Revolution (Risen Series Bk2)
Chapter 11 ~ When In Rome

Already the sweltering heat of Rome was making me uncomfortable. How could it possibly be this warm this late at night? Peering out the window of the taxi, I noted how empty the streets were. No tourists, nobody walking to or from clubs or parties and restaurants were dimly lit with few occupants. Rome was hiding in fear. The few humans that did walk the streets were swift, their eyes wide and alert, and nobody walked alone.

"It's like a ghost town," I muttered quietly, catching Atanas' gaze.

He nodded, his eyes flicking to our driver. "I've never seen it so quiet before."

"The nightlife has definitely quietened down since the killings started. It's driven my business into the ground," the driver added, his Italian accent heavy. "Hopefully the cult will be caught soon."

"A cult?" I asked, leaning forward in curiosity.

The driver nodded, the car slowing down as he took a left turn. "Nothing official has been said but that's the rumours. The victims always have blood missing. My cousin is married to a police officer and she said that the offender's must be keeping it for something. That seems like a cult to me."

My lips twitched slightly in amusement. A cult, I chuckled, not too far off. Atanas didn't look like he found it funny, his expression was even colder than normal, his hands fisting on his lap. I frowned and reached out to stroke my fingers over the back of his hand.

"This was where I considered home for a time," Atanas told me, keeping his gaze straight ahead. "Now it's being terrorised."

It didn't surprise me this was where had been hit. If it was indeed orchestrated by Airell he'd have chosen the city very carefully, knowing it would hit his maker hard. A cold feeling washed over me. Did Airell know that striking Atanas' one time home would bring him here?

The thought drifted from my head as the driver announced we'd arrived. I peered through the window and smirked at the sign the proclaimed the building the 'Sunrise Hotel'. Atanas paid the driver as I stepped out to get our bags from the boot.

I could smell the scent of humans heavy in the air. Swinging the bag of weapons over my shoulder and picking up my suitcase, I took a steadying breath. I wasn't used to living amongst humans and I briefly wondered if it was a good idea but there was nothing that could be done now.

Atanas stepped up beside me to get his own suitcase before reaching out for my hand. I was excited to see Anna and practically dragged Atanas inside the hotel.

We were met at the reception by a young man dressed in the hotel uniform who smiled brightly at us as we approached. I was busy taking everything in while Atanas got our room key. The patio outside one of the large windows was filled with beautiful red flowers and intricately designed iron chairs and tables.

My first taste of Rome, I mused, smiling a little. But I had to remind myself that this was no holiday we were on. Sighing a little, I let Atanas lead me towards the stairs. I could feel the man watching us as we began the ascent up.

"We should check in on Anna and Padraig first," Atanas murmured to himself, checking the numbers on the doors.

He didn't bother to knock on their door, simply swung it open and stepped inside. Kincaid had obviously not spared on money. The room was much like my old flat had been with a small kitchen at the back. I set down the bags and then jumped when a door at the other end of the room swung open.

"Shylah!" Anna yelled, barreling her way towards me.

Grinning, I opened my arms for her. She held me tight, almost crushing but I didn't care. Neither of us were willing to let go too soon, each needing to make sure the other was safe. I studied her closely when she pulled back, noting the bags beneath her eyes were gone, colour had returned to her olive skin and she'd proven she'd regained her strength. She'd been feeding well.

"It's good to see, Anna," Atanas greeted with a smile.

She smiled back at him and for a moment I thought she would embrace him too. "It's good to see you both too. Padraig should be back soon."

"Where is he?" I asked, dropping the bags by the door.

She shrugged, irritation in her expression. They'd been fighting again it seemed but that was nothing new. They're relationship had shifted greatly since I'd first met them; though I'd still heard Anna call Padraig 'Master' as she used to.

"He leaves at all hours and doesn't tell me anything. I'm not allowed to leave the Hotel without him so I haven't even gotten to see the sights. Not that they'd be as impressive as they would during the day. . ." she trailed off with a gentle sigh. "It's been difficult to hunt as well with police patrolling the streets."

