RBC06.50 - Marcella, Vampire Mage Read Free

to the lake the way we had before, keeping my eye out for any curious Fae, but I actually felt disappointed that saw nothing this time. I had visited the Sequoia in America, where a very special clan location was protected by Katrina. Amparah had taken me there not long after we arrived in America. Fae were predominate there and I found them to be free spirits. A mischievous race to be sure.
    I followed the stream, just like Nira suggested, and came upon the spot she alluded to. It was easy to see why she loved it so much.
    I pulled up my skirt and kicked off my simple sandals, sat down on the rocks and dangled my feet into the water. Across the small pond, not wider than thirty feet, the edge was grassy with a gentle shore.
    I giggled as tiny fish nibbled at my toes. Then I heard rustling across the way and looked up to see a unicorn, his long white mane and coat fluttering in the slight breeze. He stopped and bobbed his head up and down as our gaze met.
    “It’s all right,” I whispered, staying as still as I possibly could.
    He bobbed his head again, and pawed the ground. Watching me closely for a few more minutes before stepping cautiously to the edge of the pond, a taking a drink.
    His horn was very short, suggesting that he was very young. This unicorn was about the size of a pony or even more like a very large, long-haired goat, and even sported a slight, billy-goat beard.
    “You’re beautiful,” I said softly.
    He stopped drinking and looked over, cocking his head to one side. He had clear blue eyes framed with lovely long white lashes. I smiled and I could swear he winked at me. Then he briskly turned and trotted away.
    I sighed. “I hope I see you again soon.”
    “His name is Selky.”
    I jerked around. The Fae I had seen in the forest earlier was standing about ten feet behind me.
    “You startled me.” I pulled my feet out of the water and stood.
    “Sorry, I haven’t seen you here before.”
    “No, I just arrived this morning. I’m Marcella.”
    “I’m Kaer.”
    Kaer stepped closer, sniffing the air and looking inquisitively at me.
    “I’m a vampire; you’ve probably never seen or smelled one before.”
    “Oh, I’ve seen vampires before, just not one like you.”
    “What’s that suppose to mean?”
    “Vampires are supposed to be beautiful, but you’re different.”
    “Are you naturally insulting, or does it take some effort?”
    I stood and started to put on my sandals, so that I could leave.
    “I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. I mean, you’re special, that’s all.”
    “I should get back.”
    “I could show you the others, unicorn I mean.”
    “Maybe some other time.”
    “Selky wouldn’t have stayed if you weren’t worthy of it. That’s all I meant.”
    I turned to say that I might have overreacted, but Kaer was gone. I walked back not really feeling any better than before. But Kaer was right, I should feel good about the unicorn, and I had to feel worthy before anyone else would think so. I was always telling my brother Cain that.
    I was bound and determined to do something good with the wonderful opportunity Nira had given me. Both Allwain and Nira said I deserved to be here. So why was I feeling like this now, when I’d been so excited to come?
    “Cella, I was looking all over for you. Are you all right?”
    “I will be, Sammy. I just needed some time alone.”
    “You can’t let those two witches get to you; it’s what they thrive on. Their families are magic royalty, holders of the crystals.”
    “I don’t care. I’m not here for any other reason than to learn.”
    “If you don’t care, then why did you run off?”
    “I was embarrassed, that’s true. Even intimidated, but remember this. Evil, the enemies of the Five, don’t care who your families are.”
    “You’re right. Cella, how’d you get so smart?”
    “I’m not. I made a choice when I was very small; first to survive, and then not to let the evil that surrounded me define who I was going to