Don’t Summon Me

Thirteen

The gentle hum of the engine lulled me into a relaxed haze. The open book before me began to blur as the letters moved about like they had a mind of their own. I had to squeeze my eyes shut and rub them with my fingers. Trying to refocus, I opened my eyes and looked at the cabin around me.

Darkness filled the windows of the private jet. The faint sound of the wind outside blended with the hum of the engine. My gaze shifted to the chairs around me, filled with my family and my coven.

Mother sat across from me, about ten feet away. Her eyes were closed and a small ruby red smile glowed against her pale skin. She was wearing her silky white dress, but no hat. Her hair lay in long waves with each end turning into a slight curl. She appeared in deep meditation and had been like that most of the trip since we left the family’s private airport.

Aunt Lily, Dana and Beth sat in a small cluster of chairs to my right. The three of them were talking and reminiscing about their life together before Aunt Lily passed. Bringing her back returned a light to my cousin’s eyes. They were so happy to have their mother back, it was like life was worth living again.

My gaze fell to the open book on my lap. The words had returned to their original positions, arcane rites, histories and spells plain as day. I had spent most of the flight re-reading the ancient rites to blood covens and the information filled my mind like an overflowing bowl of soup. I had memorized the many spells and rites from our family’s collection.

I glanced over to a small stand by my chair. It was bolted to the floor so it wouldn’t move. On it, a glass of whiskey stood and a stack of arcane books I had taken with us once we left the estate. My gaze fell on a black book among the stack, the Libro De Nocte joining us on our journey.

My mind wondered for a moment, knowing that at any time, the famed Book of Night would leave our possession to appear elsewhere. I was surprised the book had been with us for so long. When the time comes for the book to depart my possession, I looked forward to trying to find it again.

I returned to the book on my lap. Thoughts lingered on the rites needed to grow our coven’s power. It wasn’t enough to simply tether our souls to each other. We had to grow our strength so we could stand a chance with the challenges to come. The hunters that invaded our home were not the first and they certainly won’t be the last. I couldn’t leave things to chance any more. My family had lived in secret, bringing dark knowledge to the world. The safety of the mansion was compromised and we couldn’t risk having any new hunters showing up to stop us.

The dark rift glowed in my thoughts. We had achieved something that had not been accomplished on the Earth Realm before. We created the first of sixteen conduits to spread the influence of the dark gods to our world. There had been plenty of stories of others performing such rites, but in my research, I couldn’t find a single instance that they succeeded. Part of me wondered if it was out of fear to achieve such a thing. It wouldn’t be the first-time people boasted about great deeds and never performed them. We actually did it and now, we were on a jet to another country to grow our power and create a second rift.

I happened to glance up to my mother again as she slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze was warm and inviting. Heat crawled up my neck as I stared at her. The unholy thoughts and feelings overrode any sense of logic. What we were, was not depraved. It was natural for us. Those parts that wanted to pull me away, saying what we were doing was wrong, had drifted away. They hadn’t returned and I didn’t expect them to. We were family and our bond would only grow.

“Gerald, how are you? You look tired,” Rose said warmly.

Aunt Lily, Dana and Beth stopped talking to each other and looked over with attentive eyes.

I smiled. “I’m a little tired, but we have a lot to talk about before we touchdown.”

Rose’s smile grew wider. “We are here for our High Priest.”

I relaxed in my chair as I looked to the four beautiful women before me. “Building a blood coven is more than just binding our loyalties together. We have to be an able and functioning group. We must tap into the many aspects of mystical energies to make us stronger and skilled for the coming trials before us.”

Dana nodded. “I remember reading about gaining aspects. We have to discover and align with energies. Each aspect grants something that can be used to further a coven’s goals.”

Aunt Lily nodded. “It means bridging souls between worlds and elements.”

I looked over to my mother, “I know you and Aunt Lily were part of the dream lands, but I think you both can still gain new aspects or enhance your already existing aspects.”

Rose nodded. “Tapping into an aspect will also allow everyone in the coven to share pieces of those aspects. At this moment, sister Lily and I have access to some of the darker aspects of Draygon and the other dark gods, but it is limited and very draining.”

Lily nodded with understanding eyes. “When the hunters attacked, binding their minds drained me terribly. But if we complete the rites, I would not be so dependent on feeding from our dear Gerald as frequently.”

