by A A Mize
Sophie haphazardly threw her things in bags. Her body had little energy to work off of, but her fear kept her moving. Nothing that was going on was logical in the least. How had she come to live in this world where the unthinkable was sitting downstairs drinking coffee like normal people? The ring on her finger caught her attention. She pulled it off and tossed it onto the desk as if it was hot to the touch. She wouldn’t need it anymore.
Down in the kitchen Yvette smiled into her cup of coffee, bringing it to her lips on occasion to stifle what Rowan thought was a giggle. He didn’t ask. She’d managed to worm her way into his home for another night and although he wasn’t pleased, he knew he had no choice. Yvette was more powerful than him.
Down the hall from the kitchen, the front door opened and Matthias entered, shutting out the first light of day. He brought the cold in with him as he strode toward the kitchen, ditching his coat on a hook on the way. “Hey, Soph, did you get my keys?” he asked, patting his pants pockets.
Rowan noticed the paling of his Pupil’s face when he realized Sophie wasn’t with them and Matthias’ eyes grew wide when they met his.
“Where’s Sophie?” Matthias asked, eyes darting over to Yvette, who responded with a smirk and a sip of her black coffee.
“She returned some time ago, but she went straight upstairs.” Rowan replied, picking up on Matthias’s body language. Thinking back, it was strange for Sophie to go straight to bed without speaking to him first, even just to wish him good sleep. In an instant, he was able to concentrate and pick up her heartbeat from upstairs and realize that it was abnormal. Fingers gripped tight on his mug, keeping his temper at bay as best he could.
“I’ll go check on her,” Matthias said.
“No. I will,” Rowan replied sharply.
“Don’t bother the poor girl, she’s probably just tired,” Yvette suggested, but Rowan could hear the difference in her voice, her smile gone. That was enough reason for him to leave Yvette and Matthias in the kitchen to check on Sophie.
The stench of blood and absinthe was so thick on the landing it almost made Rowan ill. The tension was heavy, his skin prickling with it, his whole body made cumbersome from the weight of it.
Gently, he rapped his knuckles on her door and the movement beyond stopped. He could hear her heart beating hard but it was oddly shallow. It was as if someone had fed from her and indulged too much on her blood. If someone has fed from her, there would be hell to pay, he thought, taken aback by his own anger. There was no reason for him to feel that way, and yet his fists clenched hard, digging his nails into his palms. There was no denying it. Emotion is instinct, and he had no control over it.
“Sophie? Are you unwell?”
“No, I’m fine. Just tired,” she replied through the door.
“May I come in?”.
“Please, just go.”
Rowan checked the knob. Locked. “Sophie, I must insist you admit my entry,” his voice remained calm, but firm. If he was correct in his assumption and she had been fed upon by a Turned, her reaction was proof to him that she had not been hunted in a gentle way, as most Turned were taught to do. She had been brutalized. Traumatized. Being alone wouldn’t do her any good and if he could only get to her, he might be able to identify the culprit and take care of the situation himself.
At first he heard nothing, but after a moment he could hear her shuffling around. The door opened enough for her to peek out and force a little grin. Her hair hung loose across the left side of her face and he swore he noticed a bruise across her cheek.
“See? I’m fine...just tired. Thanks for checking on me, but I really just want to sleep right now.”
Rowan wasn’t satisfied. Her words were slurred, and the scent of blood and alcohol increased tenfold from her room. He pushed the door open with one hand and let himself in. Sophie stepped back quickly, but that didn’t stop his advance.
“You can sleep later. What happened?”
The door closed behind him and Sophie skirted out of the way, her back to her closet door. Clothes and books littered her bed, bags open and half packed.
“Don’t be afraid,” he said calmly.
Sophie’s eyes closed tight when Rowan’s fingers brushed her hair from her cheek. There was indeed a bruise on her cheek, discoloring it a deep shade of purple, its outer edges a sickly color of green.
“What happened?”
“I just…um...I slipped and hit my face on the bar. Bit my tongue, too. That’s it.”
