Dark Tarot (Dark Carpathians)

The demons knew she was working against them, and they struck at her, trying to come up under her, but it was impossible without the portal. The lethal demons clawed at the cracks, doing their best to emerge from the one crack she left open in order to give Tiberiu’s sister a way out if she wanted to take it. The demons growled and snarled at her, hissing their hatred, glaring with yellow eyes as they shoved their heads through the opening. The moment they reached for her, Sandu lopped off the arm and incinerated the claw as it scuttered across the floor toward Adalasia.

She continued to work, not allowing anything to stop her from sealing the portal. She was aware of the guardians and Sandu in the background of her mind as they kept her from harm, but every word, every stroke, had to be flawless. She handed the sword to Sandu. The demons and Nera knew she was there. She could use both hands, both arms, as well as her voice, to seal the portal, and she did, making the work easier.

Seal it, Tiberiu ordered softly. Gaia will not abandon Justice. I cannot persuade her.

Adalasia felt Tiberiu’s heavy sorrow, although she knew he did not. She didn’t hesitate but kept working. Sandu worked tirelessly to protect Adalasia while he reached out to his sister on their private family path, calling to her continuously. Over and over. Hoping she was alive. Finally, he fell silent and held the sword aloft, spreading the light through the cave while Adalasia worked to strengthen and seal the portal so that the army of demons couldn’t slip through.

There was a gentle movement in the cave, the slightest of breezes, carrying the scent of fresh oranges. “Ekäm?” The voice trembled. “Sandu? Have I lost my mind? Is this truly you?”

Sandu spun around, the air leaving his lungs in a long exhale of pure shock. Liona alive. Tall. So beautiful she hurt his eyes. His sister. Every memory of her came rushing back, swamping him, so many crowding together until they were a jumble in his mind.

“Liona.” He whispered her name.

Benedek took the sword from him, and Nicu took up guardianship at Adalasia’s side while she finished sealing the portal so he could go to his sister. Liona stood just inside the chamber, one hand on the wall to hold herself up, shaking, her skin pale, her blond hair tumbling in a thick wild fall to her waist, her blue eyes enormous.

“Is it really you, Sandu? I had given up all hope. I thought you were long gone from this world.” She looked as though she wanted to take a step toward him, but she didn’t have the strength.

He wasn’t certain he was any steadier. Adalasia. She is alive.

Yes, my love.

Joy burst through him at the confirmation. He wasn’t hallucinating. The demons weren’t playing tricks. Liona was really standing right there in front of him. He crossed the chamber and gathered her to him, pressing her slender frame against his, needing to feel her.

“I could not get to you,” he whispered. “Until Adalasia, I could not find you.” He pressed kisses on top of her head the way he had when she was a child. He realized his hands shook. “You have guarded the gate all these centuries. So alone, and yet you have lived with honor, Liona.” There was pride in his voice, pride welling up. Awe.

“Not entirely alone. I have friends. We support one another.” She pulled back, tilting her head to look up at him. “Who is Adalasia?”

Sandu turned to face his lifemate. She staggered, and both Nicu and Benedek reached to steady her. She was very pale but triumphant.

“The portal is sealed and stronger, I think, than before.” She flashed a smile at Liona.

“Adalasia, my sister, Liona. Liona, my lifemate, Adalasia, who is in need of blood.” He held his free arm out to her while still retaining possession of Liona.

“I am so pleased to meet you, Adalasia,” Liona said. “I have always wanted a sister. That you saved my brother and brought him to me makes me love you immediately.”

Adalasia pressed her hand tight over heart. “I have waited a very long time to meet you.”

Sandu wrapped his arm around her waist. Adalasia was swaying with weariness. Only her iron will was keeping her on her feet. He needed to take her somewhere private to give her blood.

Benedek handed back Adalasia’s sword, his gaze on Liona. “You are indeed a warrior. I am Benedek, one of Adalasia’s guardians and brethren to Sandu. That is Nicu, Petru, Afanasiv and Tiberiu.”

Liona nodded at each of them. Her gaze rested on Tiberiu. “You are the brother of Gaia.” She made it a statement.

Tiberiu nodded.

“She is very strong. Without her, there were days I know it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to get through. Would you like to come to my home? It isn’t far from here. I had to be able to monitor the portal, the gate and any vampire activity in the area as well.”