SHADOWS
by Steffi

.script by Mirelle.

|story visited times|

Chapter
|01| |02| |03| |04| |05| |06| |07| |08| |09| |10| |11| |12| |13| |14| |15| |16| |17| |18|

(June, 1805)

Chapter 01

She awoke with a start and sat up abruptly. Her sleepy eyes were looking around the room, but there was nothing but the silent darkness. She heard and felt her heart beating madly against her chest and she steadied her breath, trying to calm down. Then she lay back and closed her eyes, in conviction of just having had an already forgotten nightmare.
But then she heard the noises from outside. She sat up again. Harassed voices, in screamed whispers, and then a few feet running. She swung her feet out of the bed, getting up, grabbing for her dressing gown, then made her way to the window, looking out carefully. There were shadows of men lurking around in the huge garden of the mansion. They were waving to each other, whispering and signalling with their hands to keep silent. She focused on the garden, but could not see the animal or maybe the unlucky person they were trying to get.
Then she heard a gun, loud and clear, echoing through the silent night. She winced and then she heard her brother shouting something. She disappeared from the window and hurried to her wardrobe, picking out the next best dress. When she had got rid of her nightgown, there was a knock on the door and then it was opened slowly.
“Miss ?“ A woman's voice sounded from the door.
“Alicia! Come in. Are you okay?“ she asked concerned.
“There was a shot. Oh M'Lady, your brother is outside with a few men.“ Alicia closed the door behind her and looked fearfully around the room.
“We are safe here, they are maybe just hunting an escaped ox or whatever.“ she tried to calm her maid down, but she knew, there were not any shots if they were just hunting a cattle. And Alicia knew it as well.
“But-“
“Shh... Don't be afraid. We are safe here, they are guarding the house. If there was real danger, then would never leave without making sure that the house is safe.“
But Alicia did not seem to be convinced. She stood in front of the bed, a little lamp in her hand, which illuminated her face and showed her frightened expression. sighed, continuing in pulling off her nightgown.
“M'Lady, what are you doing? I think Lord doesn't-“
“Alicia, stop it. I have to assure myself that everything is okay. And now help me please with the dress. Quick!“ she ordered in a tone that made her maid obey immediately.
Five minutes later was hurrying down the stairs in her modest dress. She even did not give Alicia enough time to button it up properly, so she ran outside with loose hair and a loose-fitting dress. would get angry when she showed like this in front of his men, but at the moment she did not care.
A soft breeze stirred her hair when she opened the door and stepped out on the terrace. Although it was a relative warm night, she shivered and put her arms around her body. As she did not see or hear anything for a while she carefully stepped into the garden, trying to make out her brother or one of his men. She tried to be as quiet as possible, but she could not prevent to strike noisily some bushes from time to time.
Where are they? she asked herself again. It was not possible, that they all have disappeared!
It was somehow scary. No one could be heard or seen, it was like the quiet before the storm. suddenly wished she had stayed in the house, as Alicia had tried to convince her. She stood still, motionless. Complete silence. The light wind, rustling through the leaves of the grand trees, was the only sound. shivered and just wanted to return to the house. She would wait inside for her brother. It was typical for her to be here now, she thought. It was not the first time that her curiosity put her in such a situation. She stroke her hair out of her forehead and turned around, just to stare into two furious eyes directly in front of her. From shock she widened her eyes and then everything happened very fast. She wanted to scream, but he grabbed her and closed her mouth with his hand, pressing her against a tree. Her heart was beating loud and fast and she tried to breathe calmly. Then she looked up, frightened to death, and recognized her brother, staring at her with an expression of complete fury. At first she was happy to see him, but then she noticed that she was probably in huge troubles now. And she was right, because a second later he started to rail against her.
“Have you completely lost your mind? What the hell are you doing here, ?“ he whispered angrily.
“I'm sorry, I just-“
“It is always “I just“...! Goddamn you!“
“Stop swearing like this.“
“...“ His voice was threatening. “You go back now, into your room, and you will stay there until I am back, did you understand me?“
“Yes, but...“
He did not wait for her reply. He grabbed her arm and dragged her as quietly as possible through the garden, along the bushes and trees. His eyes travelled restlessly around the place and they hurried from one rose bush to another, trying not to be seen.
“! , let go of me.“
But he didn't. When they had arrived in front of the terrace, he stopped. “You go now, I stay here until you have closed the door. Then you go straight upstairs, okay? !“ he shook her arm as he noticed her not really listening.
“Okay, I will. But what happened? We heard a shot!“
“Go inside now.“ he urged impatiently.
“!“
“McNeill's daughter is dead.“
turned pale. “What? But...“
“We found her just an hour ago. No blood inside of her.“
A sound of shock escaped her throat and she put her hands in front of her mouth.
“Go inside now, . Please.“ he said softly.
She nodded like in trance. “Be careful.“
“I will. Now, hurry!“
She did as she was told, closed the door firmly and hurried straight upstairs. There was no sign of Alicia or some other attendants. She did not have the urge to look after them and went into her chamber, closing the door silently behind her. Then she leaned against it, closing her eyes.
Elizabeth. Elizabeth, the brunette, blue-eyed, beautiful Elizabeth. She could not believe it. They had not been very close, although they had the same age, but she had liked her. Now she was dead, her neighbour and always smiling Elizabeth was dead.
After a while she traversed her room and sat down on the chair, looking up into the big mirror. She was pale and her long hair was a mess. She sighed and lay her hands in the bowl with the fresh cool water, then washed her face. It made her feel a bit better.
Elizabeth. Her name was constantly circling inside her head. It was the third murder of a young woman within two months. It was sad, so sad, but it was not unusual. Murder, thievery and robbery were nothing special. Unfortunately. From time to time it happened. But within the last two or three months, there was so much cattle stealing. And no one was ever seen, no outlaws or traders, who had the cattle with them. And people had disappeared. Workers of the mines and some tradeswomen.
And then these two young women. And now Elizabeth.
was not an over-anxious person, but it scared her out of her wits when she thought about the murders. No blood. And wounds at their wrists or neck. Or both. She was as well not very superstitious, she did not believe in the stories, told by some of their older attendants, as well as from older farmer's wives. Vampires, rising from their graves and sucking people's blood... Once she had been warned by Ella, the cook. She had told her, that such girls as her, outgoing and curious, as it does not befit a lady, are the easiest victims. These men blind the girls and then seduce them, before biting in their necks and sucking all of their blood. It sounded ridiculous, but now she was not sure any more, if Ella's story could not at least contain an element of truth.
She got up and started to undress. Somehow she managed by herself to open the buttons of her gown and pulled it over her shoulders, when suddenly an earsplitting noise made her wince. Again there were gunshots, but this time quite nearer, and then the complete chaos broke out. She heard screaming men and steps, further shots and then her window curtains were noisily pushed aside and the dark silhouette of a man jumped into her room. Glass splintered as he hit the table with his leg and made the lamp fall onto the floor. The small flame of the candle died immediately, laying the room in complete darkness.
She did not dare to breathe. She just stood opposite side of the room, frozen in her motions. She was not sure if he had already seen her, but she knew, when she tried to escape, he would notice and then...
She tried to fight her fears down and to breathe as calmly as she could. She heard him moan quietly. He moved, but he did not seem to approach. For a few moments the time seemed to stand still, until she heard steps running up the stairs, and then her brother, screaming her name. She remained silent, not moving. Then her door was pushed open.
“! Give me that lamp!“ he ordered at some men behind him. “?“
Then he saw her. A relieved expression showed on his face as he made his way to her and took her in his arms. “Are you okay?“
She just nodded, unable to speak. Her eyes wandered to the window, where he had been some seconds before, but there was no one. She swallowed.
“Have you seen someone?“ he asked in an urging tone.
She shook her head hesitatingly. “N-no...“
He gave her a look and then scrutinized the room, noticing the fallen lamp. “What happened here?“ When he got no answer he started shaking her the second time this night. “What happened here?!“
took a breath and tried to ignore her loud beating heart, hoping that no one else could hear it. “I... I just... Elizabeth and then the sudden gunshots... I was so scared, I dropped it.... So sorry... I'm...“
What the hell was she telling him? She did not know why she had done such a stupid thing, instead of pointing at the curtains and tell him that a man had entered her room. But something kept her from saying it. She must be completely crazy. Maybe Ella had been right. Oh god, she must have been definitely right!
watched silently and , a friend of him, inspecting the room.
“, have you seen a man?“ Her brother turned around and watched her.
“No. Why should I?“ she asked uncomfortably.
“We thought he has entered the house. Are you sure? Did you maybe hear anything?“
“N... no.“ she stated.
He watched her some moments and then nodded. “Right. Okay. You should close the window.“ He turned around and shut it. “I shall send for Alicia, to help you with your dress.“
“No. No, thank you, but I do not need any help. I... I just want to be alone. I am tired and Alicia is probably tired, too. There is no need.“ she put it off.
“M'Lord?“ A further man appeared at the door, tactfully ignoring , who then noticed that she still stood there with bare shoulders, holding her open dress upon her breasts.
“The house is clean. We searched every room and every chamber. The attendants didn't notice anything but the shots.”
gave him a concerned look. “Thanks Dan. So we lost him again.”
He looked down and suddenly felt sorry for him. He was looking so tired and exhausted. She loved him with all her heart, but she was unable to bring herself to tell him the truth.
Finally he looked up again. “Love, are you sure you're okay?”
She nodded and smiled at him. “I am fine. Now, go and look after yourself. We see at breakfast, don't we?”
He smiled back and kissed tenderly her forehead. “Good night. And sleep tight. You mustn't be afraid, the house will be guarded the whole night.” Then he made his way to the door.
“!”
He turned around.
“Do you think... that this man, which you saw... do you think he killed these women and... Elizabeth?”
He just looked at her, pressing his lips together. “Good night, .”
Then he closed the door from outside.

She kept standing in front of the door, staring at the dark wood. For some moments she closed her eyes and noticed that she was completely calm although she felt a terrible fear. She knew that he was still there. Slowly she turned around.
He stood in front of the wardrobe, just staring at her. He was of middle height, well-dressed, and he was young. About twenty-and-five, she assumed. His hair was messed up, above his left brow there was a scratch, and his dark eyes lay on her. She could not tell what he was thinking. But she saw no cruelty, no anger or danger. He was just looking at her, maybe curiously.
She was surprised. Or blinded, as Ella had said. She did not know, but somehow she did not care any more. This man couldn't be a killer, could he? But if he was, he had to kill her now, she knew. She had seen him. And she was sure, she would never forget his face. Fighting down her upcoming fear she licked her lips, preparing herself to say something. But instead he spoke.
“Why?”
She was not sure, if he really had said something, but then she looked at him again. “What?”
“Why. I want to know, why you have saved me.”
His voice was calm and husky and he spoke the noblemen's English. What surprised her even more, though his clothing.
She shrugged and kept looking at him. “You're injured.” she noticed. He had not only this scratch on the face, but also a deep wound on his right arm, it seemed. Carefully she made her way towards him, step by step.
“It's nothing.”
When she arrived in front of him, she saw that it was much more than nothing. She wanted to look at his injury properly, but she then remembered her dress and her hands, holding it up. She took a breath and gave him a careful glance. He seemed to notice her distress and turned aside, carefully drawing with his fingers along the wound. quickly took the chance, pulling the dress over her shoulders and closed two buttons. Then she watched him again before she went over to the wash basin, taking a clean cloth from the table.
“Come over.”
She did not look up when she heard him approaching, and started to put the cloth in the water. Then she suddenly turned around. “You... em... put off your shirt.”
His face showed a hint of suspicion, but then he did what he was told. gazed at the injury. It was not that bad, but it was still bleeding a bit. She washed the wound with care, trying not to hurt him too much. She felt him watching her. Her nerves were tensed and she felt herself becoming shaky under his gaze. She tried to ignore it, but she could not. The third time this night she was asking herself, what the hell she was doing. She was treating the injury of a complete stranger, who was chased by her brother, broke in her room and maybe had killed Elizabeth. And probably would do the same to her. She forced herself to stay calm and tried to cover up her fears, concentrating her full attention on the work she had to do. After she had cleaned the wound, she bandaged it with a tissue.
Without noticing it, she let meanwhile her gaze carefully travel up along his muscular arm. He just wore a rather tight undershirt, which made it easy for her to imagine his strong and solid body underneath. He had the athletic body of a farmer, or a worker, but not of a nobleman. But he smelled of an upper class man. There was a barely noticeable scent of cologne, mixed with a note of blood and fresh sweat. It made her feel dizzy.
What's happening here? And who the hell was he? asked herself again.
She was staring at his male chest, thinking that she had never been so close to a man yet. She had been sharing secret kisses with some of 's friends, even once with the stable lad, but they had always been fully dressed. She bit her lip and suddenly, when she felt her teeth painfully clawing in her soft lips, she remembered, where she was. Within a second her heartbeat fastened, and she looked up.
He was still staring at her calmly. could have sworn that she had noticed a hint of amusement in his mysterious eyes, before she looked away hastily. The heat was creeping up her face, colouring her cheeks in a fine shade of pink. What the hell was wrong with her?
Finally she was finished with his wound. She risked a glance in his eyes again and noticed surprised, that they were , and not brown as she had first assumed. The candlelight mirrored in his eyes, making them shine, revealing eyes of the deepest she had ever seen in her life.
“Thank you.” he said quietly, holding her gaze.
She gave him a nod and a slight smile, then turned away and started folding the cloth in her hands carefully, trying to keep herself busy to cover up her awkwardness. From the corner of her eyes she watched him buttoning his shirt up. Then he grabbed his dark coat. She looked down, keeping her gaze focused on her hands, hoping he would disappear as quick as he had appeared some minutes before. Her heart skipped a beat, when she felt suddenly his hot breath behind her ear. A shiver ran down her spine, and she almost fainted, when he let his lips softly draw along her neck.
“Good night, .” he whispered and she closed her eyes, feeling her knees weaken. She tried to steady her heavy breaths and rested her hands on the table. A soft breeze stirred through the room, refreshing her heated mind, and she opened her eyes abruptly. She turned around and found herself all alone in her chamber. The window was wide open and the large curtains were blowing in the wind. She made a few steps and looked out of the window, turning her head to the left and to the right, but he was gone. The only person she could make out was , standing with his back leaned against the solid walls of the stable. He had noticed her, because he gave her a nod and signalized her to close the window.
She did. But she kept standing motionless, back turned towards the window. She scrutinized the room. There were the white cloths, soaked with some red and brown spots of blood. This was the proof, but nevertheless she was asking herself with a growing fear, if she maybe just had been dreaming. It was too unreal. Her behaviour, her feelings, his appearance, his action, just everything. She shook her thoughts out of her head, while slowly opening her dress, dropping it carelessly on the ground. She took the candle and went towards the bed, when something she saw made her heart jump again. Her eyes widened, and her lips formed a surprised 'oh', when she caught sight on a red rose, lying on her white pillow. Unbelievingly she reached out her hand and took it. She closed her eyes and took a smell on it. A feeling of tenderness overcame her, making her feel like she was completely drunk. She opened her eyes and watched the noblest of all flowers in her hand. The soft blossoms were of a rich red, which just roses of that kind could have, and it seemed to sparkle majestically. She turned it, completely mesmerized by it's beauty, when suddenly a thorn pricked her finger. She let the rose fall on the ground. A tiny drop of blood formed on her skin, before it dropped on her white pillow.
She bent down, carefully taking the rose and putting it on the bedside table. She sucked at her finger and lay in bed, covering with the blanket. A few moments she kept on looking at the rose, then she blew out the candle and the room fell in complete darkness again.

Chapter 02

The next day was a warm and sunny summer day. got up early, because she wanted to ride out before breakfast. She was of course not allowed to leave the property all alone, but the stable lad, who was accompaning her, was not a great talker, so she could dwell on her thoughts. Still it seemed as if the happenings on the previous night were just a dream, it felt so unreal. But when she had opened her eyes this morning, the rose was still lying on her bedside table, his blood was still on the cloth. And thinking of him caused her goosebumps. She could not explain it. It had been strange enough that he had suddenly vanished into thin air. How had he opened the window without making a noise? He must be a terrifically good burglar, or...?
She tried to stop thinking about him. She would not get any answers, it just drove her insane. And for now she only wanted to enjoy the ride on her favourite horse, a young and small mare. It was a birthday present from and she had named her Shadow, because she was completely black with only a small white blaze on her face. And she was as quick as a shadow. was galloping over the green heels towards the beach. It was a long time since she had been there for the last time, but she loved the peaceful atmosphere of the beach. After an hour, she arrived back home, relaxed and calm. Everytime she was stressed or nervous, a little ride on Shadow made her feel better.
While making her way from the stables to the main entrance of the house she stripped off her gloves. She entered the hallway and was surprised to find her brother standing there, talking to a noble dressed man.
“! Fine, that you have returned already.” Then he turned to the man. “, may I acquaint you to my dearest sister ?”
She approached and reached out her hand, which he took to hint a kiss. When he looked up again, he was smiling at her. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Mylady!”
smiled back. “The pleasure is all mine, Sir.”
He gave her a smirk, before turning back to . “, your description of your sister's beauty was a clear understatement.” he glared at him.
“Naa, , watch out! You are supposed to know that he is a great charmer.”
started to laugh out loudly, showing a number of white teeth.
“So Mister, it would be a pleasure to us, if you will have breakfast with us, right, ?”
“Sure. But please apologize me now, I have to change my clothes. I think my riding-suit does not befit for breakfast.” She gave both men a smile before she turned away and descended the steps to the upper etage.

Some minutes later she joined them. They had a lovely breakfast and really turned out to be a charmer, but a very nice and funny one. knew him from his time in boarding school as well as from their business affairs and both amused with stories of strange customers and clumsy employees. Soon bowed himself off, but not without giving them an invitation for a grand ball at Whiteriver Mansion. It happened that he had some appointments with the young Viscount, who had been 's mate at boarding school as well. He had just returned home, from America they said, and his sisters had planned to celebrate it with an event. As they had realized that was on his way to Willow's Hall, they simply gave him the honour to be the deliverer of the nice invitation. A few personal words were written in an artificial handwriting, telling how much they would appreciate to have and of course his adorable sister as their guests in the house, not only for the ball, but for two or three days. was smiling when he was asking for a deliverer and soon made his way to the library to answer them. stayed at the table, already thinking about what to wear. In a way she was looking forward such balls, Whiteriver Mansion was to reach in just an hour by carriage, so a lot of her friends and acquaintances would be there, too, not to forget about , the Viscount's youngest sister! On the other hand was the fact, that she was nineteen and still unmarried. This was no problem itself, many young women of richer families were still not married at the age of twenty-and-four or even twenty-and-five, but many men were attracted by her charm and attractiveness. She always had to make sure, that she would not be too nice, or talking to them too long, because she had always these troubles afterwards, with men trying to kiss her, even men who asked her hand in marriage. She was best known as the icy princess, declining every proposal, but nevertheless she was all the time surrounded by desperate and annoying sons of rich fathers. She was just happy, that her parents had left the country for a while, running some business in the colonies. That gave her much more privileges and freedom than other women at her age have, for was not the type to force her into a marriage. She tried to think about her girlfriends, she was going to see there. But she still had no dress! And the ball was on Saturday, which meant only three days left!

Chapter 03

It was late afternoon when eyed her appearance in the big wooden framed mirror. The orange sunrays shone into the room she occupied for her stay on Whiteriver Mansion, flattering her hair, and she turned around, letting her wide ball dress swing. Her tailor had managed the seemingly impossible – to make her a dress making her look like a princess. It was in a dark red, halterless, white pearls stuck all over the top and the wide skirt was ruffled. She wore a necklace of white pearls and her hair – according to the latest fashion – loose, it made her appearance look soft and very female. She could not believe what she was seeing. The dress was a dream and she was aware about the way she was looking. Her innocent girlish-like look had gone, replaced by a young woman. For some moments she was looking into her eyes, sighing. When her maid, Alicia, opened the door to the floor and signed her to hurry, she turned away from the mirror and followed her outside.
The great ball took place on the huge lower floor of the mansion. The furniture were put aside, to have in the middle of the huge room some free space for the dancing. When descended the stairs, she felt a feeling of nervousness overcoming her. Although it was an early hour for a ball she could hear voices and laughter of many people. She traversed the great entrance hall, casting a glance inside the ball room. Most of the guests were outside on the terrace and the garden, which were used as well for the event because of the warm weather. It was going to be another smooth summer night, was sure, and she was happy about being able also to be outside and not only inside of the sticky and filled ball room. She took a breath and went outside to join the other guests. She felt a few people, men as well as women, following her with their eyes, as she made her way to Lady . As she caught sight of her, the lady's face enlightened.
“! Oh your dress is so wonderful, is it not, Lady Gilmore?”
The called lady turned around and her eyes lay on in curiosity.
“Indeed, Lady , indeed. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Lady . Your brother, the Lord, has told me so much about you!”
A faint blush spread over her rosy cheeks and she gave a smile.
“Really? He is indeed a great gossiper, he also told me about you! But please, call me , as I may call you Emily, if you wish?”

Soon the three ladies were joined from other ladies at the same age, nearly all of them unmarried, so the theme was primary circling about bachelors. was amused as she became aware of the popularity her brother had with the ladies, as well as the impatiently awaited Viscount.
“Oh, he has been so busy all the time since he has returned home! You hardly see him at the daytime, he is either locked in his library or out for meeting some business partners. How boring!” his second sister, , stated.
“But that will change for sure when he is married. I heard he is looking for a suitable wife, is he?” a lady asked.
“What?” started to laugh. “I am so sorry to must disappoint you, but I do not think that my brother is going to choose a woman soon. He all the time says that and me are enough female company he wishes to have. No, we are even too much female company for him!”
“Lady , did you already have the pleasure to make acquaintance to Lord ?” Emily suddenly turned to her.
“I am afraid, no, I have not yet. But it is said, that he is a very handsome and charming man!”
“Oh, my dearest friend, he is, he is! But it seems as if also the prettiest beauty leaves him nonchalant and – oh Lord !”
turned around and found her brother a few steps behind her, handing her a glass of champaign. Then he turned towards the other women. “Myladies...!” He bowed in front of each of them, hinting a handkiss what made a few of them giggle.
When she noticed a tall figure standing next to her, she looked up to find smiling down at her.
“Miss , forgive me, but I have to say that you look stunning tonight!” With a charming smile and a deep look into her eyes he bowed and – kissed her gloved hand. With big eyes she watched him standing upright again.
“, do not forget that you are talking to my little sister!” cast an amused glance at them, threatening with his fingers.
“Indeed, indeed!”
“!” made her way through the gossiping ladies to them. “What a pleasure to see you again!”
“After such a long time, my dearest ! Four neverending days!” he answered ironically, eyes wide opened, bringing to laugh out loud.
“, I hope you do not mind that I need to take him from you for a little while now. He has to lose a bet and pay his debts!”
Seemingly aghast he stared at , before she pulled him away. looked after them, laughing. When she turned towards the ladies she found them all gone except , who eyed her drink carefully.
“A fly in your champaign, my dear friend?”
looked up and gave a smile. “No, I was just thinking that the ladies have been right. My brother... he needs someone. To be honest, he has women around him, mistresses, and I think he has quite a lot of them. But it does not make him happy. See... I really worry for him. Since the day he has returned from America he is different. Do not get upset about me , but I think that he could like you.”
gave her friend a frown and shook her head, smiling slightly.
“, if this is going to be one of your strange plans... you are not going to pair me with him, did you understand me? - !” she added in a threatening tone after seeing her face. “Get this off your head as quick as possible!”
just grinned and shrugged. “Okay, it is , no? Is he the one you like? He fancies you, you know.”
“, are you bored?”
“I am, Mylady, I am! But see, we could be relatives!”
“Indeed, if you marry my brother!”
“Okay!”
“Pardon me?” looked at her friend, scrutinizing every little feature of her face. “Oh my, , you fancy my brother? ? Ha! What a-”
“Sshh, sshh!” raised her hands in the air, signalling to shut quiet. did so and scratched her chin, grinning from one ear to another. fancied ! That was a thing!
“I do not fancy him, I barely know him. I just think he is nice and charming, and handsome as well.”
They changed a knowing look, in 's eyes a hint of amusement. She had never really thought about her brother in a different way as of an older brother, but when she let her gaze travel over to him, talking to an older couple, she saw what probably saw in him. He was indeed handsome. Tall, male figure, hair and the est eyes a person could have. He was indeed attractive.
“Is there not a special male who catches your attention?”
turned back to . Was there a male catching her attention? She looked down, watching her finger. The small spot where she had been scratched by the rose was still visible. She pressed her lips together, thinking about the mysterious man with the dark eyes, probably the murderer of three young women. In her mind she saw him standing in front of her, the lights of the candles dancing on his face, his mysterious eyes laying on her. It seemed to be so far away, she could not imagine, that it actually had happened just some days ago. It felt like a dream.
“ ... to my brother!”
“What?” Confused she looked at , suddenly taken back into reality. She had been deep in her thoughts, had not noticed her talking. 's face brightened as she seemed to look at someone standing behind .
“Brother!”
turned around to the person who was responsible for 's smile and her heart stopped instantly.
She heard her blood pulsing inside of her head and her body heated up in shock. Their eyes locked and thought that she would faint right now, here in the middle of all these people. Only when she heard 's asking in loud voice right next to her, she recovered from her deep shock, noticing that she had dropped her glass. The champaigne was spilled over the polished floor and the glass was broken. Some people's attention was caught and they were watching the scene. stepped aback, her hands flew in front of her mouth.
“Oh , forgive me! I am so sorry!”
looked at her worriedly, touching her shoulder softly. “, dear, are you okay? You are frightening me!” She started gently rubbing her shoulder. “My dear, you need some fresh air to recover. That is all right, do not worry about it.” Then she turned to her brother. “, please accompany her, will you?”
The world started spinning in front of her eyes, when she heard him clearing his throat and taking her arm to lead her on the terrace. She let it be, just walked next to him. In her trance she noticed some people nodding and smiling towards them, others gave them curious glances. He led her downstairs into the garden, into a more quiet area and stopped in front of a bench. He helped her to take a seat, then turned away, probably watching some ducks in the nice pond in front of them.
stared distracted on the green grass under her feet, thoughts overflowing her mind. A long moment seemed to have passed when he suddenly turned around, watching her a while. Then he cleared his throat, opening his mouth to say something, but had already jumped up.
“Thank you, Mylord.”
She turned away and started hurrying towards the house, just away from him, but when she had taken a few steps she felt his hands grabbing her arm and whirling her around. From the hardness of his movement she lost her balance, crushing against him. She gasped, struggling for breath. When she had found her breath as well as her balance again she tried to push him away, but he did not let her. She looked at his hand, painfully clasped around her white skin, before she looked up into his eyes.
“Let go of me.” she whispered in a hoarse voice.
He scrutinized her for a moment.
“Let go of me.” she asked him again. She winced when he started to speak in a cold and low voice.
“You will not tell him as you never speak about it to any person. You have never seen me, Miss .”
She looked up into his eyes and his gaze frightened her. His eyes were gleaming dangerously, assuring her, that he had meant every word he had said as well as every word he did not need to speak out loud. She felt her breath becoming unsteady and her eyes were travelling around the garden in search for a person, but they were alone, out of sight of the others. She swallowed.
“Miss !?”
He was still looking at her, waiting for an answer.
was not able to deny her great fear of him. She had always feared him, but she noticed with surprise, that also a feeling of anger had risen up inside of her. She knew that he would never harm her in front of his guests, everyone had seen them walking in the garden together. Before she knew what was happening, she had opened her mouth in order to speak.
“I told you to let go of me, Sir. You shall not forget whom you are talking to.” she hissed through her teeth and ripped her arm off his heavy grip. When she walked away with a pounding heart she hesitated, turning around. “And don't you ever dare threatening me again. Don't ... you ever dare!”
When she turned around and left him standing at the pond she felt his gaze piercing through her, but she knew he would not follow her.

The following hours were passing by and could not tell who she was dancing with or talking to. She was acting normal, but she was completely absent-minded. She was smiling at some gentlemen, trying not to let anyone notice the storm that was raging inside of her. Lord , Viscount of Longford, was entering her room like a burglar, running from like a thief and disappearing like a ghost. A shiver ran down her spine and she shook her head, as if she could get rid of these thoughts with it.
“Are you not feeling well, Lady ?”
She looked up and found the gentleman she was dancing with looking at her.
“No... no. I am feeling fine, thank you.” She gave him a sincere smile before she let her eyes travel restlessly around the ballroom. She did not even notice that her male acquaintance had begun to speak when she caught sight of the Lord, talking to . Her heartbeat fastened and she asked herself how this dishonourable man was able to be friends with her brother when he had just broken in the property of him. The two men were laughing about something and out of a sudden the lord turned his head and looked straight at her. She gasped in shock under his recondite looks and felt that she was blushing. Soon her brother had followed his gaze and his face enlightened again when he noticed his sister. They continued their talk, still looking at her, and felt more and more uncomfortable. When the music stopped she gave her dance partner, who was staring at her sceptically, a smile and disappeared into the crowd of people. Just out of sight of them.
She froze in her movements when she heard calling her name. The whole night she had completely ignored the lord, who had as well not given her even one glance, but now she had to face him again. It was impossible to think about an apology when she had not been properly introduced to their generous host. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she turned around with a bright smile on her face. “!”
“I would have loved to introduce you to each other, but I have just heard that you have already made acquaintance with Lord , although the circumstances have not been that lucky. Are you feeling better?”
“How true! But I do feel better, it was maybe just the excitement. I would like to thank you again, Sir, for your kind help.”
gave him a smile and nodded at him, reaching out her gloved hand. When he took her small fingers in his hand to hint a kiss, had to force herself not to jerk back. When he looked up he gave her a deep and serious look.
“That goes without saying, Mylady. I am glad to hear that you are feeling fine again.”
He played his role perfectly. There were splits of seconds where he gave her warning signs, which only she noticed, but his face revealed nothing but a true and friendly courtesy towards her. She knew that this was making him only more dangerous than he already probably was.
“Thank you.” she breathed shyly and smiled. He gave her a proving look, but then turned back to who had begun to speak.
“We have just been talking about the terrible events that had happened lately. And... you surely know that I have to run some business in London, which means that I will be absent for the following two weeks.”
nodded. “Yes, I know that. It is unbelievable what had happened to Elizabeth McNeill, don't you think, Sir?”
Innocently she looked up at him. He hesitated, eyeing her for a moment, but then he spoke with a straight face. “Indeed. I do not want to imagine something to happen to one of my sisters, right ?”
She tensed, cursing herself for not remaining silent.
“Yes, of course not.” He turned to . “And for this reason we have been talking about you.”
cast a glance at the lord, a bad feeling rising up inside of her.
“You know that it is my first priority to protect you. But I cannot watch you when you are all alone in the house.”
“But I am not all alone! You can leave with me and also there are the attendants and-”
“! suggested us generously that you can stay here as his guest until I will be back.”
felt the colour drain from her cheeks, but did not seem to notice.
“You would be able to spend a lot of time with Lady and Lady and, the most important issue, you are safe here.”
It took her some moments to realize, what had just been saying. “Safe.” she then repeated him quietly, not daring to cast a glance at the lord.
Safe. The word echoed in her mind. She would be at the mercy of the lord, would have to look in his cold eyes every day and play this stupid game until the day he would perhaps try to... She did not dare to think any further. Probably he just wanted to have an eye on her to make sure she would not betray him. He surely would do her no harm, would he? Panic spread over her and she tried to keep her breath calm as well as her facial expressions. The blood was pulsating in her head when she looked at the lord, trying to give him a smile.
“Thank you so much for this invitation, Mylord, but I think I am going to accompany my brother to London.”
“No, you will not, . There is no one to chaperone you and I will be quite busy.”
“But...” Desperately she tried to find a sound argument, but finally kept quiet when she met 's gaze.
She cleared her throat. “Sir... that is... that is very kind of you. I appreciate that, thank you very much.”

