BEINGS OF DARKNESS † † Chapter III – Intrigue

Maneden sat over a heavy, yellowed scroll. His right hand moved schematically across the paper, tracing large, sweeping letters. The master's vision was blurred; it seemed he couldn't even see the characters. Yet he knew exactly what he wanted to write. He never once lifted his hand from the pen or considered the content. He was in a trance. When he finished, he stood, sealed the letter, and called for a messenger. The messenger arrived immediately. He looked into the master's eyes, and he felt a twinge of worry, and fear filled his own. Maneden's pale face betrayed no emotion. His eyes were blank and expressionless.

"Hurry," he rasped at the young vampire, holding out his hand with the scroll.

His soft whisper echoed off the nearly bare walls of the chamber. This terrified the messenger even more. He had never heard such a voice. It seemed to come not from Maneden's mouth, but rather from some deep crypt. He frantically took the package and, without looking back, ran out of the room. In one of the corridors, he bumped into Dakhanavar. "Oh no," he thought, "not this." He knew the vampire was very cruel to his servants and if he didn't answer questions, he might regret it bitterly.

"What is this?" he hissed to the messenger.

"I don't know if I can..." the messenger muttered indistinctly.

"Who wrote this?"

The young immortal didn't even dare look him in the eye. He felt a shiver run down his spine. He wondered who would be more likely to offend. Dakhanavar's expression was impatient. Finally, fear won out.

"Master Maneden ordered me to deliver this.

" "Aha," his snow-white teeth flashed. "And to whom, if I may ask?" he asked gently.

The vampire glanced at the address beneath the seal.

"To House Tremere," he declared, clearly surprised.

"Pardon me? Show it!" The hypocritical tone vanished immediately.

Dakhanavar snatched the scroll from him and stared in disbelief at the calligraphy. The messenger took a few steps back. The enraged vampire, clutching the letter in his fists, strode briskly toward the master's chamber. The young man flattened himself against the wall to get out of his way. He knew he would be in serious trouble now.

The vampire was heading straight for Maneden's chamber, probably to ask what all this meant. Reluctantly, he followed.

The door burst open as Dakhanavar pushed it open. He unceremoniously stepped inside and, throwing the scroll on the table next to the inkwell, gave him a questioning look. The messenger's small figure appeared hesitantly in the doorway, but he didn't enter. Maneden turned his head to the vampire and looked at him with blank eyes. Dakhanavar's mouth dropped open in surprise. Suddenly, he felt completely uneasy.

"What happened to you?" he gasped.

Maneden didn't answer. He slowly turned to face the messenger, who curled into himself.

"Take it," he pointed stiffly at the scroll.

"Oh no," Dakhanavar objected, though the sound of his voice sent shivers through him. "First, you'll explain what this is for.

" "Never mind. Take it."

The messenger approached hesitantly. He didn't know what to do. Dakhanavar shot him a murderous glare, causing him to stop mid-step. He wasn't sure which was worse: the commanding look in those empty eyes, or the harsh prohibition in the other vampire's furious pupils. For now, he decided to stay put. Let them decide between themselves.

"We'll send the letter. But first, tell me what you intend to do?" Dakhanavar asked in a cajoling tone.

"You're lying," came the reply.

The vampire was clearly irritated.

"If you don't intend to speak with me, I'll go to Lamar immediately," he threatened.

"Then go." Maneden stood and approached the messenger, who looked at him with fearful eyes.

"The name."

The young vampire was so terrified that it didn't immediately realize what Maneden wanted from him. He felt a large lump in his throat, making it impossible to speak.

"Ito," he choked out.

"You will deliver this scroll immediately, or you will say goodbye to your mother's life. "

The immortal immediately ran to the table, grabbed the object of the dispute, and quickly left the chamber.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Dakhanavar asked, stunned by the entire situation. "Wait!" he shouted after the messenger, who, however, had no intention of returning. The life of his beloved mother was dearer to him than anything.

"I'll deal with him later," the vampire decided.

He approached Maneden and shook him vigorously.

"What's wrong with you?"

The Master pushed him away, leaving Dakhanavar on the ground.

"You'll regret this," he hissed.

"I know all your secrets. Don't try to get in my way." You care about things that aren't your destiny, and yet you will do anything to achieve your desired goals. If you truly desire power, you will have it, as long as you help me. Then I will leave the rest to your initiative. I will not hinder you in any way. This letter is addressed to the vampires of House Tremere, for I wish several of them to visit our palace. Lamar must not know, and you will not mention this to him! – he ordered.

During this monologue, Dakhanavar felt very strange. Images of various events and places that only he knew flashed through his mind. He felt as if Maneden was showing him all this to make him realize how much he knew about him. Now he could not refuse. If all these things were revealed, he would never have a chance to rule the kingdom again. He dreamed of great things, but he was certain that one day he would achieve them. His ambition knew no bounds. Sweating, he rose from the floor. Taking a deep breath, he declared:

"Let it be as you wish."

