The Stars Lie {Myrnin, Morganville Vampires}

My Sweet Little Canary

"Wait!" the burly vampire hissed. Of course, that didn't happen. Instead 1409 Myrnin continued his forward momentum, compressing the other vampire in half inside of the full-body vise he had constructed around him, and spiraled their bodies into a tight spin. There was a sharp crack followed by several spine-tingling domino succession breaks, as the other vampire's back snapped in several places like a twig. He screamed in pain and wrenched to pull himself away, which only caused more screaming as further pressure was applied to the torn ligaments and muscles.

"Your death will not be easy," 1409 Myrnin promised viciously. I couldn't see his expression, only what he saw through his eyes, but I didn't need to see his face to know he was smiling in delighted anticipation.

"Please! Just listen to me," the other vampire's words came out gurgled as he spit blood from his mouth.

"We have no need for words; I much prefer to hear your screams. Scream for me..." he purred seductively while compressing the vampire even tighter, followed by another crack.

A high-pitched wail came out of the vampire's mouth, but cut off suddenly as 1409 Myrnin reached his hand around to break the bones in his throat. He released his grip and whispered, "That was rather fun; don't you think? Your throat will heal in about 24 seconds and then we will see what else I can break so you can sing so sweetly for me again."

The other vampire shuddered violently in his grip.

1409 Myrnin made good on his promise, flexing his body slightly to the left and down, causing the vampire's leg to twist slowly. "Hmmm...almost there..."

Two more cracks confirmed his leg was effectively shattered. He squealed out again and began to shake as 1409 Myrnin's thumb and forefinger caressed his throat again.

It was pretty clear this game was going to last at least a few more rounds, so I focused again on Claire, who looked like she was turning a little blue. Panicked, I yelled, "Breathe!"

She automatically inhaled so deeply that the air whistled as it rushed into her windpipe. She panted, "Anwyn...will...kill...him."

"Maybe. Maybe not. But I definitely don't like these odds. I'll call Amelie; she can get some guards and meet us..."

"No!" Claire cried.

I looked at her in confusion.

"Amelie does not take kindly to people who defy her. You don't know how she will react when she finds out!"

"Claire, Amelie would never kill him. Think about it."

"I know that," she hissed, "but you didn't see her face. She already doesn't trust him and when she captures him again, I am sure his confinement will include some sort of punishment. That cannot happen! He didn't deserve to be in there in the first place."

"Then what exactly do you want me to do?"

I had never seen Claire so devastated as when she spoke next, barely able to force her mouth to whisper, "You go..." her voice hitched, "Could she defeat both of you?"

I glared at her and spoke angrily, "Of course not! But what good does that do, when we kill Anwyn and then he attacks me?"

"He won't! I promise!" she seemed so sure of herself.

I was silent. Claire continued on in a rush, "You were there! You heard our conversation and you heard his answer. I am not asking you to trust him. I am asking you to trust me!"

Trust her. It was only minutes ago that I marveled at the trust she put in me. Before I could speak, she added, "Take Rhysian! He has already shown his loyalty to you when he called Amelie for you. And having him will guarantee that crafty bitch is defeated."