Free The Eternal Tomb by Kevin Emerson Page A

in a yellow blanket, and handed him to Sebastian, who tucked him carefully into his long coat. They shared an embrace, looking down at the tiny child with tender smiles, and then stole off into the night.
    Oliver turned his gaze toward the Christmas tree. There, beneath its wide branches, were Howard and Lindsey, lying still on the pavement.
    They’re not dead yet, Dean reported, but they’re about to be. He pointed. Two more vampires were emerging from a nearby manhole. They approached the tree. Oliver recognized Tyrus and Yasmin, looking younger.
    They’re here to finish the job , Oliver guessed. He felt the urge to stop them, but knew there was nothing to be done. They were merely observers in time.
    Tyrus and Yasmin knelt by Oliver’s human parents. Each pulled aside a shirt collar and bent over, fangs bared—
    â€œJust a moment.”
    Another figure had appeared, standing beside the Christmas tree. A tall woman in a long lavender coat, wearing a wide-brimmed hat with a pink flower in it. At first, Oliver thought it was a vampire, but her scent was different. In fact, she didn’t seem to have a scent at all.
    â€œWhatever has happened here?” the woman asked innocently.
    Is that… Emalie began.
    Oliver recognized the voice, too, and understood that the innocent tone was a ruse.
    â€œDésirée?” said Tyrus.
    Oliver’s insides burned with rage. Again he felt the helpless urge to intervene.
    Tyrus continued, “We’re just spreading a little holiday cheer.”
    Désirée smiled. “Tut-tut, Tyrus. You should know better than to lie to me. It’s big business you’re attending to this evening. The Underworld is aflutter with rumors about Half-Light tinkering with prophecies.”
    â€œWell,” Tyrus said carefully, “it is what it is. Not my place to ask. We have our orders.”
    â€œOf course you do, which is why I didn’t slay you immediately.” Désirée’s hand flashed from her pocket and bright red light burst forth, slamming into both Tyrus and Yasmin. They flew backward and crashed to the ground, out cold.
    Désirée knelt between Oliver’s human parents and put a hand to each of their throats. Warm light radiated from her palms, making brief, blinding discs. Then she stood.
    â€œThere we are,” Désirée said to herself. She looked over her shoulder. “This way!” Three humans approached, dressed in leather bombardier jackets. “Thank you for coming,” said Désirée. “I assume you have made the arrangements to reacquire these bodies before they are buried.”
    â€œWe have,” said one of them nervously.
    â€œExcellent. They will appear dead for about four days. Be prepared for them to be quite disoriented when they awaken.”
    The humans nodded.
    â€œI’m sure it’s obvious that you’ll need to hide them very well, but not too well. They must be found, but not for a long time.”
    â€œTh-thank you,” one of the humans replied.
    â€œOf course. Your little group sounds like a fine cause. The Brotherhood of the Fallen, is it? Good luck with all that. Now—ah,” Désirée’s voice turned cold, “please don’t do that.”
    One of the Brotherhood had produced a stake and was nearing Tyrus.
    â€œI need them,” Désirée explained. “When they wake up, I’ll have fixed their memories so they’ll go back to Half-Light and report that the parents were successfully dealt with. No one will be the wiser, as long as you fake the burial. Now, run along and alert the police.”
    The Brotherhood members hurried away.
    Désirée watched them go, then strolled off down the street. The plaza was empty again, except for Oliver’s fallen parents, who seemed to be dead, and yet, weren’t.
    So, that happened , said Dean.
    Yeah , said Oliver. It was something, but it didn’t tell them where