Violins and Vampires

3. King Caelin

I ride through the night with Elisava on the saddle before me. As we gallop toward the Gray Woman’s cave, Konstantin’s words echo through my mind.

The plague goes slowly, then all at once.

The plague goes slowly, then all at once.Hours slog by. The sky lightens. Elisava falls into an uneasy sleep. At last, I spy the Gray Woman’s cave. The entrance is a jagged break at the base of a cliff wall. I rush inside with Elisava in my arms. My heart beats with such fury, my pulse throbs in my temples.

The cave walls are covered in runes that have been deeply cut into the stone.

The Gray Woman heals and hides. Ask her for any boon, but be warned. Chaos lies ahead.

The Gray Woman heals and hides. Ask her for any boon, but be warned. Chaos lies ahead.Cradling my wife in my arms, I stride deeper into the cave. A small stone shrine sits at the far wall. It shows a woman standing in a low bowl of water. I set Elisava onto the sand and speak the incantation my father taught me.

I summon thee, water of chaos, woman of light.

I summon thee, water of chaos, woman of light.Strands of seaweed wiggle up from the cave floor. As the long cords rise higher, they twist into the shape of a human. At last, the green seaweed turns pale as it solidifies into the Gray Woman herself. She’s tall, lithe, and wearing a silvery gown. Her ears angle upward. Just as her name promises, her skin’s the color of storm clouds.

“Greetings, King Caelin.”

I bow my head. “Gray Woman.”

“Did you bring your army to threaten me?”

“Nae. It’s only me and my bride. We’re here about—”

“I know why you are here,” interrupts the Gray Woman. “It was the same reason Konstantin bothered me.” She looks down upon Elisava. “There is nothing I can do for her. I’ve tried with others. Even magic has limits when it comes to the bloodkin plague.”

My heart cracks. “That can’t be true.”

Elisava sighs. “Don’t despair, my love.” Her voice is a hoarse whisper. “Now, you can find your fated mate. Your true wife awaits you.”

“Nae, Elisava. I already have my fated mate.” I pull her onto my lap. “Fated mates have marks on their throats. Only their soul’s partner can see these glowing red symbols. You may think you don’t have one for me, but I disagree.” I kiss her throat gently. “Right there.”

“Ah.” The trace of a smile rounds Elisava’s mouth.

“Fated mates also create unique magic between them,” I add. “And we’ve made the greatest spell of all.” I rest my hand on the slight curve of her belly. “Our bairn.”

“Oh, Caelin.” Elisava’s eyes brim with tears. “I’m so sorry to leave.”

My throat tightens with grief. “You’ll always live in my heart.”

“Promise me. Watch out for my brother.”

“I give you my word.”

Elisava stops breathing. She’s gone. I hold her to my chest while tears stream down my cheeks. I’ve already lost so much. More will soon fade as well.

She’s gone.The women of my clan.

The future of my people.

My own will to live.

It’s as if a great hole gets punched through my rib cage. All that was once worth fighting for seeps from my body. I’m no longer king. Who rules a nation of corpses?

I don’t know how long I sit there. When I look up, the Gray Woman still stands nearby.

“I’m a water elemental,” begins the Gray Woman. “You’re bloodkin. Both of us are daemon kind. As such, we rely on magic to solve every problem. But humans are clever. They’re forever creating little contraptions and storing up knowledge. One day, I believe humans will develop a power to rival ours.”

My voice chokes with emotion. “I don’t see how that helps my people.”

“When that time comes, I shall combine human cleverness with my magic. Perhaps then I can save the bloodkin.”

A chill runs through my veins. I cling onto the second part of her statement.

“What do you mean?”

“Konstantin was right to send you here. All the bloodkin women are doomed. Yet, that’s easy to accept when none of them are dead at your feet. I’ve changed my mind. In honor of your wife and child, I shall revive your people one day.”

Worry, grief, and joy battle it out inside me. If anyone can save the bloodkin, it’s the Gray Woman.

“Thank you.”

The Gray Woman transforms into water and vanishes. For my part, I hold onto my wife until her body goes as cold as my soul.