CHAPTER ELEVEN
Serenity kept turning to look at Micah as dinner started. His heart rate was high, and he was sweating. She was about to ask him what was wrong when Kendrick stood.
"Ryuu, can you ask Hal and Sebastian to step into the room please?" he asked. Ryuu gave a half bow and went through the swinging door to the kitchen, moments later the squires walked back through pushing their serving carts and stood to one side.
Kendrick took a deep breath then lifted his hands at either side of his body. The spell he released not only sound proofed the room, but sealed it as well. No one could accidentally walk in.
Magnus leaned back. "That important?"
Kendrick nodded. "What I am about to share can go no further." He looked around the table. "Where are Warrick, Avery, Pip and the twins?"
"Avery wanted to introduce Pip to my zombie game, so they convinced Marjoram to cook for them on the Unit Level. She's up there now probably giving way my cookies," Meryn said looking perturbed.
"You know gram would never do that Meryn," Ellie chided.
Kendrick turned to Sebastian. "Are we expecting Pavil?"
Sebastian shook his head. "Given the events of the day, I thought a light dinner would be best. It does not take four squires to serve soup and sandwiches. Pavil is taking the night off with Bree."
Kendrick looked to Tarak. "I will need your word that what is discussed will go no further, with the exception of your brother."
Tarak nodded. "You have my word."
Kendrick turned back to the table. "In fact, I will need everyone's word that what is said here will remain amongst us. It's not that I don't trust you, I wouldn't be sharing what I know if I didn't, but I need you to know that lives could be lost if what is said gets out." Serenity nodded along with everyone else. Under the table Micah took her hand. She glanced up at him, his normally laughing eyes were somber. She squeezed his hand gently and he gave a nod.
Kendrick began telling the story of what happened five thousand years ago in Storm Keep, how the king and queen were driven out of their home and how the entire country was made to forget. Varying expressions of disbelief were clearly visible around the table. Only those visiting from Lycaonia didn't look shocked.
Adriel stared up at Kendrick. "You would not be sharing this for no reason. What has changed that prompted you divulge this information?"
Kendrick's eyes flicked to Micah. Serenity was shocked when he rose to his feet beside her.
"Because I told him who I am and why I'm here," Micah started.
Adriel's face became unreadable. "Go on."
"What Kendrick said is true. Five thousand years ago the witch council rose to power almost overnight and no one questioned it. I know, because my family was amongst those murdered that night. Only my gran survived. Since then she and others have been gathering evidence trying to ascertain how so many people could be manipulated at once."
"So you came to the city of the vampires to investigate our powers?" Magnus asked quietly.
Micah simply nodded. "I did everything I could to be assigned here. It was my mission to learn all there was to know about the vampire's abilities to control the mind."
Adriel's jaw clenched. "Was any of what you have said and done real over the centuries? Or were you just using us to learn what you could?" he asked coldly.
Etain faced his unit leader. "Do not let your emotions say what you do not mean. Micah has given of himself many times over since being assigned to Eta. He guarded your mate, kept Declan alive after he was attacked and saved my daughter. He may have been trying to investigate the vampires, but he was a unit warrior as he was doing it."
Beside her Micah's eyes were bright. "Thank you, Etain."
Rex looked around. "I don't see what the problem is. We all have things we cannot share because of split loyalties. I am first and foremost a Lionhart, I protect my family and the shifters that look to us. My second loyalty is to Queen Aleksandra, as she opened up Eiré Danu to the lions. My personal position as Elder comes third. But that doesn't mean I don't care for the people of Noctem Falls."
Magnus nodded. "Well said." He turned to Adriel. "I know you are feeling hurt, but remember, that you are feeling hurt because you care so much for this young man."
"Of course I do!" Adriel exploded in a rare display of emotion. "He is not only a fellow warrior, but my unit brother. What I am most angry about is that he did not come to us for help." He crossed his arms over his chest and sat back.
Eva's mouth twitched. "Are you pouting? Because if you are, it's adorable."
