Semmendhold

Winter, 2110

The wind scattered her hair and the hard stones bit the soles of her feet as she ran. Snow danced in the air and the cold made her shiver despite her heavy winter coat. Katyia should never have allowed her friend to entice her away from the manor today, especially with the big party going on tonight. Her father would be displeased if she were late, and God help her explain to Olivia why she wasn't on time. Her stepmother would enjoy punishing her.

She glanced sideways and saw some of the guard heading her way. She ducked behind the trees, her fingers grazing the magical ward that made up the wall separating their region from the infested outlands. Not a single spark traveled up her arm and she paused. Laying her hand flat against the barrier, she waited to feel the magic course through her. Nothing. Something was not right. There should be a heat signature, a magical fingerprint of sorts that told her the ward was still active. A faint pulse fluttered against her palm. Katyia knew what this meant. The magic in the barrier was dying.

Did her father know? He must, though. His magic was tied to the ward. Surely he felt it weakening. He had been cloistered in the council room for the past month with his advisors. Recently, strangers had been seen going in and out of the manor. If he knew of the problem, it would reason he'd be actively working to find a solution.

The manor loomed just ahead, but she paused, torn. She needed to get inside before anyone discovered she was gone, but the barrier called to her to test it. If her father didn't know, then she should at least gather more information so she could bring her concerns to him. It was her duty as a daughter of Sector Three to protect its people. Even if the only ones who knew she could wield magic were her father and her oldest brother, Gavin.

Mind made up, Katyia started walking again. Keeping her hand flat against the wall, she felt for the magic. It was like a baby bird's wings beating beneath her hand, faint, but struggling to survive. Katyia moved away from the manor, and just as she feared, the pulse became so hard to detect that if a ravager wanted in, there would be no stopping one of the creatures. Perhaps that was why there were added guards on the walls closer to the manor house and the main village?

She passed the bakery and then the market on the outskirts of the village. Calling it a town would be more apt, but Katyia always thought of her home as a village. The entire village was encased in a fifteen-foot-high wall, lending to the village-like feel of the place. The people and the structures were very quaint too. She'd grown up playing in the town square, running through the markets, and causing her brothers all sorts of headaches while they tried to keep her out of trouble. She loved her home and its people.

She stopped at the gate leading to the outside. The guards were changing shifts and it would be easy to sneak through, and she needed to understand the breadth of the problem. Once she saw the guard walk down, she slipped out and hurried along the now invisible barrier to the tree line. The beating pulse of the magic grew weaker and weaker. Glancing back once, she pressed her hand firmly against the ward and began to walk, measuring the heartbeats of the magic.

Once she was out of view of the village gate, even the faint pulses stopped. For all intents and purposes, there was no barrier in this area. Alarm spread through her at this realization. Her eyes swept the countryside, the snowy mountains as unforgiving as ever. She shouldn't have come this far out of the village. It wasn't safe, especially if the barrier wasn't working anymore.

Katyia slipped her dagger out. Not that it would do much good against a ravager, one of the creatures that had overrun the planet and turned it into a giant wasteland. Only the sectors guarded behind the barriers promised safety from the monstrous beasts. If the magic failed, no one would be safe anymore.

She glanced at the sky; its dwindling light sent shivers of fear spiraling through her. She'd been out here longer than planned. No way would she get back inside without Olivia knowing. At least with the party tonight, her stepmother wouldn't risk leaving a mark on her, she thought bitterly. Nothing she did pleased the only mother she'd ever known. Maybe one day she'd earn Olivia's love, but not today. Today, she'd be in for a tongue lashing.

Picking up her skirts, she ran. Dusk was falling and she needed to get back inside the city walls. A sound slowed her footsteps a few minutes later. It echoed through the small valley like a lion's roar. Katyia stumbled, her ears straining to discern the direction. It was a sound she knew well, a sound that would forever haunt her.

Clutching her dagger, she let her gaze sweep over the surroundings. Where was it?

There, just to her right, Katyia caught movement and turned her body in that direction, crouched like her brothers had taught her to do when preparing to fight. Yellow eyes, much like the lions she'd seen in books, glittered in the darkness of the forest. Panic tried to freeze her in place, but she pushed back old fears and took several deep breaths to calm herself, preparing to roll. She gathered a handful of dirt and let the spell roll through her mind. All she had to do was throw the handful of earth at just the right moment, releasing the spell, and she'd give herself a running head start on the creature. She hoped.

