Daywalker by Charisma Knight Page A

to the past and to the future,” Hysteon confessed. “They are the ones that have wronged us all. I was kidnapped, Akaisha. They kidnapped my brother as well, torturing him for simply protecting me.”
    Akaisha sat down next to Kale and Hysteon, her hands over her mouth.
    “So, you both are werewolves?” Akaisha asked.
    “Yes,” the brothers replied, comforted by the daywalker’s presence.
    “I don’t understand. As cruel and heartless as Valaris is, he acts as though he would protect Daegan with his life. I feel and see his aura. It is as black as the night sky,” Akaisha murmured.
    “Valaris seeks to destroy Daegan, obtaining his place on the council, and Castle Daegan. Valaris is ruled by greed and bloodlust,” Kale stated. “Elizabeth aids him. She stole the crystal, obtaining Hysteon’s gift of foresight.”
    “That lying witch!” Akaisha cursed. “She told me she possessed the power of foresight, like me!”
    “Yes,” Kale murmured. “She does, but not her own.”
    “Why is Elizabeth helping Valaris? What is in it for her?” Akaisha asked, puzzled.
    “A few years after Biele’s death, when Elizabeth was young and pretty, she and other prisoners were taken and brought back to the castle,” Hysteon explained. “Elizabeth adored Daegan, did everything he told her, hoping he would turn her into an immortal.”
    “Daegan never liked Elizabeth, for whatever reason. Perhaps it was her black heart. Daegan has had his trials and tribulations, embracing the darkness after Biele’s death; however, there was something about Elizabeth that would not allow him to turn her,” Kale added.
    “Elizabeth became infuriated; she spent many years in his service, expecting him to make her immortal, to preserve her youth. I think the fact he never bedded her was what hurt her deepest,”
    Hysteon commented. “This is the reason why she seeks vengeance against Daegan.”
    “What of Biele?” Akaisha asked, wanting to confirm her suspicions.
    “Biele was murdered by Valaris,” Hysteon spat. “We knew this, so they held us prisoners for six months. Valaris killed Biele, spreading rumors that it was Daegan, years after. He wanted nothing to interfere with the damned vampire council. The only way for Valaris to climb the ranks was if Daegan rose to power, then Valaris could claim his place, should something happen to Daegan,” Hysteon explained.
    “Why didn’t they kill you?” Akaisha asked. “Not that I’m complaining.”
    “Because they still need us,” Hysteon said with pride. “I know much about magic, it is our heritage. Our clan has guided the Daegan Clan for centuries Akaisha. Valaris and Elizabeth are only dabblers, they have learned a few tricks, however, they pale in comparison to the things I know. It will take them many centuries to access all the power I possess.”
    “Elizabeth has a crystal, decorated with blue highlights,” Akaisha suddenly remembered. “What is that for?”
    “Ah, that crystal is used to sway the minds of others. It shows them their heart’s desires, tricking them, giving them a false feeling of hope. Unfortunately, this is how Valaris and Elizabeth turned a few against Daegan, as well as spreading their hatred and lies,” Hysteon said. “Sweet Akaisha, by chance what was it you saw in that crystal?”
    “Daegan was chasing me, and then I disappeared. I also saw my parents, in Egypt; I thought I would be able to travel back to my time,” Akaisha confessed sadly.
    “Fear not, daywalker, there may be hope for that yet.” Kale smiled.
    “My dreams, I’ve been having dreams, since before Daegan took me from my home,” Akaisha stated. “In my dreams, I was always murdered by a man, but I could never see his face. I thought it was Daegan who was murdering me, but it was Valaris?”
    “Yes, Akaisha. Sometimes our intuition will show us enough, eventually it is left up to us at times to put together pieces of the puzzle,” Hysteon stated. “Your power is strong,