Heirot

"I guess," she replied. "I'll be better when I can touch you." She hesitated on asking him if he was well. She knew the truth. "I miss you."

"I love you," he whispered firmly. "Please be safe and don't do anything reckless. This year will not be so long. Talon is helping me. Everything will be fine."

"I'm not being reckless," she told him. "But, I am coming for you. Atul is with me. I love you. I won't leave you there to suffer."

"Don't, Tenele. I'm feeling fine. It's not worth the risk."

Tenele shook her head. "You are worth every risk," she old him firmly. "I'll find you... and I will find a way to deal with Maxwell. Sinead told me how."

Vlad stared at the stone, helpless longing starting up in his throat. "I should go. The sun is rising," he managed to say, already mourning the end of the conversation.

Tenele nodded. "Talk to me again. Please," she whispered. "When you can."

Talon took the stone from Vlad and placed the necklace over his head again. "Its best not to let Maxwell catch us or he may punish one of us for letting you speak to her. Worst, he may punish her for attempting a rescue. Let's get you downstairs..."

* * *

Tenele faded into sobs that rocked her body against Atul. It had been so good to hear his voice, so sweet. Atul wrapped his arms tighter around her, pressing kisses into her shoulder.

"Its okay," he whispered. "Everything is fine. We'll see him soon. Come on... Let's get on the road."

Vlad began to stand up, to dress himself slowly. He'd reached the third button on his overshirt when his composure broke. Her voice had been so real and perfect. To his scraped-raw nerves, it was too much. He fumbled with the next button, tear-blind. The moisture rolled down his cheeks.

Talon wasn't prepared to deal with a crumbling Vlad. He'd hoped hearing Tenele's voice would further cement his resolve. He pushed Vlad's hands aside and finished buttoning his shirt. "Dry your eyes," he muttered to Vlad. "Maxwell will be harsher if he sees you crying..."

Vlad acknowledged his words with a short nod and brushed around the man to go rinse his face again. He didn't feel hurt by Talon's reaction, because it was true. To survive here, he couldn't be Vlad. He had to be Vladimir Dracul, Dead King.

"Back to the grind," he quipped casually as he re-entered the room looking ruthlessly composed.

As he reached the door, it swung open from the other side. Maxwell stood in front of him with a stern look on his face. "Where is it?" he demanded.

"What?" Vlad asked blankly.

"The communicator. This compound is heavily warded. Did I not tell you? Now, I know the vampire had nothing on him when he came. So the problem lies with you," Maxwell turned his gaze sharply on Talon. "Where is it?"

Talon's expression was as smooth as slate. "I have no idea what you are talking about," he muttered. "If I had one, I would have used it before now."

"I know communication magic when I see it. Tell me where it is, or you can take Vlad's treatment for today."

"That will kill him," Vlad snarled, coming between Maxwell and his Blood.

"Then come to the courtyard in two minutes, and surrender the pendant. If you cause trouble, I can end your life as easy as tossing a coin. Vlad is essential to me; you are not. Though given how protective he is toward you, losing you might hinder his durability going forward. How would you like that? To be the catalyst in your master's futile death?" Maxwell said coldly.

Talon glared at Maxwell. "I'll enjoy it when you die," he muttered. He clasped his hand over the stone. "I'm sorry, Tenele," he called to her through the link before throwing the necklace harshly at Maxwell.

Maxwell caught the pendant and pocketed it. "You two will stay in separate quarters from here on," he said matter-of-factly. "Otherwise, bloodling, your duties are the same. I will take Vladimir this morning, since I've already inconvenienced myself thus far. Come, Dracul." Vlad led the way out of the room, eager to get the scientist away from his Blood. Maxwell took up behind them, slamming the door in Talon's face.

Talon punched the wall, cracking the stone. "Son of a bitch!" he cursed, huffing to bottle his rage. That monster, he was going to pay for all of this...

* * *

Tenele mounted the horse alongside Atul. "We head further north. I doubt we'll run into more towns, so I hope you enjoyed the comforts of your bed," Tenele told him with a smile. She was feeling better now that she heard Vlad's voice, and she was looking forward to hearing more if he was able to sneak a conversation in every now and then until she reached him.