“How did it work out?”
“Just as you predicted.”
“Good. Just keep her away from the nosy crew. Before long, it will be time.”
“Don't order me around!”
“Of course not. It was merely a suggestion.”
“Keep your patronizing for your master.”
“Testy, aren't we?”
“Keep your end and I'll keep mine. It would be a shame if hey found her so soon. After all your hard work that is. To keep her hidden.”
His face turned to a frown.
“Yes it would.”
The knock at the door brought them to look at the solid wood. He turned back to his guest.
“You better leave.”
“Of course.”
He turned away again and took a seat facing the door.
“Come in,” he called, picking up the glass of wine by the table.
“Who were you talking to?”
“Hello to you too.”
She glared.
“I don't play games, Kuran. Now who were you talking to?”
He smiled, but it seemed more devilish than kind.
“A friend. But he isn't a vampire. What can I do for you?”
“Oh nothing.”
Tara walked around the room, fingers gliding over objects. He watched her, careful to keep her in his sight. She stood with her back facing him, looking at pictures above the grand white marble fireplace. He stood.
“I heard you are expecting Lord Vale soon.”
He saw her cross her arms over her chest, mentally saw her eyes change from brown to red.
“It surprised me. You are greeting your sworn enemy?”
She turned now, red eyes bright.
“I think it's time for peace. Don't you?”
Her eyes narrowed a little, flashing brown.
“Besides, he won't dare attack in my property. He knows I'm strong.”
“Even the strong have weaknesses.”
He came to her then. His hand picked up the ends of her hair. Her eyes flicked to his hand, then back to his eyes. Brown pulsed through red.
“I'm more surprised at your own strength,” he murmured.
“What are you talking about?”
“You stand in this very room and ask what I mean? Take a good look around Tara. This is the place where it all started.”
Her eyes widened and she looked around as if she had never seen it before. Her fingers glanced off the nearest objects. She shook her head, backing into the wall.
“No. You stop that Kuran! Stop it!”
“Now why cause yourself so much pain?”
“Idiot! Leave me alone!”
She sank to her knees.
“You mistake it Tara. It's not my doing at all.”
“No! Shut up!”
He got down to her level and took her chin in his hand, forcing her to look at him.
“You're a stubborn one. Naive little lamb that you are. Don't you realize you're home? You don't have to allow the pain to hurt you anymore.”
“Shut up! This isn't me! This isn't home!”
He pinned her arms against the wall, head at her neck.
“Do I need to remind you who you are?”
His fangs sunk into her skin and she cried out. Sweat beaded on her forehead. Her heart raced, but she couldn't move. She felt lightheaded, dizzy. Her eyes slid close to will the tears away. She could feel him draining her blood and let her head fall against his. Her body felt weak. Her neck ached and her arms begged to be released. She let out a small groan of protest. Spots danced before her and she forced her eyes open. Everything spun and twirled. She snapped her eyes shut, this time seeing light more than spots. She reached out for it, begging for darkness to overtake her.
“...Alek...”