Carpathian 10 - Dark Symphony

slashed and crunched and let go, springing back. The jaguar retreated with a hideous screech of pain.
    The dog tracked the cat across to the far window. Outside, on the balcony, the jaguar leapt to the roof, scrambled for purchase, and jumped up to the battlements, running across the narrow ledge to reach the tower. Celt lost sight of the cat. The borzoi tracked back and forth between the windows several times.
    Go to her. I will hunt.
    Byron knew he was too late. The cat had a head start. Apparently some internal warning system had alerted the creature that a predator was stalking. Byron could only hope for a lead, a small mistake to give him an idea where the jaguar's lair was. The scent and trail would be fresh. He had no choice but to uncover the newest danger to Antonietta. Why did they all want her dead?
    The borzoi easily opened the door to Antonietta's quarters and unerringly followed her scent through the palazzo, bringing a measure of relief to Byron. He turned his full attention to hunting the jaguar. The cat had to have a lair somewhere, unless it was a member of Antonietta's family. If that were the case, it might double back and enter the palazzo in human form.
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    9/13/2007

    Dark Symphony
    Page 118 of 188
    If it is one of my cousins as you so clearly suspect, why wouldn't they simply shift inside the palazzo and attack me from within? And don't think you're going to get away with sending me from my room without Celt. We're going to have a long discussion about boundaries.
    He ignored her comment, focusing on her intentions. What are you thinking, Antonietta?
    Do not dare to search the palazzo.
    Don't you see? If the cat is out there, and my cousins are all in their rooms, it can't be one of them. I'm going to check on Franco and Marita, and if they're here, I'll check on Paul and Tasha.
    Byron swore eloquently in several languages. You will do no such thing. Where is that dog? Why is he not with you?
    He's here, and stop fussing at me. Antonietta knocked on her cousin's door. Although dark, it was early enough in the evening that everyone should be up. Byron! For heaven's sake.
    Did you invite your family to the palazzo for dinner tonight? How could she have forgotten?
    She had told Helena the night before but hadn't checked with her to see if everything was going smoothly.
    As soon as you asked me. Do not worry. I can easily un-invite them. For all of our sakes, it may be best. I would rather your family not be exposed to young Josef.
    No. Don't you dare uninvite them. I'm not going to allow a wild animal to scare me away from my chance at meeting your family.
    Franco opened the door, startling her. "Have you come to see Margurite? She's better today. I brought her a computer, and I think it is the perfect idea to entertain her." He kissed his cousin's cheek as he drew her inside. "She'll love to see your dog. Both children are already wild about him."
    "Where's Marita?" Antonietta asked as she waved to Vin-cente and crossed the room to kiss Margurite. Celt pushed his nose against the child in a display of affection.
    "She's probably out looking for computer educational software," Franco said. "She's been agitated ever since she stumbled upon that…" He glanced down at his daughter. "You know.
    She's been upset."
    "It was a frightening experience for her."
    "And she's so sensitive and highly strung."
    Volatile. The word was in her mind before she could censor it. She heard the echo of Byron's instant agreement.
    "I forgot to let you know Byron's family is in the area, and I've invited them to dinner this evening. If you're able, I would very much like you and your family to join us." She caught Margurite's hand. "How are you feeling, cara? Does it hurt much?"
    Margurite shook her head. "Byron comes in at night and does something when I'm crying, and then my leg doesn't hurt anymore. It works better than the medicine that makes me sleepy."
    "I didn't know that," Franco said.
    "You're asleep," Margurite pointed out with childlike candor.
    "Byron is even more skilled than I when it comes to taking away pain," Antonietta explained. "I have to see to the details of tonight's dinner, but I wanted to make certain you knew we were having company."
    Franco laughed. "The staff might take you seriously if you weren't in your