Twilight's Eternal Embrace

Chapter One

Oiche Sith ruled Dungannon and the Lathe Sith, the daywalkers of Coomkeen were their dutiful subjects. We are the weaker clan. Adryanna seethed with anger as she scrambled over the rocks and bramble to reach Dungannon where the blood drinkers resided. Her sister, Fianait had been chosen.

As Fianait was dark in color with raven black hair, a sweet lass who never caused trouble, Adryanna was the opposite in every way. Her hair was the color of the sun, yellow with tinges of orange and her temperament would try anyone's patience.

Adryanna loathed the arrangement her people had with the Oiche Sith. The Oiche Sith, as their name claimed, ruled the night. They were stronger, swifter and ruthless if provoked. They kept the lands safe from invasions. They asked for only one favor in return. When the Oiche Sith turned one and twenty, they needed blood to fully transform to the warrior stage of their existence. One of the Lathe Sith would be chosen—no, sacrificed—so the Oiche Sith could live.

Damn them for needing our blood, Adryanna cursed under her breath.

Fianait was petite and would not survive. The brute would drain her dry before he gained control. Of this Adryanna was certain.

The moon was full tonight, casting the light she needed to travel. It was forbidden for her to be here, but she would not let her sister meet her fate alone.

The entire courtyard of the castle was decorated for the event with wild flowers and ribbons. The firelight from the sconces and candles danced off the castle's stones like winking stars.

Adryanna stayed hidden within the trees. The hill stood high enough for her to see the event without hindrance. The clan stood waiting on either side of a red runner, fashioned from woven fabric and ribbon. Music played and the crowd turned to witness the arrival of Fianait. Two large mares pulled a cart adorned with flowers and garland. Fianait stood proud in a gown of light blue. Her hair was pulled back to expose the tender flesh at her neck.

Adryanna heard whispers from the elders of her clan when they thought she was not listening. The blooding ritual caused the Oiche Sith to lose control. They would ravish their young bride's flesh, leaving it shredded with a gaping wound that brought death. Yet the elders of her clan still allowed the ritual to take place. They feared the Oiche Sith's wrath if they refused. She saw the unease in their eyes when they spoke of such tales.

As the cart moved closer, Adryanna had a better view of her sister. Fianait held her chin high. She did not fear the duty. It was a great honor and her family would be handsomely rewarded for their sacrifice. The elders of the Oiche Sith already presented them with a palfrey and supplies they could not purchase on their own, like tea and spices. They brought bolts of fabric to her mother, enough to make winter garments for the whole clan. If Fianait survived the night, the Oiche Sith would honor her, but very few ever survived. None survived after a month's time of the brutes feeding off them.

Adryanna gripped the dagger in her hand as visions of slitting one of the Oiche Sith's throat entered her mind. She'd like to see them bleed out for a change.

Adryanna shifted her gaze to the Oiche Sith, who would take Fianait to his bed. He stood on the bottom step that led into the castle. His hair was long and the color of autumn leaves. He looked pale and unsure on his feet. He had yet to fill out, looking more boy than man when compared to the warriors of his clan. He was still larger and taller by far than her people. She knew come tomorrow he would be inches taller with a broad chest and thick legs. This was the way of the Oiche Sith and how they developed into manhood.

When the cart stopped at the foot of the steps, the Oiche Sith approached Fianait. He offered his hand to her and helped her down. He held her at arms' length as his gaze swept over her in appreciation. He pulled her closer, pressing his lips to her right cheek then the left, the sign of his approval and acceptance. The crowd of onlookers cheered in response.

Really, would the Oiche Sith turn an offering away even if the lass was a hideous beast? She thought not. They needed their blood, their females since they could not breed. The Lathe Sith needed the Oiche Sith's alliance to keep the borders secure against the other blood drinking clans that were stronger and more powerful than her clan.

A tear slid down Adryanna's face and she angrily brushed the offensive dampness away. She promised Fianait she would not cry for her, but how could she not mourn her sister…her friend? She would never see her sweet smile again. Damn the bloodsuckers.

Adryanna had witnessed enough and whirled away with plans to head home to grieve. She came up short when she stood face to face with two youths of the Oiche Sith clan. They were not broad shouldered so they had not gone through the change, but they were close to her age she was sure—perhaps nine and ten, not much older. They bared their fangs with a gleam in their eyes.

Splendid, her parents would lose two daughters this night. One in honor and one in disgrace. Well, she would not die easily. She gripped her dagger, revealing the threat. The young men blanched as they caught sight of her weapon, but then they laughed. They thought her weak, a female and a Lathe Sith at that, but she knew how to fight and she'd make them bleed before they killed her.

Do you think your puny dagger will harm us? the taller of the two barked.

Venture closer and we will find out, she taunted with more courage than she felt.

They only took a step, before another joined them.

