Dark Flame (Flame 3)

Roche was a dangerous alter fae with red hair to his shoulders and small dark eyes. He had teal flames on his neck and cheeks. He might be lean because of drug use, but he was bulked with muscle as well.

Juliet, I’m not understanding something right now. It appears to me that Roche can’t see you. Why is that? It didn’t make sense.

I’m not sure.

Within the dreamglide, Brannick drew close to Juliet and slid his arm around her. He was very weak, a sure sign he was close to death. Still, if he could save Juliet right now, nothing else mattered. Tell me what you did when I first started firing at Roche’s men.

I dropped down as you see me now on the bridge. I thought it would be wise to make myself as small as possible.

Very smart. But can you tell me what thoughts went through your head when you did this?

Juliet huffed a sigh. I wanted to tell you to use your vampire shielding power, that it was my guess none of the men, not even Roche, would be able to see you, but everything happened so fast.

Then that’s it, he said. And I can feel it now, an energy you have that is all about the vampire ability to create a shielding cloak.

I feel it, too. Although, at first I thought I was just so full of adrenaline, I couldn’t stop shaking. But now I know what I’m experiencing is vampire power. So how am I doing this?

I suppose the same way I took on your skill to create a dreamglide.

Brannick felt himself fading a little more. The dreamgliding would soon come to an end as his unconsciousness took over. We need to figure out how to get your real-time self to safety. Can you get to your feet, in real-time I mean?

Yes, but not until I leave the dreamglide.

Roche turned in a slow circle, still hunting for her.

Juliet, before you leave the dreamglide, listen. I’m right at death’s door, but there’s one person who might be able to help, the witch, Emma. Call the safe house in Elegance Territory that Vaughn and Emma operate together. Emma has powerful healing abilities, though Vaughn will need to help her as well. Apparently, he facilitates her power.

I will, Brann, but please stay with me ’til I make contact.

Of course. And one more thing. You need to find out if the shield includes the disguising of your voice. Roche might not be able to see you right now, but it’s possible he could hear you.

Okay. What do I do?

When you leave the dreamglide, clear your throat softly. If he doesn’t respond, do it louder. If he still doesn’t appear to hear you, call out his name. You’ll know by then.

As she dropped out of the dreamglide, Brannick heard her clear her throat, but Roche gave no indication he’d heard her. She followed the process Brannick had suggested, and when she spoke Roche’s name in a clear strong voice and he still didn’t respond, Juliet sat up and pulled her phone from the pocket of her dress. She then contacted Brannick telepathically, What’s the safe house number?

She tapped each in as he spoke them. She reached the safe house but was being routed to Emma, which might take some time.

He watched Juliet as she waited. She kept her gaze pinned to Roche’s position, but looked ready to bolt if he got too close.

Fortunately, Roche was still a good ten feet away, his gaze extended to the surrounding garden. He called out to his last remaining guard. “Keep checking. We all saw her. She has to be here somewhere.” The fae warrior flew from one side of the bank to the other, scouring any bush large enough to hide her.

Finally, Juliet made contact. “Emma, it’s Juliet Tunney in Revel. You don’t know me, but Robert Brannick told me to call you. He’s been mortally wounded, a sword through the back. We need your healing power at the Talisman Bridge in Revel Territory. Can you come to us? He said you’d need Vaughn with you as well.”

Juliet appeared to be listening. Then after a long moment, she covered her face with her free hand and said, “Thank God. I’ll be waiting for you next to Brannick.”

He heard the sob in Juliet’s voice as she ended the call.

She tucked the phone away and slowly rose to her feet. She kept a guarded pace as she began walking carefully in Roche’s direction. She’d have to pass by him to get across the bridge to where Brannick’s body lay.

Brannick stayed right with her in his dreamglide. You’re doing fine.

I can smell Roche. He reeks of dark flame.

I know. Just keep going.

She gave Roche a wide berth, but as soon as she passed by him, she broke into a sprint and ran the remaining distance to Brannick.