Dark Slayer Page 0,143

my last request."

Gregori cursed in the ancient tongue, frustrated and angry to be put in such a position. Mikhail. I believe he should have the chance to save Lara's ability to have children when I cannot. I know he is not guilty of these charges. You know what is inside of this man. He has a will of iron, and what he says, he means. He will go to his death, and for what? Tell me, for what?

Give him the coordinates.

Gregori instantly passed Razvan the location.

Ivory sent another burst of warmth. I will ask for Mother Earth's assistance. She has been good to us, Razvan, and I believe she favors you. She will give aid.

He clung to the promise in her voice. Lara deserved a full life. He wanted her to have it all, even if he didn't live to see her happiness. He swallowed the rage and fear and forced a calming breath before he stood and resumed walking, again looking neither left nor right.

Tell me when it is done, Ivory.

Gregori guided him through a small series of caves and tunnels leading lower beneath the ground. Heat rose and swamped them, forcing them to regulate their temperature continually. Large crystalline formations burst from the walls and through the high ceilings, as well as rose from the floor. Instinctively he knew this was the warriors' council chambers, and this was where his fate would be decided.

The chamber held more male Carpathians than he'd known existed. As he entered, the giant columns hummed in welcome. Gregori glanced at him, and then his silver gaze slid around the room, marking each warrior's face. He remained at Razvan's side as the most despised Carpathian walked, head high, through the warriors and straight to the prince.

He inclined his head. "Mikhail. I understand there has been trouble."

"As if you did not know," a voice said.

Mikhail lifted his head, his gaze sweeping the crowd. "One more word and this room will be cleared. As you have seen, Razvan has entered of his own free will and the chamber welcomed him. I apologize for that unfortunate outburst," he added and stepped forward, clasping Razvan's forearms in the traditional greeting between warriors. "Sivad olen wakeva, han ku piwta-may your heart stay strong, hunter."

"Pesasz jelabam ainaak-long may you stay in the light," Razvan replied.

"A master vampire attacked Lara and Nicolas as they went out to hunt in the early twilight hours. He knew where they would be. Nicolas fought them with valor. Had he not been the skilled warrior that he is, they would not have escaped. He killed three of the lesser vampires and nearly destroyed a fourth. Nicolas recognized the master vampire as Sergey Malinov. As he slashed up Lara, he told her that his sister sent her regards."

Razvan didn't flinch. He heard the soft murmur swelling to outrage behind him, but he kept his gaze locked with that of the prince. "And you believe Ivory would order such a thing done to my daughter?"

"No, but the attack was clearly orchestrated, with the victims specifically chosen and information given about them."

"So there is a traitor among you."

The prince inclined his head. "I fear so."

"And it is easier for them to believe that I am the one who has betrayed your people," Razvan said. "As I already have been branded a traitor."

"I fear that is correct." Mikhail sighed.

"I bring you hope," Razvan said. "Before you carry this farce any further, let me deliver to you what we have found. Ivory worked for weeks to find something to combat the microbes. She has tested this life-form and believes it will destroy any mutated microbe in the earth. She, of course, wishes for more time for further tests, but wants you to see what she has found and make your decision."

He took the precious pouches of soil from his belt and handed them to Gregori, along with the small book documenting each experiment and her findings. "At least you will have a place to start."

Gregori bowed to him. "Thank you."

Razvan. Ivory's voice was tight, putting him on alert. I have found the resting place, but it was being disturbed. Someone with a very large knife has been trying to unearth them.

Fury pounded through his veins and thundered in his ears. Who dares to try to kill my daughter and her lifemate?

I will bring him to you.

Do not come to this place. I think they are about to put me through some kind of trial to determine if I am their