Post by Admin on Aug 23, 2020 2:50:48 GMT
Getting Payback (Shadow Lounge)
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site)
Antonio was about to leave Hogwarts for a much needed drink. Looking up at the night sky, moon was near half way full. Antonio smiled as that meant Gabriel would be at the Shadow Lounge. The thing was how to inform him about the Auror without it getting back to Shadow.
He had to think of something because if Shadow found out, several things would happen. The first is he would finish what was started fifteen years ago. Second, he would ask the vampires why Potter had not become lunch. That would lead the vampires to question what Antonio had told them. Antonio rubbed his neck as he realized that would stop his plan cold. Once Shadow figured out that Antonio was trying to sic Vampires on him, well... Tia would be payed a visit.
His thoughts were interrupted by the dropping of a note.
Reading it quickly, Antonio got white.
"I require your assistance in subduing an unfaithful subordinate.
Shadow Lounge, Now!"
Antonio only allowed a few minutes to think about what might happen if he didn't go. Shaking his head as he realized that he didn't dare not go, especially if the sender was Shadow.
Saying as he entered the Shadow Lounge, “Not if I want to keep Tia safe.”
(OCC: Preplanned)
Antonio was worried as he wondered how the vampire could get into his mind. It was something that he would need to ask Tarik. After settling the others down, Antonio waited for the Medjai to show.
After listening to Victor, Antonio prayed that Kat didn't follow her usual habit of checking her pockets. If she did then Victor was right, Kat would return to see if she might have left it. Looking over to Neo at the front door, he realized that he had to tell her brother not to let her back inside. That would lead the Cooler to ask why. Antonio knew that could be a problem in answering. He wasn't positive that Victor was after Gabriel but he did know that Gab could smell a vampire in the Lounge. Antonio wasn't sure how their friend would respond but he knew that Gab was family to Tia. The princess had to be kept calm so a fight between Victor and Gab was out of the question. No matter who won, the fight would worry Tia and that he had been warned was dangerous. Plus Gab was one of few true friends that Antonio had, Victor was not.
Turning to head towards Neo...
Antonio was surprised that Victor considered Artemis and Khalid inconsequential. They both were older than most and dangerously deadly. Antonio was worried as most would never say what Victor had just said.
He said calmly, “A word of advice Victor, never underestimate Tarik. Most that have, don't live to repeat the mistake.” He wasn't about to tell him that the Amir to the Medjai had added protection by the name of Darik. That elf was deadly and more powerful than any that Antonio had ever heard of. He wondered just how powerful the elf was as he knew that the elf had helped in training Tarik. The Amir was one Medjai that really had skills that others feared. Antonio guessed that when you have the ability to use magic without the use of a wand, others leave you be. Khalid wanted Tarik on his side but even he and Shadow were very careful how they went about doing it. Khalid had said that his baby brother was unique and as such needed to be respected. Antonio wondered how dangerous Tarik would be if he ever used his Blood Magic. He did know that Khalid never wanted to find out.
Antonio heard the name and got worried. He wondered how this vamp had gotten his sister's name. Antonio prayed that Khalid had not handed Liz over to the Coven for safekeeping. The death order was on hold but for how long. He had checked every inch of Khalid's Island for her and found nothing. She was one of the reasons that he could not openly go after Shadow. If he did so, Shadow would lift the hold and she would die. Antonio was pretty sure that Shadow would insure her death was both slow and painful. Shadow hated him as much as Antonio hated the man that had murdered his partner. But he could do nothing as long as Shadow had his insurances.
Antonio wondered what the vampire was getting at. He could not free her not without him getting Artemis' approval. Sure he wanted his sister away from this mess and safe. He had even thought about asking Fai as he was one of Khalid's head bodyguards. Antonio just wondered who the other one was and he prayed that he wasn't looking at him. Khalid had hired an outsider to relieve Fai when needed but nobody knew who, except maybe Fai and Shadow. Antonio doubted though as his grandfather wanted somebody that was loyal to only him.