I looked over and grinned. “Aunt Lily, I have no issue with you feeding as much as you want.”

Lily smiled, but looked to the side. “I still feel terrible about before. I was so hungry and I…” she trailed off.

My mother kept her warm smile. “Even we can have our weak moments. With the chance of hunters finding and trying to stop us, we must be prepared for the worst.”

I watched as my mother stood. Her seven-foot height nearly touched the ceiling of the private jet.

Rose looked around to everyone gathered with a silent, commanding strength. It was hidden behind her beauty, but it was felt by everyone present.

“We will arrive in Dublin in a few hours. A limo will be waiting for us to drive all of us to Castle Umbra, our ancestorial home. Once we are settled in, we can plan and plot the aspect rites and take steps to create a second rift.”

I gave a small nod. “I must ensure I’ve learned the proper rites. It will mean we will have to stay at Castle Umbra for some time. When we have all completed the rites and grown our coven’s power, we can acquire a sufficient enough sacrifice for the next rift. After that, we will leave Castle Umbra and to our next location for the third rift.”

Rose bowed her head to me. “Our High Priest will be instrumental to the rituals and we must be prepared for what he will need from all of us.”

Heads nodded in agreement.

Beth looked over to me with a concern etched into her gaze. “What about Aunt Violet?”

Myself and everyone looked at Beth.

Beth looked down and continued, “I assume that is why we are going to Dublin first. Cousin Theodore has made Dublin his home for the last eight years, ever since Aunt Violet passed. Are we going to bring him into the coven and summon Violet?”

I regarded Beth with a shrewd gaze. One of the things I loved about her was below her meek appearance, she had a keen and ever working mind. She played the part well of someone who was shy and introverted, but we all knew she could be devious and manipulative if she really wanted something.

I spoke up with an understanding tone, “Mother and Aunt Lily have great power, but it is incomplete. Bringing back Aunt Violet would bridge their hearts and power.”

I looked to my mother and then Aunt Lily in turn, “Besides, I think we all can say we miss Aunt Violet very much.”

My hand rested on the books beside me. Fingers curled and the tips touched the Libro De Nocte. “We still have the Book of Night. We don’t know when it may leave us, so finding Theo and summoning Aunt Violet will be a top priority. After that, we can begin the rites to grow our coven’s power and strength.”

Rose grinned. “I’m so proud of you, my son. You have truly come into your own and we are happy to serve you.”

“We serve each other and the dark gods,” I said sharply. “Never think you don’t have a voice. Power is nice, but our family is stronger with all of us working together.”

Dana leaned back in her chair with half-closed eyes. “I wonder if Theo is still the same? He was so weak and spineless. He used to fold instantly if anyone pushed him too far.”

Memories caressed my mind from Dana’s words. I remembered my cousin Theo. He had a weak personality and was easily manipulated when we were younger. Dana used to torture him every chance she could during family visits. I defended him when I found out about Dana’s cruelty and he often cowered from her. He was simply a weak person and I always felt bad for him. In a family with so many strong personalities, he didn’t fit in much. I wasn’t sure how he would fit in the coven. He had to be one of us if we were going to bring back his mother. If not, he would be a weak link for the hunters to exploit and I was not going to have him killed over it. Our plans were at a delicate stage and we had to be very careful over the next few weeks.

“I have kept track of him through social media,” Beth chimed in. “He is living a party life in the Dublin night scene. He funds event and party nights. He has a following, but he hides himself from being seen too much. However, his promoter name, Theo Dark, is everywhere.”

I lifted an eyebrow. I was truly out of the loop with much of the family. I had no idea Theo was promoting parties in Dublin. Maybe he grew out of his spinless attitude and became stronger because from it. Seeing him again will show me what kind of person he grew up to be.

My mother sat back down and crossed a long leg over the other. “I remember Theo. Sweet boy. It will be nice to see him again.”

“Violet was too demanding with him,” Aunt Lily chimed in. “I think she broke his spirit at an early age. You know how Violet can be. We should…” Lily trailed off and rubbed at the side of her temple.

“Aunty?” I asked as everyone looked to her.

