Blood and Snow 7: Seal of Gabriel Read Free Page A

swords drawn, blocking us from going further.
    “Put those away, my friends,” I said, but heard the edge in my voice. “My name is Silindra, Queen of the vampires. I’m here to see Devoran. Take me to him at once.”
    One guard came forward. “Apologies, my lady. I didn’t recognize you.” He gave a slight bow.
    I regarded him deliberately. He and the others tried not to gawk. It was understandable. I was a grand creature. But, I was also a vanishing breed. Most of the original vampires were gone, or had done like my sister, Sharra, and pilfered a new body. A human body. Though I felt my form aging, I would not lower myself as Sharra and the others had. Humans couldn’t fly! I would die before giving up my wings.
      “It’s alright.” I stepped forward.
    The elves were slight creatures. Their frames tall and thin, like the branches on a willow tree. Skin and hair the color of silver dust. Eyes as deep blue as the Sea. They were dressed in tunics, two in black, two in green, and two in blue.
    I never did understand the need for clothing. They were binding, uncomfortable. The humans wore them, as did many others. I couldn’t be bothered. I had my fur.
    A squeal resonated through my mind.
    She’s excited, I thought, and then caught myself. Who was this she ? Maybe my mind was going. Shaking my head, I cleared my throat.
    “I am Veb,” one of the guards in black said. He came forward as he spoke, placing a fisted hand to his chest.
    “Good to know you, Veb. Now, if you please, I’m in a hurry.” I waved my hand toward the dark forest, motioning for him to lead us in. I didn’t want to be impolite, but he seemed leery of us, especially Gabriel. I didn’t have the time for his internal debate.
    Veb shuffled his feet, a frown on his feminine face. “Silindra, I can take you and the pixilette to Crystal City, but I’ve been given strict instructions that I must never, under any circumstances, allow one of his kind in.” He bowed low, but kept his steely gaze fixed on Gabriel. “Again, apologies.”
    My insides burned with anger. “Listen, Veb. I don’t care what you were told. This Hunter is with me, and I am the Queen—”
    Gabriel placed a hand on my shoulder, and spoke in my ear. “Can I have a minute?”
    “Excuse us,” I said, and stomped away, following Gabriel. When we were a ways off, I said, “Gabriel, if you think I’m going to cow to these elves, you can think again.”
    Gabriel smiled. “The thought never crossed my mind.” He discreetly kissed my cheek. “Your sister has called me to her side. I’m sorry, but I must go. We can’t let her know we are together.”
    A sickness formed in my stomach. I didn’t want him to leave. Having him near brought me contentment. But I knew he was right. “Go,” I said, and turned away.
    “It’s better this way. We don’t want word to get back to Sharra that the two of you were on the Isle of Rhue together. That would raise too many questions.”
    Ryden was right, of course. I just didn’t like that the elves questioned my authority.
    When I turned back, the guards were all smiles.
    “Follow us.”
    Two guards walked ahead, and two brought up the rear. The other two disappeared into the trees. As we walked I couldn’t help but wonder about the arbitrary groaning, like a sigh of relief and a cry of agony combined. The noises seemed to be coming from the trees, but when I looked I didn’t see anything.
    “Are the stories about the phantoms real?” I asked, curious.
    “Yes, they are,” Veb said.
    I waited for him to continue, give me a more thorough explanation, but he didn’t. Had we been at the castle, he would’ve been flogged for his insubordination, or drank dry. No, definitely flogged. The idea of drinking elven blood was off putting. Their blood tasted like moldy tree sap.
    Ugh, I thought with a shudder.
    A voice inside my head shuddered as well.  
    Grounding my teeth in frustration, I asked, “Can the phantoms do any