Staring down at the floor she kept standing with the two men, who were talking about politics. She did not listen, but as a woman she was anyhow not expected to have political opinions. She could not stay at Whiteriver Mansion, that was sure. But she was not sure how to duck out of this terrible situation. Of course, it would be a great chance to revive her friendship with . They used to meet often on picnics and dinners, and were writing letters to each others for years, but somehow it had stopped. But could it not happen under different circumstances? Why did he have to be her dear friend's brother? She bit her lip, staring absent-minded at the ground.
A sudden hysteric scream of a woman interrupted her thoughts. When she looked up she saw Lady Hamilton, a woman in her forties, huddling through the crowd, her face red and her eyes full of tears. gasped in confusion, wondering what had happened.
“A body! A dead body in the garden!”
Her eyes found instantly the lord's who was looking at her as well. She winced under his gaze and quickly looked away. He turned around, with quick steps leaving the ball room for the terrace, followed by . A few seconds later the other guest made their way outside as well, eyes wide with shock and excitement. Some moments she kept standing motionless, just staring at the direction where everyone hurried to. She swallowed, trying to keep calm. Then she turned away, she just wanted to get away from here. She made her way through all the people, heading for her chamber.
She would never stay here when was gone to London. Never.

The dead woman turned out to be Cassandra McKenzie, the twenty years old fiancée of Lord Follett. She died the same way the other women had died. Her dress was opened, love bites on nearly all parts of her body, no blood.
was seated on her bed, staring down at the ground. It seemed as if Alicia won't ever stop talking about the happenings, too excited about such an adventure taking place at the lord's ball. After she had finished her report she started to speculate about the murderer. She told the gossip of the attendants, assuming that it just could have been a vampire. No one else would be able to kill her that way. She listed the suspicious persons, in the attendants opinion. Some men had left the ball for quite a long time, long enough of having been able to seduce and then kill this woman.
felt sick. She got up, signalling Alicia that she was to leave the room immediately. An expression of disappointment showed on her face, but she obeyed without hesitation. took a deep breath, closing her eyes. How she hated people who gossip viciously about such things. Vampires! She had never known that Alicia was that superstitious! She shook her head, trying to calm down. She knew she had no reason to be afraid of her own, as long as was here. She lay down on the pillows, closing her eyes. Her heart was still beating fast, although it had been two hours ago since she had gone to her chamber. Single carriages were still leaving the Mansion, but slowly it became more quiet. She sat up again, deciding to go downstairs to look for .
She cast a quick glance into the mirror, making sure that her appearance was fine. She left her room and descended the stairs when she heard quiet voices from the library. Thinking that would be probably there too, she made her way through the hall, when some words from the library made her freeze.
“...shouldn't have killed her, damn!”
It was the lord's voice. She wanted to turn around and leave quickly, but her curiosity forced her to keep standing in front of the ajar door.
“Calm down, ye're no saint as well.” another man spoke.
stopped breathing.
“Maybe, but I am not that stupid to .... damn, ! You were not supposed to take her at my ball, for heaven's sake.” The lord's harassed voice sounded through the library.
“Haha” the other man laughed. “For heaven's sake. ye should get over it, there's no heaven for people like us. For heaven's sake...! Ts...”
There were some moments of silence, then she heard the lord inhaling. “Just put things straight, I don't care how.” he said with a voice as cold as ice. “Put things straight, otherwise I wouldn't want to be you, is that clear?”
“Okay... Mylord. I understand.”
“Good. You may leave now.”
suddenly jerked back, looking around for somewhere to hide. She heard some steps approaching to the door and she knew there was no way out. She turned around, putting on a naïve face. Then the door was pushed open and the lord appeared. His eyes widened and he turned pale when he caught sight of her.
“Mylord!” she forced a smile. “I just came downstairs to see if is maybe here. I heard voices and so I thought...” She made one step towards him, trying to catch sight of the other man in the library. Immediately he leaned his arm at the doorframe, blocking 's view.
“He is not here, I am sorry, Miss .”
She looked up at him, watching his face for a second. He was giving her a scrutinizing look, not really trusting her. She bit her lip, trying to put on a disappointed face. “Oh...”
“Maybe you try it in the dining room.” He kept watching her with a searching look. She smiled again. “Yes, I will do that, thank you.” She turned around and made her way to the dining room's door. Suddenly she stopped, turning around again. He was still staring at her nervously. She cleared her throat, taking a deep breath.
“Is... mhm... do you already know, who... who could-”
“No!” he answered coldly, giving her an unambiguous look. “No, unfortunately we don't.”
His eyes kept piercing into hers and knew it was time to leave. She nodded, looking at the ground. “I beg your pardon. Good night, Sir.”

When she entered the dining-room she was nearly relieved when she did not find her brother. She returned into her chamber, locking the door behind her.
She knew it! He had something to do with it, if he murdered them or not, somehow he was involved in it. She was not sure if he had bought her naïve acting. Probably not. But that did not matter anyhow. She went to the windows, assuring herself that they were closed properly. Knowing that she would drive herself insane, she tried to calm down again. God, she had known it. But who was the other man? He had called him . ... no, she did not know someone named . But why did he kill them? Or was involved in these murders? It was nearly the same anyhow. She could not see a clear motive. He was rich, handsome, according to he had a lot of mistresses, he was powerful; so why? But she did not know him good enough, actually she knew him not a bit. Besides that he was a dangerous mind and an extremely good actor as well.
It took her hours to fall finally in an exhausted sleep, in her mind the picture of his face when he had found her in front of the library.

Chapter 04

Upset she made her way to the window, watching saying his goodbyes to Lord and . No matter how hard she had tried to find an other solution, had been standing firm, insisting that she would have to stay at Whiteriver Mansion. Last time, except that day of course, that she had seen the lord was at Cassandra McKenzie's funeral. Like everyone he had told some words of condolence to her mourning family and everyone had been so thankful towards him. He had moved heaven and earth to find the cruel murderer, but unfortunately no one was found...
She had not spoken to him, too afraid that she might not be able to control her feelings. She had felt so sick and disgusted by his false behaviour, constantly having felt the urge to cry out loud that he was the killer, that he was the false snake. But his gaze, which had found hers much too often in her opinion, had kept her silent. Of course. Even if she had told someone, or whoever, no one would have believed her.
Finally her brother entered the carriage, grinning about something the lord had said. She sighed and turned away from the window.
“Oh , I am so happy to have you here. It is so boring all the time.”
She forced a smile. At least there was .

They spent the afternoon sewing and talking about the latest gossip. As most of the times, was not with them. 's older sister was a passionate portrait paintress and she was quite good. It was somehow a necessity for the people of the rural polite society to possess at least one piece of 's work. This day she was out to make a portrait of a noble young lady, who was supposed to marry a rich lord from Dublin soon. Speaking about 's talents, suddenly scrutinized 's face.
“What?” the observed one asked with furrowed brows, an expectant smile curling up her mouth.
“You haven't a portrait as well.” stated.
frowned, knowing exactly to what this was going to lead. “Yes, but she is quite busy, so... I don't think I need that urgently a portrait right now, .”
“No, maybe you don't, but who knows... maybe you are going to marry soon, so...”
gave her friend a disapproving glimpse, letting her know what she was thinking. smiled amused, nodding her head. “It is my brother, or it's , but I know it's going to be quite soon.”
“!” stretching each syllable, frowned at her. “What makes you think that I am going to marry soon? Actually I don't think about that. Have you just found out about your forecasting ability, or how come?”
“I just see the truth, stop denying it.” Her grin widened while she gave a satisfied glance.
“What? I mean, what have you seen?”
“Oh come, ! I'm not blind. I just feel the heated atmosphere when you and my brother are in the same room. And I see the glances he casts at you, everytime! And now you are blushing.”
“I am not-”
“You are. So stop denying it.”
made a grim face, leaning back into her chair. She threw the cloth and needle on the table and sighed annoyed. Fine, this was going to be all so great, thought sarcastically. was a person who stuck to her guns, meaning that she would from now on try to pair her with the lord. She had planned to avoid him, but how was she able to do so when her friend now probably tried to get them together as often as possible? She put her hands on the armrest, looking up into 's eyes. For a second she was taken aback, seeing exactly the same deep as her brother's eyes had, but then she recollected her wits, clearing her throat.
“To be honest... it is not your brother. He is a handsome and charming man, I must admit, but... what do you exactly know about ? I mean... does he like , or somebody else?”
Her gaze pierced through 's, who was eyeing her suspiciously. looked down on her hands, smiling sheepishly. She tensed, trying desperately to look embarrassed about her confession about liking . Hell, ... But he was way better than a murderous lord. When she looked up again, 's expression had changed, the usual grin brightening up her face. She closed her eyes for a second, sighing inwardly that had bought her story.
“So... , hm...” she gave a chuckle. “I knew that there is someone and I told you at the ball. ... Interesting.”
bit her lip. She was sorry for lying to her friend, actually was maybe her best friend, but it was impossible to tell her the truth. “... I do not know him, I am just asking, there is not more, okay?”
“Okay, okay, I won't tell anyone, I promise. But maybe we can arrange something...”
Oh no. knew that look that showed now upon her friend's face, obviously she was planning something. Suddenly her face enlightened and she got up.
“! There is a picnic next week, down at the creek. We are going to invite him, what do you think? There is nothing special about it, he is often here because of 's boring business-stuff. Come with me.” Signing to follow her, she made her way with fast steps to the door. “Hurry!”
Wondering what her friend had on her mind got up, following her downstairs. “Where are you going to?”
“Library.” hushed down the stairs, hesitating in front of the wooden door. She turned around, facing smilingly. “ has 's address, it is somewhere in the depths of his desk.” With that she opened the door silently, slipping inside. got a weird feeling, not sure if this was a good idea at all. She was looking around, but when no one was seen she entered the room as well, closing the door behind her quietly.
was already busy with inspecting some things on her brother's desk. swallowed. “, I don't think that's a good idea, honestly. Shouldn't we wait for your brother's return?”
“It will take hours until he will be back. Normally he returns when we had already have dinner. Stop bothering about it, , and help me, come on!”
Handing her some sheets of paper she continued searching through her brother's drawers until she finally found what she had been looking for. With a satisfied grin she showed a small book with black top. “His address book.” She opened it, flipping through the pages and suddenly stopped. “Aaah, here it is! His address. Oh, he seems to have a stay in Sligo. Have a look.” She walked over to , showing her the opened page.
“Mhmm...” murmured. Her excitement kept within a limit.
“Here, take it. I will be right back, just looking for my beautiful letter paper. has no pretty papers here!” She gave a wink and then she turned around, leaving the room.
Unbelievingly looked after , until the door was slammed shut. “? !?” That was not true! Her friend had just left her alone in her brother's library! She sighed, shaking her head. How could she just leave her alone here? She looked down at the book in her hands, feeling a little uneasy. She put it back on the desk and frowned. Some drawers were open, a few sheets of paper lying untidy on the top of the desk.
shrugged, choosing to ignore the mess, and went over to the huge bookshelves. She was studying the books, looking for something she knew. Her gaze travelled to the left and then to the right, finally she looked up, astonished at this stunning collections of books. No piece of importance was missing. Awestruck she carefully touched some old books, smiling.
When she heard the voices of some attendants, talking outside on the yard, she remembered where she was. Her head turned and she looked at the messy desk. Why was just taking so long? At first she had chosen not to touch any of the lord's possessions, but somehow she changed her mind. At least she could close the drawers, making it look like everything was untouched. She was afraid that maybe Gerald, the lord's butler, or some other attendant could enter the room for tidying up or something.
She made her way to the desk, starting to put the sheets of paper back into the drawer when she heard the door being opened. A sigh of relief escaped her throat, happily that was back finally. But when she looked up it were not 's eyes she was staring into.

He froze in his motions, staring at her aghast. Then his gaze travelled down to his desk with all the papers spread over the top. swallowed. It seemed as if he had turned to stone, just staring unbelievingly at the scene before his eyes. After some moments of blank horror he regained his composure, looking into 's eyes again. Without taking his gaze from hers he entered the room with one step, letting the door slam behind him.
swallowed again, looking down on the sheets in her hand she was about to put in the opened drawer. She knew she was in real danger now. She let them slip out of her fingers, resting her hands on the desk to support her weakening knees. Then she looked up, trying to breathe calmly. He was standing at the door, staring at her dangerously.
“It...It is not what it looks like.” she tried to explain with a quivering voice. She looked down, opened her mouth to go on to tell him that she was just waiting for and that she did not snoop around in his belongings, but she was not able to, just opened and closed her mouth like the gold fishes outside in the garden's pond. Fine, so where was when she was needed the most? She gave up, taking a deep breath in hopes of staying cool.
She heard him making some steps towards her, positioning right before the table, opposite side of her. He put his hands on the top of the desk as well, leaning towards her. His calm, but icy voice made her look up.
“Miss ... If there isn't a damn good explanation for this...” He stopped talking, his eyes piercing through hers.
Then what? To be honest, never knew why she got herself always in such situations like this one, but it seemed it was always her having trouble. She was always in the wrong place at the wrong time, it seemed.
“Sir” she steadied her voice. “It is not what it looks like.” she repeated quietly, staring in his angry face which was only inches away from hers. “ was looking for 's address. She is upstairs to fetch some letter papers.”
“?”
nodded. “She wants to invite to the picnic on Saturday.” She studied his face, trying to estimate whether he believed her or not, but he still glared at her with his dark eyes. bit her lip.
“Okay, maybe this would be the truth, but it does not explain that you're here, in between a mess of personal and important papers and snooping around my drawers!”
“I wanted to tidy up!” she exclaimed upset, defending herself.
He leaned back, on his face a hint of mockery. “Of course, Miss . How could I have just been thinking about something else? I should have known that you're very orderly and just meant it well. Thank you very much for your kindness, Mylady.”
For a few more seconds she held his glare, then pushed up from the desk.
“My pleasure, Your Honourable Lordship!” she hissed sarcastically through clenched teeth, sick of his ugly accusations and disrespectful behaviour. She was a lady, a woman of a good family and she was used to be treated well, and even this hypocritical lord would not behave towards her like this! She pushed a drawer noisily shut with her knee, then went towards the door in order to leave the library. She opened the door, when it was pushed shut again by a strong hand behind her. She whirled around, her face distorted with rage.
“How dare you!”she screamed at him incensed.
He leaned his body towards her, his hands resting on the door, imprisoning her. “You're treading on thin ice, little princess.” he warned her, giving her these looks again.
She leaned against the door, staring up at him. She hoped that he would not notice her upcoming fear. She hated herself for being like this, for feeling again so weak because of him. But she was still angry, not believing how this devil was acting towards her. She swallowed, trying to give him acid stares.
“You're doing it again” she whispered angrily. “You're threatening me again.”
“Do I?” He tilted his head to the side, a challenging look upon his face. “Are you afraid of me, Miss ?”
A feeling of nervousness overcame her.
“N-no.” She looked down, trying to hide that she was lying. He stepped towards her, their bodies nearly touched. pressed against the door, trying to ignore his scent which had already made her feel dizzy when he had broken in her chamber the other night. Suddenly she felt his fingers lifting her chin, forcing her to look at him.
“Maybe you should.” he whispered coldly. A hint of amusement showed on his face, making want to kill him right now. When he was about to turn away, she opened her mouth. “The same for you.”
Instantly he looked at her again, scrutinizing her. “What do you mean by this? Are you threatening me now?”
When she did not answer, but tried to step away from him, he grabbed her shoulder, pressing her hard back against the wooden door. “Give me an answer.”
looked up, putting all her hatred in the stare she gave him. “You are hurting me! Let go of me, right now.”, she ordered, trying to push him away.
But he did not let her. “Give. Me. An. Answer.”
“I said-” she moved towards him, trying to shove his arm away, but within a second he had grabbed her wrists and pushed her back against the door. “Aah!” she screamed out in shock and pain as her wrists slapped painfully against the wood.
“Are you threatening me, Miss ?”
“Let go of me, right now!” she screamed loudly, giving him a hack on the shin. “Let go of me, I swear I'm going to shout the house down!”
When she felt his grip around her arm lower she freed her hand and gave him a hard slap on the face. In shock he let go of her, stepping back, and she took the chance to turn around and open the door. Before she left the room she looked at him once more, ignoring his burning cheek that he was rubbing. “Take it as a yes, Sir.”
With that she slammed the door noisily and hurried through the hall. On the staircase she met , who was grinning happily and waving with the letter paper. When she caught sight of 's face her smile dropped. “What happened?”
Instead of giving her an answer, just passed her by, storming angrily in her chamber, not forgetting to slam this door, too, violently behind her.

Chapter 05

In principle did not mind picnics on a warm sunny day. Usually the food was great, everyone was in a good mood, matching to the weather, and the landscape was beautiful and relaxing, but today she was not in a mood for all these things.
had arrived the previous day and was fabulous, apart from that he started wondering why he was so often left alone with a slightly annoyed . She had known it, meant it good, of course she did, but her coupling was so conspicuous, felt completely embarrassed.
As chance would have it she found herself all alone with in a carriage that got them to the picnic. They had stopped talking about this beautiful morning, and the lord's beautiful new horses, the beautiful landscape and the (beautiful?) coincidence which had stuck them alone in a carriage. sighed inwardly, peeking out of the window. The air was fresh and clear, smelling of moistly earth, wood and plants. They were driving through a wood and felt like stopping the carriage and jumping out in the green freshness. The thought of the picnic on the creek made her feel sick. For all when was forced to sit by her side, telling her stories about the time he had spent abroad. When she heard calling out her name she became aware that she had just sighed heavily. She turned towards him, giving him an apologizing grin. He smiled back, shaking his head.
“What?” She rose a brow.
He gave her a scrutinizing look, folding his arms in front of his chest. His eyes were piercing through hers and his body slightly trembled when he started to laugh.
“What?” asked again, also wanting to know what was so funny about her.
“Sorry for this question, but... you do not want to go either, do you?”
She eyed him curiously. She had thought that he was really looking forward to the picnic. The morning he had been so good-humoured, so why this sudden change of heart? Why had he accepted the invitation at all when he was not in the mood for the picnic?
“Hm..? Why should I not?”
“Okay, just tell me, what is this all about to?”
“What is what about to?” eyed him intensely, hoping he was not talking about 's acting. But he was.
“Do you want to marry me?” He gave her a sly look.
“What?” she exclaimed aghast. “No!”
Her outraged face made him laugh again. watched him annoyed, not knowing if he was serious about it. Of course he was not, he was laughing to tears, but he could not really think so, could he? “Okay, stop laughing, will you?”
He wiped some tears out of his face and calmed down, though still grinning at . “I beg your pardon, Mylady... It is just... I mean, why is trying to pair us?”
“She is not, Sir.” bit her lip, feeling her face heating up.
“Oh ... - may I call you that? We are married soon anyway, so... Name's .” He started laughing again, sticking his hand out for to take it. But she just stared at it grimly, before she continued watching the trees outside.
“So, if you do not wish to marry me, it must have been 's idea, wasn't it? Whereas I rather thought that she is going to pair me with her sister.”
“Disappointed?” asked morosely, casting a glance at him. He was still grinning at her.
“Not at all. Very pleased, to be honest. I like very much, but she would just portrait me everytime and I could not stand it. You do not paint, by the way?”
“No... I do not.” She sighed annoyed. “What makes you so sure about our soon marriage, Sir?”
“! I thought you knew . You do not think that she will quit her plan to pair us, do you?”
She eyed him thoughtfully, knowing how right he was. would never give up. On a sudden impulse a smile was curling up her mouth what soon grew into a huge grin. When their eyes found again she could not hold back her laughter. She had underestimated him, she noticed while wiping the tears from her eyes. had already told her that he was a charmer, and that he was cheeky was also a fact she was aware of, but he was so... she found no word. But she was not indignant about his behaviour, she loved it. He was not that stuffy as the other people of the upper society and suddenly she wanted to tell everything.
“Actually it started all with and her portraits, and it ended with telling me to get as well a portrait soon because she already sees me in my wedding dress. Husband would be her brother or you. I had to choose.”
His eyes widened. “Choose what? The best option or the less worst option?”
“Less worst.”
He watched her intensely for some moments, not really believing it. “How did she plan to convince your brother to accept my proposal?”
“Marry him.”
His eyes widened even more and started to get afraid of them maybe falling suddenly out of his eye socket. He let out a snort, soon followed by a chuckle.
“Okay... let me guess... double wedding, red and white roses all over the place, and... which colour do the bridesmaids wear?”
“Rose.”
“Oh my God! ... What else? ... Honeymoon?” He leaned towards , resting his elbows on his knees.
“Future Mr. and Mrs. by train through France, Spain and finally Italy, then Switzerland, Germany and Netherlands back to England and after a stay in London for shopping finally back to Ireland, while future Mr. and Mrs. by ship along the western shore of France to the Canary Islands and somehow back to Ireland. That was when I stopped listening, sorry for this lack of information concerning our homeward journey.”
“Oh. My. God.” He ran his hands through his hair, messing it up, and started to laugh again. “Why won't we travel to Italy and Switzerland?”
“Mhm... thought that it would be quite boring for you, since you've been there already.”
He looked up. “She told you about it?”
“Everything.”
“Oh... and I did as well, the complete morning by the way, I am sorry... Why didn't you tell me you already knew?”
“She was sitting right next to us, what could I have been saying?!”
“True... Wow... What can I say?”
leaned back, smiling at him. “We have to convince her that we cannot marry.”
“Oh, there is nothing easier! Ha. Ha. But why did you choose me actually?” He gave an expectant smile, leaning back as well.
“Do not think that I'm going to praise your charm, your dazzling appearance or something else you do not possess, Sir.” When she caught his gaze she saw him narrowing his eyes, trying not to laugh out loud. She gave an annoyed sigh, playfully. “It was just the fact that maybe takes still some hundred years until he has finished his business in London and the lord is around everytime. You are not.”
“Less trouble. I see... Okay, so... do you have already a plan to make quit her ... hm... let us say her nearly set arrangements?”
shrugged, holding his gaze, highly amused about their conversation. She was happy that this awkward tension from the morning had gone, replaced by a funny new friendship to a man whom she was in a complete agreement concerning this pairing-wedding-marriage thing. Laughing they stuck their heads together, spending the remaining time of the drive by planning the necessary happenings that will prevent them from their future marriage.

Contrary to 's expectations the picnic turned out to be very funny and entertaining. She shared a blanket with , as she called him since the ride, much to 's pleasure, and listened to him, looking at him in admiration. They had decided to get to know each other, to like each other, but then have a ridiculous fight about nonsense what will stop their friendship. He was perfect and actually asked herself how someone could be angry with him. To her it seemed impossible, above all because he entertained her the whole afternoon, making sure that no other man got the change to approach her. It was like killing two birds with one stone.
At the end of the day entered quite satisfied her chamber, throwing her bonnet carelessly on the bed. She was in such a good mood that even the lord's presence in the living-room, where she was about to go to, did not bother her. After Alicia had helped her to change her gown she made her way downstairs, joining her friends.
“Aah, the sun is rising!”
started to giggle madly when she found sitting on a terrace chair, grinning at her brightly. Ignoring the lord's annoyed face she made her way over to her new best friend.
“I see, you have tidied up your hairstyle.” She gave him a naughty grin, taking a seat.
“I had to, Mylady. !” He turned to the lord. “Such a romp in your house. She stuck all the dry slides of grass in my hair, messing it up completely. Much to the older ladies' indignation!”
The very first time since the incident in the library he turned towards , eyeing her intensely. Instantly she felt her heart fastening its beats, but this time she held his gaze, giving him a penetrating look, as he always did with her.
“We better keep an eye on her.” he returned disapprovingly, still looking at her.
narrowed her eyes, thinking whether challenging him or not. She knew it was better to leave it at that, but she could not keep her mouth shut. “I am not the only one to better keep an eye on.”
When she noticed a dangerous glint in the lord's eyes, she turned back to , smiling. “I watched him the other day... doing wild things!” She widened her eyes theatrically, letting out a snort. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw the lord turning to stone.
“Oh really? What did he do, Mylady? Throwing his stovepipe hat carelessly on the floor? Not eating his soup? Forgetting his evening prayer?”
“No... even wilder!” she laughed.
knew she must stop soon, otherwise she would be in huge troubles. She could tell from his expression that he was furious – and frightened; a thing she had never seen on his face before. Could it really be that she had the power to harm him that much that he really frightened her? She breathed in, turning to the lord, on her face a sweet and admiring smile.
“Mylord, I never knew that you were such a grand horseman! I beg your pardon, but I was watching you last night with this new stud. Oh, what a wonderful horse!”
She saw him letting out a sigh of relief. He cleared his throat, giving her a searching look. “Indeed.” He turned to , explaining. “I got it from Cliff Turner. A fabulous stud! It's very young; the other night” he looked at “I tried to ride it. But it went mad!” He started to smile. “I did not know that you have a passion for horses, Miss . It would be a great pleasure if we maybe go for a ride one day. But of course the beast has to be tamed first!”
looked down, smiling. “The pleasure would be all mine, Sir.”
She noticed that this had been the first time he had spoken nicely to her, and even given her a smile. She could not remember if he had ever smiled at her. She did not know whether this was something good or not. She could not imagine that he was honest, she just hoped she would not get any consequences for her acting. She had incensed him, that was clear. A feeling of triumph had overcome her as she had noticed that he had been frightened. She was sure that she was scratching at the surface of his secret and it was making him nervous. She was a danger for him, what was making him a great danger for her. She knew that it would have been much safer for her to act innocent, and not to threaten him like this, but the time for pretending ignorant was gone. Actually there had never been a time to act ignorant and naïve. She shrugged.
“What is the matter, Mylady? Dwelling in distressing thoughts?”
She looked up, returning 's smile. “No, no. Actually I was just thinking about what I am going to wear for tomorrow's service.” She looked bashfully at the ground.
“Oh, the service. Right.” took a sip from his Brandy, mumbling to himself. “I completely forgot about that.”
When looked up, she exchanged glances with the lord, who was eyeing her thoughtfully.
“Green. Your dark green dress.” he said quietly, holding her look.
A moment later the sound of amused giggles could be heard and then and appeared on the terrace.
The evening was lovely and so very long. She heard a lot about 's works, the lord's cheekiness when he was a child and 's rascals stories of himself and .
It was much too late that night when suddenly noticed, that she had never worn her green dress when she was with the lord.

It was in the middle of the night when awoke. Sleepily she rubbed her eyes, sitting up in bed. She watched over to the open window. It was a hot night and even the slight breeze of the wind did not cool her heated body down. She lay back down and closed her eyes again, but all she was seeing was the lord's face.
Half an hour later she gave up. It was much too warm and she could not stop herself from thinking. She got up and left the room, wearing nothing but her thin nightgown. She was sure she would not meet anyone.
The house lay in complete silence. She walked downstairs into the big living-room, where the ball had taken place the other day. Carefully she opened the wide door of the terrace and slipped outside. It was much cooler than inside and she closed her eyes, inhaling the fresh air. Then she traversed the big terrace and descended the stairs that lead into the beautiful garden. She walked a few steps with her bare feet through the grass. With every step she took the smell of flowers grew stronger and stronger. She stopped and inhaled deeply. How she loved summer nights like this. For some moments she was dwelling in thoughts of the summers when she was a child. In such warm nights Josephine, her oldest sister, and her were sidling out of the house to play in the dark garden. She could clearly see her brother trying to get one of those bats who were shrieking and circling around their heads, while Josephine was telling her creepy stories about human bats, called vampires. She had to smile.
The sound of a piano jolted her out of her memory. Surprised she turned around, trying to find out from which direction the sound came. She was looking at the house, but it was dark and calm. Then she remembered 's atelier at the end of the garden. She made her way towards it and hesitated a moment when she found it illuminated. The sound of a melody sounded clearly through the night and she walked quietly to the open door. She nearly gasped in surprise to find him. Him – the lord.
He sat in front of the black piano. A candlestand with five white candles illuminated the room in a warm light. A half empty glass of red wine stood on the piano. His eyes were closed as he played this sensual and melancholic melody. leaned quietly against the doorframe and watched him. He was wearing trousers and only a white blouse which he had rolled up his sleeves. He did not button it up, letting see his bare chest. She tried to imagine how it would feel to touch him; the feeling of his soft curly hairs and his solid muscles under her fingers. She opened her mouth in shock when she caught herself with these thoughts. She did not know what happened to her, every time he was around her. He made her heart beat faster, he made her face heat up in anger, he sent her shivers down her spine when he gave her those dangerous looks, assuring her he would be able to kill her any minute. He made her feel so weak.
Shaking her head she looked down on her small hands. Then she closed her eyes, letting herself drown in the music that filled the room. In his music, where he seemed to put every little piece of his soul into. He was so contrasting. He was black and white, powerful and ... hurt. He was so everything, but in this moment she recognized for the first time the man who had entered her chamber. The mysterious man.
She opened her eyes.
He was the mysterious man and a man who seemed to be weak and exhausted. His eyes were still closed, and his features were looking softer than usual. He was looking so heavy-hearted, as if something pained him.
He may be dangerous, a liar, cruel or even a murderer – but he was breath-taking. knew if he now opened his eyes and asked her to be his... she would walk into the fire without hesitating. And that was the reason why she had to stay away from him, because she knew it would have no happy ending. She would burn.
But unsurprisingly she could not tear away from the scene. Only when he had stopped to play she knew it was time for her to leave. Quick and silently. She carefully turned around, freezing in her movements when she suddenly heard him whispering her name.
“.“
She closed her eyes and a shiver ran down her spine.
“Are you always so... stalking?“
She turned around. He was staring at her with his dark eyes. She held his gaze until she noticed that his eyes had started to travel over her body and then she remembered with shock that she was barely wearing... nothing. She found no other word for her skin-tight dress, which did not even cover up her arms, and she cursed herself inwardly.
“I could not sleep.“
When he looked into her eyes again she wanted to say something more, to explain herself, but she just opened her mouth in a futile search for words. Finally she gave up and smiled at him sheepishly, shrugging apologetically.
On a sudden impulse she walked slowly towards him and sat down next to him on the stool. Their legs accidentally touched and felt dizzy because of the sudden closeness, as well as from his scent. She felt his eyes on her face and closed her eyes, laying her fingers on the keys. She started to relax when the first tones of Beethoven's Sonata 14 flooded the atelier.
She could not tell how much time had passed by. A few minutes, or maybe an hour? She was playing more and more quiet and finally stopped. For a moment they were sitting silently, letting the atmosphere of the last accords slowly fade away.
Finally turned her head a bit towards him, looking down at her hands. From the corner of her eyes she saw his hand, and then his fingers lay carefully on her hand. He drew along her finger and hesitated on a deep scratch.
“'s kitten?“ he asked huskily.
looked up. “The black one, Mylord.“ she whispered.
“.“
“What?“ she asked confused.
She tried to think more rational, but she felt completely overwhelmed by the touch of his hand.
“My name. It's ... not Mylord“
She swallowed hard, not able to avoid his eyes. She was sure that he was aware of the way he made her feel. Usually she was able to act like she did not feel, if she must, but she knew it were her eyes which spoke. Always. And in situations like this, when somebody was looking into her eyes like he was doing at the moment, she was not able to keep her emotions.
“...“ she repeated him, shaking her head. “I cannot call you on your Christian name. That would not be...“
“Not be what?“
She looked down, trying to steady her breath. She had the feeling she would immediately melt away like hot wax. Only a small corner of her mind was telling her to get away from him as quick as possible. But then she felt his hand under her chin, forcing her to look at him again. He leaned closer and searched for her eyes. His face was inches away from hers.
“Would it be like this?“ he whispered and a moment later she felt his lips swaying tenderly over hers. And she let him. When he felt her body weaken, he put his arm around her, pulling her near. She put her arms around his neck, and parted her lips, allowing him to deepen the kiss. A moan escaped her throat when she felt his tongue entering her mouth. Her breath fastened and her heart began to pound madly while a wave of passion flooded her heated body. She knew they were not allowed to, she would regret it, maybe pay for it, but anything didn't matter. Anything but his arms, which were then lifting her up from the stool and lying her gently down on the wooden floor. He lay over her, continuing with kissing her as if it was the last he was to do. She could feel his body, pressed against hers, and the heat of his bare skin. He started to kiss her neck, wandering with his lips down to her shoulders.
““ she moaned. “...“

Her eyes fluttered open and she blinked a few times to adapt to the bright sunlight shining inside. She rubbed her eyes and started confused to scrutinize the room, but then she remembered. She was at Whiteriver Mansion, as a guest of...
She sat up abruptly, a sound of shock escaped her throat. She put the blanket away, looking down at her body. She was wearing her crème nightgown. Shaking her head she jumped up, walking to the mirror. She was looking as always. She looked down at her hands, lifting them up, taking a smell on them. The scratch was still there, hurting a bit. She looked into the mirror again, examining face and her neck. She was looking as always. And she was feeling as always, though she could still taste his sweet tongue on her lips. And she still smelled his scent and still felt his soft hands on her skin.
It was impossible that this had happened. She only remembered him sitting there, playing the piano, she had been watching him, then joining him, playing the Moonshine Sonata. Then his hands, his kisses, the floor, his touches... ...
sat down, burying her face in her hands. Oh. My. God. Some minutes later she looked up again, then washed her face with the cool water in the bowl. How had she returned into her chamber? She tried to remember, but she could not. Eventually she noticed that she must have been dreaming. Jesus Christ... She could not explain why she had been dreaming such a... such a scene. With the lord! He was cruel and arrogant, he could not be like that. Or could he? She was thinking about it properly, trying to stay rational.