He didn't know if it was just his imagination, but he seemed to notice a faint smile on that impassive face. Brushing the dust off his robes, he staggered from the chamber. Although he didn't look back, he felt an icy, blood-chilling gaze on the back of his neck

.

Sahirah walked, or rather, strolled, down the empty corridor. She was unusually alert, her movements reminiscent of a cat's. Since she'd last seen Kathrina, she'd often paced the palace like this, while everyone else was enjoying themselves in the great hall. She knew full well that by this time she'd long since been in her chamber. She didn't care much now. After all, they couldn't forbid her from strolling through her own castle. Or so she thought. She truly wasn't certain of anything anymore. This single event had sapped her of both strength and the last remnants of her smile. She tried not to show it, even to the contrary. At least in Maneden's presence, she had to be happy that the "traitor" had been convicted. It was difficult, but over the years she'd learned to mask her feelings. Knowing someone's weaknesses could easily be hurt. And she truly didn't want that... Passing the portraits of important figures in the Ventrue clan, she suddenly heard a quiet, fear-filled voice. The same one that had so often called her name. Without hesitation, she began running towards the source of the sound. She was afraid that, as usual, she would vanish into thin air. The voice faded. She climbed the stairs to one of the palace's floors. There were no windows with ornate glass. Only openings through which the wind blew. It carried with it the scents of the forest and freedom. She leaned out, inhaling the aroma of the night. How she longed to be free. But she came to her senses and turned away from the window. She hadn't come here without a reason. She began to stare into the darkness. She walked to the opposite wall and touched it with her hands. It was smooth and indistinguishable from the others. However, something pulsed behind it, Sahirah felt it very clearly. It wasn't a wall, it was a hidden door. She searched for a crack to open it. But she found none. She was about to give up and return to her chamber in resignation when the mysterious voice spoke again. Now she was absolutely certain it was coming from behind that wall. She clearly heard her name scattered in the air: "Sahirah! Sahirah!" She had to go in, had to find out who was calling her. I pushed against the wall with all my strength. Vampires are known to have tremendous strength. Yet she didn't move a bit. Or so she thought. However, she noticed small cracks through which light leaked into the corridor. Now she realized that the door was perfectly fitted to the wall, so she couldn't see any cracks where it ended. Sahirah tried again. It moved slightly, but nothing more. She summoned all her strength and pushed against the wall. To her relief, the door gave way with a loud creaking sound. It must have been very old, and that was why it refused to open. Something like secret passages in libraries, where bookshelves serve as doors. Just take out the right book and the passage opens. Unfortunately, it took much more effort for her. The door swung around and closed again. But Sahirah was already inside. In the middle,On a small marble column sat a bright crystal ball. Oh, so crystalline, composed of thousands of tiny crystals. Its hazy glow dimly illuminated the rest of the chamber. But there was nothing else to see. Only bare stone walls. She approached the ball cautiously. Shapes loomed within. She approached, having to kneel to get her eyes close enough to its interior. The shape of a monumental door slowly began to emerge from the silver haze. It was closed, and flowers, herbs, and other plants grew around it. Sahirah concluded that the door must be somewhere outside, beyond the palace. She also saw a hole; therefore, there must be a key. Suddenly, hazy silver shapes, literally floating in the air, appeared in the ball. They flew past and past the door. She heard the voice again, this time intertwined with others. She had no doubt that these gliding shapes were voices. She stared at the strange image for a moment longer, but then remembered she had to go back. She didn't want to know what Maneden would do to her if he saw her there. She felt she shouldn't be there. She hurried back to her room. Even though it was her first time in this part of the palace, she found her way back easily. Well, years of practice and training with her master had given her the desired result. Besides, vampires have exquisitely heightened senses. Thanks to them, Sahirah easily detected the scent of the surroundings in which she had spent her entire life. Lying still in her uniform, in her bed, she pondered for a long time about what she had seen. The servants didn't bother her. In fact, she was very surprised. They had never visited her room after training with Maneden. Even though she was a very important person, the master didn't consider her entitled to such luxury. She had to learn to heal wounds and endure pain on her own. But now? It was clearly very late. She fell asleep, exhausted and hungry, in her uniform, without even letting down her hair. The questions of where these gates are and where they lead remain unanswered.She didn't want to know what Maneden would do to her if he saw her in this place. She felt she shouldn't be there. She hurried back to her room. Even though it was her first time in this part of the palace, she found her way back easily. Well, years of practice and training with her master had given her the desired result. Besides, vampires have exquisitely heightened senses. Thanks to them, Sahirah easily detected the scent of the surroundings in which she had spent her entire life. Lying still in her uniform, in her bed, she pondered for a long time about what she had seen. The servants didn't bother her. In fact, she was very surprised. They had never visited her room after training with Maneden. Even though she was a very important person, the master didn't consider her entitled to such luxury. She had to learn to heal wounds and endure pain on her own. But now? It was clearly very late. She had fallen asleep, exhausted and hungry, in her uniform, without even letting down her hair. The questions of where the gate was and where it led remained unanswered.She didn't want to know what Maneden would do to her if he saw her in this place. She felt she shouldn't be there. She hurried back to her room. Even though it was her first time in this part of the palace, she found her way back easily. Well, years of practice and training with her master had given her the desired result. Besides, vampires have exquisitely heightened senses. Thanks to them, Sahirah easily detected the scent of the surroundings in which she had spent her entire life. Lying still in her uniform, in her bed, she pondered for a long time about what she had seen. The servants didn't bother her. In fact, she was very surprised. They had never visited her room after training with Maneden. Even though she was a very important person, the master didn't consider her entitled to such luxury. She had to learn to heal wounds and endure pain on her own. But now? It was clearly very late. She had fallen asleep, exhausted and hungry, in her uniform, without even letting down her hair. The questions of where the gate was and where it led remained unanswered.

