Heart of Darkness

Lucrezia arrived at the lively ball, taking herself in without invitation. Her invitation card was a friendly smile and the guard checking the invitation cards forgot about their duties as they watched her with a spellbound look until they could no longer see her.

She walked down the halls where both men and women looked her way mesmerized and then she finally arrived at the hall where the party was taking place. What could she say? She was still a romantic girl at heart and wanted to see what this moment would hold.

People were gathered around the hall, some whispering hysterically, others huffing and puffing disappointed. Poor ladies who came here with hopes that got crushed.

Navigating herself through the crowd she found Skender and Roxana taking the whole dancefloor for themselves. Dancing elegantly like two free birds. A woman did indeed look the most beautiful when happy. And Skender was a new man. He was Alexander now, a complete man with his demon and his mate.

They did not speak as they danced but their smiles and glowing eyes made it clear for everyone how they felt about each other.

How romantic. She almost sighed.

When the music changed people joined the dancefloor with them. Rayven was dancing with his mate Angelica. It felt as if it was only yesterday that he had redeemed himself but he already had a child now. Time flew by fast.

Lazarus was chatting with some men at a corner and Acheron invited a lady to the dance floor. Mazzon was absent as usual and Blayze would probably not return for a long while. Lucrezia didn’t bother him. He needed some time alone. And Vitale, her gaze searched for the quiet demon. He sat at a table with a glass of wine, his gaze looking in a certain direction from time to time.

Lucrezia followed his gaze and found a lady in pink looking like Roxana. Her sister. But why was he looking at her? Could it be..?

She looked into his mind. He was curious about her. She was a woman of faith. Wasn’t his dead wife a woman of faith?

Vitale was the only one where they didn’t see visions of him having a human mate. It could either be because he already had one and wouldn’t have a second chance or they couldn’t see it yet. Either way, being interested in Roxana’s sister wasn’t something good. Besides… the woman was sick. Dying. And if she wasn’t his mate then without the mating to save her, she would die.

Poor Roxana after everything she had been through and she looked so happy right now.

As her eyes continued to wander, she took notice of William surrounded by three ladies trying to charm him. She almost didn’t recognize him for a moment. Men during those years grew too fast. Well, it was only good for her. Bigger body, more blood.

She went to grab a glass of wine and a man had already come to her to try his luck. Since she was hungry, she let him try while she studied him to see if he could satiate her. He had nice veins but he was already sweating from trying to hold a conversation with her.

Knowing how to chase him away she stepped closer, licking her lips. “You are utterly handsome, My Lord.” He blushed and became even more nervous. “I am willing to spread my legs for you but you need to last long enough.”

His expression changed, his eyes widening slowly. Then without a word he just walked away.

“That is a unique way to say no,” a familiar voice spoke from behind her.

She turned around to find William standing behind her. “And how do I say no to you?”

“I haven’t asked yet,” he said with a serious expression. “You came all the way here and dressed nicely. You deserve to have at least one dance.” He held out his hand.

She looked at his hand and with a sigh, placed her hand in his. He led her to the dance floor and then drew her close, placing his other hand at the small of her back before swaying them to the music.

Lucrezia only now realized how tall he had become. “You are growing fast. Do you feel like you are in the right body now?”

He became thoughtful. “It feels more right.”

She could understand that.

“I am leaving,” he said.

Leaving? “What do you mean?”

“I am going to one of the provinces to become a governor.”

She frowned. “You will be far away from your sister.”

“Teleportation exists.”

“Hmm. But why would you want that?” She asked.

“I want to become independent. I can’t do that here.”

She nodded understanding that everyone would keep treating him like a child here and be overprotective.

“I have a request,” he began. “While I am gone, I don’t want you to visit me.”

She frowned. “Why would I visit you?”

“I don’t know. Maybe you won’t but if you have to, don’t do it.”

This was strange. Did he have a vision?

“Is there something wrong?”

“No.”

She watched him carefully for a moment and his blue eyes stared back at her without blinking. “Well, it has to be a bargain.” She said. “What will I get in return?”

“What do you want?” He asked.

Everyone was here so she couldn’t talk to him. She gave him a look to follow her instead and left the hall. Once they were in the dark halls alone she grabbed his arm and teleported them away.

William looked around wondering what they were doing in the woods. She waited to see if he would become frightened but he didn’t. His heartbeat remained calm.

“Are you trying to frighten me?” He asked.

“No. I just wanted to talk to you in private. What I am going to say you might not like.”

“Go ahead,” he urged.

“I won’t visit you but in return, I want your blood?”

He frowned and then looked at her confused. “I thought I was a little boy to you.”

She chuckled. “Oh no. Not like that. Don’t get excited. I don’t want to drink from you.”

Now, he was even more confused.

“I need a lot of your blood. To store it.”

“For what?”

“I can’t tell you.”

He looked at her baffled. “You expect me to give you my blood without knowing what you will do with it.”

“Yes.”

He shook his head. “Why don’t you just compel me?”

“You would probably notice after a while.”

“What if I refuse?”

“Then I will come to visit you,” she didn’t think it was a threat enough and expected him to still deny her.

He watched her thoughtfully for a long moment. “Alright.” He said surprising her.

She frowned.

“But you will have to promise not to see me for the five years that I am gone.” He said. “If you break your promise I will stop the supply of my blood.”

What was he hiding and accepting this? And why shouldn’t she see him?

“Is there something I need to know?” She said stepping closer.

“No.”

“Then why can’t I see you?”

“It is for my own sake. I want to forget you.” He replied.

He was lying.

Grabbing him by the shoulder she pinned him to the tree. “Do you want me to compel it out of you, William?”

“I would not do that if I were you. I just offered you what you want without knowing why. It is a good deal.”

She looked into his eyes contemplating what to do. “If it is something dangerous, you might regret not telling me.”

“Dangerous? No. It is not. I would not take such a thing lightly.”

She nodded. “Alright.” She released him. “We need to decide a place you will leave your blood every month and I will collect it.”

Could he already know what she needed the blood for?

“I will let you know when I find a safe place,” he said.

Why did he have to be a mystery?

“Let’s go back before they think I killed you,” she said.