When she descended the stairs to join breakfast she had assured herself that it had been a dream. But now she was asking herself how she could only have been dreaming this about her and the lord. She was deep in thoughts and winced when the door in front of her was pushed open. When she looked up she met two dark eyes, staring down at her.
“Pardon me, Miss . I had no intention to frighten you.“
At first she was speechless, but then she recollected her wits, giving him a wary smile.
“It is fine, Mylord. Thank you.“ she added when he opened the door for her properly. She bit her lip and continued for a moment too long to stare into his eyes. He lifted a brow, giving her a proving look.
“Good day, Madam.“ He gave her a nod and turned around, heading towards the library.
He did not notice the note, that had fallen out of his jacket.

Chapter 06

Day after day was passing by and cursed her brother for taking his time in London. This morning she had received a letter, wherein he had raved about a woman he had met there. Not a woman he fancied or wished to marry, but a woman who was able to create people in wax. And so he was going to stay longer because he wanted – of course – himself in wax. could not really believe it, but her brother had always been as vain as a peacock and she was sure that he would not pay less for a figure in wax. A figure in wax, from a strange French divorced woman! My god...
So to be with his sister, who was as well in great danger to be murdered by a psycho, was suddenly not that important as it had been when he had left. Or before he had met this woman. He must really trust Lord , thought grimly. The very positive side of the letter, however, was that he was going to return in a week and since he had written the letter five days ago he must be already on his way to catch her up. She sighed in relief. The previous days were not that bad, she had to admit, the lord was out of the house, in Dublin or wheresoever. did not want to know, as long as he was not at home, and she was happy that she now could maybe leave without seeing him once more.
It was in the late evening when she was returning into her chamber. and her had made a long promenade to the sea, talking and enjoying the picturesque landscape, and then had dinner on the terrace. Suppressing a yawn she opened the door to her room and turned instantly to stone. Her gaze travelled over the room, from the bed over the wardrobe to the window. With one step she entered, closing the door behind her, leaning against it.
It was looking the same way when she had left this afternoon. But not exactly the same way. Maybe she would not have noticed the difference when she would not have put the letter opener on the note inside of the drawer. But the letter opener was lying on the top of the desk. She pushed herself from the door and walked to the desk, fetching the sharp instrument and eyed it intensely.
“You can stop hiding, Sir.”
Seemingly nonchalant she walked in front of the mirror, opening her hair. When she looked into the mirror she found him standing behind her, in his hands the note.
“Where have you found this?”
“How long have you already been snooping around my chamber?”
“I asked you where you got that note from.” His eyes sparkled with fury.
“And I asked you since-”
stopped abruptly when she saw him approaching. He stood next to her, throwing the note on the table, facing her. She turned to him, frowning. His eyes were piercing through hers and his face distorted with rage.
“Maybe it was you who was snooping around my things again, Mylady. Where have you found it?”
“That does not matter, does it? What really matters are the things written on this piece of paper.” breathed in, trying to stay calm.
“You do not understand any of the things written on it!”
“Do I not? Maybe you are right, but what is here not to understand?” She grabbed the note, unfolded it and lay it back on the table, smoothing it down.
It happened everything as you have wished. Nobody will find you out, bodies caused to vanish. You know where you will find me, I am waiting for orders.
When read the forceful written words for maybe the hundredth time these days a shiver ran down her spine. A very long moment both kept staring motionless on the note. Finally looked up, her lips shaking.
“Don't tell me it's about those two disappeared baby kittens of which were accidentally killed by your carelessly placed traces.” She hesitated, watching him.
“I did not kill them purposely! And damn, wherefrom do you know about it?”
“I do not care about your murders of your sister's beloved kitten... So you admit that it is not about the cats?”
He looked down, sighing deeply. His hand made its way to the table, grabbing the note and crumpling it up. He made a fist, closing his eyes.
“I already told you that you are treading on thin ice, .” he whispered.
She shivered. A sudden panic overcame her, causing her breath to become unsteady. “And now the ice is starting to break under my feet?” It was more a statement, than a question. She breathed in. “Or under yours?”
Abruptly he opened his eyes, gazing dazed at her. She could not tell what he was thinking, but it seemed not to be something pleasant about her. In fact he was staring at her dangerously. Somehow it reminded her of a wild beast which was about to kill his prey. She stepped back, her eyes travelled restlessly on the table, focussing on the letter opener. She cursed herself inwardly for having lain it back on the table instead of keeping it in her hands. He made a step towards her and had to force herself not to jerk back.
“It's too far away.”
turned to him.
“As soon as you have raised your hand I would already have grabbed your neck.”
She swallowed, knowing he was right. She would never have enough time to take the opener and... whatever. He made another step towards her, grabbing her neck and pulling her near. turned to stone, staring with shocked eyes at him, expecting everything. She gasped in surprise when his free hand made it's way to her cheek, stroking gently above her skin. He swallowed hard. “It will break under both of us.”
Suddenly he let go of her and turned around, leaving the room.

The next day arrived. He declined thankfully the lord's invitation to stay the rest of the week at Whiteriver Mansion. After an early dinner where he had presented 's generous hosts some souvenirs he had brought along, they were ready to make on their way home.
“, you must visit us soon. And , too, of course!” stated when they stood by the carriage in front of the house.
“Of course, we will. might be busy the next weeks, but you can count on my arrival within the next four weeks!” laughed, and rolled with her eyes when she met her sister's disapproving look.
“I am so sorry, Mylord, for her unfitting behaviour. She's... na, she's just herself.” shook her head amused, giving a wry grin.
“No need to worry!” he laughed. “ is way better than those correct ladies, if I dare say so.” He gave her a wink and 's cheeks started to colour. bit her lip, not able to decide whether she should shake her head or start to laugh. She did not know how had managed it, but it was clear to see that she had gained her brother's attention.
“So , I have to thank you once more for keeping an eye on my sister.” had now turned to the lord. swallowed, thinking morosely about the truth in 's words. He had have an eye on her everytime, even on her belongings, her acting and the people she had have contact with. “I heard it was quiet the last weeks. No murders.”
“You do not have to thank me, that goes without saying. And you have heard right, it was quiet indeed.”
“Not to mention that two farmer girls nearby had disappeared...”
got no answer. A few moments no one was saying something, then moved. “, it was such a pleasure! I am so sorry that you must leave! Are you sure you can't stay any longer?” They hugged and had to smile.
“I am sorry, but we will meet in a few weeks.”
She met 's eyes, who smiled back at her. “And a bit later I will visit you as well and then I am going to paint you. But first I have to make a portrait of .”
Against her will 's smile widened and she started to laugh.
“Stop laughing, my dear, I am serious!”
“I am afraid you are!”
Then and the -sisters said their goodbyes and found herself in front of the lord. She looked at him, giving him a slight smile.
“Goodbye, Miss .” he said quietly.
“Goodbye.”
He took her hand in his and bowed down, hinting a kiss. That was all. He opened the door of the carriage and helped her inside. And when had entered as well, they began to move. cast a last glance out of the window and her eyes met with the lord's. Their eyes kept locked until he was out of sight.
None of them had mentioned what had happened between them the day before, but somehow felt they did not need to. Her feelings towards him somehow had changed lately. He had every chance to harm her, but he had never done anything. She knew he had watched her, always suspicious about her, but the fact that he did not hurt her had made her great fear she had have in the beginning change into curiosity. She really wanted to know what he was hiding, his dark little secret. It still caused her a shiver down her spine, when she thought about him having something to do with the murders of the women, but there was one thing she had learned about him whilst her stay: he had a heart. He was not cruel or cold. There was always something in his eyes, such a flow of emotions, she could not explain it. And always when she was looking at him, she could see what he was feeling or what he was thinking.
let out a sigh, knowing how ridiculous her thoughts might be, but she really did not need to speak to him. He seemed to know and she seemed to know, there were no further words about the incident with the note. She would not say anything and he would not do anything. But it was one sentence she did not get out of her head. She had tried to ignore it, tried not to think about it, but it was constantly circling inside of her head.
It will break under both of us.

Chapter 07

The weeks were passing by and enjoyed the peacefulness of the summer days. She spent the days going out for a ride or just reading French books to finally improve her French. It was already a shame that a 19 year-old lady did not speak French perfectly, but she had been very good in hiding her little deficit. So she was sitting on a further hot day of July on the grass, outside in the garden under the willow, furrowing her brows about the novel she was reading. She did not understand very much of the plot, but how could she when she did not even understand every fifth word? She was unnerved, having the urge to rip that stupid book into pieces, when she suddenly noticed Alicia walking towards her, waving with a letter. With a sigh of relief she lay it aside, having finally found an excuse to stop reading.
“A letter for you, Mylady, from .” Alicia leaned down, handing her the letter.
“Thank you.” She gave her made a quick smile before opening the letter. She unfolded it and started reading immediately, excited about the things her friend had written. But after reading the first sentences her eyes travelled over to her maid, who was filling from a bowl some fresh water in 's glass. After handing her mistress the glass she got up, making her way back to the house.
“Alicia!”
She turned around. “Yes, Mylady?”
put the letter next to the book, signing Alicia to come over. “Alicia, I was wondering... would you maybe sit with me a bit? I think there is not so much work right now, is there?”
Surprised her maid made her way back to , kneeling down. “No, Mylady, but...”
“No but!” patted the free space on the blanket next to her, making Alicia sit down. “Sit with me a bit, if you do not mind.” She gave her a smile, handing her the glass. “It is a warm day.”
She watched Alicia drink. “Indeed.” she said after putting the glass back on the grass. “But it is very beautiful here, Mylady. You are very often here, aren't you?”
“Yes... I just love it. It is so quiet and peaceful, and everything is so green and fresh. Actually it is one of my favourite places.”
“I often go to the lake in my free time. The pond here is nice, but the lake is much nicer, I think.” Alicia smiled, looking down. scrutinized her again, suddenly noticing that she was pretty. She suddenly became aware of the fact that she had never really cared about her maid. She was there, she was smiling and she was always doing her work perfectly, satisfying completely. But she did not know very much about her, what she was doing in her free time, if she missed her family, she did not even know her age.
“Alicia, how old are you?” she blurted, touching her maid's arm.
“Excuse me?”
“How old are you? I just noticed that I have never asked you!”
When noticed how Alicia's smile brightened after this question she felt kind of ashamed. How could she only care for herself, blind for the people around her, she asked herself. She bit her lip, planning to change this bad attribute of hers.
“I am 19, Mylady, as old as you are.”
“Nineteen? Then you left your home when you were fourteen. You are my maid since I have been fourteen!”
“Yes, Mylady.”
“How long haven't you seen your mother?” she suddenly asked.
Alicia's smile was replaced by a thoughtful expression, followed by a surprised “oh”.
“How long?”
“It must be more than two years, I guess.”
“Two years!” blurted disbelievingly. “So long! Oh Alicia, you must miss her terribly, don't you?”
Alicia shrugged. “I do, but you haven't seen your mother as long.”
“Yes, indeed. But my mother is far away, yours is to reach in half a day. Oh Alicia...!” she jumped up, taking her maid's hands to pull her up. “What do you think about going home?”
She started laughing. “Going home. I'd like to, but I have to wait until...”
“No waiting. Listen, you have always served me to my fullest satisfaction and to be honest... it is your turn now. What do you think about writing your mother, telling her you will be at home in two days time? Would you like to?” asked, smiling at Alicia.
“Oh Mylady, you would really-! But who-! I cannot... “ Her breath became unsteady and she widened her eyes, starting to laugh. “You really send me home?”
joined her laughter. “I do. What about two weeks, would that be enough? Or three? Yes, three!”
“Three weeks! Oh, my mother, she will be so happy! Oh Mylady, I thank you so-!”
“No! Stop it, but listen, you say hello to your mother from me, and when you will be back you tell me a bit about you, promise me!”
“I will. I... oh... I have to write to her. Oh god, do you think she will have the letter tomorrow?”
“She will. But you have to hurry, maybe Joshua can take it with him when he returns back to Sligo!”
Alicia pressed 's hand. “Thank you once more Mylady, Thank you!” Then she turned around, hurrying back to the house. Laughing happily looked after her, feeling suddenly so easy-hearted, happy that she had made Alicia so happy, with only giving her two weeks off. Why had she not done it earlier?
When her maid was out of sight sat back on the blanket, watching the ducks in the pond. How she would love to see her mother, too. But she had to wait a bit longer, she knew. She always received letter from her parents, but this was not the same. She missed the talks to her mother very much. She was always smart and gentle, and loved to have her around her. She had the feeling that everywhere her mother was, was more peaceful and nicer than places without her. She could even brighten a rainy day, thought stunned, letting out a sigh. Finally she remembered 's letter and she took it again, starting to read.

The following night was again hot. was tossing and turning in her bed, but it was too warm. Actually she loved summer, but this one was far too hot, in her opinion. It was not only the heat of the night, but also the content of the letter that kept her awake. She had not really often thought about the lord, at least not when she was awake. She had been dreaming about him, confusing things. In her dreams nothing really happened, but sometimes she could see his face, or hear him whisper her name. That was all, and most of the time she had forgotten it right away, but somehow she awoke with a strange feeling.
had written that everything was the same way as always, but since had left she was worrying for her brother. He was out very often, mostly at nights, and sometimes he did not return for two or three days. One morning he came back home with shredded and dirty clothes and she could have sworn that she had seen blood on his white blouse. But he did not talk to her. She was afraid that he could maybe turn out to be a drinker and have contacts to wrong people. was feeling so helpless and her worries just increased when she had heard that he had not been seen in Dublin although he had told her that he would have to go there to run some business, and he was out of the house since almost a week.
sighed. She did not want to allow to let her thoughts again travel into this direction. She was curious what he might hide, but on the other hand she knew it was maybe dangerous to find out. She had decided to ignore it, to act as if nothing had happened to keep her out of troubles. But somehow she felt sorry for her friend, but she could not help her in any way. It was 's brother, not hers, and she had nothing to do with it.
Finally felt that she drifted into sleep. A soft breeze was blowing into her room and the last thing she noticed were the sounds of the leaves of the trees, moving in the wind.
She got up again, making her way slowly outside in the garden, where a black horse was standing. Shadow. It was a full moon night and her mare was standing under the huge trees, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. She walked over to her, smiling, and caressed gently her neck. The animal's body felt warm and soft under her hands and she drew nearer, resting her head into the horse's black mane. She kept standing like this until she heard the scream.
It was a desperate yell from a woman who seemed to be frightened as hell. shot up in bed, her heart pounding hard against her chest. Irresolutely she was scrutinizing the room, not knowing if she had just dreamed or if there really had been a scream. She got up and lightened the lamp when she heard the scream again. She froze in her movements, a cold shiver running down her spine. Alicia. It was Alicia's voice.
took the lamp and opened the door of her chamber, storming outside. The house lay in darkness, no one else seemed to have woken up. She ran down the stairs and once again she heard her maid's faint screams. It came from the basement, she thought. There was a door from the library which led directly into the cellar that was built by her a ancestor as a place to hide or to leave secretly the house, because the other exit was outside in the garden. She tried to open the door, but it was too heavy. Alicia still screamed, but she could not make out any word. She tried it again, rattling at the door like mad, and finally she managed to open the door a small slit, but enough for her to slide through. As soon as she was on the other side of the door she shivered. The coldness of the stones under her feet was creeping up her body and the air was cold and moistly, contrary to the air outside. She raised the lamp up, trying to see more, but it was still terribly dark. With the other hand she leaned at the wall, then descending the damp stairs downward, step by step. It was scary, thought, but she tried to fight down her fear. When she was down in the basement she stood still, not knowing which direction she should take. The last time she had been here was when she was a child and her father had taken her here, telling her the stories about her great-grandfather who had used this secret way very often. She stopped breathing, trying to hear anything, but it was silent. She wondered if she maybe should call her maid's name, but if she would be in danger, it would endanger too. Actually Alicia had to be in danger, as she didn't know about this place. Or at least she should not know.
Her calmness was completely gone when she thought about her friend Elisabeth, and about Cassandra McKenzie and all the others. She fought the urge to turn around and run back upstairs. Instead she lifted her nightgown and grabbed for one thing she had always with her since she had been at the lord's house. She had thought about it as a paranoid fuss, an ill idea of hers, but she felt a lot better when her hand clasped tightly around the dagger that she wore with a small belt around her right thigh. She was walking a few steps when she heard a strange sound, on her left. She stopped. There it was again, a few sounds and then the moaning of a man. She made one step when she made out someone running towards her. She was nearly at the end of one floor, so she pressed herself against the wall, blowing out her candle and peeking around the corner. There was light and then she saw the man, hurrying towards the exit of the garden. He was humbling, but nevertheless he was very fast. She turned away, leaning her head against the wall until she heard the sound of his hasty running fade away. She swallowed, trying to steady her breath. Suddenly the thought of Alicia came back into her mind and she pushed from the wall, slowly making her way to the right, in direction of the room where the light came from. She was as quiet as she could and then she heard again a strange sound. Someone was still here. Her heart was beating loudly, she thought everyone must hear, but she slowly continued her way, trying to be as quiet as possible. A few seconds later she was in front of the room. The wide door was open. She hesitated one moment, hiding behind the wall. She just had to make another step and he would see her. Or she. She carefully moved forward, clasping the frame of the door, and peeked in the room.
The restless light of a torch or a big candle let the shadow of someone or something dance at the stoned wall. When she looked down, scanning the floor, she suddenly saw a woman lying on the ground. She only saw her legs. She made a further step, peeking around the corner to see the whole body, hoping it would not be Alicia.
But what she then saw was taking her breath away. The colour drained from her cheeks while she was staring at the nightmare that was happening in front of her eyes.
Alicia was lying on the floor. Her upper body was naked and her long skirt was at her hips, revealing her slim legs. She had her head turned into 's direction and it was obvious at first sight that she was dead; her eyes were open, staring expressionless at her former mistress. But that was just one reason why felt as if she had lost ground. A man was leaning over her, pulling her upper body up and kissing her neck. But somehow she knew that he was not kissing her.
Naked. Lovebites, everywhere... No blood inside of her...
Blinding them... seducing them... sucking their blood...
Secrets...
...
Before she could regain control over herself, her hand flew in front of her mouth and a sound of shock escaped her throat. That was when he recognized that he was not alone. He looked up and his eyes found 's. His mouth and his hands were full of Alicia's blood.
stumbled back, shaking her head. She had known that he was hiding something, something bad and dangerous, but she had never, never ever assumed that it could be anything like that. Foolish, foolish . Always foolish .
She noticed that the eager look of his eyes changed into shock when he became aware of the whole situation. He let go of Alicia, lying her body on the ground, and got up, wiping the blood from his face. Then, as if he could allay her fears, he stuck out his arm and made a step towards her.
“...”
“Stay where you are!” she screamed at him. “Don't...”
Her heavy breathing slowly turned into a desperate sobbing. Stay calm, don't lose your head!, but knew she was already about to lose her mind completely. This just could not be true, she had to awake every minute!
“Okay... it is not what it looks like... !” She did not miss the warning undertone in his voice when he spoke her name. And within a split of a second she noticed what he was about to do. She continued to stumble back.
“Stay where you are!” she screamed again.
“!”
When she felt the cold wall behind her, she turned to the side and started to run, and she knew she was running for her life.
“HELP!! AAAH!!!! ANDREW!!!!!!!!”
She was screaming at the top of her lungs, hoping that someone would hear her, but she could already hear his steps behind her, quickly catching up with her.
“ANDREW!!!”
She was just able to make one more step when she felt him grabbing her from behind. His strong arms clasped her whole body, giving her no chance to fight against him. Nevertheless she tried to move, but she knew it was senseless. Merciless he was taking her with him, climbing the steps to the secret way to the garden. She wanted to scream, but his hard grip took her breath away. She was powerless and suddenly felt as if she was about to faint. She fought the sensation, but everything became black in front of her eyes. When they had reached the exit he pushed the door open. With a loud sound it slammed against the tree nearby and he hurried into the dark garden. Suddenly, when they had reached the apple trees, he let out a shrill whistle through his fingers. opened her eyes again, surprised when she recognized this sound she had heard very often the last weeks. He had been there, she thought dizzily, he had always been there. With the last bit of strength she managed to keep her eyes open, just long enough to see the black beautiful horse appearing behind one of the trees. In the distance she heard some people's yells, but she could not understand anything. Maybe they were screaming her name, they had come to save her! But when she felt him mounting the horse, she knew it was too late. Somehow it did not matter, anything did not matter. Far away she heard someone screaming her name, but a moment later she felt herself drowning into a deep and very welcome unconsciousness.

Chapter 08

Warm rays of the morning sun shone through the small slits of the dark curtains, tickling softly on 's face. Slowly she opened her eyes, staring dreamily at the windows. A delicate odour of lavender was in the room and she breathed in the soft air, closing her eyes again in complete peace. She turned her head, lying down on her arm. She knew something was different, but it did not really seem to matter. She let out a satisfied sigh and was about to get back into her dreams, but something did not let her. Something was not okay. Once again she fought against this strange feeling, trying to drift back into sleep. She smiled when she noticed that she nearly made it back to her relaxed state, but then it hit her like a stone, causing her heart to jump. She opened her eyes and scanned alarmed her surroundings. She was in a wooden hut, it seemed, she had never seen it before. Suddenly all the memories were back, causing a storm inside of her head. How did she came here? Where was he? Why didn't he kill her?
The panic and fears overcame her again and she almost jumped out of the bed, inspecting the room hectically. It was a small hut, only the bed, a table with two chairs and an oven were there. She started to run up and down nervously. She was alone, that was sure, but where was he? His absence didn't make her feel any better, because she knew he would be back soon. She had to get away from here, as fast as possible; no, now! She hurried to the door, trying to open it, but it was locked. She cursed loudly, rattling at it like mad. There had to be a way out of here! She went to the window, she would exit through the window! But when she opened the curtains it frustrated all hope of hers. Bars. Thick and strong bars. She would not be able to break them, she knew. Not willing to give up all hopes she tried it once again with the door, but it was useless. He had made sure that she would not escape. A feeling of weakness and helplessness overcame her. She leaned exhausted against the door, letting herself down on the floor while she started to cry desperately.
Finally he had won. He had warned her, but she had been curious. As always. How she hated herself now for being like that. How she hated herself for not obeying her mother when she had told her to behave like a lady, quiet, orderly and modest, and NOT curious. How she hated herself for not having told the other night that a man had entered her chamber.
How she hated him.
But why didn't he kill her right away? The only answer that she knew for this question increased her fear even more. Oh. My. God. She was the prisoner of a perverted, cruel and complete lunatic. He had to be that, otherwise the stories would be true! She sobbed loudly. She had never believed in those stupid vampire-tales, but now, after all the things which she thought could never happen, it would not surprise her if those beasts really existed. Somehow it did not matter what he was, a completely perverted human being or one of these undead vampires, he would kill her anyhow.
She did not know how long she had been lying on the floor, curled up in a ball. Some time later her sobbing had stopped and she just cried silently, staring expressionless at the wall. Finally she got up with shaking legs. She was thirsty as hell and her head felt as if it was going to explode. Carefully she went to the table, where he had placed a bowl with fresh water. She did not care that it was for washing and leaned down, drinking greedily. The cool liquid was soothing her and made her feel a bit better. She sat down on the chair and started to splash some water into her face. Somehow she was happy that there was no mirror. She would not really bear if she must see her pitiful sight now. At least he was not so heartless at all, she thought sarcastically. She felt some tears watering her eyes again and she lay her painful head on the table, closing her eyes.
The time was passing by and the afternoon sun was heating the air. Finally lifted her head up, looking at the window again. She had been sitting there and crying for hours. Slowly she pushed herself up and walked to the window, looking outside. The hut was in the forest, it was nothing to see but trees. This bastard had brought her all alone in the forest, maybe thinking no one would find her! And she knew that probably no one would ever find her. Suddenly her fear changed into wild rage. She clenched her hand until she felt her nails clawing painfully into her skin. No, she would not die here in Nowhere and not through his hands!
The following hours she spent trying to get out of the hut. She had been relieved when she had noticed that he had not taken away her dagger. At least she was not completely helpless when he would return. She had tried to open the door, at first with kicking in it, but she had to give up soon. The result was nothing but painful bruises. Then she had tried to open the lock with the dagger, but it was also useless. All her efforts were senseless and so she found herself again sitting on the floor, crying.
In her despair she had decided to burn the hut down. She had been searching the whole room for half an hour, but she had not found anything to set up a fire. Instead she had found a possible exit: the chimney. It was dirty, full of black soot and burnt wood, but it was worth a try. She had estimated if the narrow smokestack was wide enough for her to pass it, but she was slim and it might be possible. She had crawled into it, trying to climb it up somehow, but she could not heave her body up the whole chimney. Her light nightgown, the only thing she wore, was black by now, as well as her skin. The soot was burning into her eyes, and finally she made a break, sitting down on the floor and drinking the water that was left. It was distastefully warm, but it soothed her sore throat and she felt a bit better, although the sweat was running down her body, as it was still incredibly hot and the air in the hut was stuffy. For a short while she kept sitting on the ground, then she got up again, not wanting to waste any more time. It was early evening and he could return in every moment. Also she wanted to keep herself busy, otherwise she would become insane with fear. She stepped into the fireplace again, ducking into the chimney. This time she would make it, she swore to herself. With clenched teeth and hurting muscles she heaved again against the dirty stones. Her efforts nearly took her breath away, but she did not want to give up. Her whole body was aching like mad and the sweat made her gown cling awfully at her heated skin, but she did not stop. Like a caterpillar she moved up, pushed her arms against both sides of the stack, pulling her legs up, then stabilized her weight with her feet, and so she went on. When she felt her arms and legs weaken, she risked a glance upward and noticed that she only had to make one more movement to get hold of the upper edge of the chimney. With a moan she grabbed it and an inexpressible feeling of happiness and relief spread over her. She had made it, she only had to pull herself up! With all her forces she did and suddenly found herself sitting on the roof of the small hut. She slumped down on the edge, catching her breath. She had made it! She could not believe it!
After she had recovered her breath she let her gaze travel around. She had been right when she had assumed that the hut was in the deepest forest. The small building was surrounded by trees. It was looking like in one of those old fairy tales, where any minute a witch would return back home, ready to eat some children.
A further minute was passing by when felt strong enough to climb down the house, somehow. The roof was not that high, but she was afraid that it would maybe break down underneath her feet when she just walked or crawled down. She had to jump down the chimney, that would be the best way down! She swung her feet on the other side of the chimney, estimating how painful her landing on the ground would be, when the familiar sound of hooves made her heart stop. Horrified she heard him approaching, galloping through the twilight towards the hut. Towards her.
Hectically she looked around, searching for a place to hide. But where could she hide on the roof of the hut? And even if he did not see her, he would immediately notice that she was not here when he entered the house. And he would see the dirt in front of the fireplace. She turned to the other side of the chimney, kneeling on the roof and clasping at the stones. Here he would at least not see her until he was inside.
With a loud beating heart she remained in this position, not daring to breathe. She heard him stopping the horse and jumping down. Then there was silence. pressed her lips together, trying to be quiet. After a while she heard him walking towards the door.
“?” he asked loudly. But there was something in the way he spoke, that would have made her stop breathing if she had not already done so (what she then remembered and she quickly took one breath). She could not figure out what it was, but she had anyhow better things to concentrate on. She closed her eyes and suddenly the vision of him holding Alicia's dead body shot back in her mind. She took another breath. She must wait for the right time. The tension inside of her went sky high. She had to escape, she just had to... She did not dare to think about the things which he would do if she failed.
“I'm coming in, okay?”
Then she heard him unlocking the door and with a loud squeak it opened.
“?”
He went a few steps inside.
“?”
He made some more steps and that was her signal. She made a step to the edge of the roof, on the side of the chimney. For one second she was staring down on the ground, noticing how high the roof actually was, but it was already too late to get afraid. With a loud bang she thudded rudely on the ground. For a split of a second she kept lying there, trying to get back some orientation. Her head was throbbing and her knees and hands were aching as hell, but she composed herself, pushing up from the ground.
“!”
When she could hear his steps, coming out of the hut, she started to run, hoping it was not too late. Her bare feet were nearly killing her when she stumbled over smaller bushes and roots, but she did not give up. She ran inside of the wood, trying to get away from him, although the small rest of her rational mind was telling her, that she had no chance.
“! Goddamnyou!!!”
He came running after her, she could clearly hear the leaves rustle under his steps and she quickened her pace. He would not get her, she would not let him get her again!
Too late she saw the root on the ground and her left foot banged on it, making her fall again. She landed painfully on her face. When she lifted her head and opened her eyes she saw that her hand was full of blood and it was hurting incredibly much, but she immediately pushed herself up again, continuing to run.
“!”
He was nearer, she noticed, and desperately she started to sob. She knew that he had won again, but she could not bring herself to give up. She was screaming inwardly at herself to go on running, not to stop. Vaguely she felt the bushes and twigs of the trees scratching her skin, but all she could concentrate on was her body, running, and his steps, constantly drawing nearer. When she heard him just some steps behind her, she changed her direction. She hardly saw anything, tears were blinding her eyes, but she could not stop.
“No!” she screamed desperately and tried to escape once again behind a tree, but then she felt his arms, grabbing her waist. “No!” she screamed again as loud as she could, flailing around like mad. She was fighting against him with the rest of her strength, blinded by despair and rage. He tried to stop her, but his tightened grip just increased her struggling. Suddenly she lost balance and fell hard against the tree. For some moments she lost sight, everything became black in front of her eyes, then a terrible pain shot in her head. Stand up, stand up, she ordered herself, and tried to get up again, but he had already took hold of her again. She tried to hurt him, continuing her fight. Suddenly he pressed her hard against the trunk.
“NOO!!!”
“!!”
“NO!! NO!!”
She was tossing and turning, trying to free herself from his arms. She yelled and flailed, deaf and blind for anything around her. He could not get her a second time, it was not fair! She had came so far, it was just not fair!
When she finally noticed that she could not escape from him, she tried to hurt him. She beat her head against his chest, as much as she could, and bit in his arm. She heard him moan with pain, but he did not let go of her. She tried to scratch him, but could not reach his skin because of his hard grip around her wrists, and she screamed in frustration.
“!!” he yelled at her furiously, but she did not stop. She would not let him get her a second time!
He tried to change his grip, stopping her from scratching and biting him, and suddenly she felt him pushing her on the ground. She tried to break her fall in holding on the trunk, but she slipped off, ripping open her skin. She fell hard on the roots of the tree, crying with pain. Nevertheless she immediately got on her hands again, trying to crawl away.
“!”
“No, please!” she sobbed, before he got hold of her again. When she felt his arms she suddenly started to scream at him again.
“NOO!”
She turned around, lying on her back, and slapped at him. “Go away! No! Get away from me!”
When he pushed her back on the ground, leaning over her, she knew she had made a big mistake. He grabbed both of her wrists and pressed his whole weight on her struggling body.
“, please, would you-!”
“NO! Don't touch me, get away from me, don't touch me, NO!!!”
“Stop!! Damn you!”
She still tried to fight him, but not much later her strength declined. She knew she had lost. Again. She hated him so endless much, she would do everything to kill him. But today she had lost and he had won, and she was not going to kill him, but he would kill her. All her efforts had been useless.
Finally she stopped her defences and lay back on the dirty ground, sobbing helplessly. How she wished she was already dead.
“...”
“Please don't do this to me.” she whispered desperately.
“!” he said a bit louder.
“Let me go, please, let me go.”
Suddenly he took hold of her wrists with one hand, while the other made it's way down her face. When she felt him move she opened her eyes. She squirmed her body again and tried to protect her from him, expecting the worst. She pressed her eyes shut and put her face to the side, but when she felt him striking over her forehead she opened her eyes again. Surprised she looked at him for the first time. She noticed that he had scratches all over the face and his skin was dirty, probably blackened by the soot that stuck on her body. His hair was a mess and he was trying to recover his breath.
“Woman, you're a hard thing. And you're injured.”
He moved again. Without letting go of her arms he got up. When he stood he pulled her up, but her knees weakened and she nearly had fallen, when he had not held her. She leaned against him, too weak to stand alone. Without a struggle she let him pick her up and closed her eyes. It did not matter at all. She had lost and he was too strong to fight against him. She felt herself drift away and hoped she would fall into unconsciousness again. Vaguely she noticed that he carried her back to the hut, but she was too exhausted to get into panic. Instead she turned to him, burying her face in his chest, and started quietly to cry again.