Antonio was getting more worried as Victor referred to Tia as princess. He prayed that Victor had no clue as to just how important Tia was. Marcus had told him in secret about his baby sister's destiny. Even if Marcus had not been murdered by Shadow, Tia would have still never had a normal life as only certain females of the Andreas' line were chosen to guard Menka's treasure. Luckily, Tia had no clue as to why she was protected or the real reason so many wanted her under their control. He had promised Marcus that he would keep her protected and unaware of her true destiny. Shadow had somehow found out and had changed his plans. On top of it all, his uncle was using Antonio's vow to Marcus to keep Antonio from doing the other thing that he and Troy had swore. That was to bring Shadow down for the murders he had committed. It was the main reason that Antonio had to obey Shadow whenever he was anywhere near. The thing was Antonio had been secretly still trying to bring both that maniac and Khalid down. Now this vampire knew and that had Antonio more than a little nervous. He just hoped Victor never knew how nervous.
Antonio went pale as he heard Victor's words. This vampire had just became a threat to the princess. The question was how was Antonio going to insure that Victor didn't stay a threat. Only Ravenclaw had known where the treasure was hidden. Daniel had tried unsuccessfully to find the location. He had asked Tarik to translate the runes but at least the Medjai only had one true loyalty in life. That was to the Guardian of Menka's Treasure. As soon as Tarik figured out what Ravenclaw's prophecy was about, he stopped. Antonio was positive that Tarik would never reveal what he knew and Antonio had no clue as Marcus never knew.
Antonio was getting even more nervous as Victor spoke. He wondered if this vampire was really powerful enough to defeat those who's training was designed for one purpose. That was to protect and destroy any and all threat to the Guardian. He had to warn the Caretakers but how as he was ordered by Shadow not to go near them. Unless he wanted Shadow to start going after the Guardian again. That had been how he had found out that Shadow and Khalid had known for a while that the Guardian to Menka's Treasure was Tia Andreas. He had to insure that this new threat was known and dealt with.
“Victor, I am no one's servant. I can't betray somebody that I never make a pact with. So what if I refuse your offer? As my only true loyalty was given a long time ago.”, Antonio said questionably. He was a guardian to a guardian and would do anything to protect her, including work for the likes of Shadow. It bought the princess time to get her specialty under control. The Blood Magic was strong in her line and unlike most she had not started her training early enough. It made her dangerous even to those that she considered a friend. The wizards around her called what she did just bouts of accidental magic. Those that knew called it the sign of The Guardian. This was a dangerous time for her as her Blood Magic had been tapped unknowingly by her right before her fourth year. Antonio agreed with Tarik. Tia's destiny should be her choice and nobody had the right to choose it for her...Not Khalid, Marsden, Shadow and especially Victor or Artemis. The same for Rosa, though Antonio still had no clue as to who had him watch her. Antonio still watched her but had stopped reporting and leaving the Black Roses. The gift was scaring the young Hufflepuff. That told Antonio that it was not a friend as he had originally thought.
Antonio acted like he wasn't interested.
Antonio looked at where Victor's eyes went, and went pale. Kat had indeed came back and without Tarik or anybody else. He was even more concerned because of Victor's threat earlier as Kat headed their way.
Antonio went towards her as he headed for Neo, but Victor beat him there. Now he didn't dare try and get her brother's attention as Victor was to close to Kat. But he did have another idea as all he had to do was get her to believe that Neo wanted her. He prayed that Neo would pick up on why he had sent her to him.
Antonio's eyes told it all as he stood frozen. Would Victor actually hurt her with Neo right there, Antonio was to scared to chance it. Victor had talked about a lesson concerning the note he had tried to send Tarik. Plus Antonio had refused Victor's offer as his first and only true loyalty was to Tia, which Victor could pose a threat.
Antonio finally said, “Kat, Neo is looking for you. Plus you are working, so no drinking remember?”
Antonio watched as Kat took a sip as she said, “Tonio, one sip is not gonna hurt any. Plus I already talked to Neo. He was wondering when you were gonna finally stop worrying about upsetting my older brothers and ask me out. They are your best friends Antonio, who better to date their sister. Neo's words. So?”
Antonio watched as Kat took another sip as she said, “Tonio might be shy but that has nothing to do with why he won't ask me out. One word, Marco. My older brother and his best friend. Marco is overprotective of me. Antonio won't date me unless all four of my brothers are okay with it. It is split as two are and two say that Antonio has some things that need dealt with first. So Tonio waits as for some weird reason he agrees with Marco and Franco.”
