Morvicti Blood (A Morvicti Novel Book 1) by Lee Swift Read Free Book Online

been leveled against such noble born.
    Octavian suspected that the orthodox fanatics were behind the slayings. If so, they were only using the memory of The Ripper, an abomination in their eyes, to ensure no one discovered their true identities and to further their poisonous beliefs.
    The priest, in the traditional black robes, lifted the chalice above his head. “The drink of everlasting life.”
    The congregation responded, “May we be worthy in the eyes of the Ancestors.”
    Duke Lupei walked behind the altar next to the priest. He ran his fingers through his reddish-blonde hair, clearly trying to gather his thoughts. “Galene, my beautiful daughter…she is…was…” The regal man closed his eyes, trying to compose himself. “She was our treasure, our world. My lovely wife had dreamed of being a mother for so long, and it finally happened thirty-two years ago.”
    As Lupei continued giving his daughter’s eulogy, Octavian’s thoughts drifted. It was his most solemn duty to bring in the murderer to face trial. Was the killer a member of the Brotherhood of Purity? Most likely, yes.
    Where to begin the search?
    Many Morvicti bloodlines had a few secret practitioners of the fanatical orthodox ways, possibly even his own. The hunt would be difficult. Before beginning the search, he needed to be sure that the body of the real Ripper had not been disturbed.
    He had spoken late last night with Lisa Bathry, whose brother was responsible for The Sanctuary of the Forgotten. As a sign of respect from her bloodline, she had helped prepare the bodies of the two women for this service.
    He had told Lisa about his intention to visit Jack’s cell—a disgusting but necessary task—when he returned to London.
    She had been surprised, which was not unexpected. The sanctuary her bloodline cared for housed thousands of bodies of the Morvicti, cast-off and without honor. Most found the place abhorrent, as did he.
    “Your will is my duty, Your Majesty. Always.” Lisa had a pleasant smile. Her sandy brown hair framed her lovely oval face perfectly. Her eyes were Bathry blue. She was quite glamorous. “I will be in London in the morning. I’ll contact my brother to let him know to expect you. Anything the Bathrys can do to help bring the killer to justice, we will do.”
    Pounding his fists on the altar, Duke Lupei concluded his eulogy, pulling Octavian back to the present. “It’s wrong my sweet Galene is no longer with her mother and I. All Morvicti suffer because she is gone. Her impact on English popular culture enhanced the global power that has long been held by our people. She helped our cause in so many ways. I will not rest until the one responsible for taking away my sweet Galene is brought to justice.”
    Duke Lupei bowed his head, and then returned to his seat next to his wife on the front bench.
    Duke Grollin took Lupei’s place behind the altar. One of the toughest Morvicti Octavian knew. Years ago, Grollin had been stabbed several times during an orthodox uprising in South Africa. How the man had remained above ground was still a mystery to him.
    “My Nadia was crucial in getting critical policies of the Morvicti pushed through. Yes, there are trusted others in the British Parliament, but they do not have her same voice and influence. Like Duke Lupei and his wife, we only had one child.”
    Octavian thought of his own children. Losing them would utterly destroy him. Gazing down at the beautiful faces of the two young women, a protective instinct for his own burned hot in his veins.
    Someone was slaying the children of Morvicti nobles. Why? How many more would die before the murderer was captured? He had rung his brother Romulus to make sure he was safe, but Rom had not answered. This was alarming to him, because Rom always answered his phone.
    After the attack in Texas on Lucretius’s niece and sister, Cassie and Seraphina, the security measures of the entire family had been heightened. Luke had brought