He lay her carefully down on the bed, covering her with the thin linen. did not open her eyes, just turned her face to the wall and was still sobbing. He turned away, doing something at the other side of then room, then he left the hut. But she was too weak to give it another try. She still felt dizzy, but she was aware of her situation. And she was aware of the fact that she had given herself up, a thing she had never considered it possible. And she had begged him to let her go. She felt so ashamed for her lack of strength and she was angry with herself. was lying in a bed, injured, weak and pitiful, waiting for her tormentor to return and have his thing with her. It was a nightmare.
A few minutes later he returned. She heard him making fire and then he came to her, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“.”
She had no intention to answer. In fact, she did not really know what he wanted, but somehow she did not want to know. She felt so sick, not wanting to think about what would happen the following minutes. Or hours.
“Hey.” He touched her arm, causing her to wince. He quickly let go of her, sighing. “I've fetched some water... I thought maybe you are thirsty.”
When he did not get an answer he tried it again. “You are injured, and dirty from head to toe.”
“Go to hell.”
She stopped breathing, cursing herself for having said this. She should avoid to make him angry, maybe... Maybe what?
“I'm already there.”
He suddenly got up again, leaving with fast steps the hut. flinched again when the door slammed noisily shut. She opened her eyes, staring confused at the wooden wall. She was exhausted and dizzy, but with the last bit of rational mind she tried to analyse his behaviour. She could not explain it, why was he acting so weird? What did he do outside? And what would he do when he returned?
She sat up carefully, leaning against the wall behind her. She felt sore and fragile, her whole body was aching, bringing tears to her eyes again. She tried to ignore the pain and set the linen aside. When she looked down her body she saw that he had been right. She was dirty, from head to toe, her nightgown was full of soot and also blood. She had a bleeding wound at her foot, and scratches all over her legs. The gown was shredded all over, revealing a large part of her legs and the beginning of her breasts. Oh my god. With her intact hand she wrapped the linen around her body, then she pushed herself carefully up from the bed. She tried to get hold of the wooden frame of the bed, supporting her weight. Finally she could stand alone. With her legs shaking she grabbed at her right thigh, hoping it would be still there. And it was! She let out a sigh of relief, closing her eyes, but opened them instantly when she noticed that it made her feel dizzy. My god, it was so ridiculous, just another senseless try. But she could not stay in bed and make it so easy for him. With her legs shaking like mad she made her way slowly to the door.
She opened it and made a few steps outside, looking for him. The horse was standing there, she recognized it as the untamed beast she had seen with him a few weeks before. But he was nowhere in sight. Could it really be her chance? Could he really be so stupid to leave her alone, above all let the horse standing in front of the house? She went on, step by step, her fingers tightly clasped around the dagger, until she stood in front of the stud. It was huge! She soothed it, carefully trying to put her foot in the stirrup. Just a bit higher! It took her all of her strength, but she finally got her foot inside, she just had to clasp on the mane, pull herself up and then-
“You did not really think I'd be that stupid to leave you alone, did you?”
When she heard his voice behind her she instantly turned into stone. Horrified she closed her eyes, trying to steady her breath. The world started spinning around her, making her feel like the earth was quaking. She opened her eyes again, taking a deep breath, but she still saw flashes appearing in front of her eyes.
“Come on, it's useless. You would faint after a few metres. Besides he wouldn't let you ride him, he would kill you immediately... !”
She knew he was right.
He made a few steps towards her, touching her shoulder, when she suddenly whirled around, attacking him with the dagger. Surprised he jerked back, but it was too late, she had already rammed it into his chest, right under the shoulder. He cried with shock and pain, stumbling back. knew it was her chance, she let the linen drop on the ground and turned aside, about to start her third attempted escape, but before she had made one step he had her again.
“You bloody beast!” he screamed at her furiously. When he forced her to face him she spat in his face, making him turn away distastefully. Once more she kicked and slapped at him, and his grip around her loosened, what made her able to free herself completely. She turned away, starting to run. She had made it, she had made it!
A few steps later the flashes in front of her eyes appeared again and nausea overcame her. She tried to fight it down, sending little prayers up in heaven not to let it happen exactly now, but a moment later the world disappeared in front of her eyes and she felt herself falling. She expected a painful landing, but she had already fallen into a deep unconsciousness before she hit the hard ground.

Chapter 09

A loud and regular sound made her awake gradually. She tried to open her heavy eyelids, but soon gave up. Slowly she came around, noticing that the strange sound was her own heartbeat, throbbing inside of her aching head. She felt as if someone had beaten her, her skin was burning, but only at her face. The rest of her body felt numb, as if she would only consist of a head. Maybe she was dead. But then she remembered that she would not feel any pain when she would have died. When she tried to move she felt that the rest of her body was there after all. The upcoming pain brought tears to her eyes and made it hard to breathe. She moaned, trying to move again, but was suddenly pressed back into the pillows.
“Do not move.”
She opened carefully her eyes and felt as if she was looking in the eyes of an angel. He was sitting right next to her on the bed, watching her seriously.
“You nearly killed us.”
She closed her eyes, moaning once more. She remembered that he was not an angel, he was maybe the devil alive, in the shape of an angel. He would deceive everyone, she thought upset.
He got up, then returned with a cup of water, helping her up from bed. She wanted to scream at him not to touch her, but her throat was too dry that no words would come out. She let him pull her up to put the pot on her lips. She emptied it greedily, then lay back again, closing her eyes. Gradually she felt stronger, the nausea and weakness were almost gone, but inwardly she still felt sore. Why was she still alive? He could have done everything to her, without having trouble with her fighting him back. She opened her eyes again, staring at him.
“Why am I still alive?”
He gave her a proving look, then got up, filling the cup once again. He came back, placing it next to her on the bedside table.
“I should have killed you the first time I saw you.”
“Why haven't you?” she asked quietly.
“Foolishness. Besides, I never thought you're like that, like... snooping around, sticking your nose in things which are not your damn business, and fighting like a wild beast!” He sighed annoyed, looking at the ground. “But you did not betray me to your brother. And I thought I would never see you again.”
“But you invited to the ball.”
He looked up again, watching her, then he was shaking his head. “I didn't want this bloody ball, but my sisters insisted. And they made the guest lists and invitations, I had nothing to do with it. But of course I was too dumb to put one and two together. My god, I thought the ground was shaking when you were standing in front of me. When we were in that garden... I had planned to take you at night, bringing it to an end. But...” he shrugged.
A shiver ran down her spine, causing goosebumps all over her body. Tears were flooding her eyes as the fear overcame her again. For a while no one was saying anything, then she wiped her tears away, asking with a choked voice: “But you will now? Are you enjoying this cruel game you're playing?”
He got up, walking to the window, letting out another sigh. “My god, what are you just thinking about me?”
She just shrugged, although she knew he did not see her. She was still sobbing silently, putting the white linen she was wrapped into aside. When she looked down her body she froze, stopping to cry. He had washed her and bandaged her wounds. She still wore her nightgown, but her legs and her arms were clean. She felt completely embarrassed, having the urge to bury her face in her hands.
“What have you done?” She sat up in bed, placing her feet on the ground, trying to get up. When she touched her right thigh she felt nothing. He had divested the belt of her leg. She looked up, her face distorted with anger.
“I had to clean your wounds, otherwise you'd be maybe dying at a fever.”
It made her speechless. Either he had to be completely mad, or he wanted her to recover to enjoy his disgusting game with her. It would not make fun to kill a nearly dead woman, she assumed.
“Who are you?!” she suddenly screamed at him hysterically. He turned around, his eyes piercing through hers. “Who are you?!” she repeated, tears running down her face. She stumbled a few steps back, resting her weight on the wall near the fireplace.
“The question is not who I am, it is what I am.” He made some steps toward her.
She desperately scrutinized her surroundings, but of course he had made sure that there was nothing for her to attack him again.
“What... are you?” she asked with a quivering voice, leaning her head against the stoned wall.
“A monster.” he repeated after a while, holding her gaze.
She swallowed hard, closing her eyes again. She let her body down on the floor, burying her head in her arms. “Oh god.”
She kept lying on the ground for a while, waiting for him to come. When he did not she turned towards him, staring at him with tearful eyes. “What are you waiting for? Are you enjoying this?”
She pressed her eyes firmly shut when she heard him approaching. He leaned down, took her wrists and pulled her up, pressing her against the wall.
“I won't do you any harm, haven't you still gotten over that fact, you stupid thing?”
Surprised she lifted her head, looking into his eyes. He was repeating her gaze sincerely as if he would mean it. She was completely confused, he could not mean it. She opened her mouth, but she did not know what to say. Finally she stared at him puzzled. “What?”
He sighed annoyed, resting one hand on her shoulder. “I said I'm not doing you any harm. I had no intention to hurt or kill you, whatever.”
He had not wanted to kill her?
“But why not?”
He gazed at her unbelievingly, as if he was not sure if he heard right. “Why not?” he repeated her upset. “Do you want me to?”
“No.” she said quickly, shaking her head. She did not know what to think, thousand things were coming into her mind, and she did not know what to ask first. So all her efforts to escape were for nothing, she had injured and pained herself for no purpose. But why was she here then? But he could not let her go, she had seen him killing her maid, had found this suspicious note and had heard him speaking to that man in the library, the night of the ball. She knew too much, so why would he let her go?
“You... I... I mean, I have seen-” she broke up, not daring to continue. It was not that she wanted him to hurt her, but she just tried to understand. It was too dangerous for him to let her go, was it not?
“You saw me killing your maid, you wanted to say?”
She just shrugged, looking down. She was not able to hold his gaze. The vision of the scene was too fresh and it still shocked and pained her. She did not get Alicia's screams out of her head, and the way her dead eyes had been staring at her. Suddenly she felt a deep sadness overcoming her by the loss of her maid. It was just the day before that she had seen her laughing with happiness about her soon journey home. Her mother must have gotten the letter by now, thought sadly. And he had done this to her, she thought, closing her eyes.
“... I did not kill her. Do you understand me? I mean... I just brought it to an end.”
He let go of her, walking back to the window, then turning around, facing her again.
“This man... you must have seen him.” He waited for her to answer, but when he got none he shrugged, going on. “It was him and-”
“Why weren't you in Dublin, as you have told your sisters? What made you lurking around in our property?”
She opened her eyes, staring at him. He shrugged and walked to the bed, sitting on the edge. He leaned down, resting his elbows on his knees, watching her a while.
“I was there, coincidentally. No special occasion.”
“Liar.”
“He saw you for the first time after the ball, when you were eavesdropping in front of the library.” he went on, ignoring her comment.
“Who? And I weren't-”
“He... the one who killed her, the man who escaped. He was after you.”
“The one you called ?” she asked puzzled, not really believing him.
“I knew you were eavesdropping.”
She let her body down on the floor again, staring confused at the ground. What was just happening here?
“What...” her voice broke. “What.... what did he want from me?”
“He wants you.”
Although it was terribly warm inside of the hut she started to freeze. Why should a stranger be after her? And what the hell did he want from her? And if he really spoke the truth, why had this man not entered her chamber at night, for her window was wide open everytime because of the heat. He had so many chances. It could not be true, he had to be lying again!
“But why... I mean why didn't he take me? This cannot be the truth!”
“Because... he was not able to. I...” he cleared his throat, hesitating. When she gave him a questioning glance he continued. “I did not let him.”
She did not understand anything. He did not let him? But how and why? Suddenly she remembered that she had recognized his whistle, calling for his horse. She had heard it every night, in her dreams. She was speechless. He could not have mounted guard over her every night. And he just could not turn out to be the nice guardian, watching her all the time. He was a murderer, he was a devil, a monster as he had said himself!
“I don't believe a word you say!” she blurted. She got up again, closing her eyes for a moment until the feeling of dizziness was over. Then she turned to him furiously. “Just tell me what you want! What do you want from me? What the hell do you want from me? And what should this want from me? Raping me? Killing me? What for?”
“, haven't you got it? He was hungry, no, he IS hungry!” he repeated harshly, getting up as well.
“What?” Confused she stared at him, slowly realizing what he had said. He really wanted to go ahead with this silly vampire-stuff? In her dizzy state, when she had been locked in the hut, she had maybe believed it, but she had it back, her sanity, and he could not tell her those fairy tales anymore.
“Stop telling me this shit!”
“Hell, , do you think this is a stupid game?” he yelled incensed, becoming angry.
“A stupid game??!” she screamed back, suddenly turning around and pushing violently some glasses off the cupboard upon the fireplace. “A stupid game?!! ... No! You're ill, do you hear me, you must be a complete lunatic, thinking you are a bloody vampire!! A VAMPIRE!!!”
“You don't know anything!”
“What is there to know?!”
He returned her angry glare, staring at her. She was standing in front of the fireplace, within all of the shards, breathing heavily. Her eyes were staring at him full of hatred and disgust. “What are you waiting for then?!” she yelled, suddenly bending down, taking some piece of glass. “Come over and take me, Vampire!”
She applied the blade at her palm, cutting deep into her skin that it immediately started to bleed. She lifted her arm, letting the red liquid run down her skin until it dropped on the ground. Slowly her eyes found his' again, and she suddenly knew that she had maybe made a big mistake. Fear let her turn into stone when she noticed the look in his eyes, a mixture of anger and... greed.
A moment later he made some quick steps towards her, grabbing her arm rudely. let out a faint scream when he violently slapped the piece of glass out of her unharmed hand. She tried to free herself, but his grip even tightened painfully around her skin. She noticed that he was staring on the blood, still trickling down her hand. Suddenly he looked up. “I will show you what is there to know!”
With this he spun her around, pushing her roughly on the bed. Before she could make a movement he was over her, grabbing with one hand for her neck. She closed her eyes, expecting him to bite her, or to choke her to death, but she gasped in surprise when he suddenly ripped his own blouse into pieces with his free hand, tearing it down from his body.
“Look at me!” he ordered, his eyes sparkling dangerously at her. “I said look at me!!”
She obeyed, slowly letting her gaze travel down his muscular chest.
“What do you see?”
She moaned in shock, not believing what she was seeing. Or what she was not.
“What do you see?!” he repeated.
“N-nothing.” she said, a shiver running down her spine. Beneath his shoulder, where she had attacked him with the dagger, was nothing. No wound, no scar, nothing but unharmed skin. It was impossible, she had rammed the sharp weapon deep into his flesh! She swallowed hard, slowly looking into his face again.
“Congratulations, Miss .... You can injure me, you can hurt me and torture me, but you cannot kill me. And why is that?”
She had started to cry again, feeling as if she would faint right now. “No.” she sobbed, shaking her head, not willing to believe it.
He watched her a while, before he gave her the answer she had been afraid of.
“Because I am already dead.”

“Why haven't you killed me then? Not hungry yet?” she finally whispered with a tear-choked voice, somehow not caring what he would do next.
He pressed her back, crawling on top of her. She started shaking madly when he took her bleeding hand, kissing the area of unharmed skin. Then he looked at her.
“Do you know how long it has been since I have tasted human blood?” he whispered. “So long. It is such a torture to be surrounded by humans, all the time...” He touched her lips with his fingers, then leaned down, drawing with his lips along her neck. “Oh god... I would die for just one drop of your sweet blood.”
closed her eyes, feeling herself slowly drift away. She had no strength anymore. Her arms and legs felt colder and colder, and she felt completely derealized and somehow her fear was gone. She knew that she was about to fall in a state of shock, but she did not care. At least she would feel no pain when he killed her, she thought dizzily. Suddenly she opened her eyes again, having the urge to look at him. When she found his mysterious eyes she had again the feeling that he was an angel. An angel of death maybe.
“...,” she whispered. “does it hurt?”
She felt her eyelids becoming heavier, but fought against the weakness that was overcoming her.
“No.”
She released some air, finding his dark eyes again. “Then kill me... please, bring it to an end... ... bite me... I can't take it anymore.” She closed her eyes, an unfamiliar feeling of wellness overcoming her. She breathed in his scent, feeling like walking on clouds. “...” she moaned again.
He leaned down, kissing her mouth. “Oh god, . My pearl.” He took her hand, licking appreciatively at her blood. She relaxed, enjoying every little spot where his skin was touching hers. “Bite me.”
Suddenly he stopped, breathing heavily. His lips travelled down to her neck, finding the right spot. She felt him opening his mouth and then his teeth were softly clawing into her skin. She moaned once more, expecting him to bite her, but he suddenly let go of her, pushing hastily up from the bed. She opened her eyes, not understanding what he was doing, why he had gone. When she sat up in bed she only saw the door, shutting noisily behind him.

In the middle of the night she heard the steps of a horse approaching and sat up in bed, hastily putting the blanket over her body. She had been lying on the bed, staring up at the wall and trying to understand what just had happened before. She suddenly had been awake, soon after he had gone, and had tried to convince herself that she just had been dreaming, but she knew it had been real. She could not explain her response to him and it frightened her. She knew that he had nearly killed her and she also knew that she had begged him to do so.
She swallowed when he opened the door, entering slowly. He had changed, it seemed. He let the door quietly shut behind him, standing in the middle of the room, facing her.
Slowly she got up, feeling suddenly weak and tired. “Could you... bring me home?”
He nodded, walking towards her. He put something on the bed next to her. “I've brought you one of 's old dresses. It must fit, I guess.”
“Thank you.” she mumbled, not able to look into his eyes. Finally he cleared his throat, making his way back to the door.
“I am waiting outside. Take your time. There is also some fresh water in the bowl.”
She nodded, taking the white dress and pressed it against her chest. She heard him opening the door, but suddenly he hesitated, turning around.
“I haven't been killing any human being for the last two years. Your maid... I had to. It was too late... She would have turned into something like me. I just had to.”
She nodded, staring blankly at the ground until he had left.

When she exited the hut she was feeling a bit better. The dress fitted perfectly as was the same size as her, but it was very thin and she noticed with surprise that it was much colder outside than she had expected.
“It had been raining, the whole afternoon.” his voice suddenly sounded from behind, as if he had guessed what she had been thinking. He was walking to his horse, waiting for her.
“But... no, the sun was shining. I was... the sun was shining.”
“The day before. You had been sleeping, half of the night and then the whole day.”
“What?” she asked confused, not really believing it. She had been sleeping the whole day?
“Yes. They are still searching for you. is sick with worry, so.... let us go.”
She nodded, slowly making her way towards him. He gave her a quick glance, helping her to mount the stud's back. Then he sat behind her, running the horse.
For a long while no one was speaking. still felt tired and exhausted, fighting against the urge for some sleep. Her body was cold and her eyes were much too heavy to keep them open. Inwardly she felt the same, numb, frozen and exhausted. She had soon given up her try to think rational, or to think at all. He was no man, but a vampire, someone of the cook's fairy tales, who had turned out to be as non-fictional stories. She was so tired, even the thought of someone dead sitting behind her did not even scare her. Actually it did not even matter to her. But somehow it was strange. How could someone dead breathe? And why was his skin so warm, like hers? He was indeed warm, much warmer than herself, and she carefully draw nearer as she was really feeling cold by now. He noticed and opened his coat, wrapping it carefully around her as well. He put his arms around her, holding the reins, and pulled her near, making her lean against him. She let it happen, even felt thankful when she could finally relax and drift into sleep.

“!”
Dizzily she opened her eyes, scrutinizing her surroundings. The comfortable cradling had stopped, making her awake completely, and she remembered. She looked at him, wondering why they had stopped.
“We're nearly there.”
She nodded, trying to make out something in the dark. “Okay.”
When he did not move, she noticed, that he waited for her to say something. He wanted an answer for the unspoken question that hung in the air.
“Okay... My life for yours. We are even.”
He gave her a nod. “Okay.”
Then they continued, spending the remaining minutes of the homeride in silence. When they entered the stoned entrance of Willow's Hall the steps of the horse were echoing loudly through the night. opened her eyes, staring with a feeling of happiness at the lighted building. They approached and suddenly the door opened and Jonathan, the Butler, was looking at them. His eyes widened in surprise and relief, before he turned around, calling for .
Within some seconds he came hurrying outside, followed by at least another five people. His eyes were red, from lack of sleep, but he looked terribly relieved when he caught sight of his sister.
“Oh my god, !” he came running towards her, lifting her down from the tall horse. He was looking at her, asking if she was okay, but then embraced her tightly, nearly taking her breath. “Oh love, I was sick with worry. Are you okay? Oh !” He hugged her once again, as if to make sure that she was real.
“I am alright.” she managed to say, before she had to lean against him, too weak to carry her own weight.
“, please call for Dr. Woods. And Jonathan, would you-”
“Yes, Mylord, everything will be settled.”
felt like dreaming, just noticed dizzily that suddenly was standing next to her, talking to her.
“Miss ! Miss !” he was carefully touching her shoulder, trying to get her attention. She nodded, mumbling something.
“Are you injured? Did he hurt you?”
She shook her head, vaguely noticing the people hurrying around her.
“Have you seen him? Can you identify him?”
“, leave her alone! , come inside, you need to rest.”
The last thing she noticed were her brother's arms, carrying her inside, before everything went black.

Chapter 10

awoke in the afternoon, surprised to find herself lying on the sofa in the living-room. was sitting next to her on the armchair, smiling at her weakly.
“Feeling better?”
Slowly she sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Yes, thank you.” she nodded. “Have you... I'm so thirsty.” she mumbled, looking around her.
“Wait.”
He got up, leaving the room. When he came back after a few moments he handed her a glass with fresh water. She drank thirstily, feeling the bad taste in her mouth go away. took seat in the chair again, watching her as she set the glass on the table, leaning back again.
“You cannot imagine what I have gone through, .”
She closed her eyes, feeling sorry for him. She could imagine well what he must have been feeling. “I am sorry.” she mumbled.
“What for? For leaving your chamber in the middle of the night? Yes, that is one thing I should beat the daylights out of you!” He let out an angry snort. “But that is not the thing now... Are you... I mean, are you hurt?”
She cast a glance at him, surely knowing what he was talking about. “Is that your only concern?”
“My god, ! I am not asking if you... you know what I mean. I am asking you if he hurt you, like this or some other way, I just want to know if you are okay!”
She bit her lip, having suddenly again the urge to cry. She swallowed it down, as well as her anger. He had been tensed, he still was, and somehow his questions were justified. She sighed heavily, shaking her head. “No... not like this. He did not touch me.” she said, closing her eyes. She recalled the fighting in the wood, the fighting in the hut, the way their skins had touched when he had been over her in the bed, and finally the ride back home. A shiver was running down her spine, causing her heartbeat to fasten and she felt her cheeks burning. She opened her eyes again, not daring to look at her brother. But he would probably think that such a theme was causing her to blush, as it would with every unmarried lady.
nodded, standing up and walking to the window. She was thankful for his respectfulness, that he was leaving her alone.
“Have you seen him?” he asked, staring out of the window.
“No.”
“No?” surprised he turned around, scrutinizing her.
“... it was dark. I did not see his face. Then I awoke in that hut and was alone. There was no one.”
“But he... I mean, you were there for two days! Didn't he show up? At least he must have been there to cut your hand and to beat you!” He sharply breathed in, looking down. “Oh god, I'm going to kill him.”
“He was... he returned in the evening, he...” she stopped, feeling so sorry for lying to him again. “he was masked.”
“Masked? Why would he...?” he rested his arm against the window frame, thinking. “Then he had never the intention to kill you... It must be someone you know. Someone we know maybe.” He ruffled through his hair, starting to walk up and down the room. “Have you recognized his voice? Did he say something?”
“! No, I did not. I do not know him!”
Suddenly he stopped, walking towards her. “But , anything! What did he say to you?”
She opened her mouth, thinking desperately for an answer that would satisfy him.
“Did you notice anything? A scar, a special habit, the colour of his hair or eyes, anything?!”
“I don't know.” she shook her head. He leaned down to her, grabbing for her shoulders. “, anything!” he started shaking her.
“ no, I don't know anything, please!”
“But you were with him for two bloody days! He killed Alicia, , just anything could help!”
“Let go of me, you're hurting me!”
Suddenly there was a knock on the door, making to stop shaking her.
“Come in.”
The door opened and suddenly he was standing there, slowly entering the living-room. sighed heavily, letting go of her. “! Sit down.” he pointed at the armchair, before he went back to the window, trying to suppress his rage.
He took a seat in the chair, giving a slight smile. She was looking at him, shaking her head barely notable.
“She doesn't know anything, can you imagine that? This bastard was masked. But he must have said something!”
“He did not.” said again. “, I don't know. It was dark. And he-” she broke up again, feeling some tears watering her eyes. Oh no, not in front of him, she thought, but suddenly felt a tear running down her cheek.
“I am so going to kill him.” mumbled quietly through clenched teeth.
“, look at her! Let her some time, will you?” he suddenly said, casting a glance at .
“Okay, okay...” finally agreed, turning around. “Sorry, love. Maybe you are going to take a bath, I'm going to send for-” suddenly he broke up, staring open-mouthed at . Then he cleared his throat. “I am sending for a maid.” He turned around, about to leave the living-room. “! Show me where you found her! Maybe we'll find anything!”
kept staring at the ground until both men had left the living-room, then she started to weep bitterly.

After having taken a bath and eaten something she was feeling a lot better. and.... he, had not returned yet. She made her way into the garden, sitting down on a big stone in front of the pond. Since he had kidnapped her, she did not know how to call him. She remembered that she had only called him on his Christian name when he had been close to her, the first time in 's atelier and then-
She stopped breathing, widening her eyes. It had been no dream, she suddenly noticed hysterically, it had really happened! She leaned down, burying her burning face in her hands, feeling completely ashamed. A shiver was running down her spine and she started shaking. She knew that he had not made love to her, but... he had kissed her and maybe undressed her, she did not know. Oh. My. God. After some time she had calmed down a bit, at least she was able to face , who was walking towards her.
“Hey.” he mumbled, sitting down next to her. She gave him a weary smile, then continued to stare on the pond.
“Have they returned already?” she asked quietly.
“Yes. They're in the library, talking to some investigators. They're here because of the murderers and of course because of your kidnapping. They want to talk to you, too.”
closed her eyes. This could not be true, she thought annoyed.
For a while they kept silent, until he suddenly turned towards her, taking her hand. Surprised she faced him, not knowing what he really wanted.
“, don't you ever do this again. Your brother completely freaked-out, he was so worried. And I was, too...” His eyes were piercing through hers. For some moments she was holding his gaze, then pulled her hand back.
“So you think it was my own fault?” she asked, getting up.
“No, of course not.” He stood up as well, looking down at her. She nodded.
“Have you been searching for me as well?”
“Of course I have.” he mumbled.
She breathed out, looking down. “Thank you.”

A bit later she was called into the library where two suited men were waiting for her. She nervously took a seat and was telling her story. That she had heard her maid's screams, went into the basement, was kidnapped by a man; no she did not see his face, no she did not recognize his voice, yes he was tall, no he had no scar, no he had not beaten her. She felt exhausted, constantly having to repeat her answers.
“What have you done when Lord had found you?” the one suddenly asked, scrutinizing her. She felt nervous, quickly searching for a suiting answer. She did not know what they had been asking him.
“Ahem...” she cleared her throat. “I was...”
“She was unconscious. Or sleeping. I came to that hut and knocked at the door, but no one was answering although the lights were on. When I looked through the window I saw her lying there.” the lord answered instead of her.
“Mylord, thank you very much, but I was asking her.” He pointed at .
“I beg your pardon.”
“Miss , have you maybe recognized the colour of his hair?”
She pretended to think a while, then looked up. “I am not sure, but... I think it was dark.”
“Black or brown...?”
“Hm... black, I guess?”
It went so on until far past midnight. She felt tired and exhausted, her back and her head were aching. Finally they were leaving, more or less satisfied. only gave them a nod, as well as to Lord , who was about to leave as well.
“Are you sure you don't want to stay the night?” asked him, but he declined thankfully.
“I have to go back home, I have two sisters as well who are terribly worried.”
“Sure, sure. , I do not know how to thank you, I owe you something.”
“No, that goes without saying. You would have done the same, when it was one of my sisters.”
was sitting on a chair, watching them thoughtfully. He was such a grand actor, she thought once again. There was no sign of maybe a bad conscience or something like that, but then she remembered that he was not human, and maybe had no conscience at all. Finally he looked at her.
“Get well soon, Miss .”
“I will, thank you.”
He gave her a nod, then he left.

Soon after they had left, went into her chamber as well. She closed the door behind her, walking to the table where the little bowl with the water was standing. She sat down and opened her hair, then washed her face. She felt tired, the whole interrogation had exhausted her. When she looked up again, she saw suddenly someone standing directly behind her. She jumped up in shock and opened her mouth in order to scream, but he had already grabbed her, putting his hands in front of her mouth to keep her silent.
“It is just me.”
Her heart seemed almost to jump out of her chest and she closed her eyes, gradually relaxing.
“I'm sorry, I did not want to frighten you.” he said, letting go of her. She turned around. “You cannot come in as you wish to, you know.” she hissed, still shaking from shock.
“I'm sorry.” he mumbled again. “I just wanted to say thank you.”
She bit her lip, not knowing what to say in return. When they had been downstairs, with the others, it was okay, but now, when she found themselves all alone again, she started to feel awkward. They had been kissing, lying on a bed not properly dressed, having had a fight and he had nearly killed her. Or eaten her...
She shrugged, looking down. “It is okay.”
After a few moments of silence he finally moved. “I'm better going now...” He turned around, making his way to the window. “?”
She looked up.
“Close the window. I will not be here tonight.”
She nodded confused and felt suddenly frightened with the thought at the other man he had warned her from. “Where are you going?” she whispered.
“Back home. To calm my sisters down, they haven't known yet that you are back. And then... sort out a matter. You mustn't be afraid.”
She nodded again, not daring to ask what he had to sort out.
“Good night, .”
And then he had disappeared.