Antonio needed to get her away from Victor, so he said, “Okay Kat. Go tell Neo you need about a couple of hours off. If he agrees, and I hear it from him. Then we will go out okay?”
Kat nodded and went to talk to Neo, while Antonio glared at Victor.
Antonio froze at Victor's words. Then he said angrily, “What do you mean influence, Victor? What have you done to her?”
He finally understood the lesson Victor was talking about. Victor had him and the vampire knew it.
Looking over to where Kat was, Antonio said as calmly as he could, “I can't give you full loyalty Victor as that belongs to Tia. I can however promise that as long as you never hurt her, then I will do as you request. But hurt Tia and the deal's off, agreed? I made an oath under wand-light with her brother.”
Antonio smiled as he said, “Oh and Victor...If you had any idea of trying to kill Gabriel, forget it. He is Tia's cousin and killing him would most certainly hurt her, if you get my meaning?”
Antonio wondered what Victor meant by, as close as can be. Had Antonio stumbled on a true immortal?
Antonio wondered just how serving Victor would be serving Tia's interests. Victor was a threat to Tia as the vampire knew her secret. He shook his head as he said, “No, serving you who in your very nature is a threat to the one I'm sworn to protect. I serve her out of friendship and will continue to do so. As somebody very unique once said,'You can't serve two lands.'” Darik was very unique as he had said those words right before telling Antonio would had in facted murdered his real father. That truth along with Antonio's vow to Marcus insured that Khalid's influence was no longer in Tonio's way. Antonio would finish what his real father had began. The Dark Sect was a threat both to the princess and Egypt. For that they would be destroyed!
Antonio cringed. Kat knew the truth as he hid nothing from her.
Kat giggled as she headed towards Neo. Inside she worried as Tonio never was this way usually. They would kid around but he would always end up buying her a drink. Eying the man with him, Kat could tell that Antonio feared him. She was wondering if she should tell Neo about him. By the time she got to her brother, Kat had forgotten all about the strange man.
Antonio listened and prayed that Victor had not put any of his blood in Kat's drink. It was another reason he never touched wine. Nat had told him that some vamps had the ability to influence people by having their targets drink a little of their blood. They usually said it was wine. Antonio again was stunned as Victor hinted that he could protect Liz. That meant he knew right where she was.
Voicing the question, Antonio said, “Where is Liz, Victor? I know they are not holding her on New Egypt. You say she will be under your protection but how? Unless Khalid had her hidden where I found the Auror?” If that was the case why had he not found her when he freed Leo Potter? Antonio had no idea but the thought scared him for some reason.
Antonio was shocked as this vampire was serious about his word. He is almost like Tarik in that way. He nodded to Victor as the bargain was struck.
Antonio froze as the words pierced his mind. Even Chameleon hid.
Antonio inwardly shook as he realized that this vampire had indeed come to deal with Gabriel. Fear overtook Antonio as he realized that Victor hated Gabriel. His friend had never been told about Victor. All Nat had told Gab was that Artemis had said that another vamp had asked for her hand and he had accepted. Antonio, himself had only recently found out who had asked.
Antonio was now outwardly shaking as he said, “ Yes Marquis, but neither ever knew it was you. Artemis never told Nat who had asked for her hand. He only said she was finally going to be married. Then he had sent her to deal with a little problem he was having.”
Antonio went to get Kat as he eyed Gabriel. He didn't dare warn his friend as he was unsure how the Victor would take it. Tonio knew one thing, Tia could never know. He had been telling Victor the truth. Tia worried about her family and for her that was dangerous as her Blood Magic had accidentally been tapped before she had control of her emotions.
As he left the Lounge with Kat, he viewed Gabriel walking towards his table.
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site)
Antonio was about to leave Hogwarts for a much needed drink. Looking up at the night sky, moon was near half way full. Antonio smiled as that meant Gabriel would be at the Shadow Lounge. The thing was how to inform him about the Auror without it getting back to Shadow.
He had to think of something because if Shadow found out, several things would happen. The first is he would finish what was started fifteen years ago. Second, he would ask the vampires why Potter had not become lunch. That would lead the vampires to question what Antonio had told them. Antonio rubbed his neck as he realized that would stop his plan cold. Once Shadow figured out that Antonio was trying to sic Vampires on him, well... Tia would be payed a visit.
