116
My parents and I sit in the lounge area in front of the roaring log fire in uncomfortable silence and sip our drinks.
No questions had been asked about my experience, neither Father nor Mother even bothering to acknowledge the girls sitting by my side nervously sipping their drinks, both uncharacteristically quiet.
At the interview prior to the visit both had told Starlen they anticipated a warm reception, and felt certain they would enjoy themselves.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
For myself, the visit simply accentuates how shit I’m feeling after Cherry’s elimination.
I’m no coward; I hadn’t simply fed her to Starlen.
I’d met with her and let her down gently.
Her tears normally wouldn’t affect me; I’d had thousands of women cry over me over the years, but these were different; these were her final tears.
After holding her for some time, I’d nipped her as expected and handed her reluctantly to Starlen.
The confused and fearful look in her eyes, I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
But my one consolation was that she, for some unknown reason, adored Starlen.
And I’d promised him, in no uncertain terms, that if he didn’t make her ending pleasurable I’d ensure his ending would make the records for the most painful vampire death in history.
Still, the whole business didn’t sit well with me.
And now, this visit.
From the moment I’d entered the castle its felt like the walls are closing in on me.
The same old feeling of not being what my parents hoped for, for thinking in ways considered unnatural, loving in ways I shouldn’t.
I’ve never felt any warmth inside these walls, no matter how bright the fireplace burns.
We all look up as the butler clears his throat and announces new guests have arrived.
“Wonderful,” Father snorts.
“The Lord and Lady Dragonspur,” the butler announces.
“Finally,” I clap my hands and rise from my seat as Falcon and Angie step in, Angie’s eyes immediately finding mine, her smile lighting up the room.
I might have told Cat that Angie and Falcon would attend, but what I hadn’t told her was that this was the first time I’d seen my best friend in thirty years.
I move to hold out my hand first to shake Falcon’s, as I clap him on the shoulder.
“Jag,” he smiles, his expression more care-worn than I remember, but otherwise unchanged, “it’s good to see you, brother.”
Nodding, I move to kiss Angie on the cheek, noting Falcon stiffen, even now, at my proximity to his wife.
Pulling back I turn and gesture for them to come closer to the fire.
“Mother, Father, you remember Lord and Lady Dragonspur. You attended their wedding.”
“Of course we remember them,” Father mutters.
Mother nods, but makes no move to welcome either, so I redirect my attention to the two women my guests are here to meet.
“Angie, Falcon, I’d like you to meet Catriona and Thorun.”