“Don’t lie to me, Sophie,” Rowan said sternly, stepping closer and pushing aside the collar of her sweater to reveal the nasty looking bite on her shoulder. Immediately he prickled. Her assailant didn’t even have the decency to heal her wounds. Rowan’s fingers grazed over the marks. The skin felt hot to his touch, as if the bites already had fever in them. “You’ve been bitten. I know that what you have experienced tonight seems impossible, but I assure you that you are not going crazy. You are awake, and this is not a dream. I feel an explanation is due and I will explain in time. For now, this wound needs to be healed. Do you have any other injuries?”
“A few,” Sophie admitted, avoiding eye contact with him. Tentatively, she pulled up her sleeves to show the bruises around her wrists. Rowan held them gently, turning them over in his hands. She opened her mouth, showing off her tongue. “And this.”
Rowan cringed at the sight of it. What kind of barbarian would bite her tongue like that?
“There’s nothing I can do for that now. That requires a special kind of healing. I will have to consult Samiell about it. And the bruises are out of my range. The bite wound I can heal if you will allow me. It must be closed before infection sets.”
“What would you have to do?” She pulled her sweater close, eying him with slight suspicion. If he was like Yvette, how could she trust him so easily?
“I’d rather not say, but I can assure you that it won’t hurt. Don’t be afraid. If I wanted to hurt you, wouldn’t I have done so already? Would I offer to help you now when I could just as easily finish the sloppy job your attacker did?” He was trying to be patient with her, understanding her delicate situation, but his own desire to punish the Turned that had fed from her was overwhelming.
“No. I guess not. You promise it won’t hurt?”
“I promise,” Rowan gently pulled the neckline of her sweater out of the way with one hand and cradling her head in the other. Canines grew into fangs, grazing her wound, then, entering around the punctures. Unlike her attacker, however, Rowan used his natural abilities to numb the pain. Her hands gripped the front of his shirt tightly, only relaxing once she realized he wasn’t going to harm her.
Once her blood filled his mouth, he tapped into her mind, allowing her thoughts to rush into him full force. In a split second, he was overloaded with terror: a scream stifled by a bite, wicked words, and what felt like gallons of absinthe. Unable to take the onslaught, he licked the wound, healing it instantly. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end and his suspicions were confirmed.
“Yvette did this.” he nearly growled.
“How did you— yes. But it won’t happen again. I’m almost ready to leave.”
“You’re right. This won’t happen again. You stay.” Rowan stormed out, letting the door swing open hard enough that the sound of it crashing into the wall echoed through the house. Yvette had been out of line and he wasn’t going to stand for it.
“Get out!” he shouted from the bottom of the stairs, storming toward the kitchen in a blind rage, eyes flashing red, fangs gleaming.
Matthias backed out of the way, hopping up to sit on the counter to avoid his Mentor’s wrath. Meanwhile Yvette’s expression changed from surprise to the softest, most innocent look she could muster. “Rowan, dear, what are you talking about?”
With a single swipe, Rowan cleared the kitchen island, sending coffee mugs, silverware, and a vase crashing to the floor. “I will not abide beasts like you in my home. Leave before I rip your throat out.”
“You must be joking.” She laughed nervously. “The sun is coming up. I’d have to walk halfway across town to get to a safe place.”
“Then you had better run,” Rowan growled. He could feel Yvette using her powers on him; willowy tendrils of her mind-manipulation tangling into his resolve in the hope of calming him. All of the anger he had built up over the years came pouring out in an effort to deny Yvette her power over him.
“Fine. But you’ll regret this, Rowan. Keep your human pet. Just remember, she is no match for you. You’ll get bored and when you do, you have my number,” she said, blowing Rowan a kiss through the door before he slammed it in her face.
As soon as the door was bolted, Rowan collapsed at the foot of the stairs, panting for breath. Matthias was at his side in an instant, looking up toward the landing. “You alright? What the hell was that about?”