Missing the sun was hard to get over in the first few years as a vampire, I understood that. There were still times I missed it even now. It was news to me that police were patrolling now as well and I filed that I formation away. We'd need to watched out for them

As I studied Anna, I knew she didn't know about Erick and Gideon when she never brought them up. She wouldn't be complaining about being cooped up if she knew but I didn't have the heart to tell her yet. Surely Atanas had at least told Padraig, so why wouldn't he had said to Anna?

"We can see the sights," I suggested, cowering away from that subject. Atanas stiffened next to me but I kept my eyes on Anna as I continued, "You'll be safe with me."

Anna smiled brightly. "That would be nice. Surely you're not just here to be a tourist though. I was surprised when Padraig told me you'd arrive tonight before he left."

So maybe for some reason he simply didn't have the time to explain to Anna what had happened. Which meant he was out for an important reason. A lead on the killer, hopefully.

Atanas gave me a stern look and I sighed, readying myself to tell her the news that would break her heart. Her smile fell as if she could sense the change in mood. I fumbled to find the right words. My gaze met her wide and wild eyes regretfully.

"I don't want to know," she said quickly when I opened my mouth, backing away.

My heart clenched and I looked back at my mate, begging him without words to be the one to tell her despite knowing it had to be me. Padraig should have been here to comfort her. The Gods knew I wasn't the best at that.

"We didn't just come to check up on things," I began quietly. "Airell sent us Erick's head and we think he's keeping Gideon-"

I was cut of by a pain filled moan that ground past Anna's lips. Her whole body shuddered and she reached to brace herself againt the wall. I hated to watch her break. She was still a knew vampire, her emotions were still strong and overwhelming and I feared how she'd react.

"But he's alive, we can save him?" she gasped, hope in her eyes. She loved Padraig, I knew she did, but it had been Gideon that had helped her through her transition, even if it had been with glass hope that her magic would return. She owed him her life.

"Gideon is strong and useful to Airell. I don't doubt he's still alive," I admitted carefully. But how much of him would be left to save by the time we got to him? If we got to him. We had to.

Atanas gripped her arm, helping her straighten up. "That's why we're here. We will find a way to finish off this killer, save Gideon, find Airell and put an end to all of this."

She slumped onto the couch, her features contorted into a look of dread and I didn't know how to comfort her. I watched her fingers tangle in her hair as she squeezed her eyes shut.

"I'm going to take our stuff to QQ room. Stay with Anna," Atanas ordered, giving me a meaningful look.

If the mood was lighter in the room, I might have rolled my eyes or told him he couldn't tell me what to do. As it was, I gave him an absentminded nod and sat beside my friend. I reached for her hand and squeezed gently and dark eyes looked over at me. There was a fire in her gaze now, her jaw clenched in determination.

"We're going to make him pay right? For what he did to us, to Erick, to the humans here, and for Gideon." Her voice was firm and I caught a glimpse of her fangs as she spoke.

"He'll pay. Him and anyone who follows him," I agreed. "Has Padraig learned anything at all about the vampire here?"

Anna slumped back against the couch and shook her head. "They seem to be a few steps ahead every time Padraig thinks he's getting close. All we know is they don't care about age, gender or ethnicity, that they aren't some mindless newborn vampire, and that he's very. . .very careful. He always leaves the bodies somewhere they'll be found quickly, possibly to stop us getting a chance to look for much or even find the body before the authorities are swarming all over the scene."

I sighed. That didn't give us much to go on. This vampire was no mindless murderer, they were methodical. The way they worked made me sure Airell had sent them.

Anna pushed herself to her feet, looking forlorn. "Do you want a drink?"

I murmured an absentminded 'yes' but my mind was turning over, trying to work out the best move. Was there a way to draw the vampire out? There had to be. I wanted to scout through Rome myself. We knew he placed the bodies in and around the tourist areas. I fumbled for my phone in the back pocket of my jeans, opening the link to each place a body had been found. If they never hit the same spot twice, it might tell us which place they might go next. . .

The phone buzzed with an incoming text from Kincaid asking me to let him know we arrived safely. It still amazed me that he was sending a message from hundreds of miles away. I was a little excited to reply to my first text, letting Kincaid know that we were safe. I barely noticed Atanas come back in as I tapped away on the screen.

