Read In Darkness We Must Abide (The Fallen King, Episode 8) for Free Online Page B

positive way.”
    As usual, she felt like Armando was only giving her tidbits of the entire truth. It angered her, especially when so much was on the line. Even if he did make her weak in the knees, even if he was ungodly handsome, even if he was most likely the love of her life, he was pissing her off. Vanora stood with her arms folded, her gaze accusing, her posture defiant.  “In just what way is she dangerous to us, Armando?”
    Armando stared at her for a long moment, his expression vague and unreadable.  Finally, he simply shrugged.  “It’s just a feeling.”
    “ A feeling? You said we’re in danger.”
    “ You are! I killed two vampires last night that were trying to kill you.”
    The intensity in his amber eyes frightened Vanora, and she took a step back. “You killed two vampires?”
    “ Yes. Defending you.” 
    Vanora was speechless. On the heels of Rhonda ’s death, this was almost too much to process. Finally, she managed to say, “Because I’m Roman’s sister?”
    “ Something like that,” Armando answered vaguely.
    “ Do you know who is trying to kill Roman?” Vanora stepped closer to Armando, her voice tense, her gaze demanding.
    Armando hesitated, then shook his head. “I don’t know who is going to try to kill Roman, but I know he’s in danger.”
    “ I want details.”
    “ I can’t give you details.”
    “ You’re asking me to convince my brother to uproot his life and run off to who knows where and you can’t give me details.”
    “ No.”
    “ Bullshit.”
    Armando ’s eyes flashed dangerously. “I would tell you if I could.”
    “ What’s holding you back?” Vanora demanded to know.
    “ Snow Pea!”  Alisha rushed across the study in a blur to embrace her sister, completely startling the younger Socoli.
    Vanora forced her fears aside as her older sister held her close.  She felt Alisha ’s love engulfing her and penetrating through her panic and anxiety. Tears filled her eyes as she realized just how much she had missed her sister’s embrace.  “I missed you so much, Alisha.” It was the truth. She had longed for her sister, not the monster that wore her face the night she had fled.
    “ I missed you, too! It’s so good to have you home after all this time!” Pulling away, Alisha regarded Vanora with glittering eyes. “Oh, Vanora, you’re gorgeous!  You’re so grown up!  My little Snow Pea is all grown up!”
    “ A few years tends to do that to you.” Relief filled her as she realized that time had done more than age her. The terror of the last night she had spent in the house was gone and in its place was the comforting presence of the sister she loved almost like a mother.
    Alisha ’s appearance was basically the same, except that she had lopped off her long blond hair to her shoulders. She looked angelic in a long white jersey dress. Startled, Vanora realized that they looked almost the same age.
    “ Vanora,” Roman said with delight.
    When she spun about to see her brother, she covered her mouth with her hands. He was so handsome in his black trousers and white dress shirt. She instantly went into the arms that had held her and comforted her throughout her life. Overwhelmed by emotion, she clung to him.  The thought that she could lose him flashed through her, and her throat tightened at the thought. 
    “It’s so good to have you home, Vanora.” Roman kissed her forehead, cuddling her close.
    Closing her eyes, Vanora leaned into his embrace. Regret filled her. How could she have taken so long to come home? “It’s good to be here.” It was the truth. Her brother and sister didn’t resemble the monstrous creatures she had seen that fateful night. She had allowed that image to mar her memories and now she wished she had been stronger.
    “ Armando, I’m so glad you came tonight. We’ve missed you!”  Roman released Vanora from his grasp to greet his friend. 
    “ Roman, we need to talk,” Vanora started before Alisha gave her another