Disclaimer: I do not own these characters as they belong to P.C and Kristin Cast. I simply borrow them and place them in my own story.
Resurrection
Chapter 2
Lenobia was waiting for me when I got to the stables, "Your late. Persephone needs to be saddled. You will be riding today." she handed me the riding boots, pants and a helmet. "Hurry, the saddles are on the gate. I expect her to be ready in 15 minutes."
I nodded and took the clothes and rushed to the changing area. I slipped on the pants and the boots and rushed out to Persephone to throw the saddle on her. I hadn't ridden her yet, but she seemed ready and trusting. She even nuzzled my hair as I was getting her ready. I just patted her nose and put my helmet on. "Don't buck me off ya hear!"
"Super, now you have her saddled and your ready to ride. Here, let me give you a knee up." Lenobia swatted and wove her fingers together to give me a boost on top of the large horse. "Now, you just dig your heel into the side, but LIGHTLY, you don't want to startle her."
"YYeah." I nudged her just so lightly in the side and Persephone began to trott right out of the stables. When we got to the riders ring she picked up her pace. This was even more relaxing than brushing her. She bayed and nahed and seemed to enjoy herself immensely. We had done 3 laps in the circle when Lenobia joined us on another horse that shared a stall next to Persephone, a brilliant black Arabian Stallion.
"His name is Romeo. He is my favorite stallion. Sturdy and tough, but gentle and sweet." she said as she trotted next to us. "I see that Persephone is really taken with you. You know that a bond between trainer and horse is a strong one. You would be able to call her and she would be loyal only to you."
"I am very taken with her as well. I feel as though I can almost sense her." I replied and patted her neck.
"Yes, I can see that." Lenobia rode by. She stopped in front of Persephone, "Zoey, I still feel you should be very careful around Neferet. I still do not trust her. Please, please, if you feel you need to talk to someone, but can't trust Neferet, to please come to me." her eyes were almost pleading.
"Professor Lenobia, I think that everything is well now. Please do not worry. I promise if I need to talk to someone, that I will come to you."
"Thank you." she sat there silently for just a moment, "Now, do 10 more laps then back to the stables to clean up. Class is nearly over." Lenobia directed Romeo back towards the stalls. I hadn't even realized the time that had flown. I was going to be late to meet Neferet.
I hopped right off Persephone and undid her bridle and saddle placing them both in their respective places. I grabbed the combs and did a quick comb through on her mane, kissed her muzzle and patted her neck, "Good girl, I'll see you later."
As I walked towards the Professors dormitories I reflected back on what Lenobia said to me about Neferet. Could she really be trusted? Did my dad really change her back, or was this all, once again a cover. I decided it was better to be safe than sorry, so all my shields were up. I got to the dorms and proceeded up the stairs.
"Zoey, dear, your late. We have much to do tonight." Neferet called before I reached her door.
"I'm sorry, I got held up in…" I wasn't sure if I wanted to tell her why I got held up, because of Erik, just yet, "riding lessons. I do love those Horses." I finished.
Neferet just laughed and opened a book on her stand by the bed. "Ahh, here, we will go over spell casting tonight. This will be most valuable when casting circles in the future or even offering spells of protection when times of trouble arise."
"What is the Dark Ball?" I blurted out. I wasn't even listening to her.
"Dark Ball? Oh, no sense in getting wrapped up in that, we have too much to do right now."
"No, I would like to know. Erik said that it was important for me to be there."
Neferet snapped her head back my way so fierce that I thought she would break the book she was holding, "No!"
I didn't want to argue with her further. I certainly did not want to be on her bad side again. That was horrifying unto itself.
We went over many spells and casting methods for hours it seemed. I looked at the clock on the wall, 5 a.m. Erik would most likely be in his room this hour. It was close to calling lights out for many of us. Since being vampires now, we were drawn to sleep during the day and awake all night.
"There, I believe that is enough for tonight." Neferet closed the book we were reading. "Now, about the Dark Ball, I don't want you getting silly idea's in your head. It's just a dance and you shouldn't be bothered by it. You have much to do before I leave and I need to have you prepared for just about anything. Do you understand?"