* * *

The vampire took a deep breath. She leaned against the bloody floor. The wall she was leaning against was pleasantly cool. Two dead Astuates lay on the floor next to her. It took her only a few minutes to tear her immortal brethren to pieces. It had been so long since she had used her powers that they had gotten a little out of control. During her training with Sahira, they had only trained in defense against minor spells. Suddenly, she tilted her head to the side and saw a figure at the end of the corridor. Or rather, only its glowing yellow eyes, as she had noticed there were no candles in this part of the castle. Kathrina wasn't used to this. She was always surrounded by either moonlight or candlelight. It would take her a while to adjust to the overwhelming darkness. She raised her head, and at that moment, the figure began to run. Without hesitation, she followed. She caught up with it easily; clearly, the other one wasn't a fast runner. She grabbed her hands tightly and pinned them against the wall.

"Who are you? Leave me alone!"

Kathrina moved close enough to see the voice's owner despite the lack of light. It was a young vampire. She had very pale skin, and the wrists she held were unusually bony. In fact, Kathrina judged, she must have been even younger than Sahira. A vampire child.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in your room, in the main part of the castle?" she asked

. "I... I live here...

" "That's impossible.

" "But it's possible. You're not from our clan, are you? "

Kathrina turned. Behind her, holding a small torch, stood another vampire.

"Did you kill the astuates?"

She brushed her hair back from her forehead.

"Yes," she agreed reluctantly.

"That's good.

" "Not bad. They'll be looking for them!

" "No, they won't. Do you think the Ventrue nobility cares about ordinary soldiers?

" "And who are you?

" "I'll explain everything." Come with us," he said, taking the vampire girl by the hand.

This time, Kathrina didn't hesitate.

* * *

Sahirah woke up late in the evening. When she opened her eyes, she saw the servants bustling around the room. She thought they must have been very surprised that she slept in her uniform. Never before, not even after the most strenuous training, had this happened to her, and she hadn't trained yesterday. Her hair wasn't down either. She sat up suddenly on the bed. Some of the servants flinched in surprise, not having noticed that Sahirah had woken up. AsemriShe placed a finger on her pale lips. This commanded them to remain silent. They had to obey her; she only hoped Maneden wouldn't suspect anything. The servants immediately rushed to help her. Some began to unravel her braids, while others brought fresh, still warm blood. Sahirah didn't know it, but it was the blood of one of them. Meanwhile, other servants were preparing Sahira's outfit, and she was regaining her strength. Her skin had turned rosy red again. She gazed at her face in the mirror with relief—there was no trace of fatigue. It wasn't true that the Children of Darkness couldn't see their reflections in the mirror; the most powerful could do so if they wanted to. The mirror only betrayed weak vampires. Suddenly, the door burst open. Dakhanavar entered the chamber. The servants cowered, hiding in the corners. The vampire was clearly angry. Sahirah wondered what could have enraged him so.

"Are you feeling all right, Asemri ?" he asked suspiciously.

The question surprised her. She didn't know what he meant.

"Yes, I feel perfectly fine," she finally replied.

"Last night was very tiring," he continued, looking at her expectantly.

He still couldn't understand what he wanted from her. Could it be...?

"Were you in your room the whole time?" he got to the point.

Sahirah's throat went dry. And yet...

"Yes," she replied, lifting her head and looking at him with superiority. "Thank you for your concern."

This surprised him a little. He seemed about to say something more, but ultimately changed his mind.

"Very well then. Have a pleasant evening." Dakhanavar looked at her with a sly smile that meant he wouldn't give up and left. Sahirah collapsed onto the bed with relief. Unfortunately, it was only a momentary relief.