Chapter 11

The following days spent with , who had made her way to Willow's Hall as soon as she had gotten the news of her friend's safe return. She had been sleeping, when someone had come into her chamber, opening the window and pulling away her blanket. She had smiled by the thought of this typical habit of the -family, to enter unquestioned strange chambers. She had been telling her friend everything (of the official version) and she had listened quite shocked. After had finished her story, had given her a tight hug, telling her again that she had to marry soon for not having to spent the dark nights alone in a chamber. had laughed, a wave of sympathy for her friend overcoming her.
Some time later, on a warm afternoon, they were sitting on the terrace with , discussing the colour of a perfect champaign, when joined them.
“The perfect champaign has no bubbles, is looking like honey and tastes to a fine brandy.” he stated grinningly, taking a seat.
“My dear , there is much more in life than brandy, you know?” furrowed one brow.
“Ha, yes, I know, for example whiskey, scotch, cognac, schnapps...”
let out a scornful snort, what made him laugh madly. joined him, loving his funny way.
“Not to forget this herbal stuff that your brother had brought from America, .” grinned, giving her a wink.
“Which herbal stuff?”
“Oh, it's somehow a panacea! You can take it against insomnia, lack of appetite, depressions...”
“It is stronger than alcohol.” interposed.
“Oh... I thought you are serious. Than it is just again some devilish rubbish that is abused by young men!”
looked at , giving her a smirk. Suddenly he got up again. “Who would like to go boating?”
“What?”
“Look at the weather, the sun is shining, the sky is blue, it is hot...! Let us go boating on the lake!”
“Without me.” stated, leaning back in his chair. “I'm not moving an inch!”
“Lazybone! What about the ladies?”
“Why not.” got up, looking at him expectantly.
“Fine, Miss is up for some fun! What about the young Miss ?”
She shook her head, rolling unnerved with her eyes.
“So is boring as well, a fine match you two would make!” he sneered, offering his hand. She linked arms with him and both made their way laughingly towards the garden.
“, have you asked for permission to take my sister with you?” suddenly called after them.
turned around. “, I am not asking for permission. I am taking your sister with me, if you mind, come and dare me!”
“Haha!” he laughed after them, not showing the slighted inclination to get up from his comfortable chair.

They made their way down to the boat and helped her climbing inside. He took seat opposite of her, starting to puddle to the middle of the sea. leaned back, closing her eyes appreciatively. “What a wonderful day!” she sighed.
He stopped puddling. “Indeed. But it's way too hot, I would love to jump into the water.”
opened her eyes. “Don't you dare!” she threatened him.
“Naa!” he put it off. “I don't want to make you feel awkward in the presence of a naked man!”
She started to laugh.
“But anyways” he continued, “it doesn't matter if you see me naked now, or in a few month, when we will finally be man and wife.”
“Ah, will we?”
They spent half of the afternoon outside on the water, talking about all and nothing. With a frown noticed, that he went on flirting with her, but she decided not to take it serious, as he did not mean it anyhow.
When she returned back in the house, she found and sitting outside on the terrace. They did not notice her and she was about to join them outside to say that she has returned, when something her brother was saying made her stop.
“... the feeling that she knows much more than she had told us.”
stepped aside, hiding behind the curtains.
“But ...?” asked doubtfully.
sighed. “I am not sure. But I know it was the same dark coat I have seen, the night when McNeil's daughter was found.”
“A dark coat... , it was a dark night, a dark coat, what makes you so sure? Almost every man has at least one dark coat!”
“Yes, but none with red stripes.”
“Which red stripes?”
“In the inside there were red stripes. Down, at the seam. I haven't seen such a coat, only that one night and then last week, when he brought her home. He had wrapped her in the coat. I know what I have seen.”
It was silent for a few moments. “But ? He had been interrogated the whole evening and he seemed to tell the truth. No... No, he cannot be involved into it. No!”
“I cannot believe it also. But I know what I have seen.” he repeated.
“But your sister would not be so stupid to shield him. Just only remember her injuries, and the loss of her maid. If she knew that he would have anything to do with it, she would not help him.”
“I hope so.” mumbled. “But I will observe him, and when I should find out, that he...” he broke up.
She pressed her lips together, feeling hurt by the lack of confidence her brother had into her. But somehow she felt guilty as well, because his faithlessness in her was justified. Quietly she turned around, leaving the living-room. When she had arrived in her chamber she did not know what to do. She was upset, somehow worrying for the lord. And that feeling made her feel really upset. She was confused, why should she worry about him? Even if her brother found out, he was not able to harm him. Or was he? She knew she should rather worry for her brother, but she did not, and that frightened her. She started to walk up and down nervously. Maybe she should warn him. Or talk to , convincing him somehow to clear his suspicion.
When she sat in her chamber again, after she had been downstairs for dinner, she still had not come to a decision. She had acted towards her brother as if nothing had happened, but she had felt observed by him. Probably she had just imagined it, being paranoid.
She walked to the opened window, sitting on the windowsill. She peeked outside, inhaling the cool air of the night. When the clock stroke midnight she suddenly got up, knowing what she had to do. Her hands were shaking when she put on her dark blue dress. She buttoned it up, letting her gaze travel to the wardrobe in search for her dark hat. She went over, grabbed it and put it on, hiding her long hair underneath it. Then she took a deep breath, opening silently the door of her chamber.

Leaving the stables with the headgears she made her way to the pasture where Shadow was standing. Her mare raised surprised her head up, looking at her mistress. She gave a snort when she recognized her, and walked over to her, caressing her neck.
“Come on love, we've got something to do tonight.”
Some minutes later she opened the gate, slipping on the horse's unsaddled back. After they were out of sight she fastened her pace, galloping in the dark night.

When she had arrived she left her mare standing outside in the garden, tethering her at a tree branch. For a moment she dared not to move, somehow feeling not so well all alone in the dark. She had speeded her horse through the night, afraid of the dark forest she had to ride through. She was shaking her head, knowing that this was just one more disturbed acting of hers. Maybe she should have been born as a man, it would have made her less troubles in life. Listening into the silent garden she finally forced herself to walk towards the big building. It was completely dark, huge dark clouds were obscuring the moon completely. She was sneaking to the front door, hoping it was not locked. But of course it was. Inwardly she cursed, but she knew that most of the people locked their homes at night. When she had decided to come here she had of course not been able to think about a way inside, what was she supposed to do now? Ring the bell or call for him? Surely not.
Suddenly she remembered the attendant's entrance on the other side of the house. It led directly into the kitchen and was not sure if they locked it every night. She decided to give it a try and made her way there. Before she grabbed for the ankle she was looking around, assuring herself that no one would see her. She let out a sigh of relief when the door opened with a slight squeaking. Quietly she slipped inside, closing the door behind her. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She would first go to the library, she thought and turned around. Her heart stopped when she suddenly caught sight of the man who was standing right in front of her. Though it was dark she could see the grin on his young face, and his eyes, sparkling down on her.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in!”
For a moment she was frozen from shock, but then she regained her composure, taking a deep breath. “Sir, I am here to see the lord.”
“Aye, what else?” he sneered, looking her all over. felt uncomfortable under his stare and thought how to get out of here.
“And I guess he's expecting ye?” he continued.
“Sure he is.”
His face started to light up before he let out a loud laughter. sighed inwardly, knowing that he had caught her lying.
“That's why ye're sneaking secretly in the house, no?”
“That is none of your business, Sir. So... if you maybe were so kind to let me pass?”
“Let ye pass? Listen young lady, he's no good for ye. If ye're up for something why won't ye come wi'me?”
looked down, not knowing how to get away from him. This could so not be true!
“Maybe some other time. But now... let me pass.” she ordered, putting as much sharpness in her voice as she could.
“Ohoo, a wild cat we have here! So my first impression ha'been right. I see why he wants ye for himself... but he still owes me something, so...”
He made a step towards her and widened her eyes in fear, but before he could get hold of her he was suddenly gone. In shock she looked to the side and gasped in surprise when she saw him on the wall, moaning heavily. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw someone else, walking over to him.
“M'lord!” he winced when he was pulled up rudely.
“I've told you to leave her alone, haven't I?” he asked with a voice that made freeze inwardly.
“Ye have.”
“She is mine.”
“Okay. Calm down, no need to make a scene!” He freed himself from the lord's grip, plucking at his fine blouse.
“Get out of here, right now, otherwise...” he stopped, but it was anyhow not necessary to go on.
“I will, I will. My, she's just a saucy little Miss...” he mumbled annoyed, making his way to the door against was still leaning. “M'Lady... Would you be a wee kinder than me and let me pass now?”
She made a step aside, letting him pass.
“Bye, bye. You'll hear from me, . See you around, little Lady.” he whispered to her when he slipped outside.
When the door slammed shut she bit her lip, not daring to breathe. He did not move an inch, but she felt his angry glare on her. Finally he moved, taking her wrist.
“Wha-”
“Come with me.” he ordered, pulling her rudely with him.
“Wait, but...”
He turned around, glaring at her. “, shut your mouth and come with me!” His tone made her close her mouth immediately and she followed him upstairs. When they were on the upper floor he suddenly stopped in front of a door, opening at. He shoved her inside, following her.
Confused she looked around, noticing that they were in a bedroom. In his bedroom. He walked to the window, opened the curtains to let the bright moonlight shine into the chamber. Suddenly he turned around.
“Let me guess: you were bored? Or not able to sleep?”
“No, I just-”
“Hell, woman, have you lost your mind completely?” he hissed, not waiting for her answer. He started pacing through the room, shaking his head. “Your damn behaviour is eventually going to kill me!”
“I thought-”
“Be quiet, just be quiet!” he stopped her, raising his hand up. “Just be quiet, otherwise I'm forgetting myself!... My god, if your brother knew he would immediately wring my damn neck!”
She sighed, deciding to do what he had told her. It would make no sense anyhow to tell him the reason for her arrival now. She would wait until he would have calmed down a bit. Suddenly he stopped walking up and down, staring at her. “I'll get you home, immediately!” He walked towards her, taking hold of her arm. “Come.”
“No!” she repeated, freeing her arm from his tight grip. She glared at him, planting her feet firmly on the ground.
Slowly he turned around. “What?”
“I said no!” she said louder, becoming angry.
“, that was no question.”
“I do not care, but I said no, I am not going!”
“What? , I swear, don't dare me!”
“Why not? What will you do, hm?! Do you think I've nothing better to do than ride over to you just out of boredom, in the middle of the night??”
She felt so angry, but somehow she was hurt. He did not want her here, she had made a complete fool of herself. What had she been thinking? And why the hell did she care for him at all? She shook her head, letting out an annoyed sigh. She would leave, he was right, but she could do well without his company. She had made it here, she would make it back home also.
“Okay...” he suddenly said, making her look up again. “Why are you here then?”
“Forget it” she mumbled, passing him by. “Sorry for troubling you.” she added without turning around, then she opened the door. She winced when he suddenly shut it again. For a moment she stared at the door, then she turned around, just to look into his eyes.
“, don't you understand?” he whispered softly, surprising her with the sudden change of his tone. He put his fingers under her chin, lifting her head to force her to look at him. She swallowed as she noticed the look in his eyes. “My pearl...”
And suddenly she felt his lips swaying tenderly over hers. Her heart stopped instantly and an inexpressible feeling was overwhelming her while he kissed her slowly, making her knees weaken. He clasped her face, drawing her near as he deepened the kiss. When his tongue pushed softly against her lips she instinctively opened her mouth, letting him enter. His sweet tongue explored curiously her mouth, causing her to moan quietly. And suddenly she knew why she was here.
It seemed to her as if he wanted to kiss her forever when he suddenly let go of her, catching his breath. “” he whispered, softly touching the bare skin on her neck.
“Don't send me away.” she asked quietly, looking in his dark eyes.
He shook his head. “Never.”
Slowly she reached out her hand, touching his chest. She did not dare to breath when he took her hand, leading her slowly in front of the bed.
“I will burn in hell for this.” he mumbled quietly, his lips shaking.
“I will be there with you.”
Gently he pulled her in his arm, while his other hand started slowly to undo the buttons of her dress. When it slipped down on the floor he leaned forward, kissing her neck. She clasped his shoulders, leaning against him, and closed her eyes, enjoying every little sensation he was causing inside of her. Finally let her hands nervously wander down his body, fumbling with the buttons of his blouse. He helped her and soon it fell on the floor as well, next to her dress. He took her in his arms, kissing her again, and pushed her gently on the bed, making her lie down. He crawled on top of her and continued immediately with kissing her. They undressed completely and when felt him looking at her she stopped breathing for a short moment, feeling awkward. Finally he took her in his arms again, searching for her eyes. He entwined his fingers with hers, caressing her hand with his thumb.
“You really want to do this?” he asked quietly.
swallowed, knowing that it was already too late for a second thought. She had never wanted anything more in her life. “Yes.” she whispered with a choked voice.
He nodded, giving her a faint smile. Then he let go of her hand, leaning down to kiss her breasts. She gasped when his hands made their way to her hip, clasping it tightly. Eventually he wandered down between her thighs, caressing her gently. She leaned back, closing her eyes. She had never felt like this before, it was like floating, and she yearned for more. With surprise she noticed that these kind of feelings did not make her blush, or feel ashamed, as she had expected. She had heard so many stories about this shameful and sinful act, but she had never imagined it so wonderful.
Automatically she spread her legs a little, enough for him to get proper access to her most sensitive spot. When she felt him touching her she let out a moan, her fingers clung tightly the sheets. “Oh...”
She felt his fingers caressing her and tiny flashes exploded in front of her eyes. She squirmed her body in sensation, but he pressed her firmly back down, kissing his way down her body. When she suddenly felt his lips, and then his tongue, pushing gently, she sat up, letting out a gasp of surprise and lust.
“.” he whispered, before he looked up, placing between her legs. He leaned over her, pushing her down with gentle forces. She clung at him, burying her face in his neck. A shiver ran down her whole body when she felt his hard-on pushing gently at her entrance, playing with her. With one hand he touched her chin, forcing her to look at him. She did and the look in his eyes made her feel like melting wax in his arms. It was full of desire, and of the assurance, that it would be satisfied soon. Hungrily he crushed his lips upon hers, breathing heavily.
“.” she opened her eyes again, scrutinizing his features that she knew so well. “... forgive me.”
With that he thrust inside of her. From pain and shock she opened her mouth to let out a faint scream, but it was immediately suppressed by his hot lips. He kissed her gently, waiting until she relaxed again. Then he started slowly to move. With every thrust her groaning became heavier and she felt as if she must die instantly. She lost control over her body, just feeling as if she had no will of her own. Suddenly she felt her heart racing, her breathing nearly stopped and she felt hot and cold in the same time. She squirmed her body in sensation and let out a heavy moan when she climaxed.
Gradually the intensity of the feeling decreased and she collapsed in his arms, breathing heavily. He soon followed her, burying his face in her hair.

A little later they were lying next to each other. looked outside of the window, watching the pale moon. Suddenly he rolled to the side, resting his head upon his elbow, and smiled at her.
“Your skin is looking like the surface of a precious pearl... it's shining in the moonlight. So beautiful...” he whispered, gently stroking over her bare skin. She turned towards him, giving him a smile.
“My pearl.”
She wanted to say anything, but she did not know what. Somehow she felt as if she must tell him so much, but on the other hand she did not know how to clothe her thoughts in words. But she was not sure if it was necessary at all. There was also the problem that she did not really know what she was thinking, she felt so empty. It felt not bad, it was rather a relaxed emptiness, as if her mind was completely clear and easy.
“How did it happen?” she suddenly asked.
He stopped caressing her skin, looking at her thoughtfully for a while, surely knowing what she was meaning. “I was with a woman, she... It happened in Dublin.” he started. “I don't know, I was young... it happened four years ago. A few friends and me were out... a men's night and I saw that woman. She fancied me and... you can imagine, I was drunken and went with her, but soon I found out that she did not only want what I wanted. So... I managed to get out of there alive, but had to find out soon that there was something different... That's it...” He shrugged.
They kept silent for a while, deep in thoughts. That's it, he had said, as if it was something of little relevance.
“And then you left... Have you ever been to America?” she suddenly asked.
He shook his head. “Never. But I told them I was. America is far away and I wanted to make sure that they would leave me alone. I don't know...”
“Where have you been?”
“Oh” A smile was curling up his mouth. “Kind of everywhere. London, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin... the bigger cities are full of people like me, you know?”
“Because in those crowded places it does not attract too much attention when someone's missing or dead...” interposed, looking down.
He hesitated one moment, looking at her thoughtfully. “I have killed people.” he finally said. “Many people. But at some time... I couldn't take it anymore.... You cannot imagine how it feels...” he broke up, sighing.
“You are always hungry, never satisfied. I was a monster, a monster without a conscience, but I have changed. Believe me, , sometimes I wish I hadn't. It was so much easier.”
He lay back down, staring up at the ceiling. “But if I still was the man I had been three years ago or so... everything would be different. And you surely wouldn't be alive. Or at least you would be something like me.”
“Oh thank you then” she whispered sarcastically, causing him to burst into laughter. She turned to her side, looking at him. It occurred to her that she had never seen him laughing since she had known him, but it suited him. She tried to imagine how he must have been as a human being. She had heard many stories from , or her brother about his acting when he was younger, and they have always described him as a funny, curious, cheeky and sweet person. Was there maybe something left?
“What?” he suddenly asked with furrowed brows.
“No, I've just been thinking about you.”
“About me?”
“It's the very first time I see you laughing.”
He stopped, making suddenly a serious face. “Hm... whatever.” For some moments he eyed her thoughtfully, then he got up, walking to the window. For a while he was just staring out in the night. watched him, not knowing if she had maybe said something wrong. She bit her lip, feeling uncomfortable. Suddenly he turned around.
“The sun is rising in an hour. I think we should go.”
A few moments was staring at him, trying to estimate what he was thinking. Then she got up, grabbing her clothes from the ground and started to dress. She was feeling terrible, having the urge to cry. She did not really know what she had made wrong, but he seemed to have changed completely. Meanwhile he had started to dress, too. Out of the corners of her eyes she was watching him, but his face was a mask.
“I'm sorry” she suddenly whispered, turning away. She felt him looking at her, but could not bring herself to respond his gaze.
“Don't be.” he just said, before he opened the door. “Come.”

It was still dark when they arrived at Willow's Hall. Together they brought Shadow back to the pasture, then walked side by side to the entrance of the house. When it were just a few steps to go, he suddenly stopped.
“So...”
“So...”
bit her lip, not knowing what would come next. They had barely talked on the ride back home.
“... please don't get me wrong...”
She shook her head, looking at him for the first time. “No. No... I don't. It's okay... I understand.” she mumbled, suppressing her tears.
“Hey.” he stuck out his hand in order to touch her face, but she stepped back.
“No... I think I'm going now. Thanks for bringing me back.” She shrugged once more. “Goodbye then.”
With that she turned around, leaving him standing alone under the willow. She felt his piercing gaze burning in her back, but she did not turn around.

Chapter 12

The following day she awoke late, it was already near midday. had woken her up, trying to persuade her to come with her to Sligo to buy some new dresses. With a throbbing head she had listened to her friend who had enthused about a dinner party that would soon take place.
She felt sick, thinking about another boring party with that silly blabbing of the upper society. She was so sick of everything.
After she had convinced that she was ill and needed to rest, she closed the curtains again. After a while she started weeping. Her chest was aching, making it nearly impossible to breathe, but still her crying could not soften the heavy lump inside of her throat. She felt so vulnerable, and it was only his fault! She wondered how happy and easy she had felt, after he had made love to her, but now it was the complete opposite. She felt empty, lonely and heartbroken, somehow hating him for having it done. She knew she had made a big mistake. But the biggest mistake she had made was in the night she saw him for the first time. She should have told , and maybe all of this would not have happened.
She would not have fallen in love with him. She would not have fallen in love with someone she could never have.
She would not have fallen in love with a vampire!
But she had.
This realization hit her hard, increasing her heavy sobbing even more. She had known it, a long while ago, but she had not admitted it. And now? She could not pretend as if she felt nothing. She was thinking about him all the time, not only because of the kidnapping and murders, but also because of the way he had touched her, the way he was looking at her and the way he made her feel. When he had kissed her she had not known what they were doing, but she had known that it was wrong and would only cause troubles, but she had not been willing to stop. Oh, how stupid one could be! She sobbed once more, knowing that she had been so idiotic to let him deflower her. Of course he was running away now. Every man would run away, and she had learned from her mother never to kiss with a man she was not married to. Why had she never listened to her Mama?
She spent the whole day in her room, crying and sleeping. At night she sat on the windowsill, staring outside in the moonlit garden. But he did not come.

The next day she spent like the day before. She only left her chamber for stealing some food from the kitchen, and later at night she ordered her new maid to prepare her a bath. It was warm and relaxing, but it did not make her feel better.
It was late in the evening, everyone had gone to bed already, when she got up, leaving her chamber. With a thin shawl wrapped around her shoulders she left the house, making the way down to the lake. She knew she should not leave the house at night, she had not forgotten the way this man; probably he was this ; had been staring at her, but she had have cabin fever and probably had gone mad when she would have remained inside.
She walked down to the water, letting it wet her bare feet. The silver moon seemed to dance on the surface of the water and looked up, watching the clear starlit sky. It was a wonderful summer's night, the air was smooth, tickling gently her neck, and the moon was shining brightly. But somehow it made just more heavy-hearted as she had already been. She sat on the big stone at the shore, letting her feet dive into the crystal clear water. How she wished everything was different. Why did she have to fall in love with him? Why not or , why he of all people?
At some time her eyes were filling with tears again. She let them run down her cheeks, not able to fight against it. When she looked into the water after a while, wiping away her tears, she suddenly saw something moving. She lifted her head, looking up in the sky, and watched the shooting star, that was falling from the sky. When it had vanished looked down on the ground of the shallow water again, snuffling once more. She slowly got up, ready to make her way back home, when a voice behind her made her petrify.
“Have you made a wish?”
She closed her eyes, breathing out. Slowly she turned around.
He was standing a few metres away from her, and the way he was looking made her knees weaken immediately. His dark eyes were sparkling in the moonlight and he was looking at her softly, exactly the way he was not supposed to look at her. She breathed in again, trying to control her reaction towards him. He was way too gorgeous.
“Yes... I wished you would leave me alone!” she said, trying to put the required sharpness in her voice.
He nodded awkwardly, looking down. “If you tell your wish, it won't come true, you know?” Slowly he looked up again, giving her an apologetic smile.
How she hated him. She looked away, avoiding his gaze. “What do you want?”
“You know, don't you?” he answered.
She started to shiver and wrapped the shawl a bit tighter around her body. How was she supposed to know what he was thinking?
“Go home, .”
She made a step out of the water, about to return back home. She was not in the mood for his confusing games. She stepped towards him, passing him by, when he suddenly took hold of her arm.
“, please...” he whispered, looking at her.
She focused the ground, swallowing hard. Although he was only touching her arm, she felt suddenly so weak again. She tried to fight it, nearly starting to cry again when she noticed that she would fail once more. Finally she looked up.
“You were gone... you have left me alone, although...” she broke up, pressing her lips together.
“I am so sorry.” he whispered back.
“Why are you here?”
He let go of her arm, standing in front of her. When she did not show the inclination to look at him, he put his fingers under her chin, forcing her to look up.
“I love you.”
It took her a long while to understand what he had been saying. She opened her mouth and inhaled, but no words came out. Her lips started shaking and inside of her a storm was raising.
She looked away, trying to understand, but then started shaking her head, turning away.
“No... no, you cannot... You...” she put her hands on her forehead in complete confusion, slowly walking away. Suddenly she stopped, turning around again.
“Do you know what you have just been saying?” she suddenly screamed at him.
“I do.”
“You love me?” Her voice became hysterical.
“Listen, I never wanted to make you cry. It's just... damn, when I noticed I refused to believe it! Look at us, I am... we're... bloody hell!” he broke up, turning around.
“Would you stop swearing!!”
“Oh cut it, ! I wanted to stay away from you, but I can't! Did you understand me? I just can't!”
“What? Sure you can!”
“I cannot.” he finally said, stepping again towards her. “My god, I should have killed you.”
“And I should not have shielded you.”
She had not even closed her mouth when he suddenly grabbed her, crushing his lips upon hers, kissing her passionately. She tried to push him away, but she knew it was just another useless try. When he had assured her with his tightening grip that he would not let her go, she finally relaxed, returning his hungry kiss.
After a while he let go of her. “You are mine.”
Breathing heavily, looked up, staring at him incensed. “Don't be too sure.”
He did not miss the warning glint in her eyes when he took hold of her again. “I'm not too sure.”
“Why is that?” she asked, trying to free herself. Suddenly he clasped her face, forcing her to look at him. He looked her deep in the eyes, starting to smile. “Your eyes are speaking to me. I only have to look at them for a while, and I know everything I want to know.”
She felt herself blushing.
“” he suddenly said with an serious voice. “I'm not going to leave you alone any more, I promise. And I won't ever make you cry.”
She swallowed, not knowing what to respond. It had taken her two days and one night to finally persuade herself that it was completely crazy to be with him, and that it was not possible anyhow, but now he was standing here, telling her he loved her. And with this little three words he was messing up her world completely. Again!
Suddenly he put his arms around her, pulling her near. She hesitated at first, but then leaned her head against his chest, closing her eyes. He felt and smelled so wonderful, and knew she was not strong enough to resist him.
“I love you, too.” she mumbled into his chest. After hearing this he gently stroked over her skin, kissing her forehead. “I know, my pearl, I know.”

That night he made love to her again, at the shore of the lake, under the weeping willow. When he collapsed into her arms afterwards, knew that she had never felt so happy in her whole life. Why had she been so blind for so long?
Until the dawn they had spent the night outside, lying next to each other on the grass, and making a promenade around the lake, telling each other stories of their childhood. He brought her home just in time, a few minutes after had closed the window, Ella, the cook, and some of the maid's had started with their work.
He had promised to be there at midnight, and after he had gone lay in bed, feeling happy and so easy-hearted. She was on cloud nine, and finally, though her heart was beating like mad, she fell into a deep sleep.

The following night he arrived at midnight, abducting her again in the romantic summer night, as he did the following night, and the following and the following four nights also. She was sleeping at daytime, although she gradually had no more clue how to explain and her constant absence. But it did not really bother her, as well as 's suspicious looks, she was far too happy to handle with such troubling things.
“Sister, I am worrying for you.” he suddenly said when they were sitting outside on the terrace, enjoying the smooth evening. She gave him a scrutinizing look, trying to estimate what he was thinking.
“There is no need to, really.”
“You look tired, yawning all the time, although you are grinning stupidly all day long. Are you in love?”
“What? No, of course not!” she responded indignantly, feeling the heat creeping up her face. She quickly got up, turning her back towards him, and pretended to watch the blossoms of the flowers that grew in the garden. “What makes you think so?” she asked unsure, trying to cover up her embarrassment.
“Come on, I know your little secret.”
felt as if her heart was stopping, not knowing what to think. “Is that so...?” she answered hesitatingly, closing her eyes.
“ told me, you can stop.”
“?” She turned around, not really trusting her ears. This cheeky thing! Probably she had told him the story. She gasped annoyed.
“What is there going on between you and , hm?” she asked instead, trying to lead the conversation into an other direction. She expected him to defend himself, but he did not. Surprisingly he got up, placing next to her.
“I am not sure. What do you think about her... I mean, she is your friend, but...”
“, tell me you are kidding!” called amused, starting to laugh. Oh my god, she had known it!
“Why? I mean...?” he looked at her unsure, and recognized suddenly the small boy she knew from their childhood. A wave of tenderness overcame her and she once again felt so sorry that she could not tell him what was going on inside of her. Thinking about made her feel high, but when she thought about the whole situation, that they weren't married, the easy feeling was replaced by a nagging fear. She could never tell , she would not bare his disappointed face when she told him the truth. Finally she gave him a faint smile and, on a sudden impulse, pulled him into a tight hug.
“Oh ... is perfect.” she said when they let go of each other.
“You think?”
“Do you really like her?”
“Of course I do... but she does not know yet. I mean, maybe she knows, but I haven't told her yet. Cripes...” he sighed, ruffling his hair.
“What are you waiting for then?” she asked, giving him an encouraging smile.
Suddenly his face changed and he gave a long and thoughtful look. “I wanted to talk to you first.” he said.
“Oh... but why? I mean, you know that she is my best friend. She is the best woman you could marry, honestly!”
“Hm...” he mumbled, pressing his lips firmly together. “Would you walk with me a bit?”
A strange feeling was rising up inside of her when they made their way down in the garden, walking next to each other. When they were out of earshot he cleared his throat.
“, it is important that you are sincere to me.” He turned towards her, looking at her seriously.
“Okay...” She swallowed down the heavy lump inside of her throat, trying to return his look nonchalantly.
He went on, sticking his hands inside of his pockets. “Before I ask her hand in marriage there is one thing I need to know... , have you lied to me, the day carried you back home?”
She felt the colour drain from her cheeks. She looked down as well, swallowing. What should she tell him now? “Oh ...” she whispered, shaking her head. She felt a bitter taste in her mouth and her heart felt so heavy when she began to speak. “Why do you think I would lie to you?”
“I do not. It is just... you know...”
She felt sick when he tried to find some excuses, having a bad conscience. It was nearly breaking her heart, she was so ashamed of herself. But she knew she could never tell him the truth without destroying everything she had, and also everything and he had, or soon would have.
“I just have to know if has anything to do with it... Or if he knows something... concerning the latest incidents. You know what I mean.”
“Why should he? Lord ...? He is such a nice and charming man, I cannot believe so!” she said.
“I thought you did not like him.”
bit her lip. “I never said so.”
“That's true.” admitted, furrowing one brow. “But it was quite obvious. Why this change of mind?”
She sighed heavily, having suddenly the impression that it was way too hot here. “He saved me. ... I thought I would not survive it. I thought I would... would never get out of there alive. And then I heard that someone was in the hut, I was so afraid. But it was him. I... god, I was so relieved. He saved my life and I will never forget that. Is this no reason to change my mind about him?”
They still walked through the garden, heading for the small pond.
“Okay... so you think he is sincere?”
“Why don't you?”
“I don't know... just a feeling, maybe it is nothing. I just wanted to make sure, so...” He stopped, turning to her. For a moment he was quiet, thinking about something, then he touched her shoulder. “, do you... do you like him?”
“What?”
“I mean... you know what I mean. What happened between the both of you?”
“!”She felt the heat creeping up her face, knowing that he noticed it, too. She closed her eyes, sighing. She had never thought that her brother would ask her such a personal thing.
“Nothing, of course!” She kept on walking, leaving him behind.
“.” he called after her, making her turn around.
“, I appreciate him for his help and he is the brother of my future sister-in-law, so... I think you should stop being so suspicious and eventually ask her hand in marriage! You are thinking too much, just do it! I have not lied to you, of course not! And I think is a nice, sincere and charming man whom you can trust completely!” She walked towards him, passing him by. “And you have no reason to think otherwise.” she called, before she made her way back to the house.