His thoughts were interrupted by the dropping of a note.
Reading it quickly, Antonio got white.
"I require your assistance in subduing an unfaithful subordinate.
Shadow Lounge, Now!"
Antonio only allowed a few minutes to think about what might happen if he didn't go. Shaking his head as he realized that he didn't dare not go, especially if the sender was Shadow.
Saying as he entered the Shadow Lounge, “Not if I want to keep Tia safe.”
(OCC: Preplanned)
"Now the contents of this letter I could read easily even if you coded it. However, I do not require that knowledge to know that your intent was urgent, that a splash of fear struck your mind, and of haste. In short she left with hope and urgency, not worry and relief which would have been normal if she were just off to be safe."
Antonio was worried as he wondered how the vampire could get into his mind. It was something that he would need to ask Tarik. After settling the others down, Antonio waited for the Medjai to show.
The Vampire waited as Anthony threw out his next bit of heroic bravado and chuckled in response. "There will be no message to give. She walked out with a letter, she checks to realize the letter is not on her person, and if I'm not mistaken that should be her heading through those doors in the next few minutes. Likely she'll blush and apologize for loosing the message but the sad thing is, mon amis, she'll still be in harm's way if you persist these silly follies of yours."
After listening to Victor, Antonio prayed that Kat didn't follow her usual habit of checking her pockets. If she did then Victor was right, Kat would return to see if she might have left it. Looking over to Neo at the front door, he realized that he had to tell her brother not to let her back inside. That would lead the Cooler to ask why. Antonio knew that could be a problem in answering. He wasn't positive that Victor was after Gabriel but he did know that Gab could smell a vampire in the Lounge. Antonio wasn't sure how their friend would respond but he knew that Gab was family to Tia. The princess had to be kept calm so a fight between Victor and Gab was out of the question. No matter who won, the fight would worry Tia and that he had been warned was dangerous. Plus Gab was one of few true friends that Antonio had, Victor was not.
Turning to head towards Neo...
"Centuries!" Victor feigned shock then smiled sadistically. "I think I'd know more about "centuries" than your Magi. Khalid and Artemis are inconsequential at this point and Magi have a very Egyptian flavoring to their blood, almost-ed like a spiced wine. I've seen creatures far more powerful come and go, you're little "professionals" will be a relished sporting opportunity."
Antonio was surprised that Victor considered Artemis and Khalid inconsequential. They both were older than most and dangerously deadly. Antonio was worried as most would never say what Victor had just said.
He said calmly, “A word of advice Victor, never underestimate Tarik. Most that have, don't live to repeat the mistake.” He wasn't about to tell him that the Amir to the Medjai had added protection by the name of Darik. That elf was deadly and more powerful than any that Antonio had ever heard of. He wondered just how powerful the elf was as he knew that the elf had helped in training Tarik. The Amir was one Medjai that really had skills that others feared. Antonio guessed that when you have the ability to use magic without the use of a wand, others leave you be. Khalid wanted Tarik on his side but even he and Shadow were very careful how they went about doing it. Khalid had said that his baby brother was unique and as such needed to be respected. Antonio wondered how dangerous Tarik would be if he ever used his Blood Magic. He did know that Khalid never wanted to find out.
"Liz...
Antonio heard the name and got worried. He wondered how this vamp had gotten his sister's name. Antonio prayed that Khalid had not handed Liz over to the Coven for safekeeping. The death order was on hold but for how long. He had checked every inch of Khalid's Island for her and found nothing. She was one of the reasons that he could not openly go after Shadow. If he did so, Shadow would lift the hold and she would die. Antonio was pretty sure that Shadow would insure her death was both slow and painful. Shadow hated him as much as Antonio hated the man that had murdered his partner. But he could do nothing as long as Shadow had his insurances.
You want her back but Shadow and Khalid have her. They have her and you want her back...safely."