As soon as she entered the room where she ate her meals, she knew something was wrong. To put it mildly... The entire time she was in her chamber, she was plagued by a bad feeling. She always acted on impulse, only to regret it later. Now she was certain she couldn't enter that chamber, or even that part of the palace. Maneden had even mentioned it once. "Remember, never enter the upper floors of the castle. Those chambers are not meant for you. We only stay here," were his words. She deeply regretted not listening to him. Although she didn't think the sight of the gate would be her undoing, Dakhanavar was furious. She had often disobeyed orders and commands, but Maneden always punished her. She entered the hall with great trepidation. The Master and Dakhanavar were whispering frantically. When they saw Sahira, they exchanged a significant look. She deliberately held her head high, hoping that at least it would be of some use. Unfortunately, Maneden looked at her sternly.

"We know what you did," he said to her. "It really won't help you at all. I've told you many times not to do that. Don't go to the upper floors of the palace. I think you deserve a lesson.

That's impossible; it's been so long since she's been punished!

" "Let me punish Manedena," Dakhanavar said coaxingly. Ever since the incident with the letter, he had been afraid to talk to him. He had expected to see empty eye sockets again and hear a dispassionate voice. But Maneden seemed completely normal when, with some hesitation, he told him of Sahira's transgression. What's more, he hadn't even mentioned their conversation; he seemed completely oblivious to what had happened. Dakhanavar, however, decided to be cautious. For a moment, he saw hesitation on his face, but then his master said firmly,

"Fine, as you wish," and left.

"Well, Sahira, I'm sorry. Perhaps this will teach you obedience. And not to associate with inappropriate people." He laughed sinisterly.

He nodded, and the guards standing by the door grabbed her by the arms, just as they had Kathrina, only less brutally.

"Take her to the fiery cell," Dakhanavar ordered, looking at her with satisfaction. Sahirah was starting to hate him. She'd never really liked him, but now she'd seen what he was really like. The vampire was led to the deepest dungeons. She didn't think vampires liked such a place. The air was thick and terribly hot. Beads of bloody sweat began to drip from Sahira's forehead. The soldiers looked at her anxiously. The dungeon walls were red-hot. She saw fire bursting from the carvings. The light was blinding, tongues of flame scorching her flesh, leaving searing scars. She screamed horribly. The soldiers were also suffering. They led her to a small cell. They shackled her to chains hanging from the wall. They gave her one last, painful, and yet so lost look. They left. Sahirah didn't blame them; it was their duty. The worst was that they no longer had a chance of survival. The fire burned their eyes, and as they said goodbye, they didn't see her again. The wounds caused by the fire were too serious to heal quickly. And the soldiers were not cared for; more eager volunteers would take their place. Everyone was born for something, and they, precisely, were born to become warriors. Sahirah noticed with dismay that everyone around her was simply fulfilling their duties, without considering the cost. The worst was that they had the same expectations of her.

The fire burned mercilessly across her skin. She squeezed her eyes shut, unable to bear the blinding glare any longer. Crimson tears streamed down her face. She despaired over her own fate and the fate of those two vampires. Surely, those soldiers didn't have to suffer so much... She had no idea how long she'd spent in the deadly rays; after a few moments, she felt nothing, couldn't even think. The bloody, aching tears disappeared, dried by the scorching flames. Her body was no longer filled with pain; it was dead. She couldn't move a single limb. She bared her fangs, thirsting for fresh, life-giving blood. Instead, she felt only dry, burning air on her tongue. She lost herself in that fire. Nothing reached her anymore, not a single thought crossed her mind. The entire cell spun, and the world suddenly turned black and cold. And not because she was the one with her eyes closed...

* * *

The answer came very quickly. House Tremere announced that several young vampires would arrive in a few days. He expressed both surprise and fear that this might end badly for both sides. It was impossible to reconcile conflicting interests and prejudices that way. The noble member of the Camarilla also inquired whether this had anything to do with the asmeri . If so, the delegation would arrive immediately, not wanting to offend the deity...

Maneden read on. He was certain they would agree. When eternal damnation was at stake, no one wanted to offend. He rolled up the letter and burned it in the candlelight. A moment later, he blinked in confusion, unable to remember where the ash had come from on the floor.

* * *

A moment later, Sahirah felt someone pull her limp body from the chains. Her hands were freed from the digging shackles. The same person gently lifted her into his arms and led her out of the cell. The thought, "End of the punishment," flashed through her mind, followed by another, less optimistic one, "Or the second part." That awful premonition haunted her until a quiet voice said,

"It's all right, my dear. You're safe, nothing will happen to you."

Sahirah tried to open her eyes, but she couldn't. She wanted to speak, but her mouth was too dry. She didn't even have the strength to nod. Boots clattered against the stone floor. To Sahirah's ears, it was a terrible noise. She winced, which caused her even more pain. Kathrina guessed what was going on, because she began to step softly and gently. She didn't say anything. Her ward began to lose consciousness again. "But why did they do this to her..." Kathrina wondered. She knew this wasn't a safe place. On the other hand, such an event had never even crossed her mind.