“Forgive me, Gerald. The last day and the journey had taken so much out of me,” my aunt said as she continued to rub her temple.

In that moment, I felt the tether between us. She was feeling weak. Dark energies dimmed a hair as she seemed to weave in her very seat.

“Aunty, come to me,” I said warmly.

My aunt stood up and weaved. Dana and Beth were up, each one taking an arm. They helped her the short distance. She towered over me as I sat. Her eyes held a strange gleam, like she wasn’t herself. Dana and Beth let go of her arms. They looked to their mother with loving concern.

Lily weaved before she sank down before me. Her silky red dress pooled around her as she touched the carpeted floor with her hands and looked to me.

I leaned forward and touched her cheek. I cupped it, feeling her warmth glow against my fingers. Her eyes closed and leaned into my hand, rubbing her cheek against my palm.

“I can feel your weakness,” I said with affection.

Lily gave me a weak nod before her gaze fell to my growing bulge. Her eyes kept that strange gleam, seeing my manhood struggling to be free.

Without a word, she reached up with one hand and gently touched my straining bulge. Her hands massaged and caressed it, the heat between us growing.

“You know I’m here for you,” I said warmly.

Lily’s fingers gently took hold of my zipper and pulled it down. The hunger in her eyes grew. I sat and watched desire drip from her very eyes.

Dana and Beth smiled at us. My mother watched with her own dark gaze. I could see the lust rising in her eyes as her body sat like a porcelain statue.

I leaned back in my chair as my aunt reached in my open zipper and pulled out my throbbing member. It pulsed with urges. The gentle touch from my aunt caused it to stand under its own power, thick and veiny.

Lily said nothing as she licked from the bottom of the shaft to the top. Her tongue lingered like a primal animal, slathering against sensitive flesh. She didn’t look at me, lost to the taste of my manhood.

Her tongue slid back into her mouth and her full lips came together. She kissed the sensitive head, causing me to release a heated exhale. Lips parted and engulfed my tip of my spear. Gentle sucking flowed down the shaft, my aunt’s eyes rolling into her head. Inches filled her mouth as a muffled moan rose up between us.

I sat and watched her. Lips moved down my shaft until the head of my cock touched the back of her throat. She didn’t gag, sucking on me like she never needed air. When her head bobbed slightly, I let out another exhale and leaned back my head.

I stared across the small distance to my mother. Dana and Beth retreated back to their seats, acting like nothing was happening and falling into small talk. My mother on the other hand bit her lip as she watched us. Her gaze darted down to the back of her sister’s head, bobbing on my cock. She then looked up to my calm expression, watching me as I watched her.

“Do you like what you see?” I asked my mother.

Rose nodded, her own urges welling up

Aunt Lily moaned as she made long, wet strokes with her mouth. Her tongue slid under the shaft, pressing it to the roof of her mouth and making it blissfully tight. My eyelids half-closed, enjoying the sensations as she ran her lips up and down my cock.

“The trip will not be all dark designs,” I said as my aunt continued her skillful sucking.

“What will it be?” Rose asked with a mischievous smile.

Beth and Dana looked over, interested on where the conversation was going.

“I want to explore just how close our family and coven can be,” I said as the stress of the journey began to recede and my own urges rising up.

Dana looked at her mother sucking my cock and she couldn’t resist licking her lips.

“I want to explore,” Beth said with a small, shy smile.

“We will, all of us,” I said as the sounds of wet sucking touched the air.

Aunt Lily gave a long, muffled moan as she bobbed up and down. The energy between us began to grow, as well as our desires.

My mother shuddered as she watched us. I could see the gnawing hunger in her eyes. It spoke to the primal nature between us and I wanted nothing more to spill my seed on her, in her.

The images warped my mind and willpower. I looked down as my cock thickened in my aunt’s mouth. Her eyes rolled back into place and she looked up to me with her mouth full. Lips slowed as they moved up and down the shaft.

I let out a small grunt as my willpower shattered. I watched as my aunt’s lips touched the base of my cock. I felt my seed spurt into her throat and she moaned her delight. I grunted again as it felt like my soul was splashing against the back of my aunt’s throat.

