Page 48 of Ever Dark Academy, Vol. 7

Though he didn’t appear to be moving, Grayson knew that Ryder was systematically testing the strength of those bonds to see if he could break out of them. But they were likely made of the same material that they crafted their dungeons out of and would be extremely hard to break. Grayson guessed that if they were getting out of this it would be up to him.

“Those in the tower do not like you. Why?” The Mer leader asked.

“Before I have a conversation with anyone I like to know their name,” Ryder said evenly. “I’m Ryder and this is Khos who you attacked cruelly and are holding against our will. What’s yours?”

The Mer leader stared at him again with those unfathomable eyes. “Marinus.”

“Huh, do you have a father named Aquor?” Ryder asked, his gaze suddenly sharpening.

For the first time, Marinus stiffened and half rose from his feet. “You knew my father?”

“Knew?” Ryder genuinely looked perplexed. “Last I saw him was in Nightvallen swimming off after our parlay.”

Aquor? Of course! He was the one that represented the Mers in our last peace conference! Grayson realized with a start.

“Last time he met with your kind he was slaughtered,” Marinus’ voice grew ragged with pain and his right hand clenched into a fist.

The Mers around them hissed. A few tridents were suddenly aimed at Ryder’s bare back, electrical sparks zapping between their tines. Ryder’s expression grew grim.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I wasn’t part of that,” Ryder said then paused, “At least, I don’t think so.”

“You have killed so many of us that you don’t know?” Marinus stepped towards Ryder menacingly.

“No, I don’t know because I don’t fully remember everything that took place during the War. I thought I did, but some parts I think I’ve either blocked out or…” Here Ryder shook his head and grimaced. Whatever he was still suffering from the weapon strike made shaking his head a very bad idea.

“Who are you?” Marinus asked softly.

“If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me,” Ryder said with a sigh.

“Every word out of a Vampire’s mouth is a lie. You promised us peace and then you boiled us alive in our lakes,” Marinus spat.

Ryder’s expression was truly sorrowful, which was causing Marinus some confusion. “I’m certain we did terrible things to your people. We were doing terrible things to our own. So why not to you, too? Again, I am sorry for what it is worth.”

“It is worth nothing,” Marinus answered.

That didn’t anger or offend Ryder, who simply said, “I can understand that. But let me at least warn you against future danger from the Vampires.”

“Oh? Do you think there is something your kind can do that we cannot withstand?” Marinus’ voice was low and deadly. His eyes narrowed.

“Perhaps you can deal with them, but I know you don’t,” Ryder said quietly. “Legion is going to come back here. They won’t be alone and they won’t be without weapons that can hurt you. Your best chance to avoid trouble with them is to release me and dive down to your cities as fast as you can.”

“Release you?!” Marinus laughed bitterly. “No, I think not. And if we return to our cities, we will be dragging your carcass with us!”

Ryder was not afraid. “That’s not how this will go, Marinus. I fear you and your people will be harmed or even killed if you remain here with me. Legion is not like other Vampires.”

“They are a beast just like the rest of you!” Marinus snarled.

“You may think that, but I assure you that Legion lives for nothing more than to cause pain and kill,” Ryder said. “That is all they were born into this Second Life to do. And you offended them and, not to mention, you stole their prey. They will not let this go.”

“I hope they do not. I hope they come and bring plenty of their kind,” Marinus said with an angry smile. “For there is nothing left that brings me joy then killing Vampires.”

Ryder closed his eyes. “I am more sorry for that than you will ever know.”

Grayson realized that things were not going well in the discussion between Marinus and Ryder. And he was certain, as Ryder was, that Legion would be returning any minute now to take their revenge on the Mers and them.

I could shift and use my Ashyr Bloodline gift to freeze them all in place while I cut Ryder and Khos’ bindings with their tridents, Grayson thought.

He felt around inside of himself for his power. The flame in his chest was there. It was far brighter and more steady than it had been in some time. It still wasn’t what it should be and would be, but he needed to be fed more and rest. Yet, hopefully, it would be enough to do what he needed to here.