Halt, he warned the two. The one word was a command no one could refute without consequences.

Adryanna's gaze slid over the newcomer with interest. His hair gleamed dark as night. He was long and slender, indicating he had not made the transition yet either, but she sensed his time was near. He was sure of himself and he wielded a broadsword. He was already in training to take his place as one of the warriors.

His eyes shifted to her and she swallowed the lump in her throat. Never had she seen such blue eyes. Even in the moonlight, they stood out. They were like the deepest blue of a morning sky, welcoming in their warmth. She shook her head in confusion. What nonsense. To her, he was nothing but a bloodsucker.

Have you come to join us? She lifted her chin. I was just going to show your friends the sting of my dagger. Mayhap you would like me to carve a tattoo on your forearm?

His dark brows winged up and his full lips curved into a smile. Perhaps later. He narrowed his eyes on the other two. Begone, Fergal and Niven. Your fun is over this night.

The two youths grumbled, but they did not question the Blue-eyed Devil, who'd ordered them to leave.

Once they were alone, Adryanna wasn't sure if one threat was better than the other, but at least she'd have more of a chance with one Oiche Sith than with two.

I mean you no harm, the Blue-eyed Devil said, his voice soothing in its claim, but her heart hammered, warning her he was a danger to her. Only she wasn't sure why. His stance spoke of no threat.

He had a wildly handsome face and the moonlight accented captivating shadows beneath his eyes. Her gaze fastened on his mouth and for a heartbeat of time, she imagined how those masculine lips would feel pressed against hers. With a sensuous mouth like that, his kisses would surely make a woman forget herself.

She met his steady gaze. The blood rushed to her head and she felt her cheeks flame hot. What was she doing? Then she knew. It was the Blue-eyed Devil's fault. Stop it. She raised her dagger and jabbed it at him. Do not come closer. I will not have you glamour me.

He lifted his hands in mock surrender. I have done no such thing. His brows furrowed with concern. What makes you believe such magic was done to you?

He spoke the truth. Worry shadowed his eyes. Then she understood. It was not magic, but her body responding to him in a way she had not thought possible. She found him desirable. No. She stumbled back to get away from him and almost fell, but he was quick, lightning quick as he came to her rescue. She thought meeting his gaze was unsettling, but his touch proved more wicked than casual glances. His hands came to rest on her waist, his touch burning through her shirt with raw heat. Don't look at him. Don't meet his eyes.

Damn her curiosity. Her eyes opened and she met his gaze. His eyes smoldered with desire, mirroring her own. He pulled her closer. There was no mistaking the hungry sensual growl in the back of his throat as he pressed his lips to hers. He didn't ravage, but took his time, savoring, tasting…seducing. She groaned beneath his tender assault before her brain registered what she was doing. Fear mixed with passion made her heart thump wildly.

Adryanna pushed at his chest, but he held her tight. She had to stop this before it was too late, before she no longer cared her enemy kissed her. Her dagger hand sliced through his shirtsleeve, hitting flesh. He let her go with a startled curse, but it was all she needed. She fled, her feet moving with sure strides as she made her way into the forest. She knew he could follow her, make her pay for drawing his blood, but he didn't pursue her.

Her feet didn't stop until she reached the safety of her village. Coomkeen lay calm and peaceful as the people slept. What you should be doing also instead of kissing a bloodsucker. Her fingers lightly touched her lips, still tender from the Blue-eyed Devil's caress. She hated him for what he was, but her body didn't seem to care. With a touch of his lips, he awakened the woman in her. She didn't scare easily, but this frightened her. He had not used glamour, and yet, he still held a power to make her knees weak.

She turned, glancing toward the dark forest. The hairs on her arms stood up and she felt a tingle down her back. Had the Blue-eyed Devil followed her after all? The leaves rustled in the wind, but no one emerged from the shadows.

Chapter Two

She stabbed me. Bram stared at his forearm in disbelief. It wasn't a deep wound, but it had drawn blood. The offense should have angered him, but instead her response to his kiss intrigued him.

He looked toward the path the female Lathe Sith had taken in flight. She'd ventured into his village armed with a dagger. He wanted to know why. He would have asked her, but he lost himself in her arms before the words could leave his lips.

His acute hearing picked up her footfalls, frantic in their attempt to escape. He took off after her, but kept a safe distance between them so not to frighten her further. He knew she enjoyed his touch. Her heart had sped up and her fresh scent of wild flowers and sunshine had changed, becoming more potent as she became aroused, but then something spooked her. He could leave it as an untried youth, but his own reaction plagued him. Never had he felt such an attraction. Then again, his clan had very few women available and he could not gauge his reaction as odd or not. The elders warned them they were not to mingle with the females of the Lathe Sith clan. It was forbidden until the blooding ritual. The elders from both clans would choose the female for the next warrior in line for the ritual. His time would be next year.