"Yes Neferet." I just kept my eyes on the floor.
"Oh dear Zoey, I'm sorry. I know I seem a tad harsh, but this is very important. You do not need distractions right now." she sat next to me and put her arm around my shoulders. "Do not fret, there will be many opportunities to do this. I just don't think it's wise now."
"Is it true that High Priestess take lovers?" that was a question on my mind since Erik said it. Neferet looked a tad stunned and sadden by my question. I knew that Loren was her lover, but I didn't know how deep that went and how far back.
"Yes, it is. Being a High Priestess is very much like being Queen of your own castle. Every Queen needs her King." she brushed the hair out of my eyes, "But you shouldn't be worried about this right now. Is someone pressuring you?"
"It's just Erik…" and before I could finished Neferet interrupted me.
"Zoey, I want to make one thing very clear. I want you to stay away from Erik Night."
"What?" I was stunned. He was my boyfriend, I couldn't just stay away from him.
"Zoey, he is not a good fit for your lover. I know that you two are bound, by a means I'm not sure should really exist. It is not wise of you to make such a decision so quickly." Neferet stood and began to pace the room. "I don't like the idea's he keeps filling your head with. Empty promises, they will only hurt you and leave you vulnerable."
I could almost see the hurt in her eyes. It seems as though she had been badly bruised herself by one she called her 'Lover'. "Neferet, I do not mean to disrespect you, but Erik is my boyfriend. We are blood bound, I love him."
"You only love him now, but I am certain your heart will change." she sounded so resolute, as if she knew the answer.
"How can you be so sure?" I was almost beginning to sound angry.
"Because, he is not the chosen one you were meant to be with."
"And how would you know that?" I stood and looked her right in the eyes placing my hands on my hips.
"Because, I have seen how you look at another. I know the connection deep within you both." she touched my face. "The connection between you two is like nothing I've seen before. I have purposely been keeping you two apart in hopes that maybe you'll see the light."
Now I was confused and had no idea what she was talking about. "Umm, excuse me, but who, and what are you talking about?"
"Stark. You can't deny it Zoey." she stared at me.
"Stark! You've got to be kidding! I haven't seen him or heard from him in a month…"
"Yes, I know, he has been asking many questions about you and I have purposely been delaying his return until just the right moment." a mischievous grin came across her face.
"And what moment would that be?" I was curious as to where she was going with this.
"You will find out soon. Now Go." she pushed me out of her room and shut the door. I could hear her heavy sigh on the other end of the door.
I walked slowly away from the door pondering what she had said. I was weighing my decisions. I had a connection with Stark, that was apparent from the first time I met him. I was pretty sure in some level, we were soul mates. Erik, however, was in love with me, or at least I thought he was. He was grounded and generous, passionate. As much as Neferet wanted me to stay away from Erik, I was drawn to him.
The adult vampires dorms were right across from the Professors. I walked up the steps and found the door that lead to Erik's room. I heard giggles and like things were being strewn around the room. I lightly knocked, "Erik?"
The noise stopped and I heard hushed voices. I called again and this time turning the knob to the door and slowly opening it. I was greeted with the door slamming shut. "Who is it?" yelled a high pitch voice. One that I recognized, and why was she in Erik's room.
"It's the girlfriend, you better show yourself!" I yelled. Now I was mad.
Erik cracked the door and looked outside, "Ugh…Z! Nice to…see you. What are you doing here?"
I tried to look around him but he kept his face right in front of my vision. "What the hell is going on in here! And what am I doing here?? I believe you asked me over!" I was reaching a level of anger I hadn't seen since Kalona. Erik's eyes began to get wide as he saw mine turn to red.
"It's not what you think Z…I swear!"
I pushed open the door and my jaw just dropped. Neferet was right, I shouldn't be around Erik. He was no good. He was a lier. My eyes got brighter and my hair started to twirl around my hair. On his bed I saw her. Wrapped up in the comforter with her arms drapped around her breasts.
"Stevie Rae!" I shouted and my whole body burst into flames.
