The Alpha's Mate and the Vampire King
The Alpha’s Mate and the Vampire King Chapter 3

Temple of Sanctus Femina

Gibberish. It’s all gibberish. How are we to know what we’re looking for? And if we’ve found it? Evelyn complained.

Eden and her sister had spent several fruitless days in the temple’s massive library. Edward instructed them to start reading each scroll, looking for anything that might be linked to Nora or Sephtis Kenelm.

At least it was a beautiful room, with a great deal of natural light coming in from the enormous windows. The blue tiled floor reminded her of the sky. Greenery garnished every corner in enormous pots.

It was as close to being outdoors as she could get. Elementals preferred to be in nature. If she had to be inside for most of the day, Eden was thankful it was in this library.

Only one wall contained bound books. Small shelves scattered throughout the interior were packed with various correspondence, journals, and diaries.

Yesterday, Evelyn had found a decorative box of love letters sitting on top of one of the shelves. They had been written before Imperium’s borders had been drawn, before the kingdoms had been created.

Eden detested the idea of reading someone’s personal contemplations. It was too invasive, especially for someone who was constantly fighting her instincts and holding back her emotions.

She’d had to pry the box from Evelyn’s greedy fingers. Her younger sister took no issue with sticking her nose in someone else’s affairs.

They’re long dead, Eden, I doubt they care, she had retorted. Thankfully, Evelyn didn’t fight too hard and relinquished the box.

When Eden asked Theron why such things were kept here, out in the open, he’d said, My dear girl, writing down one’s thought is the only way to prove the thought ever existed once the soul has moved beyond the veil.

That doesn’t exactly answer my question, she’d replied.

No, it does not. Next time ask what you actually need to know.

Eden had been miffed by his response. Theron did not orate prophecies like her mother had, but he did speak in riddles. She let it go as he explained how they should go about searching.

The rest of the shelving around the edges of the room held the scrolls. Most of them had come from Elora. Other factions had Seers, but they were extremely rare. Theron wasn’t sure how many were still alive. The kings of Imperium were very similar in their desire to keep secrets.

He had suggested they start with Elora’s first, then move through the others chronologically. Eden read and reread so many scrolls, she’d lost count. Her father and Theron helped, staying each night to work long after Eden and Evelyn had gone off to bed.

It was time-consuming work. If one person found something, they would bring it to the group. Discussion followed, and Theron took notes. That was it. No great revelation or discovery occurred, no moment of clarity blessed them.

Several of Kellan’s men arrived yesterday, including Foley, his Second, to assist in their search. Foley voiced the Wolf Council’s concern that this was bigger than a lone assassination attempt on Nora.

Taking into account the dying forest in Burghard, the rumors of demons gaining powers, and the reemergence of the Sephtis Kenelm, something was brewing in Imperium. In this, they all agreed.

None of the men had shown up this morning. Eden assumed they were still resting after a late night. Everyone was desperate to replace something of value, some sign of the way to proceed forward. Edward had allowed himself little time for resting.

Did you hear me? Evelyn whined.

Yes, and I heard you the last time, as well, Eden replied coolly.

Evelyn, as good natured as always, laughed. I apologize. I don’t like feeling ignored.

Eden pressed her lips together to stop the smile that wanted to break free. Evelyn was special. Often annoyingly spirited, but special in that she never held a grudge, never held tight to her negative emotions.

She also rarely complained. Evelyn should take a break. It would do them both good to walk away for a short time.

You are forgiven, child, Eden announced in her most regal voice and Evelyn laughed again.

Why sister, I do believe you made a joke. The world may be ending, after all.

Eden’s face fell. I wish you would not say such things, Evie. And do not let Father hear you. His mind is bothered, and you should not add to it. I know this is tiresome. Maybe you should go clear your head?

Evelyn put her hands on her h**s, biting the inside of her cheek. A second later she sighed.

Fine. Yes, I could use a moment of fresh air. You could use the same. She stood and walked out the door, mumbling under her breath.

Eden pressed her fingertips to her brow. Evelyn was right. Eden needed to get out of the library. Checking on her father was as good a reason as any. She rolled up the scroll she’d been reading and put it back in its metal container.

Once she returned it to the shelf, her birthmark began to itch, as it had every day for the past week. The edges had grown more defined and the coloring had changed. It had lightened to almost white.

It looked like a near-perfect crescent moon had been branded into her skin. She still hadn’t told her father or Evelyn. Whenever she deliberated saying something, it seemed some calamity or pressing news fell into their laps. It never seemed like the right time to bring it up, especially with the looming danger Nora was now facing.

No, she would hang on to this information a little longer. There were bigger problems in Imperium than what was happening to Eden’s right hand.

She tidied up the rest of the table and went in search of her father and the others. As she got closer to Theron’s study, she could hear her father’s voice rising.

Instead of knocking, she listened.

As I stated before, it’s no longer a problem, Foley, Edward said.

Edward, we cannot be sure of that, Theron interjected.

I’m not asking for information or accusing you of anything, Edward, Foley stated in a calm voice. I’m merely telling you what Kellan and I know. We could barely pick up the scent of magic. Each time we’ve visited Gwydion, it’s become more noticeable. When we arrived for the binding ceremony, the odor was virtually nonexistent.

Yes, well, Nora’s in the Northland now, so she’ll no longer be pulling magic from Gwydion, Edward insisted.

Eden covered her mouth to keep from making a noise. Nora had always had to replenish the magic she was losing from the injury to her soul. Was she unknowingly taking from the elementals in the kingdom?

Theron cleared his throat. Perhaps. But we cannot discount everything else happening concurrently. The sickness in the forests in the North, the reports of the Sundari Demons gaining powers in questionable manners, and the Eastland … he paused.

Eden stepped closer, wanting to know what was happening in the East. There was rarely news from Prajna. The vampires typically kept to themselves. She tilted her head, so her ear was close to the door.

Eden scowled as she felt a sudden, cooling sensation on her birthmark.

“You know, eavesdropping is impolite, mala vestica.”

Eden whirled around, towards the deep voice behind her, nearly screaming. Thankfully, she’d still had her hand on her mouth and was able to muffle the sound.

A vampire stood not three feet away, looking down on her with his arms crossed. He did not look pleased.