Antonio wondered what the vampire was getting at. He could not free her not without him getting Artemis' approval. Sure he wanted his sister away from this mess and safe. He had even thought about asking Fai as he was one of Khalid's head bodyguards. Antonio just wondered who the other one was and he prayed that he wasn't looking at him. Khalid had hired an outsider to relieve Fai when needed but nobody knew who, except maybe Fai and Shadow. Antonio doubted though as his grandfather wanted somebody that was loyal to only him.
He paused peering deeper into Anthony's eyes. "Tia as well, you had hoped to spark a war between Shadow and the Covens and buy your precious princess some time to prepare and be safe.
Antonio was getting more worried as Victor referred to Tia as princess. He prayed that Victor had no clue as to just how important Tia was. Marcus had told him in secret about his baby sister's destiny. Even if Marcus had not been murdered by Shadow, Tia would have still never had a normal life as only certain females of the Andreas' line were chosen to guard Menka's treasure. Luckily, Tia had no clue as to why she was protected or the real reason so many wanted her under their control. He had promised Marcus that he would keep her protected and unaware of her true destiny. Shadow had somehow found out and had changed his plans. On top of it all, his uncle was using Antonio's vow to Marcus to keep Antonio from doing the other thing that he and Troy had swore. That was to bring Shadow down for the murders he had committed. It was the main reason that Antonio had to obey Shadow whenever he was anywhere near. The thing was Antonio had been secretly still trying to bring both that maniac and Khalid down. Now this vampire knew and that had Antonio more than a little nervous. He just hoped Victor never knew how nervous.
(Victor) I know what you know, I've seen your companions and those you hope to back you;
Antonio went pale as he heard Victor's words. This vampire had just became a threat to the princess. The question was how was Antonio going to insure that Victor didn't stay a threat. Only Ravenclaw had known where the treasure was hidden. Daniel had tried unsuccessfully to find the location. He had asked Tarik to translate the runes but at least the Medjai only had one true loyalty in life. That was to the Guardian of Menka's Treasure. As soon as Tarik figured out what Ravenclaw's prophecy was about, he stopped. Antonio was positive that Tarik would never reveal what he knew and Antonio had no clue as Marcus never knew.
And they are nothing new from what I've seen before. several times in fact. Yes, even the more powerful ones I've seen before and watched them die....
Sometimes I'd be the one to kill them and others, I just so happen to be around to watch the show.
Sometimes I'd be the one to kill them and others, I just so happen to be around to watch the show.
Antonio was getting even more nervous as Victor spoke. He wondered if this vampire was really powerful enough to defeat those who's training was designed for one purpose. That was to protect and destroy any and all threat to the Guardian. He had to warn the Caretakers but how as he was ordered by Shadow not to go near them. Unless he wanted Shadow to start going after the Guardian again. That had been how he had found out that Shadow and Khalid had known for a while that the Guardian to Menka's Treasure was Tia Andreas. He had to insure that this new threat was known and dealt with.
You have no room to make threats BOY. I could kill every person you care about slowly until you beg me to stop but that's not what I want. I want a loyal servant, one who's leash I don't have to keep a hold of. That's why I make you this offer again. Accept and you'll find me a generous lord. Betray me, and you'll regret it for eternity."
“Victor, I am no one's servant. I can't betray somebody that I never make a pact with. So what if I refuse your offer? As my only true loyalty was given a long time ago.”, Antonio said questionably. He was a guardian to a guardian and would do anything to protect her, including work for the likes of Shadow. It bought the princess time to get her specialty under control. The Blood Magic was strong in her line and unlike most she had not started her training early enough. It made her dangerous even to those that she considered a friend. The wizards around her called what she did just bouts of accidental magic. Those that knew called it the sign of The Guardian. This was a dangerous time for her as her Blood Magic had been tapped unknowingly by her right before her fourth year. Antonio agreed with Tarik. Tia's destiny should be her choice and nobody had the right to choose it for her...Not Khalid, Marsden, Shadow and especially Victor or Artemis. The same for Rosa, though Antonio still had no clue as to who had him watch her. Antonio still watched her but had stopped reporting and leaving the Black Roses. The gift was scaring the young Hufflepuff. That told Antonio that it was not a friend as he had originally thought.
"That you don't, alas wine is wasted on me. although I can still sample it, my palate has changed and to me it is like comparing a lemonade or grape juice to a rich wine that is blood...
Antonio acted like he wasn't interested.