When Sahirah awoke, she felt herself in a cold room. Or maybe it wasn't cold at all, just her own, after spending who knows how long among the hissing flames? She felt very ill and weak. She tried to stand up, but every movement caused her immense pain. She gently opened her eyelids. The room was dim. But she wasn't alone. Someone was sitting, leaning over her. She could clearly feel their warmth. She could also smell the scent of fresh blood. She looked hungrily at the goblet the person held in their hands. The figure approached and poured a few drops into Sahira's mouth. She felt instantly better. She sighed with relief. But she couldn't speak, and he remained silent. He, being a vampire... When he approached to hand her the goblet, she felt it clearly. They remained silent for a long time. He clearly had no intention of speaking to her. And Sahirah, despite him constantly pouring blood from the chalice into her mouth, still felt her throat dry. She lay there on the pillows, breathing heavily. Finally, she felt better; the blood gave her strength. Kathrina entered the room and looked at Sahirah with concern. Sahirah closed her eyes.

"And how is she feeling, Rainen?" Sahirah heard the question.

"I think she's better. But she's still in serious condition." His voice was pleasant and calm.

Kathrina sat up in bed. Asemri wanted to get up and ask, but the teacher stopped her.

"Rainen's right, you're still very weak.

" "You're alive," she rasped.

Her voice was nothing like the beautiful, delicate sound that had once escaped her lips. The fire had completely burned her throat.

"Of course. Didn't I say nothing could happen to me?

" "Tell me."

The vampire, lying on the pillows, listened to Kathrina's gentle voice. She desperately wanted to know how she had escaped the soldiers.

"When the guards were leading me to the cell where I was to await death, the Lady of the Night awoke within me. She ordered me to look after you and absolutely not leave you alone. She knows nothing good awaits you here. The palace is becoming dangerous, even for you."

She looked at Sahira significantly. She hadn't seen any danger here either. It didn't make sense…

"Thanks to my knowledge of magic, I managed to overpower the soldiers," she paused, recalling the incident. "Unbeknownst to me, I was in a different part of the castle, one not usually frequented by noble vampires. It was here that I met Rainen and his kind. Haven't you ever wondered where the fresh blood comes from, or where the servants live?"

Indeed, it had never occurred to Sahira. She swept her hand around the entire chamber.

"Of course, some are sleeping in your room. If anything happened to you, they would die. Fresh blood comes from humans. You've never seen them and probably never will. Specially trained vampires capture them, and then these inhabitants of the daylight world become blood donors. Always fresh and warm. However, they don't die immediately. The blood is drawn slowly; it's not you who drinks it, but the servants and other vampires of a higher order. That's why the casualties are so numerous. Every time you receive a cup of the life-giving potion, it's from someone else. Almost never the vampires who serve you, though."

Sahira shuddered. She had no idea. No one had ever told her where the blood she drank came from. And probably none of the royal nobility had any intention of doing so. Suddenly, she remembered the room full of blood. Apparently, Maneden had lied, saying it wasn't part of the castle. Now she knew that this chamber had to be somewhere nearby.

"And you?"

"Ah, there are more 'unworthy' creatures in the palace. So I don't feel alone. No one is a born vampire. They serve the Ventrue clan, but they never stand out. 'Pity creatures,' as Dakhanavar calls us. This is where we live. We just have to be careful of the astuat. They're the very soldiers who capture humans. They're the only ones who come here." Lying

on her bed, Sahirah pondered what she'd just heard. It was like another world, one she hadn't known existed until now. Perhaps she would never learn of it.

"I knew what they planned to do to you. But I couldn't stop them. That's why I went to the dungeons for you. The fire scars remained on my body, but thanks to magic, I carried you out. Your punishment was never meant to end. Maneden wasn't supposed to come for you until the evening of the next day. "

The meaning of these words reached the vampire.

"We'll leave you alone to rest." They left, and Sahira fell asleep.

* * *

"You know, I never would have thought they'd do something like this to her." Rainen looked up at Kathrina. They were both sitting in the food preparation area. It couldn't be called a kitchen, as nothing was cooked or baked here. The servants simply prepared the food and drained the blood, then carried it all to the great hall. Gold and silver goblets lay on the table in front of them. When Kathrina first entered, she'd considered adding something to her food or drink. But of course, that was too much of a thought. She would never act on it.

"You know, I don't think they did it on purpose," she said, biting her crimson lips.

"What does that mean?

" "I don't know yet, I have to think about it.

" "We'll ask her about it when she feels better."

Kathrina was clearly tired.

"You know, it would be best if she left this place."

"It'll happen soon. You'll take her away yourself.

" "That's another month and a half! Too long.

" "So what are you going to do?" Rainen stared at her with his dark eyes. Ever since they met, he had felt very warm feelings for Kathrina. Perhaps too warm...

" "Nothing yet," she replied. She hoped everything was going as she planned.