"Would you like a drink, Atanas," Anna called through from the small kitchen.

I looked up as he said yes, slipping the phone back into my pocket. When Padraig returned, I'd suggest my plan. Surely between three of us, we'd manage to find something. I felt a little bad that Anna would be left behind but this was where she'd be safe. Anna was definitely no fighter.

"Thank you." I smiled gratefully as Anna handed me a steaming mug of coffee, cupping it between my hands. She handed one to Atanas too then sat next to me again on the couch.

Atanas took to leaning against the wall, his expression grim. His eyes looked distant and I wondered if he was planning already like I was.

"How is everything going back home?" Anna asked quietly.

Taking a sip of coffee, I pondered on the best answer. "Things are stable. We have allies we can count on, Kincaid and Elaine are training some of the warriors. Una has taken the covens under her wing, which means we might have some witches on our side. We're still looking for Fallen and the missing Ailill."

"Not to mention, Shylah has flourished as Queen," Atanas added. "She kept our people calm when things could have so easily spiralled out of control."

I snorted at that comment. My one time show of power as Queen hadn't exactly been spectacular. I'd merely verbally knocked their heads together to get them to listen to their King.

The door swung open and an exhausted looking Padraig stepped inside, his green eyes widening a little when he saw Atanas and I. "I thought you wouldn't be here till later, forgive me."

"Where have you been?" Atanas asked, a harsh edge to his tone.

I gave him a look. He'd sent Padraig here to find the vampire, and now he was angry he'd been out probably doing just that. My mate's expression softened slightly when he caught my look. We were all too tense.

"I was summoned," he grumbled, his green eyes weary. He ran his fingers through tussled auburn hair as he walked over to Anna, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. She smiled up at him, her eyes filled with adoration. I chuckled quietly at the sight of the maker's bond strong between them.

"Summoned by who?" Atanas inquired, watching Padraig go to pour himself a glass of exspenive Italian red wine.

He hesitated a moment which only made me more curious. Taking a slow sip of wine before answering, his meaningful gaze met Atanas', "Titus."

Atanas muttered something furiously in Latin and I knew without understanding that he was swearing. The name didn't ring a bell for me. He hadn't been at our gathering of leaders to pledge loyalty, but if Padraig had made it out of meeting him alive, did that mean he was on our side?

"Who's Titus?" I asked, my eyes flicking between the two tense men.

"He's Princeps of Italy," Padraig told me. "Although he insists on being called Caesar. Pompous arse."

I snorted. "As in 'all hail' or the salad?"

Atanas gave me a condescending look and only Anna smirked a little at my joke. Atanas didn't seem to like this Titus, that much was clear as he began to pace. They must have history.

"I hope you confronted him about the murders happening in his territory." Atanas voice was low and angry as he began to pace the room.

"He says the murders have nothing to do with him and that all his vampires are under control. Of course he could be lying. What leader knows the whereabouts and goings on of every vampire in their country? He's hiding something," Padraig said.

"I'll need to arrange a meeting with him," Atanas announced, stopping in the middle of the room.

Padraig nodded, kissing Anna's cheek as he passed her to sit too. "I can arrange that."

"I take it you know him well?" I asked, studying Atanas' expression

"He was amongst Leyla's vampires for a while. When she disappeared and I left he took Italy for himself."

I nodded slowly. For some reason that alone hd me disliking him too. "Will you leave him in charge here?"

A dark look passed over his face as he smirked. "If he bows to me."

The power that exuded from him made me shiver. I had no doubt that one way or another, Italy would join our side. Atanas would make sure of it This was his home and he wouldn't be at war with it.

"What about the vampire serial killer?" I reminded him, eyeing the night sky. He could still have struck tonight, there were a few hours left until sunrise. We should have been out there, searching for him.

Atanas stroked his cheek then looked to Padraig. "Where was the last body found? I want to search the area for myself."

***

While watching Atanas search every square inch of an alley close to the Trevi Fountain wasn't quite what I had in mind when I said sightseeing, it was still nice. I couldn't help but stare at the tall, ancient buildings in awe, so different from the styles back home but I'd only caught a quick glance at the fountain itself. Despite the late hour, humans still walked the streets though few seemed to be tourists. Most were quick moving and nervous locals who's eyes scanned the streets in fear. So we kept close to the shadows.