But I'm sure she'll find the flavor of this vintage fitting:" Victor nodded to where Kat had just reentered the Lounge and was heading towards them.
Antonio looked at where Victor's eyes went, and went pale. Kat had indeed came back and without Tarik or anybody else. He was even more concerned because of Victor's threat earlier as Kat headed their way.
Before she could reach Anthony, Victor had appeared.
Antonio went towards her as he headed for Neo, but Victor beat him there. Now he didn't dare try and get her brother's attention as Victor was to close to Kat. But he did have another idea as all he had to do was get her to believe that Neo wanted her. He prayed that Neo would pick up on why he had sent her to him.
"Mademoiselle, I do beg this intrusion but my friend here seems none too well and perhaps you might be able to escort him to his destination safely."
Antonio's eyes told it all as he stood frozen. Would Victor actually hurt her with Neo right there, Antonio was to scared to chance it. Victor had talked about a lesson concerning the note he had tried to send Tarik. Plus Antonio had refused Victor's offer as his first and only true loyalty was to Tia, which Victor could pose a threat.
He lifted the glass of wine to her "Sadly this rich vintage is wasted on me but I'm sure you'd be more than appreciative of it. Chateau Haut Brion Pessac-Léognan, vintage 1982. Oh...
Antonio finally said, “Kat, Neo is looking for you. Plus you are working, so no drinking remember?”
Antonio watched as Kat took a sip as she said, “Tonio, one sip is not gonna hurt any. Plus I already talked to Neo. He was wondering when you were gonna finally stop worrying about upsetting my older brothers and ask me out. They are your best friends Antonio, who better to date their sister. Neo's words. So?”
and my friend is quite shy but he has spoken so highly of you to me. I hate to see my compatriot longing from afar for such a rare and lovely angel such as yourself, yet I too know the feelings of pursuing a distant love...yes I do know...With that in mind do not be afraid to be forward with him, he is shy and needs a real woman to bring melt that heart frozen in fear."
Antonio watched as Kat took another sip as she said, “Tonio might be shy but that has nothing to do with why he won't ask me out. One word, Marco. My older brother and his best friend. Marco is overprotective of me. Antonio won't date me unless all four of my brothers are okay with it. It is split as two are and two say that Antonio has some things that need dealt with first. So Tonio waits as for some weird reason he agrees with Marco and Franco.”
Antonio needed to get her away from Victor, so he said, “Okay Kat. Go tell Neo you need about a couple of hours off. If he agrees, and I hear it from him. Then we will go out okay?”
Kat nodded and went to talk to Neo, while Antonio glared at Victor.
Turning to Anthony, Victor gave a wicked grin. "It is the duty of a Marquis to watch out for those under his... influence. I suggest you both hurry and go. The night is young and you both could be doing so much more. This is no place for you two."
Antonio froze at Victor's words. Then he said angrily, “What do you mean influence, Victor? What have you done to her?”
He finally understood the lesson Victor was talking about. Victor had him and the vampire knew it.
Looking over to where Kat was, Antonio said as calmly as he could, “I can't give you full loyalty Victor as that belongs to Tia. I can however promise that as long as you never hurt her, then I will do as you request. But hurt Tia and the deal's off, agreed? I made an oath under wand-light with her brother.”
His eyes caught Gabriel in the corner "Indeed... this is no place for the both of you..."
Antonio smiled as he said, “Oh and Victor...If you had any idea of trying to kill Gabriel, forget it. He is Tia's cousin and killing him would most certainly hurt her, if you get my meaning?”
“I’ve been killed twice, or as close as can be. I think you might need to reconsider who is underestimating who now.” Victor left it at that.
Antonio wondered what Victor meant by, as close as can be. Had Antonio stumbled on a true immortal?
“This is why I hate the peasantry of the modern world,” Victor sighed “no sense of the higher order. You serve a princess and I am a Marquis. In my time, the people would serve their higher lords, by rank and social status, while still remaining subjects of the crown. Serve your princess… by serving me.”
