The Sombre was as I had remembered it before.  Dark, tall, exquisitely gothic in construction and lack of light…lightning always loomed above it.  However, tonight it was calm.  There was a deep and heavy tranquility around it, and I thought of maybe Richard’s contacts were no longer present.  When the coach stopped, Fantome was near exhaustion and two cloaked servants came to take him.  Aiden and Jonathan stepped onto the front steps, straightening their jackets and glancing to the clear stars above.  I followed timidly.  The shadows of the memories around that place still frightened me.  I was getting better, learning not to shiver away.  Jonathan took my hand and kissed it quietly.  Two more men came, dressed in gray, smiling and greeting us well.  “Welcome,” one bid in a warm voice.  He was clean looking, alert and slim.  His friend was stouter but sallow, and he nervously kept his fingers laced in front of his grin.  “Young Détoile,” he named, extending a hand.  Jonathan took it quickly, stepping forward from me.  “Please, friends, don’t remain outdoors.”  Suddenly, his eyes met mine.  They were violet—burning bright and pale lilac as his smile turned soft.  “Good evening, Madame,” he spoke.  I glanced to my captor.

        “Lord Roux, Elise,” Jonathan muttered.  He motioned to the shorter man.  “Maxwell Billet.”

        “Welcome to the Sombre, Miss Timmons, although I am sure this is not your first visit,” Roux smoothly continued.  I smiled wryly. 

        “We’ve had a rough journey,” Aiden sighed, placing an arm around Billet.  “Robbers on the back trail.”

        “That’s why it’s the back trail,” Roux darkly commented.  His violet eyes flashed and he scaled the few steps.  “Come inside—we’ve been expecting you.”  I drew a deep breath and followed the men inside.  I had no where else to go.

        Richard and his wicked friends loved this mansion, but if I were to ever see any of them again, I would faint or kill them all.  Were these vampires as well?  The grand entry was lit like day, tapestries and glass windows shining like forgotten gems.  I could hear voices floating about the high ceilings, footsteps, and doors.  More shadows passed over the stairs before us and the halls to our right.  Jonathan stayed near me while Aiden dropped his hat at the door.  He certainly called this place home.

        “You remember your quarters,” Roux muttered to Jonathan, “as you have always had a place here.”

        “They are all still here, then?” he asked, I listening only out of confusion.  “Everyone is still here?”

        “Your godfather is anxiously waiting,” Roux smiled.  Jonathan slowly began to grin before stepping towards the open staircase. 

        “It’s late, Aton,” Aiden yawned. 

        “Rest,” Billet spoke.  They each shared a smile before we three began to climb the stairs. 

        “Very friendly,” I mumbled. 

        “Yes,” Jonathan agreed briefly.  “Please lie with me,” he nervously asked, bringing me closer to his side.  “I fear you being alone.”  His words frightened me, and I agreed.  I only wanted the warmth of day.