Blood Redemption Read Online Free PDF Page A

alive with energy. “Of course! I’m so pleased to hear this. We
     should get out our schedules and plan something soon then.”
    “That isn’t necessary,” Vanya said. “I have already seen to the arrangements.”
    “What do you mean?” Ciopori asked.
    Vanya tittered softly. “I mean I will be there late Monday, around midnight.”
    Ciopori was quiet, obviously trying to digest Vanya’s words.
    “It’s eight AM here,” Vanya said absently, knowing that her sister intuitively knew
     the time difference; Ciopori was a celestial princess, after all, intimately connected
     with the stars and the moon and the planets. “I’ve chartered the house of Jadon’s
     private plane,” Vanya offered by way of explanation, “and I will be departing within
     the hour. I can sleep this night on the plane, and I should arrive at the Dark Moon
     Vale airstrip around midnight tomorrow, your time, of course.” She sighed. “As you
     can see, my bags are packed, and I’m eager to travel.”
    Ciopori cleared her throat. “Wow…well, that is unexpected. However, it is wonderful
     news. I trust you will stay with Marquis and me?”
    “For most of the time,” Vanya said. “I don’t wish to interfere with your household—you
     are still newlyweds, you know.”
    “Yes,” Ciopori agreed, “newlyweds with a five-and-a half-month-old baby, hurricane
     Nikolai.”
    Vanya laughed wholeheartedly. “Oh, I can’t wait to see him. Is he getting big?”
    “Growing like a weed,” Ciopori said. “Just yesterday, he latched onto a lock of Marquis’s
     hair with his fist and refused to let go. Marquis could not pry his hand loose without
     hurting his tiny fingers, and by the time it was over, Marquis had a bald spot at
     the crown of his head.” She laughed. “It’s already grown back, but it was quite an
     episode to behold.”
    Vanya giggled conspiratorially, her reaction a bit too appreciative. “What a spitfire,
     that one.” She regained her composure. “So, it is settled then? I will come directly
     to your home…for a time.”
    “Of course,” Ciopori answered, and then her voice grew somewhat serious. “Although,
     you know, Vanya, maybe you should wait a week or two, just to be safe.”
    “Safe?” Vanya asked, her voice revealing her concern. “Why wouldn’t I be safe?”
    “It’s just…” Ciopori sighed. “I mean, it isn’t anything serious, but there is a Dark
     One in our midst now, and I must admit, the whole thing is a bit creepy.”
    Vanya inhaled sharply, not liking the sound of her sister’s words. “A Dark One? Whatever
     for? I thought Napolean’s hunting teams were exterminating them whenever possible.”
     She breathed uneasily. “I mean, I understand that the dynamics have changed considerably,
     ever since the Dark Ones have become, shall I say… emboldened , but I really don’t think that has anything to do with me or you. Our king will keep
     us safe. Not to mention Marquis.”
    Ciopori sighed. “Of course. Of course . It’s just this is an entirely different situation. The warriors captured a Dark
     One two weeks ago—he was plotting against the house of Jadon as usual, trying to use
     Kristina in order to get to the Silivasis.”
    “Oh, my!” Vanya exclaimed. “Is Kristina okay?”
    “Yes…well, she is now. He certainly hurt her when he went after both she and Nachari’s destiny .” Before Vanya could ask, Ciopori added, “It’s a very long story. I will fill you
     in on the details when you get here. Just suffice to say that Nachari is back, he
     is mated, and he has a beautiful son, Sebastian; and the Dark One who tried to destroy
     him survived an execution by sun just earlier this morning.”
    Vanya started. She shifted uncomfortably on her bed, and her mind began to race. “Sister!
     Why haven’t you called me? There is so much going on!”
    “I know, I know. I’m sorry. I was going to pick up the phone this week, but like I
     said, there’s just been so