We eat and hash out our plan. We will be at Merdon's castle just as the first rays of daylight dance on the horizon. Between myself, Vincent, and Eric we can easily teleport Vlad and Sam. We can then port back with Elena. I may try to free others while I'm there assuming he's enslaved some.
Vlad asks worriedly, “Are you sure about this?”
I nod, “Yes. You all will consume a bit of my blood right before we port. The moment the sun touches my skin my body will replenish what I gave you all. It will work.”
“Even if it does, I'll give you a bit of mine to speed up the process,” Vincent tells me.
Eric reiterates our plan, “We walk up to the castle and we aim to stun and entomb his guards until we can determine if they might join us.”
I nod, “Yes using this spell,” which I demonstrate on a mouse that I had lured in.”
I bellow, “stupefaciunt et INCARCERO,” as it falls to its side and is encased in walls of light.
I gave them shots of my blood and then said, “So get to practicing!”
Marcus watches and asks, “How do you know the spell will work?”
I smile, “Because witches can only protect themselves from what they know. I just made up that spell!”
Vincent beams with pride, “I told you all she's cunning and dangerous!”
Artemis sighs, “You do realize that you're becoming gods.”
Vincent shrugs, “So be it!”
Eric adds, “We have trusted our instincts thus far. No reason we should not keep doing so.”
Artemis looks at Vlad and me, “I just hope Elena can be trusted after all of this time. It's been twenty years!”
I smile widely, “She can!”
Marcus looks at me, “You saw something.”
I pat his shoulder, “I did! But you both will wait until we return with her.”
Artemis grumbles, “You're cocky!”
I shake my head, “No, I'm cunning, resilient, and determined.”
Marcus chuckles, “Well welcome to House Dracul!”
l laugh, as Vlad glares at his best friend, “Oh stuff it all of you!”
I see Eric grin as he winks at Sam and Vincent, so I yell, “Don't even say a word, Eric!”
———Vlad’s POV———
l am starting to see what drew them all to Eva. It has nothing to do with her power, but more who she is instead of what she is. She has a way of uniting people and inspiring them. She's also very cunning and devious. I like that about her and I think Vincent does too. Eric gets annoyed with her sass while Sam finds humor and likes a challenge.
I am not hazed right now, so my mind is my own. I see a bit of Elena in Eva when she smirks. It's also in her rebellious, stubborn nature. However, I don't think Eva would set out alone knowing she's a target. No, Eva would make herself undetectable.
I think even if I wasn't bound to her, I would be attracted to her. I can't believe that I am actually thinking this, but I am. I want her. I need her and I daresay that I may love her.
———End POV——-
After they mastered the dual spell that I created, I gave them each nearly a pint of my blood. I ate, but am a bit lightheaded. We port just outside the perimeter in Albania in the depths of the woods.
Everything spins as my vision fades to black.