Carpathian 21 - Dark Peril

his gesture and tone said it all.
    “Interrupted my evening.”

    “Silly of them. But then, you didn’t allow them to know who you truly are.”

    Dominic shrugged. “I do not find my identity necessary to intimidate ones such as these.”

    Drago snarled, but subsided when Demyan shot him a cold glare. “I have not heard the news that a Dragonseeker has joined our ranks—and it would be huge news—yet your blood calls to mine.”

    Dominic sent him an enigmatic smile. “I can walk among the Carpathians without fear of their suspicion. It is useful, although tedious at times. This one”—he indicated Zacarias, with an indolent gesture—
    “recognized my intentions before I could slay him.” He inhaled deeply, drawing the tantalizing scent of powerful blood into his lungs, and sent Zacarias a smirk, allowing, just for a few seconds, his eyes to glow ruby red as he turned back to Demyan. “His blood is . . . powerful.”

    For a moment Demyan lost his composure, the lure of the ancient blood a temptation beyond his control.
    The skin stretched and frayed, and then split in places, revealing masses of writhing worms. His lips thinned, drew back to reveal his pointed teeth, hideous blackened needles set in a sunken gaping mouth.
    The skull caved in, the bones sticking through flesh, as warped and twisted as the blackened heart. The master vampire sniffed the air, a dog on the hunt, desperate for the rich, powerful blood of the ancient.

    The lesser vampires reacted, salivating, hissing, moving closer to Zacarias. Dominic lifted his hands toward the sky and they immediately subsided.

    “You do not understand,” Demyan said, his voice raspy now, but he managed to regain his composure, his illusion of beauty settling over him. “This one must be taken to the laboratory. You can use him as often as you want for sustenance, but you cannot kill him.”

    Dominic slowly allowed his hands to drop once more to his sides, as if the master vampire was lulling him with his voice. “I can use him here without sharing him,” Dominic pointed out. He glided one small step closer to Demyan, Zacarias moving with him so that the action was so subtle those around them missed it.

    “He is the most hated enemy of our leaders. They will reward all of us greatly for his capture.”

    “You mean I am the most feared.” For the first time Zacarias spoke, a whip of contempt. “He fears me, they all do.” He paused. “As they should.”

    Demyan hissed. “You are fodder for the five. You will be made to crawl before them.”

    Zacarias’s eyes were very black. “I believe they are no longer five. A couple of them sought and found justice.”

    “You think to mock them? To taunt them? You will suffer greatly before they allow you death.”

    Zacarias spread his arms out. “They have sent many after me, century after century I have been hunted, yet I still live.”

    “I am the one who fooled Zacarias.” Dominic declared ownership. “No one else.”

    “A Dragonseeker.” Zacarias spat his disgust. “You have no right to use that title. You dishonor it. Te kalma, te jama ńiŋkval, te apitäsz arwa-arvo —You are nothing but a walking maggot-infected corpse, without honor.” He inclined his head regally toward Dominic. “I know you seek the justice you deserve, and once these worms you travel with have gone, we will finish our little dance.”

    Drago couldn’t contain himself. He flew at Zacarias, his teeth exposed, growling and spitting. Demyan and Dominic both whirled toward him, holding up a hand. The lesser vampire slammed into an invisible barrier and bounced back.

    Dominic gave a short, humorless laugh. “I see your beast needs a little more training, Demyan. He is not quite up to your standards.”

    Demyan shrugged. “It is difficult to get decent help these days. They believe they know more than they do.
    No patience to learn how to kill a hunter.”

    “Why do you bother? You do not need one such as this.” Dominic gestured toward Drago, his contempt obvious.

    Demyan, like most vampires, preened under praise. “They are useful, as you will find. You are used to working alone, but you will find having worms to serve you will be advantageous, especially in a position such as this one. Join with us.”

    “Yes, hän ku lejkka wäke-sarnat— traitor, liar. Crawl to your new master,” Zacarias urged.

    Demyan whirled to face him. “You can crow all you like, but your blood will soon feed our