"I am not pouting!" Adriel argued, not realizing he made the perfect picture of a petulant child.
Declan turned to him. "You said your family was murdered, why them?"
Micah smiled looking proud. "My family is descended from the druidic line of Darwid, meaning oak and to know. The more commonly used name is Whiteoak."
Gavriel sat up and leaned forward. "The Whiteoaks. The family that dedicated its entire line to intelligence gathering?" he asked looking excited. Micah nodded. Gavriel shook his head. "What in the hell are we facing that so many threads are being woven together?"
"There's more," Kendrick said rubbing the back of his neck.
Magnus chuckled. "What more could you possibly say? Tonight has given us back a prestigious family that we thought was lost."
Kendrick chuckled. "Yeah, about that."
Micah threaded his hands behind his head. "Go on," he urged.
Kendrick's eyes flicked to Serenity then back to Micah. Micah laughed. "Stop being a big baby, she won't kill you."
Serenity scowled up at Kendrick. "What is he talking about? Why would I kill you?"
Kendrick straightened, and Serenity saw a visible change come over him. He no longer slouched, and his power crackled around him. "The reason we shared with you Micah's true purpose and name, is because I will be calling him to service in the not to distant future and he will need to be released from his unit duties."
Adriel bristled, and he looked from Aiden to Kendrick and back. "Aiden is our Unit Commander, only he can change our orders. What are you planning on doing with Micah," he demanded.
"Aww you do care," Micah teased.
Serenity swatted him. "Micah hush."
"Yes, my one and only," he responded looking pleased.
Aiden turned to Adriel. "When the time comes I will be releasing not only Micah, but also Caiden, Kyran and Tristan Ironwood." He looked to Law. "I have a feeling you and your brothers will be pressed into service as well."
Law snorted. "There isn't a single person alive, save our mother, who can tell me and my brothers what to do."
Micah brought his hands down and wiggled them at Law. "Air shackles whenever you're ready Kendrick," he said playfully.
Kendrick turned to Adriel. "You may end up keeping that one," he said jerking his thumb to Micah.
Serenity's mind raced. Why would Aiden release Micah and the Ironwoods to serve Kendrick? How did the Ashleighs fit into all this? Ashleigh, Ironwood, and Whiteoak? She inhaled sharply choking on her own spit. She began to choke with sent her into a spiral of panic. There was no way.
Kendrick looked at her pleased then turned to Law. "She's smarter than you."
Law scowled up at Kendrick. "What in the hell are you talking about."
Micah sat back down and rubbed her back. "There, there darling. You're having the same reaction I did earlier this afternoon." He pressed her water goblet to her lips. "Take a sip."
"Micah, is she okay?" Laelia asked worriedly.
"She'll be just fine," Micah replied.
To Serenity, the ice-cold water felt good going down. She focused on slowing her breathing. If she didn't get herself under control Laelia and Radclyffe would start mollycoddling her. When she looked up it was like she was seeing Kendrick for the first time. "How?" she whispered.
"Oh, my gods," Kari said, slumping back on her chair.
Kendrick held up two fingers. "That's two ladies who beat you to it Law."
Law looked around and besides herself, Kari and those from Lycaonia, everyone else wore a confused expression. He turned to Kendrick. "What has Serenity choking and my baby sister Kari looking like she's about to faint? Why would Micah threaten me with air shackles," he demanded furiously.
"Probably because of your temper," Serenity answered taking a deep breath. She stood on shaky legs and Micah rose with her. They both turned to face Kendrick and she dropped to a deep curtsy while Micah bowed.
Law popped Micah on the arm. "Stop that. What in the world is going on? Why would you bow to Kendrick?"
His question sent Meryn into a fit of giggles. "Maybe we should have Sebastian scrounge up a two-by-four, so you can beat him over the head with the answer."
"Now, Meryn. It isn't very obvious," Aiden chided.
Meryn sniffed. "I was the first person to figure it out back home."
"Micah Whiteoak, Serenity Meadowsweet, please rise," Kendrick said formally.
