts, Akaisha quickened her pace to Daegan’s chamber.

Standing outside his chamber, she began to wonder if this would be a waste of her time. Anxiety gripping her insides, she decided to retreat to another part of the castle. As she was walking away, Daegan opened the door.

“Wench, what are you doing outside my door?” Daegan muttered. “Aren’t you supposed to be with Elizabeth?”

“Lord Daegan, may I have a moment of your time?” Akaisha asked, witnessing a sudden shift in Daegan’s character.

“Come in,” he gestured. “Have you returned so that we may pick up where we left off?” He grinned, pouring a glass of wine .

“Oh, none for me,” Akaisha insisted.

“So be it,” Daegan muttered.

“Lord Daegan, surely you know of the revolts the werewolves lead in various parts of Europe.”

Daegan sat his goblet down, staring at Akaisha with much intensity. “I know, that’s why I brought you here, remember Akaisha?”

“I need to inform you, Lord Daegan, none of the guardian werewolves plan to revolt against you.

I spoke with Michael, who has known you for years,” She informed Daegan.

“What could you possibly know of another’s intentions?” Daegan sneered.

“I’m clairvoyant, and I have the ability to read people,” Akaisha murmured.

“I haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary, with the exception of a werewolf that approached me while with Elizabeth.” Akaisha told him.

Stroking his chin, Daegan stared with an intense gaze.

“What is your take on the matter?”

“Elizabeth chased him away. She didn’t want me to have contact with him. I’m really concerned for your well-being Daegan.”

“Well, well,” Daegan purred. “What change has overtaken you?” he asked.

“There have, well…I dream, Lord Daegan. My dreams guide me. Someone intends to harm you, and has wronged you for many years.”

“How do you know of this?” Daegan asked, his eyes widening. “You speak of things you can’t possibly know!”

“I told you, Lord Daegan, I’m clairvoyant. I used to have visions of the future, now visions of the past haunt me as well!”

“Surely, you plot against me!” Daegan roared.

“I would never. You are the one who kidnapped me from Egypt. Remember?” Akaisha insisted.

The vampire snarled.

“Alright, you have forced my hand, Lord Daegan!” Akaisha spat. “Biele, your bride was brutally murdered on your wedding night! You carried her over the threshold of a bedchamber, not this, but another, that has long since been sealed off, as you could no longer bear its existence.

Furthermore, the vampire council required your presence that evening. Someone broke in, and killed her in your absence!”

For the first time since her stay at Castle Daegan, Akaisha witnessed a weakness within Daegan.

His face was full of pain, his eyes, dull and sad. Tears formed, streaking his face. The man turned away, not wanting Akaisha to see him in such a state.

“Lord Daegan, please. I’m so very sorry about Biele. I will help you find the person responsible I give you my word,” Akaisha promised, close to tears herself.

“In these visions of yours, do you see the killer?” Daegan inquired, his voice cracking with emotion.

“No, Lord Daegan, it is a mystery to me. I know for sure it was not you.”

“So, daywalker, you’ve heard the rumors?”

“Yes. The person responsible is a cruel, soulless creature who deserves their punishment ten times over,” Akaisha stated firmly, not realizing why she felt so strongly about this ordeal.

“For some reason, Akaisha, I believe you. I must. My instinct tells me to follow you in the path you choose.”The vampire turned towards her, closing the gap between them.

“I’m glad you came to my bedchamber tonight,” Daegan whispered, staring deep into Akaisha’s eyes.

“Me too,” she whispered, feeling the sudden pull towards Daegan. The time she spent with him in his bedchamber was nothing compared to what she now felt. The air around them seemed to be romantically charged, and a feeling of déjà vu engulfed them.

“I should be going now,” Akaisha murmured, hoping Daegan would prevent her from leaving the bedchamber. She could stay with him all night long, just talking to him, however the timing was completely off. He needed time to absorb all that she had told him.

“I suppose you do,” Daegan stiffened, trying to cover up his tenderness. “I’ve much to attend to this evening,” he said, searching the depths of her brown eyes. His jaw clenched tightly, and Akaisha could see the muscle twitching, something that attracted her deeply to the man.

Daegan smiled, looking down at the floor, amused at her girlish behavior. She had a way about her that melted away his pain and anger.

“Akaisha, don’t back into the door frame, luv. I don’t wish to stay up all night tending to a nasty bruise on the back of your head. I don’t think I could survive another night alone with you.” He grinned, looking away.

“Yes, wouldn’t want to do that, now would I?” she laughed nervously, suddenly feeling like such a dolt. She turned on her heel, rushing out of the bedchamber, embarrassment burning her cheeks. Now, she wanted nothing more than to vanish from Daegan’s sight, praying he would forget how she almost ran smack-dab into the doorframe.

Daegan crossed his arms, continuing to watch the doorway in which Akaisha departed, shaking his head, smiling, wondering what had just happened between them.