Lily’s moans remained. She sucked on my throbbing member, pulling every last drop of come she could from my loins. She gulped it down and she began to look warmer. The weakness drained from her face and was filled with new vitality. Her hands touched my legs and held her firm lips around my cock, not letting it wilt. I didn’t bother letting her know that I still had more to give. My cock remained had with her lips wrapped around it. Her head began bobbing once again and I sat, ready to shower her throat in my perverted desires.

“Dear sister, be sure to save some for the rest of us,” my mother said as she watched with demonic eyes.

 

Fourteen

Cold darkness settled across the emerald isle. Black trees moved to the icy breeze. Nothing stirred amid the dark gloom until a pair of headlights stabbed through the inky shadows. The lone road was lit up for a time, a black limousine making its way along the road. Lights illuminated the ancient trees as it sped along. In the distance, a castle stood with several lights glowing from behind windows.

The limo pressed on. The trees began to thin and a high stone wall appeared. A black gate opened as the light from the headlights touched a family crest above the entrance.

The limo slowed as it passed the threshold. Wheels turned onto cobblestone. The gate closed behind and locked into place.

The long car made its way around a large statue in the middle of the courtyard. Shadows painted the hard stone of a man holding book and looking to the stars.

The front doors to the castle opened and a woman stepped out. She wore a finely tailored black suit with a white shirt underneath the jacket. The collar glowed in the dim lights. Black rimmed glasses shined as the limo slowed to a halt before the entrance. Black lips smiled as the woman bowed slightly.

The driver stepped out of the limo and raced around the other side. He opened the door and bowed.

I stepped out first and looked up at Castle Umbra with a blending of awe, relief and pleasant memories. The castle had been part of my family for hundreds of years. It had stood the test of time, surviving wars, conflicts, invasions and terrible magical mishaps.

I remembered coming here in my youth. Our family often spent our holiday here, when things grew difficult back in the states or simply to get away. It was our home away from home and I was happy to be back.

“Welcome, Lord Umbra,” the woman in the suit said as she continued to bow.

My gaze fell to the woman and my eyes widened a hair. I bowed immediately.

The woman stood up and I did the same. She looked at me with a no none-sense attitude. Black hair was tied into a bun and she held some features that I recognized.

The woman gave me a knowing smile. “It has been a long time. I’m Victoria Hobbs, Caretaker of Umbra Castle.”

A memory slammed into me. “Victoria, you’re Victor’s daughter. I remember you when we came to visit.”

Victoria nodded. “My father passed a few years ago and I inherited his title and duties.”

I nodded as I felt my mother, aunt and cousins step out of the limo. I turned to them, seeing the comforting warmth in their eyes as they looked on our family’s home.

Victoria turned her attention to my mother and bowed again. “Mistress Umbra, so good to see you again. I’m happy for your resurrection and return to this realm.”

Rose nodded. “It’s good to have returned.”

Victoria stood up straight. “The castle has been stocked and prepped for your family’s return, per your requests. If you discover anything lacking, I will have it remedied.”

“Very good,” my mother said with a slight nod.

Victoria stood to the side and held an open hand to the entrance, “Welcome home.”

I led the way. My ring pulsed along my finger, feeling Dana and Beth’s happy gazes on the castle. They had spent some time here, but not as much as my family did. They loved the mansion, but at times talked about those happy times when they came here for long summers.

Aunt Lily looked around with warm eyes.

Sensations of my mother looking to me filled me. I turned to look up at her and she gave me a comforting smile.

Inside, warmth washed over my senses. Old world opulence filled every wall, railing and hung from the ceiling. Golden chandeliers glowed. Impeccable rugs covered the floors and fine tapestries filled the walls. The main foyer had a curved staircases that led up the next floor. Paintings of family portraits filled spaces between tapestries. Polished, mahogany wood shined in the light.

I remembered how the castle was updated with the times. Heating and electrical were added many decades earlier. Old castles were drafty, but not this one. It was given every modern convince money could buy.

Victoria talked as she walked, “Everything has been set for an extended stay here in Umbra Castle. Per Lady Umbra’s request, we have minimal staff here. I will be overseeing your stay. My sister, Mina, will tend to your rooms, cooking and anything else you may need. The driver, Harold, will be available at all times for any excursions you may need. He is also a reliable bodyguard and is properly armed, in case force and defense is needed.

