97: Change in Command – Pt. 1

“Hey, handsome,” Victoria said, wrapping her hands around Derrick’s waist from behind. He glanced over his shoulder toward her with a smile and felt her hands tighten around his midsection. “Wow, this looks like a lot of work! What are you making me now?”

“Braised Rabbit Pie. I thought I’d pull out an old family recipe and give it a whirl.”

“Oh yum! I can’t wait. Slow torture as I smell it cooking all day. I’m sure it’ll be well worth it though. Have I told you that you are an exceptional chef?”

“Someone’s in a good mood this morning. Might I know the reason?”

“Do I really need a reason to be so cheerful around the most incredible man I’ve ever known?” she asked, leaning up on her tiptoes to steal a quick kiss.

“No. Never. Please, go on.” Victoria laughed hearing him fish for compliments and slid herself in front of him as he pushed the cutting board to the side.

Victoria stole a carrot slice from the block and smiled when Derrick swatted at her hand. Gripping her by the waist, he placed her up against the counter and locked her between his arms. “Victoria, I think we should talk about what happened in the cave.”

“Of course, Derrick. What do you want to talk about? How you jumped in front of a charging beast and saved my life…again? We rescued an ageless wizard. Oh, and Aria got to meet her first demon.”

“I’m talking about the glow? The fire?”

“What glow? And I can always conjure fire.”

“Yes, but they were never accompanied by—” he paused and looked down at her. “Are you unaware of the fact that you were glowing shortly before your fireworks exhibition.”

She shook her heard in confusion. “I don’t know what you mean, Derrick. Sorry.”

“Victoria, do you remember what Aristo called you outside the cave?”

“Yes, he said I was a dragon,” she laughed.

“Exactly. Because he saw you glowing inside the cave before you released a giant fireball that incinerated a chaos demon.”

Victoria shrugged, “Derrick, we’ve always known my family is descended from dragons. That doesn’t make me an actual dragon. That’s nonsense. I’m very much human.”

“Your magic—the glow, it was dragon’s flame. And recently you told me you’ve been having dreams about a man who appears as a dragon sometimes. Dreams that we both know are more premonition than actual dreams. What if you’re somehow unlocking a part of your family’s magic that’s been dormant since the time of your ancestors.”

“Yeah, but why me? Why now?”

“I don’t know. But I have a feeling it’s all connected.”

“Great. Let’s just add that to the unending list of complications. What’s the big deal about this glow anyway?”

“Dragons haven’t existed in millennia, Victoria. Don’t you think that makes what happened to you all the rarer?”

“I do. But I don’t understand why I should be concerned with glowing. What does it mean? I can’t ask Nana. Every time I even mention dragons, she completely closes herself off and goes low contact for weeks!”

Derrick thought for a moment and sighed. “I think there’s a way to get answers about your lineage without involving her,” he said, leading her into the magic room. Upstairs, he retrieved one of the thick leatherbound books from the shelves and handed it to her. “This is the first compendium of ancient spells I ever came across. It has an entire section about learning one’s past. Give it a read and tell me what you think.”

Leaving her to study, Derrick returned to the kitchen to continue his meal prep. Victoria settled into a chair beside a window and began reviewing the section in question.

“Hey,” Derrick said, returning an hour later to find Victoria hadn’t moved from her seat.

“Hey yourself. Something smells amazing downstairs.”

“Thanks. Learn anything new?”

“Yes, actually. There is a spell called ‘looking glass’ that allows the viewer to see past events within their bloodline. I think that would be pretty helpful in gaining an insight into my dragon ancestry.”

“But?” 

“But,” Victoria smiled, looking up at her lover. “It calls for some pretty specific and weird ingredients. Some of these things I’ve never even heard of.”

Leaning over her shoulder, Derrick took a look at the ingredients list and laughed aloud. “As I said, this book is really, REALLY old. Many of these are outdated names for common ingredients. This one for example, canella, that’s cinnamon. This one, however, is indeed rare. But I know of a place I can get it here in town.”

“Really?”

“Really. We can perform the spell if you’d like.”

“Derrick, given our history with things like this, do you really think that’s a good idea?”

“Why not? It doesn’t look too complicated. Plus, I’m supposed to be guiding you into a larger range of your magic; the Elders would certainly approve.”

“Well, the Elders are not the ones dealing with the fallout. We are.” She worried at her bottom lip a moment and reread the small paragraph. “It would be nice to finally figure out why I’m having some of these dreams; especially the ones with the dragon man.”