Back in her chamber she sat on the bed, staring at the wall. Since their childhood and her had been like best friends. He was about six years older than herself, but sometimes thought that they were closer than twins. She loved him with all her heart, her big brother, and tears shot in her eyes when she thought about the way how easily she had lied to him. She had never thought that there would be such a situation, where she had to betray him.
Some time later she got up, starting to do her hair. It was not easy for her to pin up her hair, usually it had been Alicia's task, but now... Her new maid was a fifteen year old girl, quite nice and sweet, but it was not the same with her. She did her work well, always trying to please her, and somehow this was the annoying thing about her. Despite, she was best friends with Ella's daughter, who was the greatest gossiper far and wide and did not want to risk any rumours about her nightly activities. It was already quite risky to leave the house every night. Every night at midnight she waited in front of her window, ready to leave, until she heard his whistle, then made her way quietly downstairs, leaving the house through a small door near the kitchen. Sometimes he climbed up her window, staying the night at hers, but they had to be quiet. 's chamber was three rooms further away from hers, but they were always afraid that he might hear them.
Exactly five minutes past midnight she was ready, sitting on the windowsill and waiting for her signal. She plucked at the neck of her new dress, hoping he would like her appearance tonight. Before she met him she had never really cared about her appearance. She just had made sure that she would look nice; but now, since she had fallen in love with him, she always wanted to look best, spending so much time in front of the mirror. The thought about it made her smile wryly. She had never wanted to become like that, as vain as some other ladies at her age she knew. She shrugged, looking at the clock. It was quarter past midnight. Impatiently she started to drum her fingers on her knee. It was unusual for him to be that late.
A few minutes later she got up, walking back to the mirror. She would take the time until he would be there with doing the final touch at her hairstyle. Maybe she should take some strands out of her pinned-up hair. She did and smiled satisfied when she noticed that it made her features look softer. But then she went back to the window, peeking outside. It was twenty past midnight.
Sitting there she paid attention to every sound of the dark night, but except the lonely call of an owl and the leaves of the trees, moving in the wind, she could hear nothing. She got up again. It was twenty-five past midnight and still no sign of him.
She started to worry about him. She knew that he had some difficulties with some other people, who were like him. Once she had asked him, but he did not tell her, just said it was nothing of importance and she should not think about it. But she knew something was troubling him. He also did not want to tell her why this was with him so often, she knew he did not really like that man, no, he even hated that man! She nervously walked up and down her chamber, feeling uneasy. She was really afraid by now. Maybe something happened to him! It nearly drove her crazy that he could be in trouble, maybe being hurt, or... No, he could not be dead. bit her lip, making a face. She stopped walking and sat back on the bed, looking at the window. He was quick and strong, he could not be in trouble. He was dead anyway and if he was hurt it would not really be bad. But why did he not come?
The night before, after making love, he had whispered something, thinking she was asleep. “How shall it go on with us?” he had said, kissing her forehead. Maybe he had have a change of heart? The clock stroke half past midnight, two clear chimes echoing through the night. lay back down, staring at the wall. She did not often think about a possible future with him. She knew she could no longer avoid this thought, which pained her so much. She had just enjoyed the love they shared, denying their situation. She was a girl, young and alive, he was a vampire, dead and without a future. He would not grow older, or at least his body would always remain so young, but she would. She knew they could never lead a normal life, could never be married and have children. It was impossible. When she felt some tears watering her cheeks she closed her eyes, shaking her head. At about two past midnight she stopped waiting for him. Weeping silently she opened her hair, undressed and lay in bed. It took her further thirty minutes to fall in an exhausted sleep, full of troubling and hurtful nightmares.
The first thing she noticed when she woke up was the red rose that lay next to her on the pillow. She shot up, scrutinizing the room. The sun was shining brightly inside, announcing that it would be another hot and sunny day of August, but no one was here, she was alone. She lay back down, not knowing if she should feel relieved or angry. It was a mixture of both. Why hadn't he woken her up when he was there, she asked herself.
Finally she got up, planning to spend the day with .

Chapter 13

It was cute to watch her friend when was near. She knew that her brother had not asked her yet, but something was in the air and seemed to notice. But thought that everyone must notice, her brother acted too strange towards . She had to smile, but somehow it surprised her to see him like this. He acted like a reserved little boy in love, and not like her big brother, always smart and strong. The two women had a picnic down on the lake, not far away from the spot where and had made love for the second time, the night with the lightning star. It was hard not to think about him, but she tried her best so that she had a really nice afternoon with .
In the evening, after dinner, she kept sitting with the two of them, until she suddenly had the feeling that she was not wished here any longer. cast a thankful glance at her when she discreetly adjourned to her chamber, leaving them alone.

Two days later was the first who had the honour to congratulate the couple to their unofficial engagement. It was the last day that would spend at Willow's Hall and had decided to accompany her home, asking her brother for her hand in marriage. Both wished that would come with them and so she found herself in a carriage with the two that brought them to Whiteriver Mansion. To him.
She thought about how to react, when she would stand in front of him. He did not show up, left her alone again. Only this bloody red rose, as if it would apologize his absence, was the only sign from him. Why had he not told her where he was, and why he did not come to her?
After about an hour they arrived, but he was not here. His butler led them to the living-room, serving tea and cakes. She knew he would let them wait until the twilight, even if he knew that they were here. She tried to listen to 's and 's conversation, but they were only talking about the sculptures and pictures that were embellishing the living-room. She watched one sculpture of a naked man, whose manhood had gone. It was very old and damaged at exactly this part. With one ear she listened to 's story about it's age, thinking about doing exactly the same to him when she had the possibility. She clenched her hand and became suddenly aware of what she was thinking. Feeling herself blushing she quickly got up, pretending to have a more precise look at the sculptures. She had her back turned towards them, when she suddenly heard the door open.
“!” she heard him calling breathlessly before the door slammed shut behind him. She clenched her teeth, trying to fight down her happiness about hearing the voice that she loved so well.
“!” Her brother got up.
“What brings you here? Aah, you have brought your sister as well!”
Slowly she turned around, staring at his smiling face. She bit her lip, trying to act nonchalantly although she had the urge to go over to him and slap his face. When she felt looking at her she forced a smile, stepping towards them.
“Mylord, your sculptures are wonderful! Especially this ancient one has drawn my attention. What a wonderful piece of art!” she pointed at it, feeling him furrowing one brow when he caught sight of it.
“Indeed, indeed.” he mumbled. “Miss , it is a pleasure to have you here! Did you have a pleasant journey?”
“We had, thank you.”
With this she turned away, taking a seat on the sofa. She had no urge to go on like this. It was so ridiculous, and somehow so strange. A few nights before they had lain in bed together, closely embraced, and now she was supposed to act as if she did not know him. She risked a glance at him and when she met his eye she knew exactly what he was thinking and her heart skipped a beat. When she felt the heat creeping up her face she quickly gazed away, choosing her favourite sort of tea.
She did not listen to the things they were speaking and concentrated on sugaring her green tea. Suddenly she felt him sitting next to her, smiling down at her. She looked up.
“What?”
“I just wondered, when you have stayed with us you preferred your tea without any sugar, didn't you?” he nodded at her cup and the spoon in her hand, which was full of sugar.
“Oh.” she mumbled weakly, thinking hard how much sugar she had already poured in her cup. “No... no, sometimes I like it a bit sweeter.”
She lay the spoon back on the saucer, drinking carefully. It was distasteful. With a straight face she put the cup on the saucer. How she hated him! Did he think it was funny to challenge her like this, in front of the other two?
“So... I wanted to make sure that arrives safely at home. And then there is something else I have to talk about to you.” suddenly said, getting up. noticed and him changing glances, smiling wryly at each other.
“Sure, sure. About the lost delivery I guess.”
“No, not at all. It is some private business... so...” signed him to leave the living-room and he got up as well, casting a worrying glance at . The way he was looking at her hit her hard. She knew what had appeared on his mind and she suddenly felt sick. Then he turned around. “Right, let us go to the library. We shall not trouble the ladies with it.”
had no time to think about what had happened right before, because immediately started talking when the door closed. She jumped up, wandering nervously up and down. “Oh my god, oh my god...”
“... stay calm. Of course he will accept it.”
She stopped, staring at as if she was about to cry. “You think so? Oh my god, I so hope you are right... Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god...” She continued her promenade around the living-room, making nervous as well.
“Come over and sit down. Have another cup of tea and stay calm. He will accept it, why should he not?” She signed her friend to sit next to her, but she did not react. sighed, pouring some hot water in 's empty cup.
“Okay, you are right, why should he decline? is an honourable and highly regarded man, he has money and a title, there is no reason to decline!” she cried, as if she desperately tried to convince herself.
sighed, shaking her head. “Sit next to me. Here you are.” She offered her the cup and with shaking hands took it. “Have you already read the new book I gave you?” she asked her, trying to take her mind off her worries.
“What? Which one?” placed the cup back on the table, getting up.
“'Belinda'. The one by Maria Edgeworth.”
“No. That was a lame try. Oh my god...” She started pacing to and fro again and gave up. She leaned back, sipping on her sickeningly sweet tea, hoping they would not take too long.
A bit later, much to 's and as well to 's relief, they returned. jumped up, staring at them as if her life depended on it. In a way it did, thought, but frowned when she noticed 's hand, risen up.
“There are three conditions!”
gasped.
“First you persuade him to stop his business affairs with a man called Scott, down in Dublin. I do not feel like being ruined by them. Secondly: I will lead you to the altar. And the third condition is that I am going to be godfather of your first child.”
When she noticed what he had been saying let out a shriek, jumping in his arms. “Oh , thank you, thank you so much!”
While her friend was freaking completely she exchanged glances with . His face was red and he looked exhausted, but grinned from one ear to another.
After had finished in hugging her brother she flew into 's arms, laughing happily. watched them, feeling somehow so happy for them. They were so perfect for each other, she thought, and she knew they would be happy. But seeing them made her also feel bitter when she thought about her life. She knew she would never be in such a situation as they were now, happy and carefree, full of hope and pleasant anticipation of their common future.
She looked up and their eyes met. A long while none of them was reacting, then he turned away, about to leave the living-room.
“We need some champaign!”

They celebrated the new couple and planned the official engagement party. It was late when returned into the chamber she had resided as well whilst her last stays. She was exhausted by all the acting and she felt sick. She had acted happy and joyful, but inwardly she felt terrible. There was a tension between and her that only they seemed to notice, making her feel melancholic and sad. She waited until she heard return in his chamber, then she got up, sneaking silently downstairs.
She knew where she would find him. The door to the terrace was ajar and she went outside, making her way through the dark garden. She looked around, assuring herself that no one was watching her, then she disappeared behind the trees downwards to 's atelier. In front of the door she hesitated one second, but then pushed it open, entering.
When he noticed her he looked up, smiling.
“Hey... I knew you would...” he broke up when she threw the red rose angrily in front of his feet. He stared some moments at it, then looked up, gazing at her confused.
“A rose?! A stupid rose?! Where have you been? I was waiting for you! Why didn't you wake me up? Why did you come and then disappear without waking me up? Wh... !” her voice broke up and she let out an angry sigh, closing her eyes.
“, what is your problem?” he asked calmly, not really knowing why she was so upset.
She opened her eyes, an angry expression on her face. “My damn problem?!” she yelled at him. “My problem is you! I was waiting for you and you did not come, without telling me anything! I was waiting for you, every night!” she screamed, somehow feeling sorry for herself by hearing her own words.
“I am sorry, but I had things to do.”
She gasped for air. “Things to do...” she repeated him, staring at him disbelievingly. “My god, can you imagine that I was worried? I did not know where you were or what had happened, I asked myself if you are maybe dead or-”
“I am always dead, so what is the matter?”
She froze, staring at him aghast. “Do you think this is funny?!!” she eventually screamed at him at the top of her voice.
“No, I do not think that this is funny!” he returned, becoming angry as well.
“Where have you been???”
“, stop screaming like this!” he yelled incensed.
“Aaah!!” she clenched her hands. “Where have you been?” she screamed again, even louder than before.
“Woman, that is none of your damn business! Have you gone mad?”
“I have, because I did not know where you were! And do not talk to me like that!”
“What? It is you who started screaming like a madwoman!”
“Where. Have. You. Been!!?”
“, I say it again, this is none of your business and do not try to control me!”
“Okay.” she finally said, putting her hands on her waist. “What if I had not been there? When I suddenly had disappeared without a sign except this goddamn rose!”
“Don't talk like that. And you cannot compare that. You're a woman.”
“A woman?? What does it matter? There is no difference!”
“Of course there is!” he hissed annoyed.
“Yes.” she finally agreed with him. “The difference is that you made a promise, no actually two promises! And you broke both!” she screamed bitterly.
He inhaled, but said nothing, just stared at her. Irresolutely she looked around the atelier, and finally found his eyes again.
“Whatever. Do what you want to do, but without me. Why are you with me when you don't trust me?”
“What are you talking about now? Of course I trust you, I told you what I am, remember?!”
“You had no choice.”
“Oh, Mylady, I had a choice, believe me!”
“And I already told you to kill me and you didn't, so stop talking like that now!” she said harshly, about to lose her temper once again.
“What is your problem? , honestly, I don't get it. You come in, scream around like a lunatic and suddenly change the topic. Are you looking for a reason to have a fight with me?”
“No, but I think it is not too much if I ask you to trust me.”
“I do.” he said annoyed, shaking his head in disbelief. “Of course I do!”
“Yes.” she mumbled, looking down. “I saw it tonight. How could you even consider that I've betrayed you?”
“When?”
“Oh god, would you stop acting so stupid. You know what I am talking about!” she screamed.
“, he is observing me, okay?”
“What?”
“Your brother is observing me! He had sent some men to watch me. That is why I could not come. He has about three or four who guard your property, and two who are after me.”
“What, but...” she broke up, not knowing what to say. She was speechless. On the one hand she could not believe it, but on the other hand... She believed every word he had said. Of course she did, did not trust him, but she had not assumed that his mistrust was so deep. She touched her forehead, closing her eyes. “Oh god.”
Slowly she made her way to the piano, sitting down on the stool. “But how, I mean, why did he propose then...?”
“I don't know. He must really love her.” he sighed, kneeling down in front of her. “What did you tell him?”
“You still think I have betrayed you?” she asked hurt.
He shook his head, looking at her softly. “Of course I do not, but maybe you have said something...”
She shrugged, feeling somehow angry because he thought that she would maybe be so stupid to reveal his secret accidentally. But she swallowed it down, suddenly remembering something which made her groan upset.
“What?”
“I totally forgot!” she said loudly, looking up. “I-, oh my god, I completely forgot! The night I came to you... when... that night... I heard and talking.”
“You were eavesdropping again?” he furrowed one brow, giving her a slight smile.
“No, not purposely! And I can't see what is so funny about that!” she hissed, folding her arms in front of her chest.
He lifted his arm in defence. “No, it is not. What did you forget?”
“That was the reason why I came, actually...” She felt herself blushing. “I mean... forget it. The night you brought me home recognized your coat... he recognized the red stripes at the seem inside.”
“Oh shit.” he blurted out, running his hand through his hair, messing it up. “But when did he see it for the first time then?”
sighed. “The night you broke in my chamber... when Elizabeth McNeill...”
“Okay” he quickly said, sparing her to speak it out. “Bloody hell!” He got up, ruffling his hair once again.
“!”
“Sorry...” he mumbled, starting to pace up and down the room.
“Three days ago he asked me if I had lied to him when you brought me back, and if there was something between you and me. I said no, of course I did, and I tried to persuade him that there is no reason for mistrusting you... But it seems I only have made it worse. I am so sorry...” she mumbled upset, feeling guilty.
“No, don't be. It is not your fault... I should have thought about it, damn, this bloody coat!”

“What are we going to do now?” asked after a while, looking at him with a sorrowful expression.
He looked up, staring at her thoughtfully. “You won't do anything. He is your brother and I have caused you enough troubles... I will sort that out.”
“Sure, you do!” she mumbled annoyed. “You said they are observing you, what is now? Is someone watching us right now?” she asked, letting her gaze travel restlessly to the large windows.
“No. I have my property guarded as well, no one is able to come in. Your brother is here, maybe he had planned to have a eye on me himself tonight.”
“So he-”
“No... he had, hm, let's say he had a strong brandy. He will sleep until dawn at least.”
bit her lip, feeling uneasy. They were talking about , but she had the feeling they were talking about an enemy. How far had this already gone, and where is it going to lead? She looked down, swallowing. She had been afraid all the time, always having felt something threatening. But now the fear was nearly unbearable. She felt so lost, she did not want to betray her brother, nor she wanted to betray . She knew she was somehow sitting between two chairs.
After a while he came towards her, pulling her up from the stool. When their eyes met he smiled, caressing gently over her cheek. “It is quite late.” he mumbled before he leaned down, kissing her. When he opened his eyes again, he took her hand. “Come.”
She followed him as he made his way silently like a cat into the house, up to her chamber. When they were inside he made sure that the door was locked, then he turned to her, watching her. sat down on the bed, giving him a bashful smile when she noticed that he was staring at her.
“What?” she asked irritated, becoming nervous.
He shook his head, still smiling. “I've never thought that a la-dy” he stressed each syllable, “is able to scream and swear like you just did.”
Instantly her smile faded. She gave him a contemptuous glance, starting to pout.
“Hey, hey...” he started to laugh, leaning back at the wall. “I did not mean it, I mean, I think it is amazing! God, !” he continued laughing. “You cannot believe how much I love you, my raging pearl.” He stopped for a second, thinking, and when he became aware of the absurdness of his compliment he started to laugh again.
leaned back, biting her lip and watched him annoyed. “I don't think it's funny. At least not that funny.”
His laughter finally turned into a wide grin and he pushed from the wall, making his way towards her. He sat down next to her, resting his hand on her leg.
“Miss .” he said, looking her deep in the eyes. Or at least he tried, but she had already turned her head away, pouting. He started shaking her slightly, trying to get her attention.
“Miss , I beg your pardon for my rude behaviour. Is there any chance for me to make amends? ... Miss !”
“I am sorry, but no. Your acting was more than unacceptable!” she responded unmerciful, cocking her head.
“Mylady, I am your servant! Forgive me!” he begged theatrically.
“Hm... no. That is not enough!”
“Oh Mylady, just tell me what I can do? I would do everything to be forgiven, I cannot bear to be in disfavour with you!”
She turned towards him, suppressing her laughter. She made a proud face, pretending to think, then she looked at him. “I will tell you what I want.” She leaned towards him, whispering in his ear. “The brightest star in the sky.”
He drew back, looking at her for some moments. Suddenly he got up, bowing in front of her. “The brightest star it is... Right. Feel free to make yourself comfortable Mylady,” He gave her a wink, letting her know what he was talking about. “I will be right back!”
“What, but where...?”
He made his way to the window, jumping on the windowsill.
“!?” she called, getting up from the bed.
He turned around, blowing a kiss towards her, before he disappeared in the night.
“!” she called again, hoping no one else could hear her. She hurried to the window, looking down, but he was gone. A shiver ran down her spine as she noticed how high it was. And he had just jumped out of the window, she thought worried, shaking her head. A few moments later she went back to the bed, lying down and stretched. She stared at the ceiling, thinking about what he might bring her. Surely no star, although it would not really surprise her. She smiled, thinking about the things she had found out about him lately. Although she had acted otherwise a few minutes before she actually loved to hear him laugh. It was a deep and sincere laughter that always made her want to join him. To the others he was polite and charming, but always reserved, he never spoke too much about himself. Sometimes, as she got to know him, he was serious and cold and of course somehow bad, but the last weeks he had let her know that there were so many more sides of him. She had never thought it possible that he could be so romantic, lovely, sweet and so caring, apart from the fact that he had not come the three nights before. But she knew that she had already forgiven him. Finally she sat up, uneasy about what to do. Maybe she would really make herself a bit more comfortable. With a smile on her face she started to undress when suddenly a shadow appeared in front of the window, frightening her to death. She pulled the blanket over her bare upper body, staring at the open window. She sighed in relief when a moment later ' face appeared, before he entered the room, jumping from the windowsill.
“My god, could you stop frightening me all the time?”
“Paranoid?” he asked with a smirk, stepping towards her. “I thought you have already made yourself a bit comfortable, before I return!”
He positioned in front of her, eyeing her from head to toe. Finally his eyes clung at her breast, who were still covered with the blanket. He stuck out his hand in order to remove the linen, but jerked back, looking at him strictly.
“Sir, no star, no fun for you!” she stated firmly, narrowing her eyes.
He looked disappointed when he draw back, sticking his hand in his pocket. “The thing is...” he started, giving her an apologetic smile “I did not bring you the brightest star... but therefore I brought a bunch of glowing things for you... I hope...” he made his way to the window, closing the curtains to darken the chamber completely “you like it though.”
tried to adapt to the darkness, but she could not see anything. Suddenly she made out some sparkling lights, floating through the air. She gasped in surprise.
“Don't tell me you had them in your pocket.” she whispered, starting to giggle.
“I had.” his voice sounded near her.
“Oh no, , do you know how they really look? Like ugly, disgusting beetles!”
“Look at them. They're glowing, that's how they look like.” The bed declined under his weight when he sat next to her, carefully touching her bare shoulder. leaned against him, watching the green glowing fireflies in the air. He had brought at least twenty of these insects, thought touched, shuffling stoutly the thought away that these things could maybe draw too near to her.
“Are you satisfied, Mylady?” he whispered in her ear, stroking her hair away to get better access to kiss her neck. closed her eyes, shivering under his soft kiss.
“Not yet...” she returned, turning her head around. The light of the fireflies made his skin shimmer slightly and she searched for his lips, kissing him hungrily.
“Am I forgiven at least?” he asked breathlessly between their kisses.
“Not yet” she responded again, pushing him softly down on the bed while she placed herself upon him, undressing him.

Afterwards she cuddled into his arms, watching the fireflies. She had never assumed that some ugly insects could be so romantic, but that was just once again one thing he had proved her wrong. For a long while they did not speak a word, just laying there. was dwelling deep in her thoughts and soon her mind was wandering again in the direction she preferably ignored. But she could not. She asked herself how it would go on between them. She knew that was a hard thing and it troubled her so much that he made her life even more difficult with his behaviour, but she must admit that she would have probably acted the same way on his place. He was not stupid and she knew he would only stop his observing when he was completely sure that it was nothing to find. But if he really went on with it, then maybe there would be many more nights when they could not see each other. The thought troubled her, and again she felt this nagging fear inside of her.
“I don't want to be apart from you.” she suddenly said into the silence, snuggling against his chest.
He let out a sigh, starting to caress her shoulders. “I will find a way.”
“... I'm so afraid.” she whispered, having suddenly the urge to cry. She closed her eyes and clung at him, trying to get rid of this terrible feeling.
And finally she fell into sleep.

Chapter 14

The following days were much influenced by the preparation of 's and 's engagement party which should make their connection official. and were spending a few more days with them, planning the great event. She helped with the design of the invitation cards and with the choice and array of dishes while and were discussing the necessity of inviting certain persons as well as a few issues concerning 's dowry and a possible business connection between both families. They were sitting together, having some serious talks, but often found them laughing themselves silly about things they did not want to tell her. Even when she asked at nights, when he had made his way into her chamber and into her bed of course as well, she never got an answer, much to her indignation. She often wondered how they could act like best friends, but underneath this exterior be enemies. and were never talking about it, but she knew that he made sure every night that would sleep tightly. She still felt uneasy about it, being constantly torn between her brother and him. She enjoyed every little second they were spending together, although she could never shove away all her worries. There was always a bitter after taste when he gave her those sweet kisses, but she tried to take no account of it.
After four days and made on their way back home. The party was set two weeks later and it would take place at 's and 's. She had promised to help him and so she was very busy, spending most of her days with instructing the staff. It nearly killed her that she did not see . She was sitting at her windowsill, night by night, and waited for him, hoping he could make it. She knew that he tried nearly every night, but always when she could hear his faint whistle in the distance she knew that he would not be able to make it to her. Their last night they had talked about how to go on seeing each other and have agreed that he would only come if it was not too risky. She hated missing him, but it was much better than being caught by . She dared not to think about what would happen if he found out. She knew that would kill him, all friendship aside.
These days, contrary to her own feelings, was happy and easy, talking all the time about . He even had stopped seeing his favourite mistress, noticed. They of course never talked about such things, but she had often heard him leaving the house late at night and sometimes that woman even came to him, but since the engagement it had stopped. felt sick when she thought about one thing had told her at the ball.
He has women, mistresses, and I think he has quite a lot of them. But it does not make him happy.
She did not know if had stopped seeing them. To be honest, she did not know if it was true, but she could imagine quite well that he had some before she had appeared in his life. Every man had, she thought morosely, but he must have stopped! She felt her heart sinking when she thought about him holding and kissing another woman, making love to her as they always did. But somehow she knew it could not really be, could it? But maybe a man like him, a vampire, who was always hungry, did not have mistresses. It was way too dangerous and she could not imagine that he was able to control himself. She knew that it was always a torture for him to be with her, but she trusted him, knowing that she had nothing to fear as long as he loved her. He would never harm her; but what about these others he did not care for as much?

Half a week before the engagement party, when was completely busy and stressed, a well acquainted male voice appeared behind her, making her turn around instantly.
“!” she called when she looked into his sparkling eyes. “What brings you here? Want to help me?”
“Surely not.” he stated when he stared on the colourful serviettes she was folding. He pulled back a chair, taking a seat. He stretched and yawned, then gave her a bright smile. “So, no double wedding it seems... Unbelievable how quick she managed to get him, no?”
stopped with her work, looking up. “I couldn't believe it also. And really, I do not know what she has done, but he is eating from the palm of her hand, he is completely crazy about her!”
“I know, I just came from him. He wants me to be his groomsman. Honestly, I have the feeling that they want to get through their engagement time as soon as possible, not really caring about this party here.” He pointed at the huge table, that was about to decorate. “But it's quite understanding.”
sighed, giving him a weird gaze. “Of course.” she repeated ironically, continuing with her work.
“.”
“Hm?”
He got up, shoving the chair orderly back under the table, clearing his throat. “Would you walk with me a bit?” His gaze travelled over the room. “I think you could need a break, no?”
She sighed, following his gaze. “I would so need a break,” she agreed with him. “but you have no clue what still has to be done...”
“No, and I am so glad about it.” He walked towards her, offering his arm. “Let's go, come on!”
She finally linked arms with him, letting him lead her outside. Lately the weather had changed, the sun was hiding behind grey clouds and it was windy, actually a typical Irish day. loved these days much more than the sunny ones. She liked the sun as well, but it was not the same. She used to ride with Shadow to the beach, watching the high waves while the wind was messing up her hair. She had breathed in deeply, letting the freshness of the air fill her with life. She had closed her eyes, raised her hands and was spinning around, feeling so alive and strangely secure. It was her home, her place and her atmosphere where she was herself. Suddenly she stopped, staring at .
“Let us ride to the beach!”
“What?” He smiled, looking at her questioningly.
She pulled back, about to make her way to the stables. “Let us ride to the beach, right now!”
“, but... what about and...”
She turned around. “I don't care about him. What do you say?”
He hesitated one more moment, then came after her. “Whoa... hey! Wait, I'm coming!”

Half an hour later and were galloping along the beach, letting the water splash under the horse's hooves. She had not even taken the time to put on her riding suit and her good dress was already wet, but this was exactly what she had needed. When she stopped Shadow, turning around to wait for , the wind was blowing her open hair madly in her face, messing it up completely, but she let out a loud laugh, feeling so easy-hearted as she hadn't for weeks.
“My god, ! You're so crazy if I dare say!” he laughed breathlessly, stopping his horse.
“I am not, Sir. It is you who is too boring!”
“Whoa! That was a word!”
She loosened the reigns, making her mare walk slowly. rode next to her, watching her. Finally she turned towards him, nodding to the sea. “It is so wonderful, isn't it? I should do this much more often!”
He followed her gaze, watching the stormy sea. “Indeed. It makes you feel free.”
Silently they rode next to each other, each in their own thoughts. He was right, it makes you feel free, thought. For more than a week she had not seen , and still she was sitting every bloody night at her window, somehow knowing that he again would not come. She knew that it was not his fault, but she was mad at him again. If he had cared a bit more about his stupid coat, then everything could be different. Surely not everything, but they could at least see at night, as they used to. These feelings, the feeling of missing him and the feeling of anger she felt, made her feel like a prisoner within her own grief. She wondered if she could ever speed in a wild gallop along the beach with him. Probably not. He always would remain a dream, that could only be dreamed at night, while her days must be lived without him. She bit her lip, looking down. She knew that she could not decline that it was troubling her and she knew as well that it became worse. But surely it would change if they were able to meet again, she thought. Suddenly she saw a purple glimmering shell lying in the sand and she stopped Shadow, slipping down from her back. She bent down, taking it.
“Mylady?”
“A shell. I've never seen any of that kind before. Have a look!”
Meanwhile he had dismounted the horse as well, standing next to her. She gave it to him and he eyed it carefully from every side.
“I've seen such like that before, I think it was in Spain. Must be unusual for this area...” he mumbled specialistic.
looked up, scrutinizing him. “Really? You know about such things?”
He looked up as well, smiling. “To be honest, I have no clue. Whatever... Want to take it along?”
“Sure.”
He gave it back to her and his hand skimmed seemingly purposely over her skin, making her jerk. When she became aware of her overreacted behaviour she felt the heat creeping up her cheeks.
“I am sorry.” she mumbled completely embarrassed, trying to give him a smile. She knew she had failed, at the best she had smiled wryly at him, and she turned away.
“.” She suddenly felt his hand on her shoulder, forcing her to turn to him again. She bit her lip, not knowing in what a stupid situation she had put herself into once again. Finally she looked at him, feeling his hand taking hers while his eyes were piercing through hers. He cleared his throat.
“I am sorry. I didn't want to frighten you...” He sighed. “I just... oh heck... , I hope you do not think I'm imprudent or something. I just wanted to ask you...” He hesitated once again, taking a deep breath. She widened her eyes in fear. “Are you okay? Forgive me this question, but I was asking myself... this incident... well, it had not been long ago yet and everyone is so busy with the engagement... I just wanted to know if you are feeling better.”
She opened her mouth in surprise, thinking hard what he was talking about. Suddenly she understood and she sighed in relief, hoping it was not too obvious what she had been thinking. She looked down, smiling slightly. “I do, thank you.”
“I hope it was not too personal, I really do not want to offend you.”
“You do not.” she mumbled, looking down at his hand, still holding hers. Suddenly she felt a thick raindrop on her nose and she looked up, making an annoyed face. But inwardly she thanked god relieved for this very welcome excuse to get away from him. She knew that he liked her and she still hoped that he only responded her amicable feelings, but this what had just happened was too much, making her feel nervous. Unaware of 's uneasiness started to laugh, wiping the raindrop carefully away.
“So Mylady, what now? I told you, but you didn't want to listen!”
“Naa... it might stop.” she stated firmly.
Both looked up in the sky and joined his laughter when she saw the huge dark cloud that was right over them.
“I think it's about time to return. Shall we?” He offered her his arm, helping her to mount her mare.
“Thank you.”
The heavy drops were soon turning into a flood of rain, drumming down on them. They were riding as fast as they could, but they had no chance to arrive without being soaked to the bones anyhow. The wind made the rain beat hard against 's face, making it hard to see anything. Finally, after a seemingly neverending way, they rode through the entrance of Willow's Hall. Arrived in front of the great door jumped from his horse, helping down as well. She landed in a deep puddle, what made her start to laugh. She stepped back, letting know what he had done.
“Oh, forgive me!” he cried upset, but joined her laughter. He took the reigns of her horse as well while tried to get her hair, that was sticking on her skin, out of her face.
“That is so typical!” she yelled at , pulling the wet and clinging fabric of her dress away from her skin. When she looked up, laughing, she found his eyes, staring at her.
“What?” she called at him breathlessly.
He shook his head. “Nothing. Hell, where is that stable lad!” suddenly asked, holding the reigns helplessly in the air.
shrugged, still laughing. “He lets us standing in the rain it seems.”
“Haha! So what-” he suddenly stopped, staring at the door. followed his gaze and stopped laughing when she met two dark eyes, sparkling darkly at her. For a moment she was taken aback, not noticing the heavy rain that was still pouring down on them, nor , who yelled at and her brother, complaining about the sudden change of weather.
“Hell, , you're going to care for her when she's sick! And you'll be sorry if she's ill at the party!” laughed down at them, threatening with his finger.
“No problem, Sir! But would you let us in now? I'm wet to the bones! ?” turned to her, offering his arm. She looked up, swallowing, and let him lead her inside, not daring to cast a glance at . She just asked herself why he was here suddenly. had told her just this morning that would bring a day before the party, so why were they here already? She knew that she had gotten herself in trouble, his eyes had said everything. Her good mood had gone immediately and she felt terrible, but angry as well. How dared he looking at her this way when she had nothing done to blame herself for?
Arrived in the hall she let go of , sitting down on the stairs. She felt 's piercing glare on her when she bent down, taking off her wet shoes.
“Sister, honestly, what crazy thought made you leave your work and have a wild ride through the storm with ? It was your idea, was it not?” asked reproachfully, leaning against the banister.
“Kind of. It was my idea to walk a bit to the lake, but she then suggested to have a little ride to the sea, so... I hope it was no problem, !” defended her.
“No, as long as no one has seen her like this.” Finally his mouth curled up in a slight smile. “You're looking like a soaked rat. My god, , get upstairs and have a bath quickly. We have guests if you haven't noticed it. Soon be relatives, but still guests, and you firstly disappear and secondly, much worse, return in this appearance!”
“I am sorry.” she mumbled quietly, pushing up from the ground. “I even have not welcomed you, Mylord. I beg your pardon.”
With all her strength she looked into his eyes, trying to stay calm and act nonchalantly. His face enlightened by hearing her words and he made a step towards her, taking her hand and bent down to hint a kiss.
“No need to worry, Miss .” he said softly, giving her a nod. Feeling herself blushing she turned around, making her way upstairs. Vaguely she thought about the large puddles she would leave on every step she climbed, feeling sorry for the person who had to clean this, while she tried hard not to go insane under the three men's stares, following her. She sighed in relief when she had arrived in the chamber where her maid was already busy with preparing her bath.