“We are ready to assist in anything you may need or desire, from preparing ritual rooms to disposing of bodies. It is our pleasure to serve the Umbra family once again.”

I nodded as we reached the stairs and began to climb them.

Victoria continued, “Your rooms have been prepared. They are all close together to the master bedchamber. Do not hesitate with any request. We are here to serve.”

We reached the top of the stairs and made our way deeper into the castle. I drank it all in, basking in the many fond memories. It still held that magic and I was looking forward to an extended stay.

It didn’t take long before we reached our quarters.

Victoria turned and we all stopped.

“The Master Bedchamber is just through the main doors. Harold will be bringing up your suitcases in a few moments. I’m sure everyone is tired from the journey. I have one of the private sitting rooms ready with hors d’oeuvres and drinks.”

I looked to everyone gathered, “Drinks?”

Beth and Dana nodded. My mother and aunt nodded with kind smiles.

“Very good. I’ll leave you all to settle in,” Victoria said with a bow.

We all watched her stand up, turn and walk away with perfect posture and grace.

“My buzz went away from the car ride. I need more,” Dana said as she turned around and began walking.

Aunt Lily and Beth followed my cousin.

I looked to my mother. Rose reached over and took my hand into hers.

“It’s feels so good to be back in our ancestral home.”

I nodded. “I feel the same,” I said before I looked to the side.

My mother reached up and touched my cheek. She moved my face until our gazes met. She didn’t have to say anything. I already knew she wanted me to talk to her.

“I don’t know how I feel about opening a rift here. This is our home, just like a mansion back in the states. The presence of a rift may bring other hunters and beings of light here,” I said in a low tone.

My mother squeezed my hand. “It’s a concern, but a small one, my son. Once a rift is open, it cannot be closed. Even if our enemies seal it up in cement and demolish our home, the pulse of the rift will spread out and touch all those who are ready.”

“We may still be sacrificing our home in the process.”

“Gerald, everything we do is for the dark gods and the dreamlands. There can be no advancement without sacrifice.”

I nodded. “I still wonder if we can do this another way?”

“I trust your instincts as my son and our high priest. We will follow your direction,” Rose said with deep warmth.

I nodded and began walking. I tugged on my mother’s hand and she walked with me. We walked down to the open doorway to a nearby sitting room. Light spilled out as shadows moved.

I stepped in and smiled. Dana was pouring a dark amber liquid into glasses. Aunt Lily and Beth lifted their glasses and nodded to each other. The three of them turned to my mother and I as we stepped in. My mother closed the door behind her.

The table in the middle of room was filled with plates of food, tiny sandwiches, full glasses and different bottles of spirits. Dana wasted no time bringing full glasses to me and Rose. My cousin’s smile was infectious as she handed the glasses over.

With a glass in everyone’s hand, we lifted them up, gave a nod and took a long sip.

Warmth travelled down my throat as I enjoyed the taste. We all took a seat and relaxed as the warm room gave off a hazy comfort.

“I know the journey here was long, but we can’t lose focus on what we’re trying to accomplish,” I said.

All eyes turned to me.

I continued, “I know we’re here to open another rift. We are also here to find Theo and see about bringing back Aunt Violet. Those will be our main goals, but we don’t have to rush. I want to make sure we achieve our goals, without giving our enemies a chance to stop or slow us down.”

Everyone nodded with attentive eyes.

“I also want everyone here to know, our visit is not just achieving our dark designs. After everything that happened on the estate, I think we earned a little rest and relaxation.”

Dana’s smile widened. She took a deep drink before holding it and looking at me with bright eyes.

“It feels so good to hear that. I feel like I’ve been losing my mind lately and some relaxation may be just what we need.”

I smiled.

My mother sat poised as she spoke up, “A little rest is just what we all need to regain our strength, but bringing back Violet and the Aspect Ritual should remain high on our agenda.”

Beth nodded and pulled out her cell phone. “I already contacted Theo with a text. He wrote back, very excited that we were visiting. I didn’t tell him about you Aunty Rose or you, mother. I informed him that Gerald, Dana and myself were visiting and wanted to see him.

“He was so happy, he invited us to a club in Dublin, The Laughing Gargoyle. He is running the event at the club and put us on the guest list.”

I looked over at Beth and nodded. “It seems the three of us are going on a date tomorrow night.”