The Lathe Sith's bodies were fragile compared to them, but their blood was compelling, a life source they needed to complete the change to manhood. His kind could live centuries, but the clan itself was a dying breed. The Oiche Sith women were barren. The Lathe Sith females they took to their beds, weakened before the seed could be planted.

The female he followed into the woods slowed her pace as she broke through the trees. Her village lay before her. He had no doubt she felt safe. Little did she know, if he so chose, her safety could be plucked away from her in a matter of seconds. He could move like the wind. It was tempting to teach her a lesson, that she could not outrun an Oiche Sith, but the thought of frightening her did not sit well with him.

He stood within the shadows of the trees, content to watch her. She was lovely even in the clothes she donned for her adventure—trousers and a shirt too big for her frame. Her boots were made of fur and her vest matched. She was a hunter.

The Lathe Sith turned toward him, her soft features catching the light from the moon. He knew she couldn't see him. Her kind could not see in the dark as well as his clan could, but he was sure she sensed his presence. Her gaze sought his as her hand touched her lips. She was remembering their kiss. He was sure of it. Her pupils dilated and her breath caught in her throat.

His lips curved at the thought of that shared kiss. He hadn't meant to ravish her in any way, but when he touched her, he felt her essence call to him. He acted before he could rein in the attraction. Now that he had a taste of her, he wanted more. He had many months before he would go through the change, but already his body ached to fulfill his needs. The change involved blood purifying, a ritual which entailed draining some of his blood to allow the Lathe Sith's blood to flow freely through the veins.

The process was painful, or so he heard. His bones would stretch and elongate. His muscles would expand, making him a warrior worthy of his race. The change was also a sexual experience. His appetite to mate would increase.

His gaze landed on the Lathe Sith he had kissed. Her long hair of gold and deep orange stood out bright as day in the moonlit night. She was tall and sturdy with a full figure. She was of mating age and his body craved her touch. Only he was not allowed to choose. The council would make the decision and he would accept the Lathe Sith who volunteered her services.

He whirled away in frustration, his mantle flapping behind him as he strode toward home. The thought of another of his clan having the woman he kissed, angered him. It also disturbed him. The chosen female didn't live long. The thought of the woman with the sun-colored hair wasting away as her blood was siphoned, saddened him.

He glanced at his arm. The wound she inflicted already healed. With a spirit as strong as hers, perhaps she would survive the mating. He sighed heavily, knowing it was a fantasy on his part to believe one of the Lathe Sith would survive. But she is strong and alive now.

It was forbidden to wander into Coomkeen and befriend one of the clan. The Lathe Sith and the Oiche Sith were not friends. They did not converse unless it was at the council meetings or on the battlefield. They were clans of convenience. They both needed something and their arrangement worked for them.

The Oiche Sith took the front lines. It was part of the alliance they kept in exchange for the blood—one maiden a year. After the initial blooding into manhood, they could survive off animal blood for nourishment, but he heard the other warriors talk. They claimed the Lathe Sith's blood was better for them, purer and it made them stronger. He knew only the alliance between the elders of each clan kept the peace.

Chapter Three

Adryanna worked beside her mother gathering berries for the pie she was going to bake for a treat after their evening meal. She did not mention Fianait. It was already as if her sister no longer existed.

She glanced at the sun, wishing it would set sooner, allowing the moon to make its appearance. She wanted to know of her sister's fate. Her mother might prefer denial, but she wanted the truth. Did her sister live, or had the brute who took her to his bed drained her life away?

Where does your mind drift to? her mother asked. Nola, as her mother was named, once had hair as dark as Fianait's, but now silver threaded through the strands like weeds in the garden.

Do you truly wish to know, Mother? She knew the answer before her mother turned away.

I suppose I do not. Our life is what it is, Adryanna. I wish you would not dwell on what cannot be changed.

She wanted to hate her mother, but how could she when her mother was right on her assessment. Their clan was nothing but chattel, waiting to be chosen for the slaughter. She rose to her feet and wiped her hands on her gown.

Her mother glanced at her. Where are you going?

She lifted one brow and her mother closed her eyes. They had an unspoken agreement. Nola did not ask her daughter what she did away from the dwelling. In exchange, Adryanna would not disappoint her with the truth.

Do as you must. Her mother's voice sounded tired. You always have. I wish it were you—

Adryanna's blood ran cold at her mother's confession, knowing full well what her mother had wanted to say. I wish it were I they took too. Fianait did not deserve her fate.

Adryanna, Nola called to her, but Adryanna didn't turn around.

Instead, she took to running. Her feet flew over the bramble with ease. She loved to run, loved the feel of the air on her face and the way her hair flew behind her. It was the closest she could imagine to what flying would feel like. She ran until she reached the other end of the forest and she could make out the castle of Dungannon.

No flag flew to indicate if Fianait lived or died. A red flag would