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He climbed a building near the Ponte Santa Trinita in his pursuit, pausing atop a roof strewn with vampyre bodies. They were dressed in the uniform of the Florentine army, their swords discarded nearby. If this was one of his rival’s hunting parties, it had failed. No Consilium members were to be found among the dead.
And yet two familiar vampyre scents were discernible—one belonged to Aoibhe. And the other . . .
“I knew it.” A triumphant voice sounded beside him.
Aoibhe was standing a few feet away.
He gestured to the bodies that lay behind them. “Is this your handiwork?”
“A stranger came to my aid. But I killed my share.” She smiled. “I see rumors of your death are exaggerated.”
William sniffed. “A stranger, you say?”
Aoibhe appeared uneasy, but only for an instant. “Yes. I’m fortunate he happened by.”
“I am not so fortunate.” William walked to the edge of the roof. “I am in haste and cannot dally. I’m glad you’re well.”
“If you’re looking for your pet, Max has her.”
William hesitated. “Where are they?”
“They headed in the direction of the Duomo, but of course that cannot be his destination.”
William leapt to the ground and Aoibhe followed. He gave her a sour look.
“Your life is in danger. They’re hunting the Consilium. You should leave the city.”
She tossed her hair. “And be killed somewhere else? No. I’m too old to join another principality. They’d never admit me.”
“It’s your head.”
He took off at great speed, running in the direction of the Duomo and, once again, Aoibhe stayed at his side. He scowled in her direction. “If you’re found with me, they’ll kill you.”
“If I’m with you, there’s a chance I’ll survive.”
“Then be useful and gather the loyal citizens. We may have to fight our own army.”
She set her teeth stubbornly. “After I’ve paid my debt.”
William turned a corner, following the scent to the building that housed Teatro.
“What debt?”
“You saved my life. Your pet defended me from the hunters. I’ll help you retrieve her, then see to my own skin.”
William stopped. “It isn’t like you to take an interest in others, let alone a human.”
“It isn’t like you to take an interest in a woman, yet you’re running as if your existence depended on it. Clearly, you value her. In helping you, I’ll discharge my debt. Besides, I’ve wanted to kill Max for close to a century. He’s a rapist. It would be a pleasure to end him.”
William’s expression hardened. “If he’s touched her, I shall be the one killing him.”
Aoibhe grinned. “Then allow me the luxury of being present at his execution. I’m in need of a new decoration for my front door. His head shall do nicely.”
William shook his head but didn’t bother to discourage her further.
“He’s taken her inside.” William gestured to the side door. “It could be a trap. We’ll have to enter through the tunnel.”
He strode off in the opposite direction, Aoibhe trotting at his heels.
“There isn’t a tunnel that leads to Teatro.”
“Prepare to be surprised.”
He entered a nearby building and descended a staircase, twisting and turning in the darkness until he came upon a wooden door, locked with an iron padlock. With a flick of his wrist he broke the lock and swung the door open.
Aoibhe lifted her skirts distastefully as they walked down a dark, damp passage that was crawling with rats. “I’ve changed my mind. I’m not noble enough to pay my debts.”
William ignored her, increasing his pace. Without explanation he made two left turns and then stopped in front of another locked door.
“This will lead us to one of the rooms.”
“Pray it’s not in use,” Aoibhe muttered as he broke the lock.
They ascended a winding staircase that led to a trapdoor. Loud, pulsing music swirled around them, signaling they were under the club.
“There may be soldiers. Are you armed?” William whispered, moving his attention to his companion.
“Yes. You?”
“Yes.” He lifted the trapdoor a fraction of an inch, bracing himself as the hinges of the door creaked. He could see dim candlelight but little else. The trapdoor opened underneath a bed.
“Allow me to enter first,” Aoibhe whispered. “I frequent Teatro and will not garner attention.”
“You’re wanted for treason. They’ll execute you on sight.”
“Which is why you must follow me closely, my prince.” She touched his face. “These may be my final moments.”
“It isn’t like you to be sentimental.”
“Death has strange side effects.” She nodded at him and he lifted the door higher. She crawled through it onto the floorboards.
Then she peeked from underneath the bed.
Chapter Fifty-one
The room was empty.
“Follow me.” Aoibhe crawled out from under the bed and stood, dusting her crimson dress off and clucking to herself. “What a pity. I liked this dress.”
William followed her to the door, opening it a crack.
Other rooms ran the length of the empty hallway. He’d have to enter it and make haste to pick up Raven’s scent.
He hoped he wasn’t too late.
“Let me.” Aoibhe ducked under his arm. “If I’m seen, I may be able to talk my way out of danger.”
Reluctantly, William stood back, watching through the crack as Aoibhe tiptoed down the hall, finally pointing to a closed door. Before he could join her, she’d already knocked.
“Aoibhe!” he hissed.
She gave him a knowing smile and turned to face the door.
Nothing happened. She knocked again.
“Be gone!” Max bellowed from inside.
She knocked a third time, somewhat impatiently.
“What is it?” he cried, flinging the door wide.
Aoibhe had already drawn her sword and as soon as she saw his face, she swung at it. Unfortunately, her weapon glanced off his spine, leaving his head only partially severed.
William wasted no time but flew past her and knocked
over the great, hulking beast.
Aoibhe closed the door firmly and blocked it with her body.
“William!”
He lifted his head to see Raven standing by the bed. She was clad in only her underclothes. William’s anger ignited.
He landed a blow on Max’s jaw while the larger vampyre still lay on the ground. “What did you do to her?”
Max jumped to his feet. “You aren’t the master here. Your reign is over.”
Aoibhe intervened, slashing at his legs with her sword and toppling him. William took hold of his head and, with a quick tug, caused the flesh that had been opened to rip further.
“What did you do to her?” he hissed.
Max began to laugh. “He was right. You care more for your little pet than you do for the city. That’s why he was able to take over the army. You’re so busy rutting with your crippled human, you ignored what was going on under your nose.”
Aoibhe wiped her hands on her dress. “Let’s kill him and be quick about it. We need to leave before someone scents us.”
Max stumbled to his feet but she evaded him, landing a swift kick in his ribs. He groaned and bent over, clutching his side. “You won’t survive,” he gasped. “You’ll lose everything.”
“One last question.” William lifted Max’s chin with his sword. “Where’s Pierre?”
Max’s eyes took on a strange light. “Dead. We never reached Paris.”
“May I?” Aoibhe asked, holding her sword.
William nodded.
“Finally,” she breathed. She swung her sword with both hands, decapitating Max completely.
She walked over to his head, which was still dripping black blood, and lifted it. “Yes, this shall do nicely. Now that I have my prize, I’ll leave you.” She bowed to William.
“Don’t leave, Aoibhe. I have need of you.”
A strangled cry filled the room as Raven collapsed on the bed, covering her mouth with both hands. William moved to her side, draping his jacket over her shoulders. He sheathed his sword.
“Are you injured?”
She shook her head.
“Did he . . .” William trailed off, his gray eyes darting to her lower body, which was noticeably absent trauma.
“No,” she managed. “He said you were dead.”
