Page 133 of Eternal Craving

“No, I have not.” He glared at Sunaria. “She wiped out our ancestors.”

Although Sunaria had revealed her capability for cruelty, I’d never imagined that the woman I loved could be this dangerous. “What happened to her daughter?”

“We don’t know.” Elijah waved off the question. “And it is not our concern.”

“Let her go,” I said.

“You have no authority over us.” He turned away from me, as though wishing I weren’t there. “And you have no power to control her.”

“I won’t let you take her.”

“Daumia,” he spun round gracefully, “it’s time for you to leave.”

“I have information that could prevent your annihilation,” I said.

Elijah’s stare seemed hollow, otherworldly.

“If you think Sunaria’s out of control,” I said, “you should take a closer look at Delacroix.”

“And why is that?” Elijah asked.

“He likes to collect body parts.”

From Elijah’s thoughts, I picked up images of two men, one was the count, and the other his brother, and I realized that the decapitated head had once been Delacroix’s brother, Roman.

Elijah snapped his attention back to me, aware that I’d been rummaging around in his mind.

“The Delacroix brothers have formed an alliance with Lord Archer,” I told him. “They plan to wipe you out.”

Sunaria glanced up at him.

Elijah tried to access my thoughts but failed. He went on to say, “Roman Delacroix would never betray his own.”

“You’re wrong. Roman’s desire for power matches his brother’s.”

Elijah was staring at me intently. “Why would the count arrange for us to be here?” He grimaced, revealing stark, white teeth and a glint of the sharpest fangs. “It doesn’t make sense.”

“It’s a ruse. He wanted to distract you so they can have another meeting with Archer. They plan to betray you.”

Elijah’s expression showed emotion for a split second, and he swapped looks with the others. “Prove it.”

“I’ll tell you when and where they’ll be tomorrow night,” I said, “and you’ll give up Sunaria.”

“Bring her.” Elijah signaled to the others.

“At this very moment, Roman is spilling your secrets.” I reached into my trouser pocket and withdrew his gold engraved ring. “Here.”

Elijah took it from me and examined it. “How did you come to have this?”

“Roman invited me to join them.”

Elijah turned to his men in silent conversation and then faced me again.

“Where will they meet?” he asked.

“St. Paul’s. Tomorrow at midnight.”

They vanished as quickly as they had appeared.