“We can…” his sentence was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. “We can definitely do this if you want. Wait here, I’ll be right back.” 

Victoria returned to reading while Derrick excused himself downstairs. Rushing to the front door, he hesitated a moment, sensing the person on the other side before opening it. “Ro!” Derrick said, seeing his sire standing on his stoop. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to speak with Victoria. Is she in?”

“Oh, sorry you made the trip. Victoria’s not taking visitors right now, especially from you.”

“Come now, Derrick, there’s no need for this hostility. We both want what’s best for Victoria.”

“Yeah? And you think what’s best for her is to be attacked in her own home by my crazy ex-girlfriend?”

“That was an unfortunate circumstance and one that has both my regret and loathing.”

“And yet, it doesn’t change the fact that you almost got her killed! What do you want to speak to her about?” Derrick inquired, not budging as his old friend tried to step inside.

“That’s a personal matter between Victoria and I.” He again tried to enter, but this time, he was blocked by magic. “Oh bugger.”

“A human lives here now, Rowan.”

“Yes, I’m bloody well aware. I, however, wasn’t mindful of the fact you’d put her name on the deed.”

“Why wouldn’t I? This place is as much hers now as it is mine. Plus, I find it keeps unwanted visitors out,” Derrick smirked. The light sound of footsteps padding down the stairwell caused him to sigh and he waited for her to round the corner.

“Rowan?” Victoria looked from the blonde vampire to Derrick and back again. “What are you doing here?”

“Visiting a dear friend.”

“Oh yeah? Which one of us falls into that category?” she asked with a smile.

He smirked back and looked around the entryway. “Do you mind?”

“Mmm depends. What’s this visit gonna cost me?”

“Just a moment of your time.”

“Hmm. It’s been a while, Rowan, why now?”

“Well, I wanted to give you some time to acclimate to your new living situation. And uh…space to heal from earlier incidents,” he said, clearing his throat and glancing down momentarily as he spoke.

Victoria again looked toward Derrick who gave a gesture indicating it was her decision and shared another smile. “Very well. Cheerio, Count Grafton. Isn’t this a pleasant surprise? Please, won’t you join me in the parlor for an afternoon tea? I’ll have Polly put the kettle on,” she said in her faux accent with a mock bow that made the man chuckle. 

“Ever the gracious hostess. Thank you, Luv.” Brushing past Derrick, Rowan made his way into the foyer, smiling at Victoria as he moved in front of her. Hades ran to the front room, happily circling around the man before sitting calmly beside him.

“Seriously, Rowan, how did you get him to do that? Hades doesn’t take to people easily. He’s pretty much bred not to.”

“I’ve not the foggiest idea, Princess. After you told him I was a friend, he’s been, no pun intended, hounding me ever since.”

“Do you carry pup treats in your pocket?”

“Do I look the sodding type to carry pup treats, Victoria?” She shrugged and Derrick hid a laugh as the blonde vampire gave Victoria a bewildered look.

“Well, it certainly isn’t your charming personality. Maybe he senses evil and it reminds him of home.”

“Ah, there’s my Little Witch; always with the sharp tongue. Now, if you’re done hurling abuses at me, there is—something I’d like to discuss with you. In private, of course.” 

Victoria looked over at Derrick as Rowan finished his sentence and again, he sighed. “I’ll go and see if I can find the last ingredient for this spell. I shouldn’t be gone more than twenty minutes. I set a timer on the oven, if I’m not back in time, take it out please?” Leaning forward, he sweetly kissed Victoria’s cheek and glanced back at Rowan. “Call me if you need me.”

“I will. Thank you, Derrick.”

“Yes, thank you, Derrick,” Rowan parroted with a sinister grin. Victoria led Rowan into the parlor. And after offering him a drink, took a seat across from him in the armchair.

“So, what’s this personal business of yours?”

“I’ve received word from the Elders. There’s been a development.”

“Ok. Why did you want to discuss this in private? Shouldn’t Derrick…”

“They believe it’s happened because of Derrick and asked that I assist you with the next trial.”

“More trials? What exactly happened and why do they no longer trust Derrick? If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t know anything about magic.”

“I’m aware, Luv, I just wanted to talk to you first. I’m sure you’ll share with Derrick our discussion but, I wanted to make you aware of the Elders’ concerns outside of his knowledge first.” Victoria nodded and sighed as Rowan continued. “A second seal has broken.”

“A second seal? I wasn’t aware there was a first. What are you talking about?”

