Chosen: Book 1 in the Ancients of Light series by Heather Fleener

back to the
impending confrontation. Every instinct in him was screaming to
protect her and that warred with his understanding that she needed
to do this alone in order to solidify her right to remain.
    These extra moments were costing Kaitriana
the remainder of her control and only by her strength of will did
she remain on her feet. Visible relief had filled her countenance
at Lorcan’s agreement. She squared her shoulders, her full
attention centered on the insolent vampire. She had to rein her
temper back as her inclination was the set the foolish upstart to
flames. Instead she presented him with a calm façade and cajoled
softly, “Gareth you may still stand down, you need not pursue this
path in full view of your peers.” She nodded to emphasize the truth
in her words and Lorcan felt a touch of admiration for the witch at
her attempt to save his brother disgrace.
    Her change from aggressive to easy demeanor
served only to feed the spite that consumed the younger vampire.
Gareth attempted to shadow within reach of her neck but he was
brought up short and nearly fell. His startled gaze flew to his
brother in bewilderment, but Kaitriana’s words interceded with
explanation, “I bound your ability Gareth. Stand down and I vow to
restore it without delay.”
    This was the final insult that Gareth would
tolerate. His Vampire abilities still allowed him to move with
incredible speed and he seized the sword of the nearest warrior.
Moving toward her, he raised the weapon high with a war cry of
festering rage.
    Her glowing hand rose ever so slightly, to be
missed if the attention of all had not been focused solely on the
two. Kaitriana’s wrist flicked sharply to the right, sending the
young vampire careening back that same direction. The stone wall
that surrounded Breslein stopped his motion a full two hundred
yards back from where Gareth stood but a second before. The vampire
rolled to the ground on impact but immediately made motion to rise.
He was stopped by the booming word from Lorcan, “Enough!” Gareth
complied and stayed in place, glowering at the girl.
    Kaitriana had proven her strength well enough
and Lorcan sensed she would soon be too weak to remain upright. He
wanted none who might tell this tale to have reason to hint at any
weakness in her ability. Already words of wonder were sweeping
through the crowd, “a vampire of magic,” “Chosen,” “Myrrdyn’s
Prophecy.” Kaitriana’s abilities had inspired them instantly and
hope grew as the gathered became more certain in their musings.
There was no derision remaining amongst them. In their minds they
could justify the witch that stood before them as fully Vampire,
just as they had with their Coven leader. They had endless faith in
their mighty warlord and if he had chosen to keep the girl safe
there must be something here indeed.
    The wind picked up causing her skirts to
dance. Though her appearance was bedraggled, Kaitriana was
magnificent. The white of her gown was marred by the bloodstains of
those evil she had slain prior to seeking him, but Lorcan could see
the corset of the top that molded her curves and clung
provocatively to her skin had been luxurious in its material. The
silk was embroidered heavily with gold threads that were the
symbols of the Warrior Caste while the sheerness of the layered,
gossamer skirts draped fully about her feet. Lorcan shook his head,
registering…bare feet. Why would she battle in such finery and with bare feet ?
    Kaitriana was a puzzle and his eyes shot
heavenward with a fleeting prayer for patience. Fate had not
brought a cursed evil to him tonight, more a gem from Heaven. In
Lorcan’s mind, if Myrrdyn’s God had wrought this, he would be
giving his thanks for eternity. He did not know the story behind
her reappearance in the Realm nor of the five centuries she had
been gone, but she was surely a gift. Her actions had only
strengthened his resolve; he was keeping
her - even if Myrrdyn objected, even if the entire