Free Magestorm: The Embracing by Chris Fornwalt Page A

from the inside out.  If not, we’ll do this the hard way.  I’ll return in a few days for your answer.  If you plan to accept, please start reaching out to your loyal werewolves and prepare them to join the army.”
    The vampire bowed and walked away.  His footsteps disappeared down the stairs as Sebastian returned to his room.  He watched the visitor depart the hospital and walk down the street.
    “A vampire that can walk in the daytime is a dangerous thing.”
    His voice was quiet, but he knew it was loud enough for Rachel to hear as she approached from behind.  She stopped next to him and watched out the window in silence.  Finally she looked over and could hold her tongue no more, with her temper as fiery as her red hair and lips.
    “What are you thinking?  Do you want to destroy the council?”
    “I could really care less about them.  However, the council possesses Algernon’s spell book, and if they have someone to use it, they will take ultimate power here.  So we have a choice to make.  We can flee now, or we can stay and fight for our home against all comers.  Ultimately, that will mean we must possess the book, join forces with the king, or take out the royal vampire family once and for all.

 
     
     
    22
     
     
     
    A figure appeared in the distance, crossing the open fields, headed directly for the house containing the mage.  His rescuer spotted the figure and walked to his hallway closet.  Out came a rifle and a box of ammunition.  He crouched near the front window as he loaded the gun and did a routine check of the gun.
    The figure continued towards them, a steady and determined demeanor to the footsteps.  It would only be another ten minutes until the figure was good and close for a shot.  The man hoped he wouldn’t have to do it, but he was fully prepared to defend his home and anyone within.
    He stood and started towards the door, preparing to step onto the porch to issue his warning.  A creak from behind caused him to spin and raise the gun, prepared to fire.
    “Whoa, sorry to startle you, John.   What’s going on?”
    Dhane clung tightly to the banister as he stepped down from the stairs.  Another creak and he was on the ground floor, still holding on.  He hated feeling so weak, but all things considered, he was happy to just be alive.
    “There’s a stranger approaching.  Stay down and away from the windows.”
    He obeyed, if only because he needed to sit down.  John opened the door and stepped out onto the porch as the stranger reached the edge of his yard.
    “That’s close enough.  What do you want here?”
    “I seek someone very important to me.  If you are holding him captive, I suggest you flee while you can.”
    Dhane heard the female voice and struggled to his feet.  Walking to the doorway, then struggling to hold himself up, he saw the last person he wanted to see in his present condition: weak. 
    “You know this woman?”
    “Yeah, John, I do.  Everything is fine.  Hi Amelia.”
    “Greetings sire.  I’m glad to see you are feeling better.”
    John helped the mage to a chair on the porch and sat him down before excusing himself into the house.  He knew they needed their privacy right now.  Amelia stepped up onto the porch and sat down in a nearby chair.  For nearly ten minutes, the two sat in silence, until she finally spoke up.
    “Are you okay, Dhane?”
    “I guess so.  I was nearly killed though.”
    “I know.  I could sense what you went through.  That’s why I came looking for you.”
    He knew that should make him feel good.  She had sought him out to help him.  Somehow, it just made him think of that day in the hospital when he was cold to her.  It really was intended to be for her own good. 
    “I’m sorry about the things I said to you, and that I left without saying goodbye.  I actually didn’t say goodbye to anyone when I left.  It was a huge mistake on my part, obviously.  Anyway, I’m really sorry.”
    “Dhane,” she