Tobias is about to say something when his mother cuts him off. “Give him a second son, let him catch his breath.” She tells him, Tobias nods.
“I will go get him a change of clothes,” he tells her, before disappearing upstairs.
Caroline notices me standing there and a huge grin breaks out on her face as she walks over, embracing me tightly from the side. She looks down in my arms and rubs the back of Thaddeus’ hand. “He is perfect,” she says, before ducking down and smelling his little head. Thaddeus stares up at her, wondering who she is.
“You want to hold him?” I ask, and she immediately puts her arms out and I place him in them. She then goes and sits next to Josiah, who immediately sits up a little better to see, while he rubs Thaddeus’ tiny feet. Josiah smiles brightly, looking at his grandson.
“I will go put on some coffee,” I tell them, walking into the kitchen.
When I come back out, I hear more tires on the road and I notice Josiah wearing a pair of sweatpants and a normal T-shirt. You can tell he isn’t impressed with his attire, but he looks comfy. I have only ever seen him in suits, so I find it funny with him looking like an ordinary person. The front door is thrown open and Theo steps inside. He hugs his mother briefly, before his attention goes to his father.
“Oh god you’re okay,” he whispers.
I knew Theo was worried about his father, but I didn’t realize to what extent. I’ve been so caught up in everything else, I forgot to ask him how he felt about everything. I feel selfish and guilt is gnawing at me.
“We do have some news,” his mother announces, and I place the tray with coffee on the table, completely forgetting I was even holding it. Quickly sitting next to Tobias, Caroline hands Thaddeus to Josiah, who is all too happy to hold his grandson as he ignores her, paying all his attention to him.
“They caught Bianca.” Caroline says, making my eyes dart to her. I feel excitement bubble up at her words, only for it to be squashed with her next words. “They are holding the trial in a month, but the council feels reluctant to punish her, especially after Alaric was killed. Seems like Bianca has gotten quite cozy with a few of the council members.” She tells us. This can’t be happening, she can’t just get away with what she did.
“What do the other council members think?” I ask.
“They want her punished, of course, but they won’t go against Christopher.”
“Who is he?” I ask.
“He is an elder, unfortunately he doesn’t like Josiah or Theo for that matter.” Caroline says.
I feel my anger bubble under my skin. “Why didn’t you run for council, Josiah?” I ask. Everyone looks at him, only paying attention when I call his name.
“I was a council member, I stepped down and Tobias and Theo didn’t want any part of it,” he says. I can tell he isn’t happy about neither of them volunteering in his place.
“So, what do you think will happen?”
Josiah seems to think for a second. “I think she won’t be punished, Imogen. Unfortunately, with no one challenging Alaric’s position we have no say in what the council does, and I can’t now because I killed him.”
I flop down on the couch, feeling defeated.
“We will find a way, I promise,” Theo says, sitting beside me and rubbing my leg.
I lean forward, grabbing my coffee, which has now turned cold. Josiah and Caroline leave after dinner. When they leave, I start doing the dishes. After a bit, I feel Theo’s hands slip around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder.
“What’s wrong?” He whispers.
“You know what is wrong,” I tell him. He kisses the side of my neck and nods his head.
“We can go to the trial to state our case and see what happens,” he tells me.
“And if that doesn’t work?” I sigh.
“Well then, we appeal or hope someone steps up for Alaric’s position,” he tells me.
“Why don’t you do it?” I ask.
He seems taken aback for a second. I can feel through the bond it never really crossed his mind and that he is content with how we live, without having to worry about the politics. “The council wouldn’t allow it, not while Christopher is in charge,” he mutters.
“What’s so important about him, that no one will go against him? Aren’t everyone vampires?” I ask.
“Well, yes, but he is an elder and a strong one. What are you getting at, Imogen?”
“I just think it might be time for a change in power. You can’t tell me you agree with what happened to your father, and that Bianca will just get away with what she has done. We just need to convince the others to agree.”
“And if they don’t?” Theo asks.
I have been thinking about it all night, everything is off about the council. I don’t understand how Bianca isn’t being punished. If not for what happened, but for killing my mother and our father. She admitted to both crimes, yet is getting away with everything, and I know she must have something against them, either that or she is sleeping with them. Which I wouldn’t put past them.
“If they don’t, I make them,” I say, my voice level.
“You think you can take down the council?” Theo asks.
I feel anger at his words and feel the darkness slipping over me. It’s magic, dark and twisted as it flows through me, fuelling my anger further. I chuckle slightly as I feel its dark tendrils slip over my skin. Wrapping around me protectively, strong and powerful. I have no idea what magic I have, but I know it’s not normal elemental magic, it is dark, twisted, sadistic and addictively sweet.
“I know I can,” I tell him. I feel my eyes burning and I see Theo step back before a seductive smile spreads onto his lips.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” he whispers, feeling the power surging throughout my body from the bond. I know I should fear my magic, but if I have it, why not use it?