Beth smiled shyly.

My mother nodded, her smile fading a touch. “I wish Lily and I could join the three of you, but our presence may alert our enemies.”

I reached over and placed my hand on my mother’s hand. “I wish both of you could come with us, but we still have to ensure we have everything we need to prepare for the aspect ritual. From what I’ve read, we all have to be together when it is performed. That means, we need Aunt Violet and Theo.”

“Will Theo be joining the coven?” Dana asked.

“If he wants to. I won’t turn family away, but it is up to him if he wants to join us.”

“He’ll join us. After his mother returns, there is no way he will say no. He will never say no to us,” Dana said with an evil smirk.

I smiled. “He will be given the choice, just like everyone here.”

I looked at everyone gathered. Swirls touched my spirit as I looked upon the women I have always loved. Thoughts drifted to my aunt Violet. I could feel the pull from my mother and aunt, a primal need to bring their sister back from the dreamlands. I had to admit to myself, I wanted her back too. Having the family together once again would be a reunion of my dreams.

Dark thoughts crept into my mind as everyone gathered began to drink and talk. I caught snippets of relief and excitement to be here, but a darkness within me dug deeper. My greedy needs clawed at me. It wasn’t just about the women I love, but the taste of power and doing something greater. Each passing moment sang to me, speaking of truths I denied. The barriers fell away and I accepted my place in the world. I wasn’t some hero, like from a movie or book. I wasn’t the villain either. I was just a man, ready to take what he wanted from a world that didn’t care.

I sipped on my drink as I watched my coven, my family. The bonds grew stronger between us. The outside world could never accept or understand us. I knew we were meant to be together. I just needed more power to protect us from the light.

My mother turned her attention to me and smiled. That damned smile set my world on fire.

Tonight, we would rest. Tomorrow, we set our dark designs into motion and I was very much looking forward to it.

 

Fifteen

The limo pulled up to the curb.

I sat in the middle of the wide seat. Dana was to my right, drinking down the last of her whiskey. I couldn’t hide my smile as she almost bounced in her seat, eager to get the night going. She spent most of the day talking about tonight and trying on different clothes. When the sun set, she finally came out in sheer leather pants, a ripped up black shirt, black eye-liner, black lipstick and several silver chains hanging from around her neck. Bats with folded wings earrings hung from her ears. Black leather boots completed her look.

I turned my attention to Beth as she leaned onto me, her arm around my waist. Beth wore something a little more conservative than her sister, but just as bold in another way. She wore a long, black dress with lace along the wrists. Ruffled lace accentuated her large bosom, drawing my eyes, and anyone else looking, to her deep cleavage.

Beth snuggled closer. She took in my scent like it was ambrosia.

I was wearing a silky black, collard shirt. I had a few of the top buttons opened, much to Dana’s request so it would show off some of my collar bones and chest. Black jeans covered my legs and black leather shoes were on my feet. I had to wave away Dana’s advances of gothic jewelry. I was fine with what I had on and didn’t need to draw any more attention than needed.

Harold stepped outside from driver’s seat. I watched him through the black, tinted glass as he made his way around to the door closest to the curb. Beth sat up and Dana continued to bounce in her seat. Harold reached the door, took hold and opened it.

Dana was first to step out. I was next and Beth followed. Once we were outside, we were greeted with lights, laughing and thumping vibrations.

I smirked as I stood before the main entrance to The Laughing Gargoyle. The establishment did indeed have a stone gargoyle in front, complete with sunglasses, various chains and a lit cigar in its partially open maw. A thick line of people stood along the block, talking and laughing as colored spotlights framed the entrance, their lights stabbing into the dark sky.

The front of the club had a gothic cathedral appearance. The stone looked weathered from either the elements or too many party nights. It looked almost like an ancient, converted bank. Several large bouncers stood at the entrance, checking tablets as they let in a few party people at a time.

My cousins moved to either side of me, hands and arms touching my arms as we became a single force.

“Remember, we’re here to talk to Theo and invite him to the coven,” I reminded my cousins.

“Can we still have a good time?” Dana asked with a smile.

I smiled. “I don’t see why not, as long as we take care of what we came to do.”

Dana grinned and squeezed my arm.

