Prologue
The city was swathed in mist; it hung low, turning street lamps romantic and figures sinister in the half lit street. Two vampires stood in the middle of the road staring at one another, their eyes throwing the light of the street lamps back at one another, like round silver coins.
They had been standing there for some time, saying nothing, unmoving, and the air between them bore the faint traces of ozone.
"It's been a long time, Ethīn." His voice was like a caress of the past and she closed her eyes to luxuriate in the sound.
She had been walking through the city for endless hours, a petite wraith untouched by the warmth and life of the place; it wasn't until she chanced upon him that she finally felt tangible.
"It has. I am Eva Vasilia now. And you?" Her voice was lightly accented.
"Thierry." He said. "Thierry Descouedres."
Her eyes moved over him again, slowly taking him in, his tall slender frame, the pale shade of his hair curling softly upon his neck, the darkness of his eyes filled with enduring temperance. "What are you doing here, Eva?" He asked softly.
It was not by chance that Thierry had been out walking in the dusk of the Las Vegas streets; it was early that morning he had felt the presence, it was like a sliver of ice in his the base of his skull signifying the arrival of something or someone Powerful. He had to go and find it, he could have sent others, true but he knew it was important he go himself.
"Our Houses are in chaos and you…"
"And me?"
"I hear you are the coven-master of a witch Circle."
His lips twitched in a smile and he inclined his head in a nod to confirm. "I've found her."
She blinked, lips parting and closing as if deciding not to speak her mind. His words, such words, would haunt her and burrow deep into her soul prodding at the kernel of sadness that lay in its silt.
"I seek only peace in this world. I would like you to join me, would you join me?" He asked.
Her eyes glittered, fighting back the melancholy of loss. "You would have me back in your House?"
He reached out, his slender fingers touching the back of her hand, she startled at his touch; she had not been touched for centuries. "You are always welcome in my home, Eva." A solitary tear rolled down her cheek. "Come, there's someone I want you to meet."
Miss S