The Dark Blood of Poppies by Freda Warrington

Author:Freda Warrington
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Titan

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

FIREBIRD

From the moment she conceived the new ballet, Violette was obsessed. It blossomed within her day by day, so in rehearsal she was explaining what she wanted of her dancers even as it came into her head. She didn’t tell the truth behind the story. She named the characters Siegfried, Anna and Lila, with assorted peasants and forest-spirits.

Her instincts were true. The ballet was destined to be as magnificent as any of the classics. Elated from their success in America, the company generated an atmosphere of feverish enthusiasm. When she commissioned music for the project, the composer responded as if inspired by angels.

She called the ballet Witch and Maiden.

But there was an element missing. An ending.

Charlotte and Karl had gone home to Switzerland. Violette missed Charlotte, but at least she was not constantly reminded of her darker side. Some days she almost convinced herself she was human… until the thirst began.

One night Charlotte came to see her. They met in the studio, where oblongs of light fell through the windows to ripple with snow-light from the mountains, glass-green reflections of the river Salzach. The glow was infinitely lovely to vampire eyes.

“You’re in danger,” said Charlotte. She leaned against the barre, her dress of bronze silk and lace beautiful in the light. “Almost everyone you’ve upset is at Schloss Holdenstein, and Cesare’s elected himself their leader. They want revenge.”

Violette was unmoved, apart from a stirring depression. “How have I upset Cesare? I don’t know him.”

“But he knows of you. He’s a fanatic. I’m sure it took no effort for others to convince him that you’re the Antichrist.”

“Who told him? Pierre and Ilona?”

“Yes, and John. Simon’s with them, too.”

“Simon.” She felt a dull wave of foreboding. “And Stefan? Rachel?”

“No, Stefan’s in hiding to protect Niklas. No one’s seen Rachel. I hardly know her so I can’t speak for her. But as for the others, I’m afraid they’re planning to attack you.”

Violette smiled. “Do you think they’d dare?”

“Don’t underestimate them. The Crystal Ring can give us strange powers.” Charlotte looked candidly at her. “It can take them away, too. We can’t take anything for granted.”

“Well, thank you for warning me.”

“I’m serious. Simon came and tried his hardest to persuade Karl and me onto their side. Perhaps he succeeded, I don’t know.”

“What do you mean?” Violette’s faint anxiety jumped to a higher pitch.

“I drank his blood. Karl fears it may have put me in his power.”

“Any symptoms?”

Charlotte shook her head. “But how can I know? Something might happen without me being aware, or able to stop myself.”

“You mean you might go for my throat? I don’t think you’d win.” Violette moved towards the windows. “I don’t want to hurt you, or anyone. But it’s what Lilith does when she feels threatened… I won’t harm them, as long as they stay away!”

“I can’t persuade them to do that. They’re frightened. They seem to think you’ve been sent by God to test them.”

“Perhaps I have,” Violette said softly. Turning, she saw concern in Charlotte’s eyes. “Are you sure you’re right to defend me?”

“Yes.

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