Page 64 - Microsoft Word - FANG EMPIRE - NOVEL.docx

and squeezed it. She looked at Sygnosis and took a deep breath.

“Will water harm you?” GoGo said.

Sygnosis was silent, and then she spoke.

“No,” she said.

GoGo placed the washcloth on the vampire’s arm and squeezed water onto it, gently

washing her arm and bare shoulder. She was careful to keep a distance from Sygnosis’ fangs as

she washed off the dirt and molasses.

“I would like to bathe you,” GoGo said.

“Why?”

“You are dirty and you smell bad.”

“Release me.”

This time, GoGo paused to consider the request.

“We are in a cave, inside a mountain,” GoGo said. “The only way out is through that

curtain.”

GoGo reached over to the table and picked up a small bell. She rang it one time. The

curtain opened. Her men were standing there holding their long curved swords in perfect

formation over a bubbling hot cauldron with a torch on either side. Sooth stepped forward.

“This cauldron is filled with hot molasses and oil,” Sooth said.

He nodded to the warriors. They dipped their swords into the mixture and pulled them out

then thrust the blades into the torches with military precision. The swords burst into flames.

“If you harm the queen . . . we will immolate you!”

GoGo cautiously observed Sygnosis’ reaction.

“Do you understand?” GoGo whispered.

The air was tense as Sygnosis glared at her captors through her cat-like eyes. She opened

her mouth wide like a mandrill displaying her formidable fangs. The warriors hardened. GoGo

backed away from her. But then, Sygnosis’ fangs slowly withdrew into her gums. She closed her

mouth and her eyes. A calm washed over her. Her face softened. When she opened her eyes they