* * *

Sahirah woke up before the sun had set. However, the curtains were tightly closed. She emerged from the bed, covered only by her black robe, as her entire dress had been burned away. She felt much better now, though the memory of the deadly flames still lingered in her mind. She left the chamber, eager to look around the place. She hadn't gone far when she encountered several of her servants. They bent down incredibly low and asked if she needed anything. Sahirah shook her head. As they left, she noticed they didn't seem surprised to find her there. Kathrina had probably warned them. Now that she knew what they and the other lower-ranking vampires were going through, she felt truly awful. Why hadn't anyone else informed her sooner? Constant fear reigned in this part of the palace. Everyone feared for their lives. The Children of Darkness Sahirah now encountered had terror in their eyes. But it was unlike the fear she felt when she couldn't defend herself from the blows. Fear of death, or something worse—eternal damnation. Such was the fate that had befallen her mother. Peeking into each open room, she saw Rainen. She ran to him.

"You don't know where Kathrina is?" she asked.

"No, but you can always talk to me."

Sahirah sat on the windowsill of the black-shrouded window. "

If that's the case. Just please don't be so serious."

"I won't." A genuine smile appeared on his face.

"There's a hidden chamber on the upper floors of the palace. The entrance is a slab in the wall, and inside, on a small column, lies a crystal ball. Inside...

" "So that's why you were punished, Asemri ." He tried not to look at her. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have interrupted you. "

Sahirah ignored his words.

"And for that, Dakhanavar wanted to kill me? That's absurd." In that ball, only the gate, outside the palace, was visible.

Rainen nodded slowly.

"None of us knows anything for sure. Everything is a secret. Anyone who even suspects anything will be killed. Some have already lost their lives. Those who opposed the condemnation of your mother, Asemri , and all her servants.

" "Does it have something to do with my mother?

" "Probably."

The vampire wanted to know more. But she was certain Rainen couldn't tell her much more. Everyone was afraid to even think about matters concerning the nobility. Interfering was out of the question. That fear in the vampires she met... She saw it in his eyes too.

"Since your mother's death, they've killed anyone who stood out. And before that, just before you were born, it wasn't pretty either.

Sahirah had lived in this castle for centuries, and it would never have occurred to her that such things happened here. It was a completely different world. It wasn't one she'd grown up in.

" "I've seen this part of the castle before, I think I've even been here. Maneden lied to me. And from what I can see, it's not the first time." She clenched her fists.

"Everyone thinks you shouldn't know about these things, Asemri .

" "But how can that be?

" "You simply don't need it. On the contrary, it could ruin everything," he choked out.

She got the hint. Why talk about things that don't concern her? After all, they wanted to isolate her from everything from the beginning. And above all, the truth.

Sahirah was truly angry. She wanted to show them that she was more than just a victim. When she thought of them, she meant all the vampire nobility living in the palace. She had never truly gotten to know anyone. It began and ended with bows, sometimes smiles. "It's not worth getting attached to people," the master said.

Kathrina approached, rustling her cloak. That rustling sound seemed more than characteristic.

"I'm sorry to tell you, Sahiro, but you must return to that fiery chamber.

" "What do you mean?

" "Your guardians are already on their way there.

" "But why? Don't they think I'm dead?

" "Maneden doesn't know anything.

" "How so?

" "Now's not the time to explain. You have to hurry if you want to be there before them.

" "And if I don't want to? Dakhanavar would be proud.

" "I think it's already done. You'll do as I told you.

" "Very well," Sahirah agreed reluctantly. She didn't feel like returning to those dreadful dungeons.

"Dakhanavar sent your guardian Nayia there with a made-up story to tell Maneden." She moved away a little and pointed to the short figure standing behind her, Sahira's guardian. "His plans have been somewhat thwarted. I don't know how it will turn out.

" "Calm down, Kathrina, I'm sure he won't reveal himself to the master.

" "One more thing I ask of you," Kathrina whispered in my ear. "Don't let..."

Suddenly, terrifying screams rang out. Sahira's blood froze in her veins. It was the same screams, the screams of people beaten with iron chains... Rainen looked around in fear.

"The Astuats have returned with new victims," ​​he rasped.

"Go!" Kathrina turned toAsemri[/i} i do Nayii - Szybko! Jeśli was zobaczą... Nawet nie chcę myśleć, co się stanie...

Sahirah pobiegła razem z opiekunką mrocznym korytarzem. Za nimi jak cienie podążały przeraźliwe błagania ofiar, gdy te umierały w męczarniach. Wampirzyca zatkała rękami uszy i biegła tak szybko jak tylko mogła. Zauważyła przy okazji, że w tej części pałacu nie ma świec ani żadnego innego światła. Miała nadzieję, że Kathrinie i Rainenowi nic się nie stanie. Stanęły przed zmierzającymi do lochów schodami.

- To tu Asemri - Nayia wskazała w dół drżącą rękę.

Sahirah zatrzymałam się zdyszana. Ten bieg wcale nie poprawił jej samopoczucia, wręcz przeciwnie zupełnie ją wykończył. Ale dzięki temu wyglądała na jeszcze bardziej zmęczoną. W korytarzu już było słychać odbijające się echem od ścian kroki i rozmowę. Z każdą sekundą słowa były coraz wyraźniejsze, z czego Sahirah wywnioskowała, że bardzo im się śpieszy.

