Shadows Of Desire

There was something happening in Basmorte. Something that wasn’t good. Even the wolves who lived north of Rosegate seemed tense as though they were anticipating trouble.

For decades the vamps had been quiet, keeping to themselves, isolated and shrouded in mystery. Now, there was chatter and rumors spreading as far as Night Port, the cross roads between realms, and Thaden didn’t like it.

He’d sent scouts out to investigate and was nervously awaiting their return. Nasir was the first to return with Selanor right on his heels.

“Report?” Thaden commanded as Nasir entered the Prince’s chambers.

Nasir bowed before him, his dark hair falling over his eyes, one arm draped over his knee, his other hand gripped the hilt of his sword out of habit. He waited for Thaden to signal him to rise before standing and facing the Prince.

“There are rumors coming out of Basmorte that King Desmond’s youngest child, Prince Rowan, has been found dead in his chambers.”

Thaden raised an eyebrow. “Murder?” He asked.

Nasir shook his head. “Apparently suicide. Poison, they think. My sources say that he was being forced into an arranged marriage. One that he didn’t agree with. I suppose he thought death was his only way out.”

“Hm.” Thaden crossed his arms then walked over to stand in front of the hearth, warming himself by the fire, as he thought about what this news could mean for Rosegate. “I don’t know much about Prince Rowan.” He stated, still studying the fire. “Just that he was young, barely nineteen, and that the vamp King kept him fairly isolated.”

“Rumor has it, he was also an omega.” Selanor spoke up.

Nasir scoffed. “Impossible. There are no omegas within the vamp realm. Their genders are strictly male and female.”

“There haven’t been for nearly a century.” Thaden corrected. “The last one was a blood born. A human omega turned vamp by his high born lover. They were both executed though, and there hasn’t been another since.”

“Not until Prince Rowan.” Selanor interjected. “If the rumors are true.”

Thaden sighed. “And so another innocent omega lost to the cruelty of vampires.”

“He can hardly be considered innocent.” Nasir narrowed his eyes hatefully. “He was a vampire after all.”

“He was a boy.” Thaden stated, flatly. “No matter what his parentage, he was a boy that barely got the chance to live. Such a waste.”