There was still bright yellow and black police tape cornering off the cramped alley but it was no longer being watched. I kept an eye out for anybody coming our way while Atanas sniffed the air and studied the dried blood that covered a small patch of the ground.

I looked up, my gaze trailing over the surrounding rooftops but only the dark sky and flickering stars were to be seen.

"Nothing," Atanas grumbled, ducking under the police tape to come to my side. But I hadn't expected him to find anything. It had been trampled on my forensic teams and police dogs, marring any scents that might have been left behind.

I reached out to touch his arm, giving him a small smile. "We'll keep looking. Tomorrow night, with three of us out, we'll have a better chance of catching whoever it is-"

A crunch from the roof above us and my hand slid to the blade at my thigh. When a dark shadow flew down the side of the building, I swung out my dagger, the jewels glinting. Atanas barely moved at all, simply twisting to glare at the vampire who stepped into the light of the nearby streetamp He was dressed all in black with a long trench coat, which made his blond hair seem to almost glow.

He held no weapons I could see and his aura wasn't nearly powerful enough to make me wary. Atanas considered the man with an almost bored expression but I noticed the way my mate stood taller, his shoulders pulling back. The vampire hesitated, obviously sensing the power Atanas had.

"Caesar summons you," he stated, grey eyes scanning over us. He was nervous, body tensed in preparation for an attack.

I felt Atanas stiffen beside me and my own anger flared. We weren't pets to be called on, nor were we his subjects. Perhaps I was getting used to my role as Queen, which when mixed with my stubborn defiance, probably wasn't good.

"Do you know who you address, young one?" Atanas asked darkly, taking a slow step forward. "Do you know who your master has sent you to make demands of?"

The man looked unsure, sensing the power of an ancient standing before him. I almost laughed. Atanas had called me young one when we'd first met. Now I realised it was a tactic meant to demean. It almost pissed me off all over again. Though I had three hundred years under my belt, this one definitely was a younger vampire; one who hadn't learnt how to hide his emotions.

Why would this Titus send one so weak to greet us? If it had been me, I'd have sent one of the strongest amongst my warriors to show our strength.

The man swallowed, his hand twitching which shifted his jacket to reveal an odd blade at his hip. "I address a King and his Queen who are hunting on Caesar's territory."

The sight of the sword made me a little more wary, my weight shifting. The dagger felt comforting in my hand as my gaze flicked between Atanas and Titus' lackey. I waited for my mate to decide whether to kill, capture or take a chance and meet with Titus.

"Your King and Queen, who have so far allowed Titus to keep Rome as his own but we can always change our minds." Atanas' voice had dropped dangerously low with his warning but I could tell he had no intention of attacking.

The man swallowed harshly and the sound of his heart beat quickly, adrenaline scenting his skin. A terrified newborn. Maybe he was sent because Titus knew he'd cause us no harm. . .or maybe it was to lull us into a false sense of security.

Weighing up our options, I decided it was best to take the chance. He'd let Padraig leave alive, I was sure he wouldn't have done that if he meant to kill us. He wanted us for something.

"Caesar will not be happy if I return alone," he mumbled unhappily.

Atanas growled but I rolled my eyes and slid my dagger back into its sheath, waiting for this game of power to be over. Their dicks had been measured and Atanas was obviously the winner. I didn't get any bad vibes from the poor vampire that now looked like he was going to flee.

"My king," I called reverently over to my mate who turned with a raised eyebrow at my tone. Best to make out we had at least a little respect for the leader of this territory. "We shouldn't keep Titus waiting. Dawn will be breaking soon. Let's hear what he has to say."

He nodded slowly and smirked as he looked back at the man who looked relieved that I was agreeing. If his master had something nefarious planned for us, we'd better hope we could outfight his warriors. If they were anything like the mouse of the vampire before us, we had nothing to worry about.

Atanas circled him, his tone almost playful as he said, "Tell us then, young one, where does your master wish us to meet him?"

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