Antonio wondered just how serving Victor would be serving Tia's interests. Victor was a threat to Tia as the vampire knew her secret. He shook his head as he said, “No, serving you who in your very nature is a threat to the one I'm sworn to protect. I serve her out of friendship and will continue to do so. As somebody very unique once said,'You can't serve two lands.'” Darik was very unique as he had said those words right before telling Antonio would had in facted murdered his real father. That truth along with Antonio's vow to Marcus insured that Khalid's influence was no longer in Tonio's way. Antonio would finish what his real father had began. The Dark Sect was a threat both to the princess and Egypt. For that they would be destroyed!
“No!” Victor playfully responded, then preceded in a mockingly scolding tone. “I don’t see how you’ve managed to put up with it my dear. Why if it were me I would have jumped on the opportunity while I could. You’re a beautiful young lady, I could never sleep fearing some other man might ensnare your heart…”
Antonio cringed. Kat knew the truth as he hid nothing from her.
Winking at Kat he gently picked up her free hand with his, the claw like nails gently slid over her palm but never once drew blood. “About time eh?” he gently kissed her hand then shooed her off like a little girl. “Hurry, before he changes his mind”
Kat giggled as she headed towards Neo. Inside she worried as Tonio never was this way usually. They would kid around but he would always end up buying her a drink. Eying the man with him, Kat could tell that Antonio feared him. She was wondering if she should tell Neo about him. By the time she got to her brother, Kat had forgotten all about the strange man.
“I thought that was obvious” Victor replied walking back to Anthony, “I’ve made her the happiest girl in the world right now. Believe me, she is quite safe. As for influence… so long as she is important to you she is under my protection much like many others you find so dear to your heart… including your beloved sister.”
Antonio listened and prayed that Victor had not put any of his blood in Kat's drink. It was another reason he never touched wine. Nat had told him that some vamps had the ability to influence people by having their targets drink a little of their blood. They usually said it was wine. Antonio again was stunned as Victor hinted that he could protect Liz. That meant he knew right where she was.
Voicing the question, Antonio said, “Where is Liz, Victor? I know they are not holding her on New Egypt. You say she will be under your protection but how? Unless Khalid had her hidden where I found the Auror?” If that was the case why had he not found her when he freed Leo Potter? Antonio had no idea but the thought scared him for some reason.
“There is a rule among immortals, though most tend to forget or ignore it. We cannot break our word when given or suffer it to be broken knowingly. You have my word; so long as you follow my instructions dutifully your “princess” shall not be harmed, not while I can help it.” There was a superior look to Victor as he stood there; not the arrogance or cruelty that had been there before but a highborn seriousness born from the life of aristocracy.
Antonio was shocked as this vampire was serious about his word. He is almost like Tarik in that way. He nodded to Victor as the bargain was struck.
Victor's glare was dark and piercing when he snapped he head to fix it on the man. His violet eyes now a redder tint making the color appear more rich and unearthly. A chilling aura surrounded him and the melody of his voice, like a well tuned violin, took a frightening tone. “There is no negotiating THAT!” he growled quietly.
Antonio froze as the words pierced his mind. Even Chameleon hid.
“There are injustices that need be settled and if you ever dare to stand in my way or even make that petty quip again…
Antonio inwardly shook as he realized that this vampire had indeed come to deal with Gabriel. Fear overtook Antonio as he realized that Victor hated Gabriel. His friend had never been told about Victor. All Nat had told Gab was that Artemis had said that another vamp had asked for her hand and he had accepted. Antonio, himself had only recently found out who had asked.
your princess, your loved ones, even that Medjai you had hoped to come to your rescue will be left in your office. Their limbs torn from their sockets and hanging from their entrails so you can watch them all die slowly. Am I clear?”
Antonio was now outwardly shaking as he said, “ Yes Marquis, but neither ever knew it was you. Artemis never told Nat who had asked for her hand. He only said she was finally going to be married. Then he had sent her to deal with a little problem he was having.”
He turned back dismissively. "It appears your lover has gotten the answer she wanted...take her and leave."
Antonio went to get Kat as he eyed Gabriel. He didn't dare warn his friend as he was unsure how the Victor would take it. Tonio knew one thing, Tia could never know. He had been telling Victor the truth. Tia worried about her family and for her that was dangerous as her Blood Magic had accidentally been tapped before she had control of her emotions.
As he left the Lounge with Kat, he viewed Gabriel walking towards his table.