Chapter 12

Our secrets are our true strength...Master Shadi had uttered and now I knew what he'd meant. He'd rid me of mine, leaving me exposed to the entire vampire court. I hadn't understood how dangerous I was as vampires unknowingly permitted me into their presence. Shadi exposed my secret and he'd done it in such a way that I'd be labeled a puppet, nothing more. I took in a slow breath. That wasn't right though...I wasn't a puppet. Shadi had shared the secret falsely. I was curious as to why...

I parted from the company of the undead with much ease, descending into the labyrinth corridors of the estate. I might have been inclined to explore, but there was really no telling what horrors this place could hold. Instead I settled with a small sitting room just off the grand staircase in the entry hall. Two deep yellow satin couches sat parallel in the center of the room, sandwiching a delicate coffee table with curving legs. Off in one corner stood a chocolate brown chaise with a frivolous golden pillow that was too small to be of any real use. Weighing my seating options I decided on one of the couches. The idea of sprawling myself in an oversized lounger in an evening dress seemed inappropriate and vaguely seductive. Should anyone walk in, I didn't want them reading my demeanor as an invitation.

Placing myself on the far end, away from the door, I strummed my fingers along the armrest. It took only a few moments for me to realize the couch was strictly for looks. I shifted on the unforgiving cushion and glanced curiously to the chaise wondering if it was made to be the same. I might have gone back on my decision had a movement not drawn my eyes to the doorway. Master Julian edged into the space. His blue eyes locked onto me and I felt remarkably uncomfortable. I grappled with the idea of standing to leave, but his proximity to the exit made me think otherwise. My plan of aversion had miserably failed...

"I fancy your secret was well worth the wait," Master Julian cooed, slowly sliding onto the couch next to me.

I took in a breath and locked my jaw. Vampires had no regard for personal space. However disproving I was, I knew my complaints would fall on deaf ears.

"You strayed from the party far too soon," he finally stated when I resigned to silence, "I would have loved to chat."

My eyes shifted to him before I spoke, "Is that not what we are doing now?"

He laughed. It was the same eerie chorus from our first meeting. Hearing it again didn't make it anymore settling. Instead of commenting I waited. It was his move.

"Why do you submit to this?" he changed the subject in his retort.

"I don't know what you mean..."

He interrupted meeting my stare with narrowed eyes, "He does not control you. I can see it in your eyes."

I refrained from replying, unwilling to encourage his assumption even if it was correct.

"You are a Necromancer," he chimed, far too amused, "Yet you are so much more...after all, they are but mortal. You however have found some transcendence...How old are you?"

I flinched at the question. He laughed and slowly leaned in.

"And what prices have you paid for your immortal gift?" he remarked with a flash of fang.

I quickly stood and pulled from him. His prying was unwelcome...the past was not meant to be relived. I had played host to his inquiries for long enough.

"I think I love your secret even more," he grinned as he settled back on the sofa, eyes twinkling with a spark I could not fathom, "The most beautiful monsters are those unaware of what they truly are..."

"You presume I do not realize what kind of monster I am?" I asked wishing I had not sunk to allow myself to delve further into his conversation.

"I am sure you are perfectly aware of that," he countered, straightening out one of his jacket cuffs, "I think you are oblivious to what a beautiful horror that really is."

Making my way to the door I turned briefly.

"No..." I said with a smile, "I am quite aware of that too..."

As I walked without destination into the hallway I heard Master Julian reply, though his words were incomprehensible as my distance from him grew. I ventured to think I had saved myself from another latent remark to extend my company. God only knew if I was correct.

Pausing in the entry I debated my next move. Suddenly into the room Raine descended. Her long auburn hair covered her wounded arm, though the skin had mostly healed looking a delicate shade of fleshy pink. In a few hours her pale complexion would likely return to it. I was curious why she had stepped from Shadi's side, but when I noted the reddish tint to her teeth I received my answer. She had gone for a snack, probably to hasten healing time. I figured it was extremely embarrassing to be seen wounded at one of the greatest vampire gatherings. Even in death people still strove to maintain their pride.

"Where does Master Shadi's clan reside?" I asked trying to make my interaction with her minimal.

If I had to pass time I figured it was best served in the shelter of temporary personal space. My assigned room for the duration of my stay would do.

"The east wing, look for the Persian decor..." she replied, pointing up the grand staircase to one side.

I should have guessed, I silently remarked. With a thankful nod I parted from her and climbed the steps to the labyrinth that was the second floor. As I took to find the area I paused. In my hurry to leave her undesired presence I had overlooked her uncommonly civil demeanor. It was a side of her I had never been acquainted with.