- Prędzej! To oni.

Pośpiesznie zeszły po schodach i podążyły wzdłuż korytarza do ognistej celi.

- A więc jesteśmy. Co Kathrina chciała mi powiedzieć zanim przyniesiono - przełknęła ślinę - ofiary?

- Żebyś nie dała po sobie niczego poznać, pani.

- Moja suknia...- spojrzała na czarną szatę, która okrywała jej ciało.

Podarła ją na drobne kawałki, a to, co pozostało przypaliła płomieniem świecy. W tym korytarzu jak na ironię ich nie brakowało. „Och, jakże ja nienawidzę ognia.” – pomyślała. Drzwi do celi były otwarte. Oparła się o nie jakby nie mogła ustać i nasłuchiwała. Usłyszała głosy dobiegające ze schodów. Na ścianie wyraźnie było widać dwa cienie osób, które prowadziły ożywioną rozmowę.

- Staje się coraz bardziej nieposłuszna - usłyszała jeden bardzo ostry.

- Tak Dakhanavarze, ale to przecież asemri . Czy ty się czasem nie zapominasz? A poza tym dlaczego nie chcesz mi wszystkiego wyjaśnić? I don't understand any of this," the other admonished firmly.

"It's just, it's just..." The sharp tone vanished. Instead, a desperate search for a plausible lie appeared.

Dakhanavar, however, hadn't had time to come up with anything sensible when they emerged from behind the corner. He seemed to be in genuine shock. His lips moved, mouthing a silent, "You?... you?!!" Maneden looked at him with utter astonishment.

"Are you feeling all right?

" "Strange that I asked you that myself recently," the vampire thought ironically.

"Of course," he immediately regained his composure.

"So perhaps you'll finally explain everything to me?"

"Of course," he repeated. "So, if you remember, you ordered me to find a punishment for her." He smiled artificially. He hadn't expected this.

Maneden frowned.

"I ordered you? Or did I?"

"Well, yes..." he began, but at that moment Sahirah slumped limply to the floor. She wasn't pretending. Nayia immediately rushed to support her. So did Maneden. "I'll buy myself some time," the vampire thought.

"It's still hot," the master remarked, touching the fabric. Dakhanavar also looked closer. He had a strange feeling that something was off. But he couldn't quite put his finger on what.

"Yes?" he asked, seeming interested.

After a moment, Sahirah regained consciousness.

"Take Asemri to her chamber," Maneden turned to Nayia.

When both vampires were out of sight, the vampire looked at Dakhanavar with a look that was more than just unfriendly.

* * *

The young Tremere vampire looked out the carriage window. The landscape had changed considerably since last time. Closer to the house, vast, empty plains reigned supreme, with no hint of green, hardy vegetation. The dead shoots and stems that remained there were unfit for most animals to eat. That's probably why there weren't so many of them. Those that chose these hostile crossroads were mostly small and stunted. They lived underground, and their appearance wasn't the most beautiful. Some had enormous, bulging eyes; the whites seemed to be literally poking out of them. The rest of their bodies resembled larvae in their early stages of development. Others had specially adapted limbs, usually ending in pincers that cleared away the soil, and numerous strong, durable legs.

Here, it was completely different. Everywhere you looked, vines entwined the space like a spider's web. They writhed in various directions, blocking all the still-empty spaces between the branches. Sometimes, they even tried to extend their activity onto the road the carriage was traveling, but were then brutally torn apart by the rapidly moving vehicle. Black, devilish horses trampled literally everything in their path. They had dark eyes that absorbed everything they looked at like a black hole. Their great manes waved in the air, slicing it into ever-smaller pieces. Strong as titanium, their shoeless hooves trampled even large stones.

If you leaned out the window, you could see the faint peaks of pine trees jutting into the sky. Not a single speck of bare ground was glimpsed. Such a thing would be immediately swallowed up by the forest, alive with its own life.

"Don't you have anything else to do but stare at that thicket?" asked a vampire with carefully styled dark brown hair and natural, coral lips. She placed her hand on his shoulder, trying to get his attention.

The young man didn't respond.

"Don't tell me you're so interested in this." She leaned closer to her face.

"Leave me alone, Edelin," he brushed her hand away like unwanted dust.

Her face took on a firm expression, so unlike the sweet voice she'd just spoken with. She was angry.

"Well," she replied dispassionately, "As you wish. But remember, you'll be asking me to pay attention to you again!" she threatened.

"You must be dreaming," he snorted and moved to the empty seat next to a brunette woman who looked very much like Edelin.

"May I?" he asked, as a formality.

"Mmm... please."

Until now, she had only observed them. She saw the vampire's cold indifference and the irritation on her cousin's face. Well, yes, until now she had always had what she wanted. This time, however, she wanted too much. And Aden, even though he was in love, wasn't stupid.