Chapter 15

She let her head slip down into the water, snorting when she dived up again. She wiped the water and bubbles out of her face, opening her eyes. She leaned back, trying to relax and forget about her worries about the incident that had just happened, but it did not work. This time all her efforts were useless, everytime she closed her eyes she had his straight face and his furious eyes in mind, looking at her reproachfully and with a coldness that it nearly drove her out of her mind. She hated it when he was like that. It incensed her when he gave her those angry glares, but it hurt and frightened her when he looked at her coldly, and somehow contemptuously. She dived her face under the water again, letting it cover up her shame, sadness and anger, before she washed her hair, and got out of the bathtub, preparing herself for the evening. While fixing up her hair she thought about what sort of excuse he would have this time, when he would not eat with them. She wondered how he had managed until now without arousing their suspicion, but at least it was not her problem. He would sort it out. He sorted everything out, she thought sarcastically, clenching her hand. She cast one last glance into the mirror, eyeing herself carefully. She knew that she was looking different. Maybe she just imagined it, but she had the feeling that she was looking like somebody else. It was her of course, but her eyes were not the same, as well as her face and the way she moved her body. She shrugged, assuming that every woman changed after she had been with a man. She hoped that no one else noticed, but and the others were much too busy with the party preparations anyhow. One last time she found her own eyes, but when she noticed the look inside of them she quickly turned away, making her way down.

It was dinner like all the dinners before except that was seated next to and opposite of . She cursed inwardly when she took a seat, acting as if every thing was okay. Much to her indignation started to tell about their little trip and also about the beautiful shell she had found. He often turned to her, smiling at her, and could not complain, he was only charming and friendly, but she always felt 's gaze when she paid attention to 's stories. She was tired when it was time to go to bed, but she knew that her evening probably started only now. She said her goodbyes to everyone and went upstairs, sitting down on the bed when she had arrived in her chamber. Not much later there was a knock on the door and she got up, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. Then she opened the door, but when she looked up she gasped when she found standing in front of her.
“!”
“Have you expected somebody else?” He gave her a smile, leaning against the doorframe. “I don't want to cause any troubles, so I'll be quick. I just wanted to give that to you, it was still in my pocket.” He handed her the shell. “And I want to beg your pardon for the disturbance, Mylady.”
Staring down at the glimmering thing in her hand she smiled unsure. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” he whispered softly, staring a bit too long in her eyes. “Good night then.”
“Good night.”
She closed the door, waiting until the sound of his steps had disappeared. Then she turned around, putting the shell on the bedside table before sat down on the bed again. For some moments she was staring thoughtfully on the ground, but then her eyes travelled back to the shell. It's colour glimmered beautifully in the candlelight and she thought back to the scene on the beach. Before she had mounted her horse had taken the shell, putting it safely in his pocket. She wondered why he had not waited until the following day to give it back to her. But somehow she thought to know why he had not. It frightened her when she thought about his possible feelings towards her. She had always thought they were not more than friends, he had agreed with her without hesitation that it was impossible to marry and had planned how to get out of this situation. She took the shell, looking at it. She so wished that would be like . Why could he not be in his position? Human, alive and the best friend of her brother... She sighed, feeling the well-known feeling rising up again.
More than an hour had passed by and her brother was already in bed for quite a long time, but he still did not come. got up, wondering what had kept him from doing so. Maybe he had to sort something out again, she thought morosely. She decided that she would look after him and silently opened the door, making her way out on the floor. When she stood in front of his door she hesitated one moment, hoping it was the right chamber. Not to think if she stood in front of 's, 's or 's door! She dared not to knock, so she opened the door quietly, slipping inside. When she had closed it behind her she turned around, trying to see something in the darkness. The window was open and the curtains were blowing in the light wind. Quietly she walked there, casting a careful glance outside.
“What do you want?” his voice sounded suddenly behind her, making her flinch. When she turned around she noticed that he was sitting on the bed, arms rested on his knees, staring at her. She wondered why she had not seen him before. She eyed him for a moment, and although she was still quite angry with him, and also expected that he would make her a scene, she felt suddenly a wave of tenderness overcoming her. He was sitting in silence, looking sad and lonely. Slowly she made her way towards him, standing in front of him. With her hands she clasped his head, pulling him softly towards her. After a moment of hesitation he let it be, leaning against her, letting her caress his hair.
“Have you again lost your faith in me?” she whispered. After a while she felt him slightly shaking his head before he put his arms around her hips, pulling her near, burying his face into her stomach.
“Oh .” She closed her eyes, swallowing. “I love you so.”
She kept fondling softly his head until he finally moved, getting up. He looked down into her eyes and she had the feeling that her heart would break into thousand pieces, not able to handle with the feelings his look rose up inside of her. Her breath became unsteady as she tried to fight down her tears. “Oh god, I love you so.” she repeated, feeling a single tear run down her cheek. Firmly he wiped it away, clasping her face with his both hands.
“I'm going to kill him if he takes you away from me.” he whispered, drawing nearer. “And then I'm going to kill you.” With that he pressed his lips upon hers, kissing her hungrily. His hands wandered down, grabbed her arms and jerked her toward him. When her body crushed against his she gasped, struggling for breath. He ignored it, not stopping his kiss. “Don't you ever dare... don't you...” he mumbled breathlessly, suddenly lifting her up. He pushed her against the wall, slipping down the fabric of her nightgown to free her breasts. His hand circled around her nipple, letting it harden under his fingers, before he cupped her breast firmly, making her groan in pain.
“, please.” she whispered soothingly, trying to calm down his hot temper. He was angry, she could tell from the rude way he was holding and kissing her. She knew that he would not be soft, would hurt her, but she then noticed surprised that it would kill her if he stopped now. Suddenly a shiver ran down her spine and she leaned her head back, breathing heavily.
“Please what?” he murmured huskily. “Please stop... or please have me hard?”
His hand roamed under her gown, wrenching down her slip. She gasped when she heard the fabric tearing up, but her sounds were instantly stopped by his lips, kissing her fiercely. She felt him fumbling at his trousers, opening the buttons and then he pushed at her slippery entrance, hesitating one moment.
“Damn you, bitch.” he mumbled irately before he rudely pushed inside of her, making her cry out in pain. His hand let go of her waist, grabbing her wrists to pin her against the wall while he began to move, hard and angry. tilted her head to the side, closing her eyes while she stopped breathing, preventing herself from crying out loudly. Merciless he was thrusting into her again and again, and finally she couldn't hold her breath anymore, screaming. Within an instant he put his lips upon hers again, silencing her. “Shut...up!” he growled between his kisses, breathing heavily. Suddenly he stopped, his hands letting go of her wrists, grabbing her hips. He turned around, and without letting go of her let them fall on the bed.
With one heavy movement he tore her gown apart, keeping her silent with his lips. moaned, grabbing firmly the bedsheet while he continued his cruel game. She could hear the blood pulsating in her veins loudly, or was it the rhythmic creak of the bed? did not know, and somehow did not care. And suddenly, when she was at a point where she thought not to bear it anymore, she noticed that the pain he caused her was turning into something else. She opened her eyes, looking at him. He returned her gaze, in his eyes sparkling darkly with a mixture of anger and lust. Seeing his look made her tremble, and she closed her eyes, leaning back, not able to control herself anymore. He speeded his pace, making her cry out with lust. Her body started to squirm under him and he grabbed her firmly, stopping her. When he slowed down again she let go of the sheet, putting her arms around his hips, ordering him to thrust harder.
“No...you...oh please...” she moaned, begging him for giving her what she needed. He suddenly stopped, grabbing rudely her face, kissing her fiercely.
“Tell me you never look at him that way again!” he ordered.
“I won't, I won't!”
“You are mine!” he growled, starting to move. “Say it!”
“I am... only yours!”
After hearing this he continued, giving her what she had begged for, and even more. It was a mixture of pain and lust that finally took her over the edge, making her loose herself completely. Her nails were clawing his skin when her body and her mind were overwhelmed by the feeling with such an intensity she had never thought it possible. He kept her mouth shut with his hand, trying to silencing her screams when he soon after her climaxed as well.
Afterwards she felt herself drowning in a peaceful floating state. She was fully awake, her mind was completely clear as her heartbeat normalised and her spasms slowly decreased. She lay on her back, staring in the darkness, feeling heavenly relaxed and calm. She felt every part of her body, no pain, but it seemed as if her skin was so sensitive for the slightest touch. The light wind from outside was caressing her skin, warm and gentle, and she finally closed her eyes, feeling her body move with every breathe she took.
At some time she opened her eyes again, looking for him. Still fully dressed he sat on the edge of the bed, looking down. She let her gaze travel over his body, the muscular arms which had held her so often. She thought back on their first kiss, down in the atelier. She had thought that he was contrasting, and she noticed that he even made her feel so. In his presence she felt strong, but in the same time weak, she felt happy while she felt sad, she was angry while she wanted to kiss him tenderly. And she loved him although she hated him. And she hated him while she loved him. He had such a huge impact on her and she did not know if she should feel happy or frightened.
Finally she touched carefully his leg, making him look at her. She stopped breathing for a moment when she saw his serious expression, frightening her.
“” she whispered. “... please hold me!”
He gazed away, standing up. He walked to the window, looking outside. sat up, but did not dare to speak. After a while he turned around, giving her a long look. Hopefully she returned his gaze, fearing what he might say. She only could assume what was going on inside him, but she knew it troubled him and so might be of course not be pleasant for her as well.
“...” he suddenly cleared his throat. “... you 're killing me. You're tearing up the last bit of me I still have... Oh, my pearl.”
She looked down, trying to swallow down the heavy lump in her throat. She tried not to start crying, but could not stop the tears from running down her cheek.
“” he whispered again, slowly walking towards her. He knelt down in front of the bed, leaning over to wipe her tears away. “Stop crying... I cannot bear this.”
She felt him taking her hands, kissing each one. “Love... look at me.”
She looked up, locking eyes with him. For a while he was not speaking, but then he draw nearer, resting his forehead against hers.
“... tell me,” he whispered, “tell me... will you be my wife?”
She stopped breathing, not daring to believe what he just had said. She jerked back, staring at him confused while she started to cry again. Her hand flew in front of her mouth and she let out a faint sob.
“Will you be my true wife?” he continued, looking her deeply in the eyes. “Will you stay with me? And leave everything behind? Leave that place and come with me somewhere else, where no one knows us?”
“I will.” she whispered with a choked voice, letting the tears run down her face. “Oh ... you don't have to ask me. Of course I will.”
He leaned over and kissed her tear-strained lips, pulling his arms around her. “You're all I'm existing for, my pearl.”

Chapter 16

The following days were busy, the whole day until deep in the night people were rushing through the house. The kitchen was looking like a battle-field as the cooks had to start preparing the food two days before the event. only helped with the last decorations of the huge wooden table, where the dinner would take place. The rest of the time she spent with , helping her to choose one of the four dresses she had freshly received by her tailor the morning before the party. and her were finally ordering her to put on a cute light blue one, matching perfectly to her eyes. wished to have perfect hair, she had troubled herself for weeks with the choice of a fitting hairstyle and no one else than , who was by far the skilfullest hair styler knew, was allowed to touch her head this day. For a while watched them before she chose the fitting jewellery for her friend.
When they finally had finished with the future bride stood in front of her friend, watching her satisfied. It had taken about three hours to get her ready, but she must admit that it had been worth it. She was looking like an angelic princess and knew that she would be the prettiest woman tonight.
“!”
The called one turned around, panic in her eyes. “What? Something with the dress? Or hair?” she asked hysterically, casting a frightened glance into the mirror.
“No. Actually I wanted to say that you're perfect and... if wasn't already in love with you he would fall for you tonight.” she said softly, giving her friend a sincere smile.
“Oh !” she whispered, making her way toward her, hugging her tightly. “!” lifted one arm, signing at her sister to join their hug as well. For quite a long time the three women stood like this, leaned against each other. Finally paced back, smiling. “Come on, let us stop being so sentimental! We have to celebrate tonight!”
“Indeed.” mumbled, wiping her tears away. When she noticed 's tear-strained face she started to laugh and was soon joined by her.
“Oh god, we are like these old sentimental and hysteric ladies. Hmm...” growled, blowing her nose. “I always swore to myself that I would never be like them... Look at us. We are twenty and already like this.”
“Oh yes.”
Watching tidying up the mess in the room sat down on the bed, leaning back on her arms. She knew that she had to prepare herself for the evening as well, they had only two hours left until the first guests would arrive, but she was far too lazy and too tired to get up. After she had asked him if he had only proposed to her because he wanted to get away from her, he had been still. After a long while he had said that this was a reason as well, but it was not hurt pride that made him ask her, it was the thought of losing her that drove him insane and the feeling that he must have her as close to him as ever possible. knew as well that he knew that she suffered under their situation; all the acting, the fear and the hiding were making her sick, and he seemed to think to make it at least a bit more bearable for her. He had told her his plans and she had agreed, but again with a laughing and a crying eye. She was aware of the fact that she could not have both, her life that she had led until now, including her family, her home and her friends, or him. She loved him and would do everything for him, but it pained her that they would have to leave. It was impossible to stay, even as a properly married couple. It was hard for him to hide his true identity, but with her as his wife it was much harder, above all when it came to daily activities such as picnics, tea and dinner parties. A single man always found an excuse, business or whatever, but when he had a wife he was expected to join these occasions, especially the first year of their marriage. As well people would start to wonder why never became pregnant. She swallowed when she thought about this topic. As a little girl she had always dreamed of a husband who looked like a prince, and a bunch of sweet kids. Again her thoughts travelled back to . He was tall, handsome and charming, in fact, he was very near to her imagination of a prince, and with him she could have all that. But she did not love him. When she again saw the face of in front of her inner eye she felt ashamed of what she just had been thinking, looking down. She knew that he loved her with everything he had and he would do everything for her to make her happy. Or would he? Their love was not carefree or sweet, it was passionate, fierce and desperate, full of the the heaviest emotions. It drove her insane, as well as him. She sighed, knowing that her decision was right. She would go with him wherever he would take her and she would do her best to create them a life as ordinary as possible.
When she looked up she suddenly noticed that was not listen to 's hysteric gossip but eyed her thoughtfully. She gave her a quick smile, getting up.
“Ladies, I am going to prepare for the party.”
She stretched and yawned, then made her way to the door.
“Wait!” suddenly stopped her, grabbing the rest of 's dresses. “What do you think about wearing this one?” She held the golden dress in front of her body, giving a questioning glance.
“Oh yes!” called, making her way to . “That would fit perfectly to you. Look, how perfect it matches to her eyes and her hair!”
“Oh, I don't think-”
“Stop thinking! Put that on!” ordered, putting a sharpness in her voice that closed her mouth, stopping contradicting her.
and helped her to get rid of her gown, then put her in the golden-crème dress. Critically the both women scrutinized her, plucking from time to time at the fabric. Finally smiled, turning to . “ was right!” she suddenly said, making gasp.
“?” she asked, starting to giggle nervously.
“I know that you rather hear a compliment by , but said after seeing this dress, that it would fit you way better than me!” answered instead with a little pout on her face. She gave her friend a wink, pushing her slightly on the shoulder. “But he was right I have to admit.”
Suddenly stood next to her, beginning to brush her long hair. “By the way, he also mumbled something of a pearl or so...”
Immediately looked up, meeting 's eyes in the mirror. And within the second she stared in 's straight face she noticed that she knew something. She stopped breathing for a short moment, but then regained her composure, smiling.
“He must have meant the shell I found when I was on the beach with .” she laughed.
“Yes, probably.” responded nonchalantly, concentrating on 's hair.
A bit later she mumbled excusably that she had to look for a fitting necklace and left 's chamber, heading for her own. When the door closed behind her she walked to the mirror, leaning down to wash her heated face. She was angry with herself because of her conspicuous behaviour, she knew she has given herself away by her uncontrolled reaction. She closed her eyes, sighing. She did not know if knew anything or just assumed, but she knew for sure that would have never said something like that about her in front of his sisters, never! She must have heard something, or watched them, or whatever. She put her hand on her forehead, massaging her temples. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. looked up, fixing the door through the mirror.
“Come in!” she called, assuring herself with one glance at her that she was looking fine. When the door opened she gasped when entered the room, closing the door firmly behind herself. Then she turned around and stared at without saying something. Finally, for an eternity, she moved, making some steps towards her.
“ is downstairs, downing a glass of champagne. She is much too hysterical if I dare say so.” she smiled. smiled back, knowing that this gesture was only something to relax the tensed atmosphere that was in the room. then scrutinized the chamber and suddenly her eyes glued on one thing. followed her gaze, swallowing when she caught sight of the red roses in the vase on the bedside table.
“I never knew that he was romantic.” she said, looking at again. She turned around to face , shrugging. She put her hand on the table, supporting her weakening knees. breathed in, still staring at her. “How long?”
“What?” asked stupidly.
“How long have you already been together?”
looked down, not knowing what to respond. She shrugged, pressing her lips together. Finally she looked up, about to cry. She knew that it made no sense to deny it. “Oh ...” she whispered sadly, shrugging once again. She suddenly felt ashamed, knowing that a cheep whore, but not a lady, would behave like this, like kissing and sleeping with a man she was not married to. She had never thought about herself like this, because of their special situation, but at least it was like that.
“Do you love him?”
felt her eyes filling with tears. “I do.” she whispered scarcely audible.
“Does he love you back?”
She nodded.
did not respond, just watched her silently. knew that she, or maybe they, were in trouble. She did not know what would do. She had liked her, thought well of her, but right then she had not the slightest clue how she was going to react. She kept silent as well, waited afraid what she might say or do next.
“, how could you do this? Why did you let him use you like a, like a...” she broke up, making her way slowly to and put her arms around her. Surprised lifted her head, looking at in complete confusion.
“I will have a word with him. He cannot treat you like this!” she mumbled angrily, clenching her teeth.
“What?”
paced back, staring at her.
“I said I have a word with him. You have to marry!”
stared at her open-mouthed, not believing what she had just said. She had expected everything, but not that was on her side, misunderstanding the whole matter.
“He did not... I mean... I came freely to him.” she managed to say, biting her lower lip.
“Oh... okay, but that does not change anything. I mean, I did not say that he forced you or...” she took a breath. “I meant that I am going to sort out that he marries you.”
shrugged, turning away. “How did you find out?” she asked quietly, staring out of the window.
“I could not sleep and I saw you the other night when you were sneaking in his chamber.”
felt her face heating up and heard the blood pulsating in her head, feeling completely embarrassed. She could only assume what had heard. “Oh god.” she moaned, pressing her eyes shut, covering her burning face in her hands.
“Hm... I... I went, I did not. I mean, I came after you, curious whose chamber it was and then I heard you talking. I did not understand everything, only... only that he was threatening you, wasn't he? But you said you loved him and I... I was shocked, I quickly left... so, if you...if... I did not hear anything.” she said, as if she was able to imagine well why felt so ashamed after hearing that she had been awake this night. When looked up she saw that her friend's face was at least as pink as hers probably was. Suddenly she turned around, making her way to the door.
“You can trust me, I will not tell anyone, except... I am looking for him, I will make him marry you.”
“No, don't!” blurted. She made her way to the door, blocking 's way. She gave her an apologetic smile, signing her to sit down on the bed.
“, you are my friend. He cannot treat you like this. He has to make you his proper wife. You have to marry... or you have to end it! As quick as possible! Just think about the reaction of the people if the truth comes out. It does not bare thinking about!”
“Listen, no one...”
“Stop!” raised her hand in the air, making break up. “I am not doing this! I give you two days, whatever there is going on between you, in two days you have ended it or I will hear of your official engagement. You cannot act as if this is only your concern, it is mine as well. Our families are linked from now on, if it ever came out... , I am not paying the price for your misbehaviour. You are my friend and he is my brother, both of you have a special meaning to me, but no!” With that she opened the door, stepping outside.
“!” called upset. She hesitated, turning around once more.
“What... what if we do not manage?”
“You will... Forgive me, my friend, but this is the only way.” she responded quietly, before she slammed the door behind her, leaving with quick steps.

Blind from all the tears of rage and desperation she rummaged the fourth time madly in her drawer, looking for the necklace she had planned to wear this night. Finally she pulled it out of the wardrobe, letting out a scream in frustration when it fell out of her hands, spilling down on the ground with a loud crash. Exhausted she let her body sink on the floor as well, sobbing angrily. All her jewellery was spread over her chamber, earrings, brooches, necklaces, circlets and much more. Most of the things were special heirlooms from her mother, grandmother or even great-grandmother. She loved them, always feeling the comforting presence of her ancestors like an aura that was around her. She took one brooch she had gained from her mother when she was a child, eight or nine years. It had a golden frame and in the middle was an amber, sparkling in the candlelight. With her fingers she drew carefully along the beautiful stone, sighing. How she was missing her mother. She felt so lost lately, not knowing what to do. She longed for her mother's smile and her tight hug, assuring her with her soft voice that everything will be fine. She pressed the brooch at her heart, letting out a faint sob. Her mother had told her, that this fine brooch would always save her from witches, demons and vampires. When she wore it she must not be afraid of anything, she had said, before she had taken her in her arms, calling her her little amber. Since then she had always taken it into her bed when she was afraid of the dark and it had always made her feel safe. She knew that had written their parents that he was going to marry soon, wishing them to be here for this great event, but he and knew that it was much too far to just leave Saint George's and return home. His father had risen a factory in the West Indies and had planned to stay there with his wife at least until everything was going well and he had found someone who was trustable and of course qualified to run it for him. Three years they had already been there and had no clue when they would eventually return. But she hoped soon. If she really went with him she must see her parents before they would leave! She looked down on it again, regretting that she was not able to wear it tonight, but it would not fit to her dress. She lay it back and started to put everything back on it's place. When she was ready and finally found the necklace she had been looking for there was suddenly a silent knock on the door. She turned her head around and opened her mouth in surprise when she saw a piece of paper shoved through the slit under the door into the room. She got up, grabbing it. When she opened it and read the words written in an artificial handwriting her lips curled up in a bright smile and she wiped away her tears with certainty. Five minutes later, after checking her appearance in the mirror, she made her way downstairs, hoping she was able to escape unseen. But after casting a quick glance inside of the dining-room she knew that no one would notice her absence, they were still terribly busy with the last preparations. It was only an hour until the guests would arrive, she noticed.
The evening sun was shining through the trees, casting long shadows of the branches on the green grass. made her way to the end of the huge garden, to the shore of the lake. The orange light was reflected by the surface of the water and shielded her eyes to protect from the bright light. She wondered why he was out so early. She knew that the sun could not kill him, but he had once told her that the daylight made him feeling sick, and when the sun directly shone on his skin, it hurt him like a thousand stabs of a knife. She wandered along the shore, heading for the crooked willow. Its branches hung down on the grass and in the shallow water of the lakeshore, making someone who was under it feel like in a green cave. When she arrived she silently entered the access to their secret meeting place.
“!” he said softly when he noticed her, giving her a smile that made her knees weaken. She went straight into his arms, putting his lips upon his. When she broke the kiss she put her arms around his neck, looking him in the eyes.
“Promise me that you will never leave me.” she said, “no matter what happens. Promise me to stay always with me.”
His soft look changed first into surprise and then into suspicion as he heard her words. He rose one brow, waiting for her to continue, knowing that something must have happened.
“ knows.” she blurted, letting go of him.
“ knows?” he repeated her disbelievingly, widening his eyes.
“ knows. She gave us an ultimatum of two days: Either we split up or we engage officially. But before she promised me not to tell anyone. I do not know what she's going to do if...” She stopped, sighing. “She wanted to force you to marry me, she was mad, thinking you're using me!”
“Jesus Christ!” He put his hands on his forehead, a confused look upon his face. “But how...?”
“Watched me when I entered your chamber the other night... Don't ask, I do not know. She said she went after hearing you say that you're going to kill me.” looked down, fumbling at some twigs. “Isn't it funny that my brother falls in love with your sister, I fall in love with you... and we have to fight against my brother and your second sister.” She smiled wryly, feeling again so lonely and vulnerable. She had the feeling that she could trust only him, but no one else. She had to be against her brother, against , somehow against as well, could not be friends with . But here was only herself and him, and she sometimes had the feeling that she went mad if she was not able to tell anyone about her relationship with . She had no one to share her happy moments with, no one she could lean on and cry her heart out when she was missing him or had a fight with him. She was always alone, having to handle with her feelings on her own.
When she looked up she saw that he eyed her thoughtfully out of the corner of his eyes. Slowly he made his way to her, grasping her hands, looking down on her.
“I have meant to make you smile... or at least I have hoped to do so. But you are again so sad... don't be, please.” He leaned down, kissing her forehead. He entwined his fingers with hers, gently caressing her hand with his thumb. “I will talk with her after dinner. She will understand.”
“Sure.” whispered sarcastically, closing her eyes in annoyance.
“And if she will not... I meant what I have said, and I still mean it. I am going to marry you and make it official, and if it has to be I do it in two days time. ... don't be afraid. Everything will be fine.”
“You sort that out, don't you? You sort everything out.” she mumbled reproachfully.
“Yes, if it is necessary I sort everything out.” he replied, imitating her annoyed tone. Finally he shook his head. “God, we're doing it again!”
“The fighting?” looked up, giving him a slight smile. He smiled back, kissing the tip of her nose. “Yes, but I love our making-ups. But hey, I did not make you come here to tell me troubling things and than have a fight, I wanted to show you something.”
's smile widened. “Indeed? What?”
“Come.” He took her hand, leading her to the water. He made a serious face, letting his gaze travel from the grassed shore back to her dress. Finally he raised his hand up in the air, making a gesture of indifference.
“God, I have not assumed that you would wear such a beautiful dress, which... if I dare say...” he tilted his head to the side, giving her a breath-taking smile. Her smile turned into a bashful laughter and she felt herself blushing, wondering what an immense impact he still had on her.
“My pearl... I have never seen a woman more beautiful than you.” he whispered sincerely, looking at her full of love and tenderness.
She looked down. “Don't you say this.”
“It is the truth, Mylady.” He looked down as well, watching her for a while. “My god, what is happening here?” he finally said. “I'm feeling like a fifteen year old schoolboy. Enough of that!”
With that he placed in front of her, bursting again into laugh when their eyes met.
“So...” mumbled, looking at him expectantly.
“So... actually I did not want to show you something... rather give you something... close your eyes.”
Instead of closing her eyes she widened them curiously, staring at him.
“...” he stressed each syllable, pretending to be annoyed. “Close! Not open.”
She finally did, listening to the sounds he was making when he took something out of his pocket.
“What is it?” she whispered.
“It is...” he stood behind her, gently putting her hair to the side to free her neck. “something I thought about when I first saw you. I was looking at you and I knew that it was made for you, because it is only worth to be worn by you.... my pearl.”
She felt something cold on her skin, noticing that it was a necklace. She shivered by his gentle touches, fumbling on the back on her neck to close it. Her hands flew to the pendant, gasping when she felt a cold little stone in her palm. She opened her eyes, looking down. It was a golden necklace and in the middle, framed in gold, a pale shimmering pearl, maybe the largest and fairest one had ever seen.
“Oh ...” she breathed, trying not to start crying again. Slowly she turned around, swallowing. “It must be much too precious.”
“Stop talking such stupid things.” he smiled down at her, making her heart pond like mad. “It is from my mother.”
touched it once again, completely overwhelmed. “I cannot accept it.” she whispered, shaking her head.
“You have to.” He cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “She gave it to me, telling me that it was always given to the eldest son, as a present for his future wife. She told me that I have found the love of my life when these pearls are looking at her as if they were only made for this special lady. ...” he suddenly smiled. “if you want me, you have to accept it. Otherwise...”
“Artful fellow.” she mumbled. “So all or nothing at all?”
He just shrugged. “All or nothing at all. Your choice.”
“Thank you.” she whispered, deeply moved. “Oh thank you so much.”
“Don't... it was yours the day my mother gave it to me. But I first had to get to know you to find out.” he smiled. looked at him one more moment before she wrapped herself in his arm, burying her face in his neck. Gently he pulled her near, resting his chin on her head and caressed the bare skin on her shoulders.
“” he suddenly whispered. “, I haven't finished yet.”
She looked up, wondering what would come next. “Finished?” she asked, furrowing one brow.
“Yes, but you interrupted me with your many thank yous, so shhhhh... This time let me finish.” he asked her, smiling down at her. She gave him a nod, returning his smile.
“There is one more thing...” he again took something out of his pocket. It was a little white case, embellished with a blue silk ribbon. He handed it , intimating her to open it. She did and gasped again when she found the fitting earrings. “Oh ...” she mumbled “it is so beautiful.”
“As you.” he responded. “But close it now. There is one more thing...”
She looked up, not daring to assume what the one more thing was. With a mad pounding heart she did what he had told her, giving it back to him. She swallowed when he took her hand in his, wondering again how small hers were in comparison to his.
He cleared his throat, looking at her. “I know you cannot wear it tonight... but even so...” he suddenly had the fitting ring in his hands, putting it on her right ring finger. “My wife...”
stared down at it, a thousand things rushing through her mind, but she could not make one clear thought. She was completely stunned, not knowing how to react or say in return. When she looked up her sight was blurred with tears.
“I know that I cannot give you what you actually deserve and I do not know what the future will bring, or if we even have a future... but I want you to know that I would do everything I can to make you happy, even if this is not much.”
“It is enough.” she whispered in a choked voice, letting a tear run down her cheek. “It is much more than enough.”
“It is not and you know it.”
She gave him a helpless shrug, trying to smile. She did not care if it was enough or not, it was enough that he had assured her to do everything he was able to. And more was not necessary.
“Better you give me less and try your best as the other way round. I will be a happy woman when I can be sure of your love. That is all I need. Oh ... I cannot wait to be your proper wife.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him near to kiss him. He leaned down and closed his eyes, putting his lips on hers, but then he jerked back. Confused she looked at him.
“, do you know what handfasting is?” he suddenly asked, taking her hand.
“Handfasting? No... not exactly? A sort of temporary marriage?”
“I have first heard of it when I was in Edinburgh. In the secluded parts of the Highland a man and a woman could be handfast, vowed to each other for one year and a day, because it is not often that a priest is around. Within this time they have to find a priest and marry properly- or not.”
There were some moments of silence. looked down, watching the golden ring with the white pearl, so beautiful on her finger. It suited perfectly, as if it had been made for her, she noticed. Finally she looked at him, noticing that he was watching her seriously. She swallowed, her hand tightened in his. “I do.” she whispered scarcely audible, pressing her lips together.
He scrutinized her face for a moment before he finally nodded, taking a deep breath.
“Alright... I, , take you ...” he broke up, looking at her questioningly.
“ .”
“I, ” he started again, “take you to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health...” He hesitated, giving her a wry smile. “Whatever... , I will love you and honour you all the days of my life.”
“Or whatever.” she added, making him roll his eyes.
“Do not make fun of it. Now you!”
nodded, licking her lips. She took a deep breath, trying to relax, then she started with a quivering voice. “I, , take you to my husband. I promise you to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life.”
For a moment both kept silent, stunned. Then he finally took both of her hands, kissing each one. “... my wife.” he mumbled, smiling down at her. She tried to smile back, but noticed instead that some tears were running down her face again. He gently touched her face, wiping them away. “Don't you cry.” Then he leaned down, kissing her slowly.
Suddenly they heard some voices nearby, making them break apart quickly. They were looking at each other in shock before looked around, signing to that some people were at the end of the garden.
“The necklace and the ring!” she mumbled harassed, starting to fumble at the necklace's clasp. He made some steps to the shore of the lake, pretending to watch something. Finally, when she had put the jewellery off she went towards him, standing next to him, handing him the pearls inconspicuously.
“!” she whispered.
“Hm?”
“I have so often imagined my wedding ceremony... but I have never imagined it so romantic. It was more than I have ever dreamed of... thank you.”
Out of the corner of her eyes she saw him looking down, smiling. He grasped her hand, squeezing it lightly before he let go of her, bending down, watching the water.
“Miss , have a look. It is a rainbow trout!”
She noticed that the people were quite near. “Oh, really!” she called loudly, leaning down. “Indeed! What a huge fish!”
“... that is no huge fish!” he whispered, suppressing his laughter.
“Whatever!” she whispered back, shrugging. She got up again, looking down on the pond and when she heard steps behind them she turned around.
“Oh, what a coincidence! Lord , look, there are some more who had chosen to have a promenade to the lake! Lady Emily! Lord Beckett!” she called out, waving at them with a big smile. They slowly approached, casting curious glances at .
“Lady Emily, did you know that Lord knows so much about fishes? Have you ever seen a rainbow trout? Come over and have a look!”
When turned around again, facing , she found his eyes glinting dangerously at her. She bit her lip, closing her eyes, suppressing her laughter. She knew her acting was so ridiculous, and he would reveal them by laughing out loudly if she went on with it. She finally opened her eyes, avoiding his gaze and ordered him to show Lady Emily the huge fish, while she stood next to Lord Beckett, starting to discuss the nice weather. A bit later they made their way back to Willow's Hall. When she climbed the stairs to the huge terrace she found next to her, offering her his arm. She gave him a smile and let him lead her to the dining-room. “...” he whispered before he let go of her. “Meet me at the pond... at two.” Squeezing her hand once again he let go of her, disappearing into the crowd of guests.