The albino skinned creature slithered across the ground, blending in with the snowy landscape. All ravagers seemed to mutate and adapt to their surroundings. Each sector had their own unique breed. The ones in Sector Three could jump better than any deer and run faster than a cheetah of old. Katyia knew without disorienting it to the point it couldn't see, she had no chance.

The creature held a certain grace—beautiful, really—if you could get past the glossy sheen of its body, a shine that resembled mucous. Claws made for climbing the treacherous mountains dug into the earth as the long, muscular arms pulled it ever closer to Katyia. She tensed, preparing to run like hell.

It hissed, razor sharp teeth barred, the fangs dripping paralyzing venom. The ravagers in her sector liked to disable their victims and torment them as they lay dying. She'd even heard the creatures kept their prey alive for days sometimes just for the hell of it. They were smart, cunning, and cruel. No one made the mistake of thinking they weren't intelligent, at least not anymore. In the beginning, when they'd invaded, the world had thought they were mindless creatures seeking havoc for the sheer joy of it. After having decimated over two-thirds of the world's population, the survivors admitted they'd underestimated the creatures.

A mistake Katyia wouldn't make. She knew them better than most. Keeping her eyes on it, she inched further back. Distance was the key. As long as she made no sudden movements, she hoped it wouldn't spring into action. Right now, it was banking on her fear. She was banking on her survival instincts coupled with her magic.

It cocked its head, sizing her up, determining her threat level. The eyes deepened to a soft amber, the glow harsh against the brightness of the snow. The hand holding the dirt began to shake. The leg muscles were bunching, tensing, preparing to jump. Katyia stood her ground, and it growled. She wouldn't be a victim, not again. She was a fighter.

If she'd blinked, she would have missed it. It launched itself at her, flying through the air faster than anything that could be explained. She crouched and waited until it was a hair's breadth from her, and then she tossed the loose dirt in its face, the spell erupting with it. The ground beneath them shook and twisted, the earth lashing out, catching the ravager off guard. A wall of dirt sprang up between them as the creature fought to see through the blinding barrier.

Katyia wasted no time. She sprang up and ran, paying no mind to the harsh rocks beneath her slipper clad feet. She just had to make it to the village gate, where the barrier was still active. The spell bought her precious little time, but hopefully it would be enough. She flew up the path she'd followed, ignoring the haunting screams behind her, refusing to look back at the creature who stalked her. She clutched her dagger tighter, the familiar feel of the blade comforted her, if nothing else.

Just run, she told herself. Make it home and you'll be safe.

The cries of the ravager intensified. Her lungs burned, but she pushed on. It was behind her. Terror gripped Katyia, but the sensation only forced her feet to go faster. The smell was unmistakable, like burnt flesh coupled with lavender. A smell she could never forget.

Claws tangled in her hair and she whimpered, unable to stop the sound. Old memories flooded her mind, but she pressed on, running faster. Panic crept up her spine when the wickedly sharp claws sliced through her dress, gouging her side. She only felt a slight sting, but she knew it had to be worse than that. Adrenaline kept the pain at bay. Gripping her dagger, she twirled, striking out and catching the creature square in the face. When she completed her twirl, she kept running. Maybe those ballet classes she'd been forced to endure had paid off after all.

The enraged battle cry behind her confirmed she'd only managed to piss it off. Seconds later, the creature rolled into her and she went tumbling down the hillside toward town. So close. A clawed hand gripped her ankle and jerked her backward, halting her fall. She kicked out with her free foot, but it only met the squishy, solid chest of the creature. The thing snorted, and if she didn't know better, she'd swear it was laughing at her. She met its gaze. It was pissed, but she caught a glimpse of humor in its eyes as well. Well, now, this was new. She hadn't thought they were capable of that. It pulled her closer, sniffing. She shuddered away, but it only brought her closer, its other hand wrapping around her arm and pulling her into a sitting position. Her face was only inches from its own. The smell gathered in the back of her throat and she fought the bile rising up.

The sound of pounding hooves distracted the creature. It swiveled its head to focus on the oncoming threat. Riders approached, weapons drawn. The creature hissed and then let out a series of sharp sounds. Three more of them charged out of the forest, headed straight for the horsemen.

