Page 80 of Wicked Magik

Oryx snarled, his monstrous form looming over the vampire sprawled on the ground, incapable of speech due to his rage. These vampires were ravenous, desperate for blood, and now that they had a taste, they will risk their lives for more to satisfy their hunger.

They weren’t going to give up their meal, even if I tried to persuade them. These two were too far gone, especially when it is human blood they weren’t accustomed to.

The vampire holding Vesper in the tree hissed at Oryx, the back of their throat clicking to keep their prey subdued. This revealed the sharp fangs stained with Vesper’s blood.

Vesper's pale face was twisted in pain even in unconsciousness, her mouth parted and her eyebrows furrowed.

Grief filled my chest. I took a quick look at Oryx and it was like I could feel his pain. He glanced from the vampire on the ground to the one in the tree, holding onto something so precious to him.

I knew that feeling.

“Oryx,” I spoke without looking at him. “Attack.”

I raised my hand, summoning dark energy to form a barrier around the vampires, preventing them from escaping. Oryx let out another thunderous roar, causing the ground to tremble beneath us. His primal instincts had taken over, consumed by the need to destroy.

With a swift motion, Oryx lunged at the vampire on the ground, his claws slashing through the air with deadly precision. The vampire tried to dodge but their feet were rooted to the ground. Oryx's strength was unmatched and in a flurry of movement, Oryx incapacitated the vampire, body parts flung in all directions.

Meanwhile, I focused on the vampire in the tree, who was now frantically trying to climb higher to escape. I extended my hand towards him, my shadows lengthened from my arms andentwined around the vampire’s limbs. The shadows pulled him back down to the ground with a swift tug, while keeping Vesper high above us, untouched with my shadows.

With a thud, the vampire fell from the tree, landing at Oryx's feet.

Oryx growled fiercely and lunged at the vampire lying before him. As I moved past, his instincts kicked in, tearing the vampire apart. The shadowy tendrils I controlled gently lowered Vesper, keeping her suspended in the air and away from the turmoil, drawing her nearer to me.

Vesper's breathing was shallow and ragged. Her dress was torn, her body a mess of claw marks so deep it would need stitching.

Oryx approached, his massive form crouching down to the height where I had her suspended and gently nuzzled her with his snout. Despite his monstrous appearance, there was a tenderness in his movements as he assessed her injuries.

My own mind was riddled with guilt for having allowed this harm to befall Vesper. I never want harm to come to anyone, not truly. Her only crime is taking Oryx away from me, not going back to her home and leaving us alone.

I tilted my head as we both looked at her.

Maybe she was beautiful in her own way. She has tended to Oryx in ways I couldn’t, made him see he was worthy even without a normal vessel. For right now anyway. She taught him to read, gave him hope, and kept him busy. He even has thoughts.

Things I, myself, have given up on.

She perhaps has saved both of us.

Maybe.

"Oryx," I said softly, placing a hand on his massive skull. "We need to get her back to the estate. She needs medical attention."

Oryx nodded, a deep rumble emanating from his chest in agreement. Oryx grabbed her in the suspended air and held her to his chest as we returned. We left the vampire's bodies for the forest to take over.

With every step Oryx took, Vesper's body jostled slightly, her breaths growing more labored. I kept my hand pressed firmly against her wounds, my shadows attempting to knit her flesh back together, but my powers were not made for such healing. They were made for darkness, for destruction.

I could only do so much to keep her from bleeding out.

As we approached the estate, Benedict rushed out, his eyes wide with worry. "What happened?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Vampires," I muttered, my voice laced with bitterness. "They've been dealt with."

Benedict nodded, turning swiftly to lead us inside. "I'll prepare a room and send for the healer immediately."

“No,” I barked and we all halted. “We can’t call for a healer. I’ll take care of her, grab books from the library about human anatomy and medicine.”

I wasn’t about to have Vesper be the center of anyone’s attention right now. If it gets around that a human is in the realm, many would want to see her and treat her like a special attraction.

Attention I didn’t want right now.