Page 70 of Ever Dark Academy: Volume 6

“The future will be beautiful, but we will pay for it–you, especially, will pay for it–in death, blood and madness,” Eyros said. “And there is nothing I can do.”

“There is nothing to do, Master,” Elgar said with a beatific smile. “If the future is so beautiful then it will be worth the cost.”

“You shouldn’t have to pay for it. Don’t you see?”

“But I will do so gladly if it leads to your happiness,” Elgar told him.

Grief robbed Eyros of words. But there was no time for them any longer anyways. He had to open the gate. He reached back and cut himself on Serria. He traced his Bloodline’s symbol onto the stone. It glowed a hot blue-white and then four people and a Dire Wolf tumbled through it.

Elgar’s eyes widened, but he showed no other outward signs of shock. Eyros was too busy re-locking the gate to explain who these strangers were. But he was certain that the Whisperer would figure it out right quick as he knew Elgar would automatically reach for the strangers’ minds. It was only when he felt Serria being taken from his back and Elgar wielding it against the newcomers that he realized Elgar had indeed figured out who they were.

“Master! These people are–”

“Our friends,” Eyros said, shocked that he’d said that and more shocked that he might actually mean it. That hard, cold part of him was truly loosening. The gate was locked. He could still hear the Kaly Vampires howling. “They are our friends, Elgar.”

He turned and lightly plucked Serria from Elgar’s hand though his Childe was quivering with the shock and need to attack. He resheathed the blade and put a steadying hand on Elgar’s left shoulder.

“I do not understand!” Elgar’s voice rose. “That is–”

“Weryn though he goes by Ryder now,” Eyros said as Elgar pointed to the big man with a beard who was still carrying Grayson. “And that’s Ashyr in his arms though he is called Grayson.”

“Hey, Elgar,” Grayson said tiredly. He drooped like a tired puppy in Ryder’s powerful arms. Just turned and already having used his powers. “It’s really good to see you.”

“But you’re dead,” Elgar said.

“Ah, well, I was, but I came back. We all came back,” Grayson said gently.

“Came back? Did Kaly do this?” Elgar breathed.

“No, but sort of with me. It’s hard to explain,” Grayson told him.

Ryder gently shushed him. “And you’re not in any state to do that quite yet.”

But Elgar was still not done being shocked. He pointed a shaking finger at Fiona. “That is Wyvern!”

She dusted herself off and nodded. “It's good to see you again, Elgar. I’m so relieved you’re here with Eyros. Looking after him as you always have done.”

Her eyes were filled with kindness. She knew what would happen to Elgar and she was grieved for it. A lump formed in Eyros’ throat. How long had it been since he had seen Wyvern’s kindness? Too long.

“And that is–”

“Charlie,” everyone said in unison as Charlie blinked owlishly at him. He had shifted from Artemis to a rather foppish-looking young blonde who looked as if he were missing a glass of something alcoholic in one hand.

“Yes, hello. I’m Charlie,” Charlie said. “And you might also know me as… well, you know. I’m–I’m Mirryr.”

“Yes,” Elgar said faintly. “You are. All of you… are. But how? Why? They are in different bodies with different names, but it is them!”

“Ah, yes, it is them. They are from that future that I told you about,” Eyros chuckled mirthlessly. “And they need our help to get back there.”

Done

“You should be comfortable here. Private with a view of the sea and all that,” Eyros said as he waved to the inside of a tower room.

Ryder was still carrying Grayson even though his beloved claimed he could walk now. But he did not have to walk and Ryder had to admit he couldn’t quite be away from touching distance at this moment. He peered into the room. It was indeed private and beautiful.

Khos did not hesitate, but loped inside and was immediately sniffing everything. There was a sweeping antechamber with two chairs done in dark brocade before a set of several steps that led to a combination bedroom and living area. A large bed heaped high with pure white linen was in the center of the space with a large fireplace at its foot. There were three sets of doors. One likely leading to a bathing area and another to a dressing one. There was also a large balcony overlooking the sea. The white curtains stirred in the cool night breeze. He could see the moons reflected on the water. Only the sounds of the waves reached them up here despite the city being packed with Eyros Vampires partying loudly.

It always amazed him that for people who could speak telepathically, the Eyros were the Vampire World’s most talkative bunch. Eyros and Elgar had taken them the back way into the city, but the laughter and conversation had washed over all of them. Yet, if Ryder were to characterize what he was hearing, it wasn’t joy though it was desperately pretending to be. There was a certain frantic edge to it. Ryder hadn’t needed to read minds to know that these people were trying very hard to have a good time. It was as if they feared if they stopped laughing and being witty they might start sobbing uncontrollably and never stop.