“I’ll be waiting across the street. Call me if you need anything,” Harold said in a dark tone.

“We will. Thank you, Harold,” I said as I looked at the club entrance.

I took a step forward and the three of us moved as one to the stairs. As we climbed the steps, a few people at the front of the line gave us dirty looks. I quickly ignored them, my mind drifting to my mother. She seemed happy that we were going out, but I could tell, behind her beautiful features, she didn’t want me to go. Her hand trembled as we left the castle, as if to reach out and snatch me back into her arms. I wasn’t sure it was because she needed me to feed, or she simply was uncomfortable being so far from her. I tried to reassure her that we would be fine. Harold was not only our limo drive, but he was a skilled bodyguard. Despite all of that, it could have been her overwhelming love to keep me close.

It had been years since I travelled around the world, living a decadent lifestyle of learning the dark arts and visiting many parties. When my mother grew ill, it all meant nothing as I returned to her and stayed by her side to the very end.

I pushed away the dark memories as we approached the bouncers. They were large brutish men in black. One of them looked down at a tablet and cleared his throat. The others immediately stood tall and beamed welcoming smiles to me and my cousins. When we reached the top, all of them bowed, ignoring everyone else on line.

“Lord Umbra, welcome to the Laughing Gargoyle. We have been expecting you. Please come inside. You will be escorted to your party,” a bouncer smiled.

I simply nodded, used to the extra attention when you come from family and power. The doors opened as people on the line began talking to each other. Their snide looks melted away as they were instantly curious as to who we were and how easily we entered the famed club.

Two bouncers flanked us as we entered. Dana continued to smile. Beth looked around with a happy gaze. Thick velvet curtains were pulled aside as a storm of music and light blasted our senses.

The main room to the club was enormous with vaulted ceilings. Light swiveled and stabbed with changing colors into the crowd. The music carried a deep beat, pulsating against our very bones. The crowd was whipped into a frenzy, dancing and carrying on like it was last night on earth.

For a brief moment, it did feel like I was home again. The beats and sounds washed over me and I wanted nothing more to bask in it. Duty did call, but after business was concluded, there was no reason to rush back home just yet.

A platform took up a corner of the immense room. It was above the crowd. There was a bar underneath, serving drinks. A staircase was against the wall that led up to the second floor. The bouncers guided us through the crowd, gently pushing dancing people away to make room for us. We reached the bottom of the stairs. Two bouncers stood like angry golems. One of them unhooked a velvet rope and bowed.

We made our way up the stairs and onto the second floor. I looked over the glass railing around the second floor to the party. Hands and bodies bounced to the beat as they almost seemed to want to grab at us like we were angels above them.

I turned away from the railing and looked at sea of leather couches, seats, and small tables. The second floor was sparsely populated and almost everyone there was by the bar against the wall, talking to each other like it was a normal night at the pub. Neon lights ran along almost every edge, pink and purple light glowing to the beat.

Two figures stepped out from a shadowy corner and approached. I turned to the two figures. One of them was someone I didn’t recognize. She was similarly dressed like Dana, but had dark circles under her eyes like she never slept. Eyeliner was smudged and a spiked collar graced her thin neck. She was thin, almost emaciated. Next to her was a face I recognized from my childhood.

“It has been a long time,” Theo said as he looked at me with a bowed head.

“It has. Good to see you,” I smiled.

Theo looked the same, expect taller. He was very thin and had a nervous aura around him. He was wearing fashionable clothes, but even the clothes couldn’t hide the natural fear in his gray eyes. As far back as I could remember, he was always nervous. His mother, Aunt Violet, always had a strong personality and often berated him in public and in private. When she passed years ago, I thought for a moment at the funeral he would be overjoyed that she was gone. Instead, he wept like a part of his soul had died.

Theo nodded and glanced to the woman beside him. “Meet Nina, my assistant.”

“Charmed,” I said with a smile.

Nina nodded, her face a dripping mask of neutrality.

“Nina, these are my cousins from back home. Make sure they have everything they want or need.”

“Of course, Theo,” Nina said with a blooming smile.

Beth and Dana uncurled their arms from me and stepped closer to Theo and Nina.

Beth was first to speak, “I think we all need some drinks.”

“And maybe some medicine,” Dana nodded and winked.