Rowan sat up, using the newel post for support he ran his fingers through his hair. “Yvette. She attacked Sophie. She knows about us now.” He then pointed up to Sophie’s room.
“Dammit, Rowan, I left them alone together. I had no idea Yvette would...Is Sophie okay?” Matthias plopped down on the floor beside Rowan.
“Yes and no. I did what I could to heal the bite, but she still has a fair bit of bruising. And her tongue...” Rowan shook his head. “Yvette bit her tongue to silence her. I read her mind and saw it all.”
“I should go check on her.” Matthias began to stand but stopped when Rowan put up a hand to halt him.
“No. She’s had a traumatizing evening. I’ll let her get a shower in my room and then I’ll put her to bed. As soon as she is rested, we need to tell her about us. I don’t want her to be afraid of us, but I also don’t want her exposing us, even by accident.”
Sophie stood in her doorway, tears streaking her cheeks, arms tight around herself. She didn’t know what to think. Yvette was exactly what Sophie thought she was, and Dominic was too. Monsters. Creatures of magic and fairy tales that shouldn’t exist. It had become apparent that things were more complicated than she could have imagined and now she didn’t know what to do. Except leave. That option had only become more appealing as the night progressed.
Dominic ascended the stairs and Sophie took a step back into her room, ready to retreat and slam the door if needed. It was as if he could sense her apprehension. He paused at the top of the stairs, holding his hands up where she could see them.
“It’s alright. She’s gone. You’re safe now.”
“What’s going on?”
“Don’t panic. I know this is a lot to take in, especially with what you’ve endured. I promise, you’re safe here. Lukas and I mean you no harm,” he said, taking another step forward.
Sophie inhaled deeply. Her chest felt tight, breathing more difficult. If she wasn’t careful she’d have a full-blown panic attack. Everything was catching up to her all at once. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”
“I know. No one is expecting you to know how to handle this. Why don’t you get a shower and try to calm down, yes? You can use the one in my room. It’s more private than the bathroom downstairs.”
Still there was hesitation.
“Come,” he said, walking into his room, leaving the door open for her.
Sophie edged across the landing, peeking into his bedroom to see him rifling around in a large wardrobe. The room was exactly what she expected from his personal space. It was plush and comfortable, decorated with deep royal purples, black, and accents of gold. It was like a cave; dark, cool, and quiet. There was a four-poster bed, which she figured would be the case as the one in her room was similar and suited his aesthetic.
Everything was beautiful and elaborate but it wasn’t the furnishings that caught her attention. It was the wall opposite the door which was almost completely comprised of windows with large heavy brocade curtains. French doors centered the wall and Sophie could see a balcony outside.
"A balcony?"
"Hmm," he nodded, handing her a thick black bathrobe before striding over to the French doors, opening them wide to the crisp, pre-dawn air. "It's my secret place.”
Sophie shivered from the cold but joined him on the balcony anyway. Below was a small garden, encased by buildings on all sides, with a spiral staircase being the only way in or out. A willow tree swayed gently over a tiny pond where koi fish swam around under lily pads and a layer of ice.
"It's beautiful," Sophie breathed. “So this is why the kitchen doesn’t have windows? I thought it was because it backed against other buildings.”
"That was the point," Dominic said. "I had the windows and door closed off in the kitchen for that reason. I needed a place of my own where I could ignore the outside world."
“Am I dreaming?”
“No. You’re very much awake,” he said, putting his hands behind his back. “All of this is real, Sophie. What happened to you wasn’t a dream, I’m sorry to say. She and I are as real as this garden.”
“I wish it was a dream,” she whispered, flinching at his hand on her shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” he said, withdrawing from her. “I’ll be downstairs if you need anything. Take as long as you like.”
“Thank you, Dominic. Really,” she said. “I’m sorry I caused so much trouble.”
“Nonsense. This was Yvette, not you. I hope you won’t allow her to run you out of the city. Get cleaned up and try to relax. You’re safe here with us,” he said before leaving her alone in his room.
