Chapter Twelve
It didn’t take long that next evening for Charlotte to find Alexander in the library, leaning against the marble mantel with a glass of wine in one hand and a book in the other.
Beyond him, faded spines lined the mahogany shelves beyond the long sofa, and carved gargoyles stood as bookends in between various collections.
She breathed in the burned wood, old parchment, and polish before walking to the sofa. “Good evening.”
Alexander closed the book and placed it on the ledge. “Miss Lovett. How was your dance with Nathaniel yesterday?”
“It was short,” she admitted and sat against the emerald-green pillows. “I asked him if I could take part in The Hunt and he refused me.”
Alexander shot her an incredulous look. “How did you find out about that?”
“I found a card, and one of the maids told me the rest,” she said, refusing to disclose it was Hartley in case she wasn’t supposed to reveal anything to her about the event.
Alexander tipped his glass between his full lips, finishing what she only hoped was red wine. “He had good reason to deny you. Those who play usually end up dead.”
“Unless they’re predators,” she pointed out.
“Indeed.” A wolfish grin carved his face. “Is that what you want? To be a predator?”
“No. I just wanted to play,” she mumbled, and changed the subject before he could press her about her motivations further. “Where is Katherine?”
“I’ll take you to her.”
She nodded, forcing a small smile. “How are preparations for the ball coming along?”
“Invitations have already gone out. Now we must only hope the Avery family are arrogant enough to walk into our trap,” he said, green eyes flaring when he looked at her.
“You were able to reach them then?”
“Naturally. They have a small estate here in central London.”
“If they’re so close by, why haven’t you and Nathaniel gone to them?”
With a tilt of his head, Alexander grimaced.
“It would be foolish to fight them on their territory. Witches like the Avery family often buy land in powerful locations where they can congregate. Undoubtedly, their estate is built around their devoted practice area where something terrible has happened with lots of violent energy for them to siphon.”
“So, why haven’t they come here?”
Alexander pointed at the dark window. “Because we have a lot of defenses. Death hounds patrol the perimeter of the grounds, which is one reason Nathaniel was paranoid letting you out. They may obey him, but they can be unpredictable.”
“What are death hounds?”
“Dogs turned into vampires.”
“What? How is that even possible?”
He shrugged. “They were not created by us, but another vampire that has since been exiled. He takes care of them here. They are loyal to him.”
“That is so sad. The poor creatures.”
“They are well taken care of,” he assured.
“What will happen to them on the night of the ball?”
“Nathaniel will ensure they don’t attack anyone who comes through these gates. It’ll be the witches only chance to enter Sallow Manor without being torn apart by the creatures.”
“Is that your only defense?”
“No. We have some protections in place from other witches, like Katherine, but the hounds are our best protection. Speaking of, let’s go find her. I believe she is in the chapel.”
“You have a chapel?”
He laughed. “Indeed.”
“It’s just from what you said when we met, you think so little of religion.”
“You are correct, but we are not the only inhabitants of the manor. A few members of the staff visit the chapel. Nathaniel allows them their refuge with their God.”
“He lets his staff practice their own religion without consequence?”
“Yes.”
“That is surprising. It’s just that it’s a kindness I’ve not seen afforded in any other noble house. I must ask,” she said tentatively, “How do you know Nathaniel? I mean, how did you meet?”
“He saved my life,” he said without breaking stride.
“How?”
“By turning me.”
Well, that much was obvious, but she got the sense not to keep pushing the subject.
By the time they arrived in the west wing of the manor, her knees were clicking, and ankles were ready to give way. “I’m sorry,” she said, leaning over and placing her hands on her thighs.
“Does it hurt to walk?” he asked.
With her shoulders tense, she slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. “Sometimes, yes. Well, most of the time, actually. I don’t know what it is, but several years ago I started getting tightness and pain in my body, and it’s just gotten worse with time.”
“You should have said. I can carry you if the long corridors are too trying.”
“There is no need. I just need a moment before we continue.”
“We are already here.”
Alexander leaned over Charlotte’s shoulder, candlestick in hand, and pushed open the heavy wooden door to the chapel.
The musty scent mixed with dust, incense, and wax hit the back of her throat.
Her eyes landed on Katherine, whose crimson dress was muted in the pale moonlight spilling through the arched, stained-glass panes.
Fractured light cast on the stone floor around them, each window depicting angels in their winged forms. Raindrops spilled down their faces like tears from the storm brewing outside.
A Latin prayer left Katherine’s lips in rushed whispers, her focus not breaking when the two of them entered.
Alexander’s voice came out in a purr. “Praying, Darling?”
She made the cross sign with her fingers over her chest before looking at him and winking.
“Not to whom you think.” She climbed to her feet, and brushed the dust from the flowing, sheer fabric of her skirt.
“If we’re going to defeat the Avery family, we can use the aid of every deity. Especially the darkest ones.”
She joined them, and linked her arm with Alexander’s, while brushing his blond locks behind his ear. “You look a mess, dear.”
Charlotte’s brows furrowed. Were they together? She’d assumed Katherine was with Nathaniel.
Alexander let out a boyish laugh. “It’s been a long day.” He revealed his inked palms and tsked under his breath. “Nathaniel had me handwrite every invitation.”
Katherine shook her head. “I don’t know why you do everything he asks. That’s a servant's task.”
“I’m indebted to him.”
She rolled her expressive brown eyes and looked at Charlotte and said, “Did you enjoy your dance with Lord Sallow?”
Every honeyed word fell from her lips like venom.
“It was adequate,” she said carefully, watching Katherine’s every shift in expression.
“Now that are you done with your diversions, we should attend to business.”
“You mean magic?”
Katherine’s lips curved into a wicked grin. “Of course. You need to be able to defend yourself against the Avery witches. We cannot always count on men to keep us safe and it would be a horrible shame if they got to you first and you ended up dead.”