“You are aware of the Destroyer’s imprisonment at Ember Lake.” Victoria nodded and again, Rowan continued. “He is being held underground by magical seals that work to diminish his power; keep him weakened, keep him confined.”

“The spells the previous coven cast to entomb him,” Victoria concluded.

“Yes. There are three seals, each created through blood magic. Apparently, one seal collapsed some time last year. And the second more recently, two months ago.”

“Why didn’t they mention this before? That’s huge! This means the cult is very close to reaching their goal if only one seal remains.” She said, hopping up from her seat and pacing in front of the fireplace.

“Indeed, it does. Which is why they are concerned with your progress. If you’re not up to snuff as it were for the task at hand, the entire bloody world as we know it is ruined.”

“Wait, you said the second seal broke two months ago? Victoria asked, thinking back to that timeframe. “Do they know approximately when the first seal failed?”

“The only thing Elder Julian said was it happened during the summer.”

“Oh my god,” she whispered, placing her hand over her heart as she did the quick math in her head. “Oh no.”

“What? What’s happened?” Rowan asked, standing and moving closer in concern.

“Rowan, I think I did this. I think…” she paused and closed her eyes. Swallowing hard she again replayed specific moments back and when she opened her eyes again, the concern on Rowan’s face was more pronounced.

“Victoria, what happened? What did you do exactly?”

“I’ve used my blood to cast magic.”

The shock on Rowan’s face made the pit in Victoria’s stomach grow bigger. It all but confirmed her sense of dread. “And Derrick was aware of your use of blood magic?” Victoria nodded to his question. “That explains the Elders sudden distrust of him. He should have advised you against this path.”

“He did, the first time I used it to heal my partner’s spine—last summer. The next time, was to free a witch’s soul from a demon, two months ago.”

“Victoria…”

“I had no idea, Rowan.” Victoria jumped at the sound of the front door closing and looked up as Derrick entered the room.

“I got it,” he said, waving a white bag around before placing it on the table beside him. “Is everything ok? It feels a little tense in here.” His eyes swiveled back and forth between the two.

Victoria looked at Rowan who was now leaning against the fireplace with his arms folded over his chest. Victoria slowly approached Derrick and she released a heavy breath before speaking. “Derrick, the Elders have been speaking to Rowan.”

“Oh? What about?” Derrick glanced up at Rowan who shrugged before resuming eye contact with Victoria.

“It appears two of the three seals restraining the Destroyer have been cracked.”

“WHAT?!” Again, his eyes slid to Rowan who confirmed the information. “Why didn’t they warn us? What happened?”

“Derrick…” Victoria paused and took a deep breath. “It was me.”

“What? What are you talking about, Victoria? How did you break the seals?”

“You allowed her to perform blood magic,” Rowan inserted. “You should have known that would have dire consequences.”

“But how…” Derrick’s eyes went wide with a revelation. “Oh fuck.”

“What? What is it, Derrick?” Victoria asked, reaching out to take his hand.

“‘By witch’s blood he will be taken, to witch’s voice he will awaken,’” he said, repeating the poem they’d uncovered during their research on the Destroyer. “We’ve been trying to figure out what that verse meant. Your spells, your voice; it’s why you’ve been seeing him in your dreams. The Destroyer was calling to you to use your magic.”

“And I played right into his hand,” Victoria sighed wearily.

“I should have seen it, Victoria. I’m—I’m sorry.”

“The Elders have seen fit to place me in charge of Victoria’s development henceforth.”

“Like hell,” Derrick growled, stepping protectively in front of her.

“Ring them, Derrick, if you doubt my word. They aren’t pleased with how you’ve misled them and allowed certain events to transpire whilst at the helm.”

“It wasn’t his fault,” Victoria argued, “If you know anything about me, you’d know I’m…”

“Willful, yes. It’s one of your better qualities, however, it’s also why they’ve elected for the change in command. They fear Derrick’s affection for you has turned him soft and you need a stronger hand to guide you.”

“Oh really? And I suppose you happened to leave out the fact you almost got her killed with that little stunt you pulled with Cecily? Is that the type of strength they’re looking for? Should I ring them about that too, Ro?”

“No need to be rancorous, Derrick. This decision was not of my making.” Turning to Victoria, Rowan’s face took on a solemn expression and he reached for her hand. “I know this isn’t how you’d wished for things to go but, we’re here now. I hope you and I can work together to properly bring you up to speed.” She nodded and he sighed. “For now, I’ll take my leave however, I would like to begin first thing in the morning. I’ll see you then.”