Nina nodded and pointed to the bar. “We have everything you could ask for. Let’s gather some supplies.”

The three women walked toward the bar and I was left alone with my cousin.

“Care to sit?” Theo asked.

I simply nodded. The two of us moved to a couch, table and a chair. I sat on the couch as Theo sat in the single, leather chair.

“I was surprised to get a text from Beth, saying you were staying at the castle for a time,” Theo began.

“We were keeping it lowkey. It’s a small getaway to relax and take in what Ireland has to offer.”

I looked around at the party, lights and music. “You’re doing well for yourself.”

Theo nodded. “It’s okay. It keeps me busy so I don’t have to think about too many things.”

A moment of silence filled the area between us. I wasn’t sure what to say. How do I start a conversation about asking my cousin to join a blood coven and raise his dead mother?

“What really brings you out here?” Theo asked with nervous eyes.

My cousin was the nervous type, but he wasn’t stupid.

“I wanted to speak to you about bringing your mother back from the afterlife,” I said simply.

Theo’s expression didn’t change as he kept his gaze to the table. “Did you do it already? Did you bring back your mother? I remember that your family had the Libro De Nocte. I knew it was only a matter of time before you would use the dark ritual to bring her back.”

“If I did, would that bother you?”

Theo looked to the side. “No. I always admired your strength. You could do things I never could. My mother passed years ago. When the year anniversary arrived, I knew I could ask you to use the book to bring her back from the Dreamlands. I…” Theo trailed off.

“Would it help to tell you that it is more than just bringing her back? I started something that could change the world. We just need to bring you into the coven and summon your mother from the dreamlands.”

Theo shook his head. “They gave us instructions to never summon them back to this world. Dana and Beth are here, so its safe to assume that their mother is back as well. Why are you going against their wishes? They wanted to stay in the dreamlands, to serve the dark gods. That is our family’s destiny. Why disrupt what they wanted?”

I leaned back on the couch. I looked at my cousin, a conflict in his eyes. He was waging some internal battle and I wasn’t sure why. He was just like all of us, growing up with dark knowledge and duties to spread the dark word to others. He is bred and true to our family line. It was almost like he was having one, last desperate fight against what runs in our blood.

“Because, when I brought my mother back, she was not only elated, but spoke to our true family purpose. We are losing the war and the dark gods have placed knowledge in our mothers to turn the tide.”

Theo blinked slowly. “You started a blood coven. That is why Dana and Beth were hanging on you as you came in. They have already bound themselves to you.”

I nodded. “We can still do our work to change the tide, but Rose and Lily want their sister back. They miss her terribly and…I know you miss her too.”

“I have a life here. I have people who depend on me. I bring joy to thousands of people. If I give that up, their worlds will crumble.”

I smiled. “You know that is not the truth. They will move on to the next party and your parties will be a forgotten dream. We have a chance to do what the rest of family are too afraid to do.”

I sat up a little straighter as I looked at my cousin. “I want you as part of the coven. I think it will help you in many different ways and help us achieve greatness. As you know, it’s your choice, but I would like you to join us on this holy quest.”

Theo’s eyes widened a little. “You are giving me a choice to join? You’re not forcing it on me?”

My eyebrow raised. “Why would I force you?”

Theo was about to say something when Nina, Dana and Beth returned. Drinks were placed on the table. A silver tray filled with a mountain of white powder was placed in the middle of the table. Metal straws laid around the powder, as did an assortment of pills.

Dana licked her lips as she picked up a metal straw and snorted up a line of powder. A happy shout struck the air as my thin cousin turned her demonic gaze on Theo.

“Such good stuff,” Dana said with a devilish grin.

Theo looked down. “Only the best for my parties.”

Dana held the metal straw to Theo and stepped closer. “Have some.”

“I don’t partake when I’m running a party,” Theo said.

Dana’s eyes narrowed. “I said, have some.”

Nina looked on with blank eyes. Beth took a sip of her drink. I picked up my drink and took a sip of whiskey.

Theo looked away and made no move to take the straw. Dana’s eyes narrowed before she stabbed a finger into the white powder and lifted up some to Theo’s face. He looked away as she brought it closer to his nose. Dana’s other hand grabbed at his hair and held him in place, the powered finger an inch from his nose.