“Will they feel it? Feel drained?”
“Not as long as you take small doses. You realize the danger of this, yes? It is powerful magick, capable of killing.”
“Yes, that is why I need to know the limits.”
She nods, pleased with my foresight. “Once you have become used to getting your energy this way, you will cease to need blood and your Vampire self can rest. It is time now for the Dragon to reign. You need to enforce your Power, your authority, your birthright.” She smacks Her fist into Her palm and again I gulp and nod. Christ, a whole new me. Yikes.
“What about the Demon?”
“She has shown herself?” Tiamat asked, surprised.
“Yes. Xerxei of the House of Dracul,” I cringe even as I say it.
“Hm, I am sure I don’t have to ask what you were doing when you Shifted,” She says with a steely glare at me.
I look away, embarrassed to discuss that with my mother.
“You are strong, my child. Your various forms are all required to be ruler, the magick is more powerful and easier to use when in that form. But remember who you are. Remember the Dragon way is different to what you know. You should make adjustments, not be so swayed by the willfulness of the Vampire.”
So, true to one then. Somehow, I don’t think that even if I wanted to – which I don’t – it wouldn’t be as easy as all that.
“That reminds me. I had a plan to come and see you next week. In the Dragon Realms,” I say, remembering.
“Oh?” She asks, suddenly pleased that I was coming to see Her.
“Yes, we have questions.”
“We? I assume that you mean you and Constantine,” She says and sighs. “Such a handsome young man,” She adds quietly. She is so smitten with him it is almost amusing. But this is the effect he has. “He has found the book?”
“Yes.”
“Has he translated it yet?” She asks eagerly. “He is so clever, so worldly. I knew he would find it.” Yep, smitten I tell you.
&nb
sp; “Sort of. He wants me to come and see you to ask about it.”
“What does he want to know?” She asks.
Erm, everything?
“You caught me off guard. We hadn’t got around to discussing his questions, what with one thing and another,” I admit.
“I see. Well, in that case, I look forward to seeing you. You remember how to get there?”
“Of course.”
“Good. Bring him with you.”
“How? I thought only Dragons in Dragon form could get there,” I say.
“I will allow it. Just this once. You must bring him in your Dragon form.”
Hm, so not so much an impossibility, but a rule, it seems.
“Fine. I am sure he will be happy to see you again.” I leave out the ‘infuriating creature’ and ‘thorn in my side’ remarks.
“As will I. He will make you an excellent partner for a while, when the time is right,” She says with conviction.