All her life Serenity hated the way Storm Keep was ruled. Everyone was so obsessed with their test scores that the brighter days of their king and queen had fallen to legend and myth. In her heart, she always felt that, as a people, they should be doing more.
She couldn't believe that the humble archivist who had lived in the Lower City for centuries was their long, lost king.
As the truth hit her sobs broke free and her tears ran unchecked down her face. Micah wrapped an arm around her, no less affected. He stared at Kendrick with a look of absolute devotion tears dripping off his chin.
Kari wiped at her eyes. "That is just beautiful."
Law stood angrily and faced Kendrick. "You and me outside. I am tired of questions answering questions."
Kari laughed. "Law, do not threaten to beat your king, as an Ashleigh you are sworn to protect him." Her words rang around the table, everyone stared at Kendrick who raised an eyebrow to Law.
"Well?"
The blood drained from Law's face so quickly Serenity was sure he was going to keel over. "That's...just...not...possible," he managed to croak out, grabbing at his chair to stay upright.
Kendrick straightened his back and turned to face the table. "My name is Julian Stormhart, son of Kiran and Celeste Stormhart. I hope you will be able to keep my secret and when the time comes, help me and my people."
Laelia and Radclyffe jumped to their feet bowing. "Your Majesty," they said.
"Laelia, Radclyffe rise. Treat me as you always have, after the sound proof spell is taken down, I'll be just Kendrick again." When they stood straight and stared at him Kendrick raised a brow to Radclyffe. "Still want to make bondage jokes?"
Radclyffe gave a strangled groan and bowed again. "I am so sorry."
Laelia pulled him back up laughing. "Your Majesty, that was just mean," she admonished. Kendrick just chuckled.
Anne rolled her eyes. "Ignore him. He thinks he's so witty when his ego swells." She popped Kendrick on the ass. "I'll deflate him later."
Kendrick leered down at her. "I know something you can deflate."
Magnus gripped the table with both hands. "Help you with what exactly?" he asked.
Kendrick gave them the sarcastic smile they were all used to. "Help me take back my city and free my people."
His words ignited the table into a flurry of questions. Serenity continued to stare, heedless of the chaos around her. Kendrick looked over and winked. He may be her king, but he was her friend first.
"I'm tired of standing and I'm starving. If you're done being magnificent can Sebastian, Hal and Ryuu serve us dinner?" she asked sitting back down.
Micah cracked his back. "I think all that bowing pulled a muscle." He sat down next to her.
Laelia and Radclyffe were staring at her as if she lost her mind. But she knew she did the right thing when Kendrick gave her a look of gratitude.
"Yeah, I'm hungry," Meryn chimed in.
Kendrick sat back down and placed his napkin in his lap. "What kind of sandwiches do we have tonight?"
Laelia and Radclyffe sat down slowly as if unsure they should and Law was still standing, blinking at Kendrick.
Kendrick pointed to Law's chair. "Sit," he said.
It was as if the strings holding up Law were cut. He collapsed down in his chair.
"Roll over," Meryn teased.
Law turned to Meryn scowling. "Ease up tater tot, it's not every day one learns that their king has returned."
"Return of the King, that was a great movie," Meryn said nodding.
Hal still looked distracted as he began to walk around the table with his tray of sandwiches. Ryuu and Sebastian, however, looked unruffled as they began to serve.
Ryuu started with Meryn. "Denka, I made sure to make Colton's famous sandwich as it is a favorite of yours."
"Can I get two?" she asked. He nodded and placed two sandwiches on her plate.
Aiden held up his plate. "Five for me please."
Declan exchanged looks with Grant. "What's a Colton sandwich," he asked.
Grant shrugged. "I'm not sure, but since it's named for Colton, I'm staying away from them."
Declan nodded. "Good point."
"Hey! I'll have you know that my sandwich is amazing. It's a culinary masterpiece consisting of mayo, peanut butter, cheese, pickles and beef jerky."
Grant cringed. "Definitely staying away."
Adriel turned to Magnus his left eye twitching. "Are we supposed to ignore the statement he made about retaking his city?"