The horsemen never hesitated. Two pulled out swords, the other three aimed their guns at the approaching ravagers. Shots rang out, stunning the beasts. The men carrying swords swiftly removed the heads, the only sure way she knew of to kill the monsters.

The one latched onto her tightened its hold even further and Katyia winced at the pain. Two shots were fired and she flew backward with the ravager. A sword swung down and then she was free, at least of the ravager, whose carcass lay bleeding all over the snow.

Katyia stood on shaky legs, the wound in her side seeping blood. She must have lost more blood than she'd thought. Her dagger clutched in one hand, she turned to face the men behind her. Her vision blurred and she heard the canter of horse coming closer. Were they friends or enemies? The mountains held dangers besides the ravagers.

Strong arms swept her up and settled her on the saddle in front of her maybe rescuers. Fingers pressed on her wound and a small cry of pain escaped. Her adrenaline rush gone, the pain took over, but it didn't dull her sense of self-preservation. Best to find out who these men were and what their intentions were. Starting with the man she currently rode with.

She looked up into ice blue eyes. The color suited him, though. His demeanor spoke of a cold, cruel man, and the icy eyes only enhanced that. He inspired fear. He was handsome, and that somehow made him all that much scarier. Her first instinct was to run, but his hand on her side prevented that.

"Be still." The harsh command was whispered in her ear. "I need to stem the blood."

He didn't sound at all happy to have to be doing it, she decided. He sounded more put out than anything. "Just get me back to the village and you can be on your way."

"Don't mind Roman. He's always in a foul mood."

Katyia craned her head around the massive wall of muscle to see the speaker. He looked like a Viking, all blond hair and blue eyes. Only his were smiling and he winked at her. Or did he? It was hard to tell with her blurry vision.

"I am Greggor." The Viking moved his horse closer, and she didn't have to strain to see him. "Are you okay?"

"I wouldn't call bleeding half to death okay." This from the statue behind her. "What were you doing outside the town walls? Don't you know they travel in packs, waiting to herd you?" The sigh of irritation that rumbled through him spoke volumes as to what he thought of her.

Katyia blinked, trying to clear her vision. He was right about one thing. She wasn't doing very well. Alarm spread across Greggor's face when he saw her fully. "What is your name, girl? Where should we take you?"

"Katyia," she whispered. "Katyia Dragonovich."

"As in Ivan Dragonovich?" Greggor leaned closer, sniffing.

She nodded, letting her head fall against the wall behind her. "My father."

"At least this one has some fight in her." Disgust rolled off the man, but if it was directed at her or her father, she wasn't sure.

"My father..."

"Is weak," he cut her off.

"He is not." Instead of the sharp rebuke she'd meant, her voice sounded weak, frail. "He is a good man, a strong leader."

Someone said something, but Katyia didn't hear it. Her head rolled forward, the gray fuzziness around her vision went black, and she passed out.

***

The sound of a whispered argument pulled Katyia out of a deep, nightmare riddled sleep. She opened her eyes to see her sister Nicolette in a heated debate with their oldest brother, Gavin. He simply stood, arms crossed, and waited. Never a good sign when Gavin got all patient. Katyia tried to sit up, and pain lanced up her side and through her chest. The soft gasp that left her lips brought an abrupt end to the argument.

"Kat, don't try to sit up!" Nicolette rushed to make sure she didn't attempt it again, sitting beside her. "You'll pull the stitches loose."

Gavin stared her down and Katyia glanced away. His green eyes, so like her own, held accusation. He'd cautioned her since she was a child to never go outside the barrier. Technically, she hadn't gone outside the land supposedly enclosed behind the spell. But did Gavin know it was breaking down?

"Mother is furious."

"Of course she is." Katyia grimaced, thinking of the fury she'd be facing later. "Why aren't you two at the party?"

"Canceled." Her youngest brother, James, came bounding through her open door. At thirteen, he was all leggy and bumbling, his strides choppy. Hazel eyes filled with mirth caught hers and she smiled at him. Everyone adored the kid. "Thanks for that. I hate wearing those fancy suits Mother insists upon."

Katyia laughed and regretted it instantly. Fire tore through her abdomen. Laughing was not a good idea right now. Susan, her nanny of a sort, would scold her for making it worse. She was probably the one who'd bandaged up her wound.

