Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
ORPHEUS
Within the cellar lay five dead bodies pushed up against the far wall.
As an uninvited guest I had resided here in the manor for two days, feeding on the unsuspecting residents upon my arrival.
I winced with disgust at the scene, irritated by the familiar stench that emanated.
This part of the kill was tedious. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg and their three servants had been taken by surprise.
The place needed straightening up, so I acted quickly, spending an hour burying the bodies in the farthest corners of their land. I worked tirelessly to make sure the old family plots were put to good use and that no one would ever uncover what I hid there.
Back at the manor, and with practiced efficiency, I washed, then dressed in the finest garments and polished leather shoes. A crisp shirt fastened beneath a richly embroidered waistcoat, followed by a precisely tied cravat and gold cufflinks that clicked softly into place.
With a final glance in the mirror, I imagined the kind of man who might appear there—poised, polished, and perfect—if ever a vampire like me could cast a reflection.
I sensed Alex’s arrival.
Swiftly, I took the steps three at a time down from the bedroom toward the entranceway. Distracted by thoughts of tonight’s plans, I forgot to wait for the knock on the door before I opened it. I quietly chastised myself for such thoughtlessness.
Alex inhaled, taken off guard. He admired my attire. I was dressed in the finest black linen, a style that was purely European.
“Good evening, Alex.” I stepped out, walking past him with a smile.
I approached Alex’s horse and untied the beast, which initially seemed a little uncomfortable with me.
I led the stallion into the stables situated at the side of the property.
Alex followed and watched me position the horse in front of a drinking trough.
It leaned its long neck toward the water and drank while I patted its neck. “Such a fine creature.”
“Thank you.” Alex studied me. “And thank you for yesterday.” He seemed a little nervous. “You risked your life, and for that I am deeply grateful.”
“It was a good thing I was there.” I stared at him intently.
“Yes,” he said.
I turned back to his horse. “You’re lucky. He’s of good stock, very well-bred.”
Alex appeared uneasy. “He’s my brother’s horse. Jadeon lets me ride him occasionally. Well, all the time, actually. Our father gave the stallion to him as a gift.”
“I see. And what was your gift from Lord Artimas?”
“Well, um . . . He did give me a new sword.”
“A new sword? How curious, to give your brother this fine horse, and you . . . a sword.” I tilted my head.
“I—I never thought of it like that.” Alex frowned. “But he might as well be mine. I ride him all the time.”
“But he’s not yours.”
“No, he’s not.”
“Fascinating,” I said.
“It’s not what you think.”
“And what is it that I think, Alex?”
“That my father favors Jadeon over me.”
I approached him and straightened his necktie. “The oldest is very often favored by the father and the youngest by the mother,” I said. “I expect your mother adores you.”
“I—”
“After all, Alex, you are possessed of a handsomeness not easily equaled. Women swoon at your feet and men . . . covet you.”
He was speechless.
“You have not yet realized your true potential. Perhaps that is where I come in?” I said.
“I’m not sure I understand your meaning.”
“Now that I have saved your life, I feel somewhat responsible for you.”
“I would never—”
“Expect it, I know,” I said. “Come, you must be thirsty after your journey. You can freshen up before dinner.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Call me Daumia.” I leaned in and raised my hand, sweeping my palm over his shoulder, as though brushing off an invisible fiber, my touch lingering.
Alex exuded a radiance, and was seemingly untouched by the world’s harshness, with eyes full of wonder and a smile that softened even the hardest hearts. He was bewitching. Not by intent, but by the quiet purity he carried. A beauty so gentle it felt like a spell I never wanted to break.
I led him back toward the house, and we entered the manor’s foyer. I stood close behind Alex and removed his cloak.
He took a moment to recompose himself.
In the lavishly decorated lounge, I uncorked a bottle of red wine and commented that the servants had not arrived to prepare dinner that evening, informing Alex that if they did not arrive soon we would be forced to dine out.
Alex gratefully accepted the full glass.
He took a large gulp of the wine and then another.
Alex’s gaze perused the elegant room—the fine furniture, the expensive beeswax candles, and the huge fireplace burning fiercely.
“The Brandenburgs are out of town for the summer, you say?” Alex said. “When are they due to return?”
“Soon, I hope.” I stood in front of the fireplace, momentarily transfixed by the flames. “I enjoy the company of such remarkable people. It is unfortunate that they are detained. Come warm yourself by the fire.”
“The wine is warming me, thank you. My father extends to you his invitation and would be delighted to have you as his honored guest.”
“Thank your father for me, and as soon as my business arrangements are complete, I would very much like to dine with your family.”
“My father—”
“The Brandenburgs have a wonderful painting by Joseph Turner,” I interrupted his thoughts. “He’s such a gifted artist. I’m sure you know of him.”
“Yes, we have one of his paintings too. My father has a superior collection of art. I would be honored to show it to you if your time permits such a visit.”
“Let us view the family’s collection. Although small, it is rather fine.” I led Alex into the drawing room.
Silently, we both admired Turner’s painting.
“See how he uses the finest brush,” I commented. “The way he accentuates form and color.”
Alex stared at me. Not returning his gaze, I allowed him to continue as my eyes wandered over the painting, and Alex’s wandered over me. For a moment, I was taken aback with the frisson. Alex captivated me with his boyish charm. He emanated an innocence that was unexpectedly hypnotic.
I snapped myself out of my trance. “His use of light is really quite wonderful, would you not agree? I think we take such things for granted.”
It was easy to read his mind. I was pleased to sense Alex was as equally fascinated with me. “So, you are hungry? I know a quiet tavern. We will take dinner there. These servants, they are so unreliable.”
We headed out on horseback. On our arrival at the tavern, I guided Alex toward the darkest corner where we talked uninterrupted. As the evening progressed, Alex opened up. I ensured that the compliments flowed, as did the wine. Alex was fast becoming enamored.
Alex stared at my right hand. “That’s an interesting ring you’re wearing,” he said.
“It was a gift from someone who was taken well before her time.” I again lifted the goblet to my lips and feigned a sip.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Alex said. “You were fond of her?”
I nodded and rubbed the ring in remembrance of Sunaria, who had given it to me. “Alex, tell me about your family. Let’s start with your brother, Jadeon.”
Within the gloomy tavern, Alex relayed the story of how both he and Jadeon had grieved for their mother that awful winter.
It had been she who had brightened the castle with her vivacious temperament.
Since her death, they had only entertained at the Mount in order for their father to find suitable brides for his sons.
Their immense castle was not the comfortable and pleasing home it had once been.
It had become as lonely and empty as the very souls that continued to live within its walls.
“Now Jadeon just mopes around in a melancholy mood. He rarely goes out,” Alex said. “He spends his time reading, studying music, and generally daydreaming.”
“Catherine. She remains in the convent?” I inquired.
“Yes, Jadeon sometimes goes down to the grounds outside the convent and sits, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. It’s so sad.”
“Grief can incapacitate the soul.”
“You’re referring to your friend?” Alex said.
“Yes.”
“I am sorry to hear that. Would you like to talk about her?”
“No. And your father, tell me of him,” I said.