Dark Moon Rising

Turning to Jonathan. “Take care of him.”

He looked at his master. “My Lord,” he began, “we will give our lives to protect him.”

“I know.”

Jonathan put his hand on Roan’s shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “Don’t worry. I will do as you requested. I will turn him into a supernova on his thirtieth birthday.”

“It’s not that…” He stepped back. Turned so his pain could not be visible.

“What then?” Jonathan asked, puzzled.

“This will be the last time I will see any of you alive.”

“Forgive me my Lord…” he apologised uneasy.

Roan waved it away. “You must go!” he ordered.

“I am sorry…”

“Don’t!”

Turning, he rushed back inside.

***

When he entered the great hall, Joseph was staring at the moon.

“Are my troops ready?”

He looked over his shoulder. “Yes, my Lord.”

“Are the Elders safe within the House Of Mystery?”

“Yes, my Lord. The huvirs are guarding the walls as we speak.”

An amused smile appeared on Roan’s face. “Never imagined I’d see the day sanguines and huvirs agree to help the Elders.”

“The Elders did promise to abide by the rules,” he reminded him.

The crimson glow of the moon caught his attention. Worry lines edged his face, he preceded to pace the room. Did I have the right to call in the favour I did? He wondered. Living and dead vampires didn’t exactly sit at the same table. Halting, he looked up, then twisted to face Joseph.