"Well, it's not like Mother could go on with the party when they came riding up with you all bloody. It wouldn't have been proper." Nicolette sounded as pleased about the cancelation as James. She hated the parties as much as the rest of them, but Mother had pounded it into her head over the years Nicki was obligated to be there as the future Regent.

"What were you doing outside the barrier?" Gavin asked. She didn't have to look at him to understand how hot his anger ran right now. Katyia also knew he didn't know about the barrier breaking down. He had no magic to speak of and wouldn't have felt the absence of it. It seemed Papa hadn't told him.

She was saved from answering by the appearance of their father. He filled the doorway and spoke to the guards behind him. Ivan Dragonovich was a tall man, full of confidence, and held an air of authority. He was also the kindest person Katyia knew. He worked hard to keep them all safe, all the while sheltering his people from the truth of the magic failing. How did he handle the stress of that burden?

"Everyone out. I must speak with Katyia."

Her siblings filed out one by one, shooting her looks of concern. Suddenly Katyia felt like she was five again and caught playing with the fairies who lived in the gardens. Her father had been the one to find her, and he'd made it clear how important it was for her to hide her abilities. To this day, she didn't understand why she had to hide her magical abilities when Nicolette's were encouraged.

Ivan closed the door and came to sit beside her on the bed. His eyes looked haunted. "You scared the hell out of me, little girl."

"I'm sorry, Papa," she murmured.

He smoothed a stray strand of hair away from her face. "What were you doing out there?"

"The barrier, Papa, the magic..."

"You felt it?" Surprise and shock warred in his eyes.

"No, that's the problem, Papa. I didn't feel it."

His face paled. "Is that what you were doing so far away from town? Testing the barrier?"

She nodded. "I didn't know if you knew and only wanted to check to see how far out the magic held. Don't you know dangerous that is? Children play out there, Papa."

"Not anymore. I just put an order in place today that no one is to leave the walls of the city. I had guards go out and bring everyone inside the walls until we can get a protective perimeter set up."

"You did know, then?" Relief went through her. Of course he knew. "That's why we've had so many strangers in town?"

"Yes. I've been trying to find ways besides magic to protect our people. The magic is failing, Katyia. I'm not sure how much longer it will last."

"But once Nicolette passes the First Regent's test, her magic will bolster it, bring it back to its full protective capacity."

"No, Katyia, that's not going to happen." His voice sounded troubled and broken. "What I am going to tell you must not be repeated, not even to your sister. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"The magic has been getting weaker and weaker with each new generation that takes over the Regency. Our family's magic is getting weaker. It is why I was surprised you were able to feel the absence of it. Your sister cannot. It's for that reason I'm not sure, even with the addition of her magic, we'll be able to hold the wall."

Panic filled her at the ramifications of that statement. They wouldn't be able to keep the ravagers out. They'd be prey for them. Maybe not easy targets, but there was no way they could last long without the barrier to protect them.

"What are we going to do?" she whispered.

"I have arranged for mercenaries to guard the perimeter until we can find a way to regain the magic."

"Was that who found me?" She wrinkled her nose at the thought of the rude one she'd ridden with. Brute of a man.

"Yes. They saved you."

"I would have been fine."

Her father's eyes traveled to her side where a swath of bandages laid under her gown, and he snorted. "You almost died today, Katyia. If it had not been for the vampire mercenaries, you would have."

"Vampires?" Her eyes went round. Did he really just say that? He let those vile monsters guard them?

"They are stronger than we are, Katyia. We need them to help us."

"Is that why you moved everyone inside the walls of the town?" Accusation laced her words. "You didn't want them alone out there where they would just be midnight snacks for that lot?"

He flinched. "They are inside the walls because that is as far as the magic goes."

His voice wasn't as strong as it was, and she knew he was lying. She couldn't believe he'd made a deal with those devils. They'd called him weak. Maybe he was if he'd made this deal. Another thought occurred to her.

"What did you promise them, Papa?" She couldn't imagine it was money. The vampire clans had no need of money.

A knock sounded at the door seconds before it opened to reveal her stepmother. "Ivan, you are needed in the conference room." Her eyes flickered to Katyia. "Let the girl sleep. She needs to rest."

Relief lit up his eyes, and anger burned inside Katyia at his swift retreat. The door closed behind him, leaving her once again in darkness. Only this time, sleep did not welcome her.

What had he promised them?