"Do you think you're beyond this, Ilyssa? That it doesn't concern you?" Edelin hissed.

"Why would it?" she asked, surprised.

"I know more about you than you think." Coral lips curled into a vengeful smile.

"Hmm... it doesn't do you any good, but if you want such extensive knowledge, then please." Ilyssa had known her cousin since childhood and was already well acquainted with her features.

Edelin folded her arms across her chest and turned toward the window, but not the one Aden was looking out of. She was furious. The vampire, however, paid her little attention. He only smiled faintly at Ilyssa, knowing it would only irritate his lover further.

* * *

The servants took care of Sahira. They gave her water and dressed her in a new dress. For the next few days, the vampire rested. She had no training with her master. No one disturbed her by entering her chamber. She spent entire days and nights sleeping in her room. Only in the dead of night would she approach the closed door and listen. She often dreamed of her victims screaming horribly. She so desperately wanted to know what had happened to Rainen and Kathrina. One evening, Nayia and other servants came to her chamber.

"What happened?" Sahirah asked, surprised.

Naiya approached her wordlessly. One of the servants whispered,

"Oh, my lady, don't be confused."

"Nayia, answer.

" "We have you, Asemri , to prepare for a meeting with the members of the Tremere clan.

" "I don't understand," she replied, looking sideways at her.

"Me too, my lady."

The servants prepared Sahira a hot bath with rose oils. She had never seen roses, but she had heard from Maneden that they were flowers that grew wild, outside the palace. After anointing her body with perfume, the vampires arranged her hair in an elaborate bun and woven pearls into it. They dressed Sahira in a beautiful gown and placed an amulet around her neck. They adorned her fingers with glittering rings. AsemriShe wondered exactly who they were dressing her up for. When she was ready, she looked in the mirror. She looked truly beautiful, despite the scars visible all over her body. She was led into the great hall by soldiers standing guard at the door. This was the second time in such a short time that she had entered the hall. As she entered, she saw a dance in progress. Beautiful and graceful dancers were entertaining the guests. They seemed to literally float on air. Dark, yet beautiful music accompanied them. The assembled guests watched them, fascinated.

* * *

Dakhanavar looked around the crowd. Thinking about it now, he had no idea how he could have agreed to such a thing. After all, if Lamar, or anyone else, found out, he was finished. And Maneden? The one who had dragged him into all this? Not only had he not told him what he truly intended to do, but he also wanted him to participate. And the worst part was, he had no choice—he had to agree to everything. Although this "all" was extremely inconvenient to him. He glanced sideways at the master. He was lost in his own unrealistic thoughts. Moreover, he was behaving strangely all the time. Dakhanavar had had enough of this. Add to that, Asemri's unexpected resurrection . He might have guessed it wouldn't be so easy to get rid of her, but until now, manipulating her had been quite easy. And then, not only had he been shocked, but he also had to wonder how to explain all this to Maneden. However, the circumstances were so favorable that he put it off indefinitely. The master stopped asking, and finally Dakhanavar realized that this, like a few other things, would remain their sweet secret. Or the secret of empty eyes. Nevertheless, the vampire was furious with him, and Dakhanavar wasn't about to play games. He swept the room once more and finally saw her. She was dressed differently than usual. Even for the important events she had once attended, she hadn't been dressed this way. After all, appearances weren't supposed to matter. "Yes," Dakhanavar thought, "she was supposed to be isolated too. And now, look! What's he even doing?" He thought about it for a long time, and the longer he thought, the more he realized it was pointless. He couldn't ask Maneden what he intended to do. He wouldn't give him an answer anyway. Besides, he didn't even want to approach him. Finally, he decided to bring Sahira to the table. He hoped it wouldn't end badly for him.

"Let me show you where to sit," he said, approaching her. She

seemed surprised to be here again. She followed him without a word.

"Behave yourself, Sahira," he whispered ominously in her ear.

He didn't miss the fact that she clenched her teeth as she sat down.

The table was filled with the most exquisite dishes Sahirah had ever seen, but she wasn't hungry. Even a cup of fresh blood couldn't tempt her since she'd learned where he came from.

She glanced to the side. A young man with a mysterious gaze sat on the chair. Mysterious because he looked at her with his blue eyes, squinting. In fact, his eyes were several shades of blue, and here and there, light green streaks could even be seen on his irises. This immediately caught her attention. He was dressed in red robes—the color of vampire nobility. However, he wasn't from the same bloodline as Sahirah. He had long, blond hair and a flushed complexion. He had likely fed recently. The vampire had to admit she'd never sat so close to another immortal, let alone one not so much older than herself.

"Pleased to meet you," he said when he noticed Sahirah staring at him.

"Me too," she replied honestly and smiled. She glanced back at Dakhanavar; he was clearly displeased. All the better. Out of pure spite, she moved her chair closer to her new acquaintance.