Seal of Gabriel by RaShelle Workman, now you can read online.
Chapter 1
"What did you tell the doctors and her dad happened at her birthday party?"
"I told them she fell."
"Did they buy it? I mean, look at her. It's like she's sleeping, except for the red, glittery aura on her skin. That's not something you see every day."
"No, Gabe, it isn't. I think the red aura, as you put it, has something to do with the Seal of Gabriel. It's changing her somehow. Kenmei has gone in search of answers."
"Her dad's freaking out. I've never seen the dude so distraught."
"It serves him right. He's been an absentee parent for far too long... and Snow is fine."
"She is not fine. She's red, and glowy. If she were fine, she'd be awake, coherent, and tripping up the stairs. She'd still be the girl I fell in love with."
"Oh, son, I'm sorry. I know this has been hard on you. But, you must know she'll never be the same. Neither will you, now that Oberon is dead."
"Nothing's changed, except my desire to find the Hunter. He never should've bitten her. If he hadn't, none of this would've happened."
"Snow's been different since long before the night Christopher bit her."
I, Silindra, Queen of the vampires, do solemnly swear to do whatever it takes to win. That was my personal mantra. Of course, no one knew it but me.
I'd been ruler of the vampires for over a thousand years. The position hadn't remained in my power because of luck, or a convoluted idea.
My sister Sharra, or Sabina, whichever name she went by now (she would always be Sharra to me), disagreed. She was wrong though. I still ruled because of systematic planning, a shrewd knowledge of the citizens I governed, and the cunning to deal with other magical creatures in the world.
Like dragons.
Dragons and vampires meshed well together, for the most part. Although some of the human vampires craved dragon blood, the Originals, like myself, had no stomach for the foul-smelling creatures. The oldest, and most impressively magical dragon of them all was called Abernathy.
I needed to speak to him.
He was kind of a prickly old character, but once you got around his rough edges, he had the heart of a gentleman.
His cave permeated mortality, a mixture of decaying flesh, bat guano, and seawater. Despite the thick darkness, I could make out the bones of the damned scattered on the dusty earth. Carefully I stepped over, and around as many as possible. But they were everywhere, and occasionally my bare feet crushed one to powder.
Noises bounced off the walls adding to the bizarrely solemn rooms. Rats scurried, squeaking angrily. There was a repetitive drip dripping of water falling from stalactites clinging to the ceiling. And a gentle, continuous rumbling reverberated from the sleeping dragon.
I bent to enter a low-hanging cavern, making sure to tuck my wings more closely to my back. A startled bat caught its feet in my sapphire blue hair before flying away. Though I knew I had nothing to fear, I jumped.
Taking a deep breath, I crouched and continued.
The closer I got, the warmer the air became. Perspiration trickled along my hairline, and lower back, making my fur stick together. I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand.
Along the fringes of my mind bubbled strange memories. Of another time, filled with humans and places I somehow knew, but couldn't place. The memories begged to be set free, but I didn't have time to entertain them. I needed to find a way to stop my twin sister, Sharra, before she destroyed everything I held dear.
The rumbling, which sounded a lot like the purring of a giant cat, grew louder and louder. When I stepped into the dragon's chamber I stood up, straightening my spine.
The stunning, golden dragon's snoring stopped. His languid saffron eyes blinked open and he studied me, the way a bird of prey would examine its meal. I cleared my throat, waiting for him to acknowledge me with a salutation, as was the custom. Though the height of his head was more than double my size, I didn't fear being eaten. Dragons didn't like the taste of vampires, especially one's that hadn't been humanized, like me. On the other hand, Abernathy might enjoy Sharra's fleshy, humanized hide. Snorting in disgust, I rolled my shoulders back, allowing my wings to beat and expand.
Abernathy was a remarkable looking creature. Our wings were similar, though his were a beautiful metallic shade of gold, while mine were black. His reminded me of a glorious cape, the way he held them draped over his back. On either side of his face and under his chin was a mane of wavy hair. The top layers of his scales shone golden metallic. The scales underneath glistened in ambers and bright gold.
He yawned, exposing his razor sharp teeth, as he shook his head. "Hello, Silindra," he said, his voice booming against my bones. "Nice to see you."
I bowed slightly. "Greetings, Abernathy."
The dragon rose, his scales clicking against each other as he moved. With him on his feet I felt like an ant-small, insignificant, and easily crushed.