Magnus sighed. "Yes. There is not much we can do about it at the moment anyway. Our own city is still being ravaged by that damn virus."
Ellie turned to Vivi as the squires continued to serve. "Did you make any progress toward a cure?"
Vivi sniffled loudly, tears in her eyes. "Backwards engineering a cure takes time."
"We are out of time," Ellie whispered.
Colton leaned forward so he could see Vivi. "Why can't we just use older vampire blood like we planned. We know the problem with Magnus was due to the transition elements in Gavriel's blood."
Vivi shook her head. "I hadn't factored any transition markers into the cure. I normally work with younger vampire blood, so this issue has never come up before. But the older the vampire, the more markers their blood carries, the more aggression is triggered. It was a blessing in disguise that Magnus had an adverse reaction. As a vampire the markers simply triggered a transition in his body. But shifters don't go through transition, they don't have a way to process the markers. They would stay feral."
Ellie turned to Serenity. "How much time do they have?"
Serenity shook her head. "Tomorrow evening at the very latest. Their little bodies are worn out. They don't have any fight left in them."
Ellie covered her face with both hands and wept. Grant pulled her close to his body and kissed the top of her head. Around the table her words triggered many to tears.
Serenity wrung her hands. "I wish we could do more."
Micah placed his hand over hers. "This fight started long before you got here. Don't take this on yourself."
Laelia and Radclyffe stood. "Kendrick if you could remove the barrier, we'd like to make sure the children are as comfortable as possible. We'd also like to start strengthening the parents."
Kendrick closed his eyes and the air flexed. They were still covered by the soundproof spell, but the barrier was gone. "Don't hesitate to call if you need anything."
Sebastian laid a hand on Laelia's shoulder. "I'll send up sandwiches, soup and coffee in a bit."
"Thank you," Radclyffe said looking relieved. Serenity could tell he was worried about his mate. They waved goodbye and headed out.
Eva looked up at her mate. "We need to meet with Stefan, the parents will need the support of the pack."
Magnus slammed his hands on the table as he stood. Without saying a word, he walked out of the dining room. Beth buried her face in Gavriel's shoulder.
Caspian took a deep breath. "This will scar him. I know my brother. For him to live as the children die, it will change him."
"I'm doing all I can!" Vivi cried. Etain scooted back and lifted her up into his lap.
Hal hurried to their side to run a hand over her hair. "You have to calm down baby girl, for your daughter's sake."
When Ellie went to stand Grant pulled her back down. "No. You need to eat and get some rest. Especially if tomorrow..." he couldn't finish the sentence.
"We've come all this way, come so far. It can't end like this," Rheia said bitterly.
Serenity watched as Gavriel and Kendrick exchanged a sad look. It shook her when she realized what that look meant. Both were thousands of years old, how many good people had they watch die needlessly? It was a look of commiseration, as they mentally added the children to a running tally of grief they bore witness to.
Magnus walked back into the room and sat down looking calmer. He turned to look at her. "Is there nothing you can do?" he asked.
Serenity shook her head. "I am so sorry. But there's no magic in the world that can simply cure a disease or sickness. Our bodies are constantly creating cells and metabolizing energy. The processes are extremely intricate. My magic acts as a tool, I use it the same way a doctor would use medicine or surgery. I focus on altering a certain chemical to get the reaction I need like putting someone to sleep, easing their anxiety or reducing a fever. I can encourage bone growth or keep a wound open, but if I were to pour my magic into trying to cure a virus its ever-changing nature would deplete me of my life-force." She looked around the room and wanted to ease everyone's pain and worry. These people had been through enough.
Magnus rubbed both hands over his face. "Forgive me, I knew the answer but asked anyway. They are just babies. They have barely experienced anything this world has to offer. If I could take my remaining years and spread it amongst them I would, in a heartbeat." His head hung low. "I feel like this is all my fault. Those children should have been safe here."
Kari lay a hand on his shoulder. "Place the blame where it belongs, with DeLaFontaine and the evil men he was conspiring with."
