Eloise's Awakening
Immortality's Caress: Book 2
By
Monica M Martin

Prologue

QUEEN CLAUDIA'S EMBRACE
VENICE, 1592

    Eloise crossed the ballroom on unsteady legs, her head pounding violently. It took great effort to stay upright, as her vision blurred.
    Ahead of her stood Dona Claudia Lamberti, Queen of the kindred clan. “Come to me,” her soft, melodious voice telepathically beckoned.
    The elder, Gabriele, stood at his Queen's side; his beautiful alabaster face bore an amused smirk, no doubt he found her tottering amusing. However, it had nothing to do with her inherent clumsiness, or extra-high chopines, on this occasion.
    “Tis time...” Claudia's voice hummed inside her head.
    The kindred Queen informed Eloise she was dying and promised to embrace her...before ‘twas too late. After all, she had passed the three tests set down by the kindred.
    Eloise felt something wet trickle down her mouth and knew her nose bled again. The coppery scent assailed her. She touched her upper lip and inspected her fingers, fear crowding her at the notion of the unknown. Blood splashed onto her extravagant gown, blending with its crimson cloth. “Not now, damn it!” She cupped her nose with a shaky hand, as rivulets coursed between her fingers and dripped onto the floor.
    Immortals surrounded her, studying her with open hunger and curiosity, wanting to make a feast of her before her heart ceased to beat. Eloise thanked God she was one of their Queen's favorites.
    She frantically searched for Allegra. Mon ami, where are you? I'm about to die and you're nowhere to be found. Mon Dieu! What kind of friend are you!
    “Silence!” Gabriele shouted over the loud chorus of voices. Within moments, the room came to a standstill. “Fellow immortals, our Queen will embrace this chosen female. Bear in mind the human is of great importance to her and no member of the kindred is allowed to enter her quarters whilst she is resting...”
    Immense pressure built inside Eloise's head and crippling pain ripped through her. The room tilted and brilliant white dots began to fill her sight. Help me!
    “I'm here.” Claudia was at her side in an instant, her touch relieving Eloise's pain considerably.
    “Thank you.” Eloise's legs buckled and she felt herself sink and the immortal's arms envelope her.
    “I'll not let you die, child.”
    Eloise grasped Claudia's silver-blonde hair and pulled. “P--please end this! Now!”
    The immortal Queen lowered her head and sank her fangs into Eloise's neck, pain roared through her and she flailed about, instinctively trying to dislodge her. Soon she was too weak to move. From far off, she heard Claudia's melodious voice. “Drink my blood; ‘twill make you ageless and immortal...Drink to live.”   more >>