It was awkward. Uncomfortable being in his personal space. The bathroom was much larger than the one downstairs which was just big enough for a shower, toilet, and a pedestal sink. Dominic’s private bath had a clawfoot soaking tub with silver fixtures sat against the far wall, sconces with half melted candles, and damask wallpaper.
She locked the door behind her, uncertain and paranoid about the creatures she was sharing a house with. Those feelings didn’t fade until she was in the bath, warm water easing away her pain, relaxing her muscles. Creatures. Monsters. Words she didn’t want to assign to Dominic and Lukas. They had been kind to her. They’d never given her a reason to fear them. Yvette was the problem. She was the one she couldn’t trust. The one she should fear.
Palms of her hands pushed into her eyes until she saw stars. Had she not been there and experienced it all, she wouldn’t have believed it. Her family wouldn’t. They’d think she lost her mind. There was a decision to be made. When she returned she was set on leaving and never looking back but now she wasn’t so sure. What would happen next? Would Dominic keep Yvette away? He’d run her off already. Could he protect her from Yvette if she returned?
Too many questions. Her mind reeled with them and by the time she got out of the tub the water was cold, goosebumps rising on her skin. She wrapped herself in the bathrobe, tying it tight before gathering up her clothes and peeking into the bedroom. Empty.
Sophie shuffled quickly to her bedroom, hearing someone start up the steps below. She closed her door as the shadow of Dominic darkened the wall at the stairs. He’d come to check on her, no doubt. She tossed the robe onto the bed and slipped into a sweatshirt and shorts before slipping into bed.
“Sophie?” Dominic called, gently rapping on the door.
“Come in.”
“Sorry to disturb you, but I have something to heal your tongue,” he said, handing over a cordial glass full of a reddish-brown liquid. “I’m aware that it doesn’t look appetizing but Samiell insists it looks far worse than it tastes.”
“What is it? Smells sweet.”
“Ah, well, it might be better if I don’t tell you. But I will say that it won’t make you one of us, if that’s what you’re thinking,” Dominic answered.
Sophie made the decision to trust him and downed the contents of the glass, her mouth growing pleasantly warm as it passed her tongue. Before it reached her stomach the pain had faded, and the swelling was almost gone.
“Thanks,” she said quietly, placing the glass on her bedsi
de table.
“Don’t thank me. I should have made her leave when she showed up at my door. I’m afraid it’s… complicated,” he said, his attention shifting to her desk where his ring had been discarded. He crossed the room and picked it up, drawing his thumb over the crest. “You should wear this. Keep it.”
“I don’t know if I should.”
“I’ll explain later, but it is protection. Until you decide if you want to leave or stay, you should keep it with you.”
She allowed him to put the ring back on her finger and although she was certain it was one of the reasons Yvette had attacked her, she couldn’t deny that she liked wearing it. She fidgeted with it, unsure of what to say.
“Get some sleep,” he said. “Lukas and I have much to discuss. When you wake, we’ll explain what has happened and answer your questions.”
Sophie pulled the blankets up to her chin, nodding. She’d hear him out, of course, but it would take something drastic to make her stay. As much as she loved the city, her new job, and the friendship that had blossomed between her and Lukas, the fear of Yvette tainted it all. A decision would have to be made, one way or another.
25
The day passed like any other with humans traveling the street outside, oblivious to the monsters that lurked in the dark. Sophie had been awake for some time, cell phone hanging loosely from her hands. Standing at the the window she could catch glimpses of people as they passed, and she wondered which side it was better to be on. Was ignorance really bliss, or just a pretty mask danger wore to lure unsuspecting victims into its trap?
Hiding her depressive crash from her mother over the phone had been far too easy, serving to point out that she had the problem for so long faking it was second nature. The facade was tiresome, even if it was limited to phone calls.
At least Dominic and Lukas knew she had a reason to feel the way she did. There would be no need to hide anything from them, although she was upset that they had hidden so much from her. Not that she could blame them. If she was a monster, she’d keep it a secret, too.