Magnus lifted his face and the grief there was soul shattering. "There are so few children being born, for us to lose so many, all at once, is a tragedy we may not recover from."
Serenity thought of Laelia and Radclyffe and their desperate attempts to have a child. She couldn't imagine finally conceiving, giving birth raising them for years only to lose them. She knew that some parents in that hospital had more than one child ill, what would happen to them if they lost all their children? There had to be something she could do.
Meryn tapped at the table absently. "I feel like I'm missing something."
Anne wiped at her eyes. "Then we probably have, you're usually right when it comes to these things."
Meryn looked over at Rheia. "It was something you said that started a niggle in my brain."
Rheia gave a sad smile. "A niggle huh?"
Vivi turned to Meryn. "If you think of anything, no matter how small please let me know. I won't make the mistake of underestimating you again."
"Thanks." Meryn said then her eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute, you underestimated me?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "Heifer."
Vivi blew her nose in the hanky Hal provided. "I simply adore you too Gizmo."
Meryn was about to respond when Stefan's frantic voice came through Eva's walkie-talkie. "Eva! Please come quick and bring the doctors. The kids are crashing!"
Everyone stared at each other for a moment in horror before they stood and catapulted into action. Serenity and Micah were right behind Ellie and Rheia as they ran for the tunnel. The distance between Level One and the hospital never seemed so long before.
When they ran into the hospital parents were wailing and holding still bodies in their arms. The hospital machines beeped and shrilled out warnings and alerts. But all Serenity saw were her two best friends in standing in the middle of the room. Back to back they held out their hands sending threads of magic to each child.
"No!" she screamed, when she realized what they were doing. They were trying to use their own lives to anchor the children and buy them time, but at a dreadful cost. A cost she would not allow them to pay.
"Serenity, what's going on?" Micah asked, spinning her around to face him.
She knew what she had to do, but her heart protested leaving her mate. She reached up and cupped his cheek and time seemed to stand still.
"I am grateful for those stolen moments that Fate gave to us the night of our claiming. She gave us an entire lifetime in one night, and you know what, it was worth it," she whispered. "I hope that you find it in your heart to forgive me."
She used her magic to send a pulse into him dazing him for a moment. Her magic had always been stronger than her friends. She placed her hand on their shoulders and shoved them apart sending them flying to the floor. She took their place at the apex they created and lovingly began to gather the threads to the core of her magic.
She knew nothing about science or labs or markers, but she did know magic. She knew the body's inborn sense to fight and live. She called on that instinct now as she sent her own power down the threads to the tiny bodies struggling to cling to life.
You will live. You will live and grow and laugh and love. And someday if you're very lucky Fate will give you mate as wonderful as mine. It isn't time for you to go.
Slowly the world around her faded as she concentrated on holding on to those precious threads.
*****
Micah blinked, then blinked again. When his eyes focused he turned to see Laelia and Radclyffe staring up at Serenity. Laelia had her fist in her mouth as she sobbed and Radclyffe clutched at his chest.
The last thing he remembered was the look of sorrow on his mate's face. The way she begged for his forgiveness. Micah felt like someone had punched him in the stomach.
"Adriel!" he yelled, calling out for the one brother who always knew what to do.
"I am here," Adriel said, wrapping an arm around his upper chest.
"I have to stop her! Help me!" he begged, he struggled to step forward, but another set of hands held him back.
"Kendrick said she is too far into the spell, if we pull her out we'll lose them all," Declan explained quickly, supporting him from his other side.
"None of your nightmares came true! It's not fair!" he pushed at their hands. "Give her back!" he pleaded.
Where once there had been wails and crying, the room was eerily silent as he struggled against his unit brothers. The parents wept for him, knowing that his mate somehow gave their children a chance. She sacrificed herself to give Vivi more time to find a cure for the children.
Kendrick stepped into his field of vision blocking his view of his mate. "Forgive me," he whispered, echoing Serenity's last words to him.
"No!" he raged as Kendrick's hand touched his forehead and darkness claimed him.