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Are you certain? She’s mostly yummanii . . .
The yummanii are no less at risk than the magic-born, especially one with her abilities. She came to you for a reason. Don’t turn her out or you will be signing her death warrant.
Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly and gave her a slow smile. “Have you ever heard of the Shadow Hunters?”
She slowly shook her head. “No, should I have?”
“That depends . . .” And so we told her about Myst, and the vampires.
The afternoon passed into shadows and faded away. Luna listened to our story and—after a few probing questions—accepted what we had to say.
“My grandmother warned me that one day something might happen. She was one of the historians who worked on writing The History of the Vampire Nation. At least, the condensed volume.”
I jerked my head up. “Condensed volume? You mean there’s more than one book?”
“Oh, yes. There’s a fifteen-volume encyclopedia that was written about their history. It’s under lock and key—only two copies of it still exist. My family owns one of them; the other is deep in the vaults.” She let out a little gasp and pressed her fingers to her lips.
“Vaults? Luna, you need to tell us what you’re talking about.”
Looking chastised, she grimaced. “I should never have mentioned them, but . . . given what you told me about Myst and the Indigo Court, it might become necessary for you to know this. I’ll tell you, but please, don’t let the vampires know . . . or Myst.”
Peyton and I gave our word.
“There’s a society, they keep track of all the goings-on in the world. A group of historians known as the Akazzani. They are magic-born and yummanii alike. And they watch. They are born nine to a generation, and they are taken when young and trained for their jobs. They live in a hidden fortress and from there observe the goings-on of the world. They are the preservers of knowledge, the guardians of the ages. They do not interfere, nor do they direct matters, but they record all that has gone on, and all that will be. My sister was chosen by them. I only remember her from when she was very small, before the Akazzani took her under their wing.”
“Does your family live in the area?” Peyton gave her a soft smile.
Luna shook her head. “No, they are originally from Ireland, though some of them migrated over toward the Italian shores. My own mother and father chose to come to the States when they were younger. I was born here.”
I made a snap decision, going on instinct. “You can stay here. I’ll have to ask my cousin, but I’m sure she won’t mind when we explain the situation. I’m glad you came to us today.”
If she had not, tonight she would die. Ulean swept through the room. She can hear me, if I choose for her to. Her voice sends magic through the slipstream when she sings. You can teach her to talk to the wind. It might be a handy skill for her to have.
You act as if she’s going to be around for a while.
Keep her away from Myst’s hunters and she will.
Luna glanced out the window. The clock was chiming six and dusk had fallen. She closed her eyes, then shuddered. “They are out there, aren’t they? Hunting for magic, hunting for people.”
“For blood and life force, yes. And they leave very little of their victims. They are killing machines—make no mistake and do not let them charm you, should you ever encounter them. Myst’s people are sharks of the land, and they do enjoy their carnage. They dance with death and deal it out by the handful.”
“I will stay, if you’ll put me up.”
I stretched. “Then welcome. Can you cook?”
“Can a bird sing?”
“Good, because we can manage, but it will be nice to have a change of pace.”
As Peyton led us out of the parlor, the doorbell rang. Rhia answered, glancing briefly at Luna, then came back from the door, an envelope in hand.
“For you, Cicely.”
I stared at it, recognizing the handwriting. After a moment, I ripped it open and pulled out the card.
“Your presence is requested at my home tomorrow night. Formal dress. A limousine will arrive for you at 8:00 P.M. Come alone. Geoffrey.”
I wondered if Leo knew about this, then silently slid the card back in the envelope. Best leave it for now. I shoved the summons in my pocket and, asking Peyton to take Luna in the kitchen for a snack, pulled Rhia into the living room and told her about the woman.