Chapter 17

They had dinner and she was again seated next to . She knew that had arranged it, still not giving up her plan to get them married. The dinner was quite nice, about fifty people were around, and to 's great pleasure, Josephine, her oldest sister, as well. They haven't seen for about a year, she lived in Cork, married with children and before dinner had started they had been sitting at the pond, talking and gossiping as if it was the last thing they would do. After a while noticed that was very quiet what was quite unusual about him. They barely talked, but was somehow glad about it. She was very busy to keep herself from looking at all the time. It was as if he was a magnet and she one of the poles, attracted by his strong pull. She tried to keep her suspicious behaviour within grinning stupidly. When finally asked her why she was so happy she responded, that it was the pleasure about her brother's engagement with her best friend, making sure that the people around her heard it as well. She let out a sigh of relief when the dinner was finally over and the people spread into different directions, some outside into the smooth night, others on the dance floor. When she stood with and , who acted as if the talk in 's chamber had never taken place, she felt suddenly someone touching her arm. When she turned around she saw next to her, handing her a glass of champaign. He joined their conversation and a few minutes later and were gone, leaving her alone with him.
“It is a nice party.” said, watching all the people. “I think it was worth all the work, wasn't it?” He turned to , smiling down at her.
“It was, yes.” she mumbled, fumbling with her fingers on her glass. She felt uncomfortable, not knowing what to talk with him.
“... would you walk a bit with me? Just down to the pond... It is so loud here...”
She bit her lip, trying not to let him notice her uneasiness. She thought hectically about a reason to decline, but she had none. Why would she not go with him to the pond? So she accepted her fate, letting him lead her down into the garden. He started a conversation about some of the guests, but nothing of importance and had the dim feeling that he was up to something. When they had arrived at the pond she turned to him, starting to talk about unimportant things, letting a stream of words patter down on him. She told him about her mare, about the preparations of the party, about 's dress, about...
“... !”
“What?!” she finally stopped, catching her breath.
“What is your problem?”
She felt herself blushing. “N-nothing?” she said, staring at him carefully. When he stepped towards her she stopped breathing, not knowing what to do. She looked around, but no one was here, they were completely alone. She swallowed, looking at him again.
“, I...” she started, but he suddenly touched her shoulder, pulling her near to kiss her. When she felt his lips on hers she petrified, not able to move. Feeling his tongue pushing gently against her lips, she suddenly awoke from her trance, shoving him away quickly. For a moment they were staring at each other, not knowing what to do.
“...” she mumbled shocked, looking at him in confusion.
“, listen, I... I am sorry... if it was too quick, I didn't-” suddenly he broke up, seeing the shocked look upon her face. She was staring at something behind him and he turned around.
She felt as if her heart stopped when she looked in 's eyes, standing some metres behind . He did not move, frozen, but suddenly turned away, disappearing into the night.
“!” she called after him, about to follow him, but was suddenly grabbed by .
“?” he asked, looking at her surprised. “You just called him... ??” His expression changed and he stared at in disbelief and finally anger. She gave him a wry smile, trying to free herself, but his grip around her arm tightened.
“... let me go!”
“So, you and him? You and ? Tell me this is a joke!”
“Let me go!” she ordered and finally he did, stepping back, looking at her coldly. “You and ...” he repeated, still not able to believe it. “I thought you like me...” he mumbled.
“I do!”
“Yes... I see.”
She looked down, about to lose her head. “My god, ... I thought we have agreed about our relationship... friendship, but not more...”
“Yes, how true.” he said sarcastically, looking at her angrily. “How could I've just been so stupid... My fault. I beg your pardon.” With this he turned around, stepping back towards the house.
“!” she called after him, making him turn around. Helplessly he put his hands up, shrugging.
“You know , I thought you really like me!” he called. “I thought you really like me...” He kept standing there one moment, about to say something more, but then he must have changed his mind, because he turned away, leaving her alone with a feeling as if her heart was torn into pieces.

She knew it made no sense to look for him, he must be miles away, and so she made her way back to the house, looking for him. Vaguely she thought about the incident with , hoping he would not tell anyone, but she had more important things to care about right now. She had to find him. He had misunderstood. Or maybe he had not, but she started to shiver inwardly when she thought about the things he had told her some nights ago... I am going to kill him... and then I am going to kill you...
She was afraid, knowing that he was maybe capable of anything. When she arrived at the house she was glad to find standing safely with some other gentleman, downing a glass of Brandy in one swig. Fine, she thought annoyed, so he was going to get himself drunk while her ... my god, her husband, was maybe planning to kill him. She hurried through the crowd, smiling and waving to some of the guests, but he was not here. Suddenly she stood in front of , who furrowed one brow when she caught sight of 's harassed face. “Everything okay, my friend?”
For one moment looked at her thoughtfully, then he dragged her with her.
“!”
“I need your help!” She turned around, almost yelling. “, I need your help, please!” she begged, looking at her hysterically.
eyed her curiously, then took her hand, understanding. “Come, let's go into the library.”
When they arrived made sure that no one was watching them when they were slipping inside, then she closed the door firmly.
“What happened?”
“ kissed me and saw! Oh my god, ! I tried to stop him, but he disappeared, and knows! I called him.... I called him !”
“What? You called ?”
“No!” she started sobbing. “I called !”
“Oh! Okay, and assumed that there was something, because you called him on his Christ-”
“Exactly!” interrupted her impatiently, starting to run up and down the room.
“That is a thing! And what now?”
“Don't pretend you did not hear the other night!” yelled before sitting down, burying her face in her hands.
“The other... oh my god! He was talking about !”
“Hm...” sobbed.
There was a moment of silence, only broken by the sound of the people and the music in the dining-room. Finally made her way to , pulling her up from the chair.
“For Christ's sake, I do not know why I'm doing this, I should tell you that it is your own fault and leave you alone with it, but I cannot! So... I am going to talk to him.”
“Talk to him? You can't! He's disappeared!”
“What? Where did he go?”
let out a sigh, looking down. “... I don't know, that is the problem, don't you understand?”
“Oh... okay, then... I have an idea!”
looked up, staring hopefully at .
“You go and look for him, but be careful! He might be mad, but he won't kill you...”
“Ha!” blurted, putting her hands at her forehead, continuing her nervous walk around the library. “Sure he won't!” he cried sarcastically.
“He won't. So, and I'm looking for , taking care of him. And I will tell that you feel sick and have returned to your chamber, okay?”
stopped, looking at her thoughtfully. “Okay!” she finally agreed, making her way to the door. “, honestly. I owe you something, thank you so much!”
“That is okay. But think about our talk we had earlier. I still mean it!”
For a moment hesitated, turning around. “We... I mean...” Having a second thought she shrugged, opening the door. “Thank you again!” With this she left the library, making her way silently out of the house.

When the clock stroke two she stood underneath the weeping willow, hoping he would come. She had searched the whole garden for him, the stables, the house, she had even gotten past her fear and looked for him in the cellar, where Alicia had been killed. But he was gone. The party was still not over, it seemed to her as if it had really started just now. Loud music was sounding through the night, as well as the people's laughter. She wondered how she found herself again in such a mess! The day was good until the talk with , then this terrible day had turned out to be her best, only to become a couples of hours later maybe her worst! She nervously started fumbling with her fingers, walking up and down the shore. She knew that he sooner or later would come and she was afraid of him. But much to her relief she could be sure that at least was safe. He was in much more danger than her. She knew he would not kill her, but she was even so afraid of his reaction. She knew that he was someone who was not able to control his rage, at least if it had to do with her.
Half an hour later, when she had taken a seat on the big stone, she suddenly heard steps behind her. She jumped up with a start, feeling her heart pounding madly against her chest. When she turned around she was suddenly grabbed, making her moan in fear. He had grasped her arms, pushing her rudely against the trunk of the willow. She felt the hard wood painfully in her back and panted for air.
“You are mine! You gave me a vow!” he hissed angrily, shaking her. She groaned in pain, struggling for breath. She wanted to protest but he had already crushed his lips rudely on hers, pushing her against the trunk. She tried to fight against him, but could not move because he had imprisoned her completely and ignored her struggling. When he let go of her lips she took a deep breath.
“!” she yelled, glaring at him. “Let go of me!”
“You're mine!” he repeated furiously, clasping her neck.
“!” she called faintly again, starting to sob.
“Say it!” he ordered, pressing her head back, tightening his grip around her neck. Fear let her turn into stone when she noticed that she could hardly breathe. She tried to pant for air, trying to let him notice what he was doing, but when she met his eyes she knew that he would not let her go.
“!” he whispered in a choked voice, giving him a begging look. The pain around her throat was terrible and she had the feeling that she would faint right now. But a few moments later, for nearly eternity, he loosened his grip.
“Say, that you're mine!” he said again.
“No.” she said faintly, feeling her knees weaken. When he noticed that she was about to fall down he grasped her again. “Let go of me, you nearly choked me to death... please.”
“You gave me a vow! Didn't you mean it?!”
“Of course I did!” she yelled after having found her strength again. “Of course! And now let go of me, you goddamn bastard!” she screamed furiously.
“, I am going to sort that out if you dare me!” he threatened, his eyes sparkling darkly with rage.
“Don't you dare! Don't you!”
“You let him kiss you!” he shouted. “You call me a goddamn bastard? So, how would you call yourself!”
“I swear, don't you dare to...”
“To what? Tell the truth? Tell you that you're a little whore? Whose having a thing with someone she is not married to, letting him screw her! And when she's finally married she kisses a couple of hours later another man? How would you call it, if not whore?!”
She managed to free herself and gave him a hard slap on the face, gasping with pain when her hand stroke his face. She took her hand, rubbing it while she started crying angrily. He stood in front of her, not moving, head tilted to the side. Finally he looked at her, making her letting out a frightened sob. “Don't touch me!” she threatened with a fearful voice, trying to get away from him. “Don't touch me!”
She pushed him away, trying to escape but he suddenly grabbed her rudely, hurting her. “Woman, I swear, don't incense me or I do you violence!”
“You already do me violence!” she screamed at him, starting punching at him again. He made some steps back, but she followed him, beating and slapping at him, crying out angrily. Finally he managed to get her arm and slapped his flat hand hard across her face, making her fall on the ground. For a moment she kept lying there with closed eyes, stunned by the sudden pain. Then she felt him grabbing her again, pulling her up. “No!” she sobbed, blinded by her watery eyes. He ignored her and jerked her towards him, kissing her eagerly. At some time she stopped her struggling, hoping he would let go of her soon. But she had to find out a minute later that he had the opposite thing on mind. She gasped when she suddenly felt his hands travelling under her dress, shoving her slip away. She cursed herself inwardly for always making it so easy for him in wearing small underwear, because of the summer heat. Angrily she tried to push his hands away, but cried out when he urged his fingers inside of her, hurting her.
“No!” she yelled at him when she was able to free her mouth. “No! Stop!!”
“You are my goddamn wife and I stop when I want to stop!” he hissed angrily, dragging her down on the grass.
“No!! , no; I take it back! You are out of mind, did you hear me? I take it back!” She cried at the top of her lungs, scratching his face when he leaned over her. She punched at him, but he pulled her near, kissing her violently. When he rested his weight on her struggling body she let her hands slip under his blouse, scratching the bare skin of his back. “Let go of me, you devil! I hate you, oh I do hate you!” Their bodies were entwined when they continued their heated fight. scratched him, and tried to kick in his sensitive parts with her knees, and suddenly she felt them rolling sidewards, down into the water. With a big splash they landed in the shallow water, she on top of him. For a moment they were both shocked, paralysed by the unexpected cold of the water. It was who first moved, trying to get up, but he did not let go of her, pulled her down on him and urged her lips on his. Without breaking the kiss she gave him again a hard slap, before she cupped his face, kissing him back brutally. She let her hand travel down to the button of his trousers, opened it and let her fingers slip inside, gasping when she felt his hard dick in her hand. Placing herself directly upon him she let her body down, moaning when she felt him slipping deep inside of her. She started to move angrily, giving him again a slap on the face. “I hate you...so!” she hissed, letting out an angry scream when he grabbed her wrists, pulling her down on him.
“You cannot take it back!” he hissed breathlessly, moving his hips toward her to support her movements. She fell down on him, moaning deeply. “But... I do!”
“No... you are my wife... or you are a dead woman... all the days of your life you said!”
“Go to hell!”
She gasped when he suddenly grabbed her waist, turning them around that he now lay on top of her. With one hand he grabbed her buttocks, lifting her up from the stony ground of the water, while his other hand supported their weight, preventing them to be completely under the water.
It took not long, maybe two or three minutes. They had called themselves names, assuring each other their hatred to one another until he finally collapsed on her.

Afterwards she silently put her dress straight, getting out of the water. She wrung the water out of her hair, watching him out of the corner of her eyes. Then she sat down on the grass, wrapping her arms around her, shivering with cold. She kept her gaze focused on the ground when he stepped out of the water as well, taking a seat next to her. He rested his elbows on his knees, watching the distance. When he finally looked at her she gave him a helpless shrug, avoiding his gaze.
“... I am sorry. Forgive me.” he mumbled, looking down. “I did it again.”
“Forget it. I am used to it.” she said.
He suddenly got up, sticking his hands in his pocket. “You're used to it!” He nodded upset. “That is the thing. You were right with the things you have said.”
She looked up. “Which things?”
“That you are taking it back. I accept it.”
“What?” she exclaimed frightened, getting up as well. “But... I did not mean it!”
He looked at her, long and seriously. “But I mean it. Look, , he is... he can give you what you deserve.”
“No!”
“You can have a life, have babies... oh ...” he shook his head, looking at her sadly.
“You don't mean it, !” she called faintly, her voice full of fear. “I didn't mean it as well. I meant every word of the vow and I don't take it back. And I don't hate you!” She started crying.
“He loves you, and he will make you happy. I only make you cry...”
“No, no, that is not true!”
“, my pearl... he really likes you and he will be good to you, while I... I can't give you anything.”
“You can-”
“!” he turned around, yelling at her. “Start thinking! What we have is crazy! It's passion, it is sex, but is it love? I am crazy about you, but is this love?”
She didn't answer, just started sobbing desperately. He watched her a while, then took something out of his pocket, walking towards her.
“Here. Take it, I don't need it anymore... It is yours.” When she did not move he grabbed her wrist, putting the white case with the blue silk ribbon in her hand. “...” he mumbled softly, putting a wet strand out of her forehead. “, go inside now. You're getting a cold. And tell ... tell her we ended it.”
“You gave me a promise.” she whispered with a tear-choked voice. “You gave me a vow, you told me you love me... you cannot take it back.” She let out a sob, burying her face in her hands.
“I am sorry.”
She looked up. “Is this all you have to say? That you are sorry?”
“Yes.” he said, looking at her.
“You cannot leave me!” she yelled desperately. “You cannot leave me as if nothing had happened!”
He sighed, pressing his lips together. “I... I have to. Now go inside.” With this he turned away, leaving her standing on the shore under the weeping willow.
“You cannot leave me! I will tell them! I will tell them everything about you!” she threatened, not knowing how to change his mind otherwise. She stopped breathing when he froze in his motions, slowly turning around.
“Okay... tell them. As I've said, there is no sense in existing when you're gone.”
“When I am gone? You are gone!”
He looked at her one more moment, before he lifted his hand, making a helpless gesture. “Goodnight .” he said, in the same tone as he did when he had first broken into her chamber, the night they got to know. Then he turned around again, disappearing.

Chapter 18

Blinded by tears of desperation she stumbled back to the house, not caring for anything. Most of the people had already gone, but even if they were still there, she would not have cared. While making her way through the garden she had thrown the white case with the earrings, the necklace and the ring against a tree, not caring if it was his mother's or not. When she arrived at the house she went to the attendant's entrance at the side, entering the house, but was of course immediately seen by Ella, the cook.
“For Christ's sake, !”
The corpulent woman hurried towards her, taking her in her arms before her legs weakened. She let Ella pull her on her lap, breaking down crying. It made no sense at all. Vaguely she noticed suddenly and next to her, but she did not dare to open her eyes, not able to face them right now. She would maybe find an excuse. Or maybe not. But it made no sense at all.

The following days she kept staring at the wall, not talking to anyone. had tried, had screamed at her, had threatened her to do her violence if she did not talk, but she had not reacted. Then he had sent , or at least she thought that he had sent her, to make her talk, but she had remained silent. They would not understand.
had disappeared, they were looking for him, his sisters full or worry and full of hatred, knowing that 's condition had something to do with him. had gone, did not know why or where, but she did not care at all. To her relief had remained silent about his assurance, that was to blame for 's state, trying to avoid a scandal because of his now official engagement to .
The days were passing by, but it did not change anything. Once or twice a day came into her chamber, trying to force her to talk, a bit later tried to convince her that she must tell what had happened and finally tried it, asking her a thousand times what had happened, where he had gone to and so on. felt nothing. She was not able to cry anymore, she was not able to talk, she only lay on her bed, fixing the wall, knowing that he would not come back.
One day, about a week after the engagement party, she sat on the edge of her bed, playing distracted with her hair when she heard a faint whistle from the distance. She froze in her motions, getting up slowly to make her way to the window. She peeked outside, finding his black horse standing in the moonlit garden, under a tree. She stopped breathing, not believing that he had returned. When she did not hear any sounds she closed the window, grabbing for her shawl, and went downstairs, slipping out into the garden. She walked to the horse, softly caressing over his nostrils when she heard someone behind her. She stopped breathing, slowly turning around, and when she caught sight of the man in front of her she opened her mouth in order to scream, but he had already grabbed her, keeping her mouth shut. She tried to free herself, but she suddenly felt a hard pain in her head, everything blackened in front of her eyes.

Her head was throbbing merciless when she opened her eyes again, slowly scrutinizing her surrounding. She was in a candlelit room, a little chapel or something. She felt the coldness of the stones underneath her body, making her shiver. She tried to remember anything, but could not. Finally she managed to sit up, ignoring the nausea that overcame her. She pushed up from the ground, supporting her weight in leaning against the stoned wall, pulling herself up. She caught her breath, eyeing the chapel again. There were a few wooden seat rows and in front of them an altar with a candlestand upon it. She noticed that the candle on the wall, next to the altar, the eternal light, was off. She froze, wrapping her shawl tighter around her body. Where the hell was she?
“Hello?” she called faintly, fighting down her fear. She made a few steps towards the altar, her gaze travelling restlessly around the chapel. Suddenly she froze, hearing a quiet groan. She stopped breathing, not knowing if she maybe just imagined it, but then she heard it again. She swallowed, slowly continuing her way. The sound had came from the altar. When she stood in front of it she stopped, turning around once again, assuring herself that no one was here. Then she focused again on the altar, biting her lip in fear. Slowly she made a step, peeking around the corner. But the sight she then had made her heart jump.
“!” she called, falling down next to him. He leaned on the edge of the altar, his eyes were closed and he was pale. No, he was not pale, he was white, white like the death himself. She grabbed his shoulders, started shaking him. “!”
He was cold and she quickly put her shawl off, wrapping it around him. She started sobbing, frightened about him. When he still showed no reaction after a while she gave him a hard slap on the face, making him open his eyes slowly.
“Oh god, !” she called, pulling him in a tight hug. “Oh god!” she sobbed. “What happened here? Help!!” she suddenly yelled, cradling him on her lap. “!” she looked down at him again, letting some tears drop upon his face. She stopped when she noticed that he tried to speak.
“What?” she asked, leaning down to hear him better.
“Get away from here... ... get away...” he whispered scarcely audible.
“What? Why? What happened here? Oh god! We need help!!”
“... it is him... get... leave, now...”
Suddenly a shiver ran down her spine, knowing who she had brought here. “Oh my god...” she whispered. Suddenly she turned to him again. “You can die, can't you? You can die... wait. I won't allow that. Wait, I will be right back.” She kissed him on the mouth, making him lie down carefully. Then she got up again, ignoring her throbbing head, looking for something to cut her skin. After having circled around the altar she finally caught sight of a sharp piece of stone, crumbled away from the wall. Then she went back to the altar, grabbing for the golden Communion cup. Sitting down next to him she took a deep breath, before she applied the stone, cutting her wrists. She breathed in sharply, hoping the pain would decrease quickly, and let the stream of blood trickle into the cup. Ignoring her nausea she waited until it was filled, then she took her shawl back from him, wrapping it around her wrist tightly, hoping the bleeding would stop soon. With trembling fingers she leaned down, pulling his head again upon her knees. “!” she called, shaking him slightly. He opened his eyes, staring at her with a vacant expression. “, love... here, drink.”
She pulled his head up, putting the cup on his mouth. “You have to drink! Come on, just a bit! Love, please...” she begged him, forcing him to open his mouth. Finally he swallowed, slowly, but he did. With every sip he took he seemed to become stronger and sighed in relief when he had emptied the cup completely. She let go of him, making him lie down carefully and unwrapped her wrist, letting again her blood trickle into the cup. When it was filled to the half she stopped, feeling herself weaken. It would not make any sense if she saved him but killed herself she knew and bandaged her wound, handing him the cup again. “, drink!”
He lifted his head, this time without her help, and emptied the cup greedily. Exhausted sat next to him, leaning against the altar, closing her eyes. “Don't you ever lie to me!” she hissed at him, touching his hand. A few moments later he sat up slowly, breathing heavily. “.”
She opened her eyes, staring at him. “Don't you really love me?” she whispered, looking at him full of fear.
“I do.”
He leaned towards her, taking her in his arms. “Always did.” he mumbled, taking her near to kiss her lips. When she opened her eyes again she noticed that his skin was not as white a some minutes before. She wrapped her arms around him, shivering with cold. “!” he suddenly said, pulling away from her. He scrutinized her face, and gave her a look that frightened her to death. “You're quivering and your lips are blue!” Hectically he took her arm, pulling the shawl away and immediately the blood started trickling down her arm, dropping on the stones. “My god, , what have you done!” he called out, getting up. He pulled her up, taking her in his arms. “We've to get away from here!”
He lifted her up, carrying her towards the exit. Dizzily she opened her eyes, looking up at him. “An angel... you are an angel...” she mumbled before her eyes closed again. She heard his fast steps, echoing through the chapel, but suddenly there was a loud banging, making her flinch. Instantly stopped, breathing in sharply.
“!” a casual female voice was sounding from the door. “, you're already about to leave?”
opened her eyes, looking at a woman she had never seen before. She was tall and slim, with long brown hair and sparkling green eyes. She wore a tight dress, revealing a large part of her firm breasts, and she stood next to a man knew well, giving a breath-taking smile.
“I was so happy to finally see you again... after all those years! You surely remember me, don't you? Yeees... I knew you wouldn't forget me. Aaah... and who is that fair lady in your arms... Quite human it seems... and quite delicious.” Her eyes fixed on 's bleeding arm.
Suddenly she felt him move, turning to the side to lie her down on the wooden bank. She leaned back, fighting with all her strength against her tiredness.
“What do you want?” asked quietly, standing in front of , shielding her from their stares.
“Oh, what I want? , you know, don't you? Don't disappoint me, I always thought about you as a smart... and charming...” she approached, touching his lips with her finger “and so sexy... vampire.... Hell, what a word! You cannot believe how irresistible it is, this only word.”
He stiffened under her touch, giving her a hard look.
“But you have upset him quite much with your behaviour... the day you have created me!” She turned around, pointing at , who still stood in front of the entrance. Then she suddenly tried to shove him away, making him stumble. “Oh, still a bit weak, it seems!”
She looked at , smiling. “This is your girl now? And she's still alive? Whoa, you must have changed, .”
“Stay away from her.” she said quietly, his voice as cold as ice.
“Ohoo! Found your weak point it seems. Did you hear, ?”
“I told you.” came his voice from the door. He slowly approached, standing next to . Like wild beasts they were circling around them, on his face a casual look, on her face a charming grin.
“What do you want?” repeated, trying to shield .
“Does she know? Sweetheart, do you know?” the woman addressed her, making her way towards her. tried to push her away, but was immediately grabbed by , who was holding him back. looked at him, knowing that he was still too weak to fight against him, and suddenly she became afraid of her life. Hectically she sat up, holding her arms in defence in front of her body.
“He didn't tell you, did he?” she stood in front of her, grabbing for her bleeding arm. Suddenly her expression changed into surprise and she turned around again, facing . She lifted 's arm. “You didn't bite her? I thought at least your instinct would make you weak. Tell me ...” she pressed with her fingers at 's wound, making it bleed again. Slowly she watched the blood trickling down her arm. “Tell me... so delicious.” she moaned, dipping her finger in the blood. Letting go of 's arm she made her way towards him, putting her finger on his lips. “So delicious...” He closed his eyes, turning his head to the side. She made one step closer, licking over his lips. “So delicious...” she whispered against his mouth, kissing him once again. leaned forward, watching him. His arms were imprisoned on his back, firmly held by , and he still had his eyes closed, but she noticed that he did not fight against or against this woman, he fought against himself. Against his greed, against his lust and against his weakness. Could she trust him? Would he fight for her, no matter what this vampire lady tried to bring him on her side... on her side again? Who was she?
“You couldn't resist me... tell me ... can you resist her?”
“Go to hell, Victoria.” he mumbled, opening his eyes again, glaring at her.
“Whoa, my vampire is incensed. Tell me, does your lady know?”
“Damn, , what the hell do you want? Let go of me, I swear!” he yelled, fighting against him. But he was still too weak, had no chance to free himself. Victoria started to smile, turning to again. She grabbed her, pulling her arm, watching her up and down. “A good taste you have, . How does she kiss?” With that she put her lips on 's, kissing her gently. felt dizzy, too weak to fight against her. She closed her eyes, feeling herself drift away, while Victoria played with her, licking her lips. “Sweet.” she commented, before she let fall back on the bank.
“Let her go!” screamed angrily, fighting against ' hard grip.
“What is her name?”
“.” said, focusing on her. She bit her lip, trying to stay conscious.
“... .” she sang, gently touching the bare skin on her shoulder. “.” She took a seat next to her, grabbing her bleeding arm, looking her deep in the eyes. stared at her, knowing that she had never seen eyes of such a green. This woman was stunning, she thought. “... do you know why I am a vampire? ... It was ... One night he came to me, no, he came to us... to my sister in law. She was beautiful and he knew it too. He had seduced her, in front of my eyes... my god, I was so jealous... you surely know what I am talking about... you know, how he is... what a man. ... since that night the name is a synonym for sex. I have never seen someone like him, have you, dear? Probably not. Let me go on...”
“Shut your goddamn mouth!” he screamed at her in complete rage. “, don't you believe a fucking word!”
She let out a chuckle. “How I love him when he is angry. He is so... oh, what I would do for just one more night, . What I would do...”
swallowed, gazing at him again. He had closed his eyes, looking down. The imagination of him and her... it was so sickening, she could imagine well what, what... She dared not to let her thoughts travel any further.
“But I probably won't get him as long as you are here, my dear. Did you know that he only came because he thought that you were with us? here only had to show him your ring... what a precious ring... and he came immediately... I have to say I was impressed.” She suddenly had the ring with the white pearl in her hands, 's wedding ring. She gasped, feeling suddenly nothing but pure hatred for this woman.
“Wherefrom do you have it?” she hissed.
“Oh, found it in the garden, after you stormed back to the house. After your little fight...” She gave a knowing smile, letting her hands draw along her neck.
She closed her eyes, putting her hand on her forehead. She had lain in her chamber, trying to hate him, while he had made his way to ruin, thinking she was in danger. How could she ever had assumed that he would not love her? She shook her head, not bearing what he had done for her. And it was only her fault that they were here, and that they would kill them both. It was nearly breaking her heart.
“No, no, my dear. No desperation, everything will be fine... But let me continue. I told you about the night, when seduced my sister in law. He was so sensual, giving her everything... but then... he was hungry. Very hungry. Unbelievingly hungry. He suddenly bit her neck, after he had made sure that her blood was the sweetest on earth. But after such a good act... he sucked her out, killing her. But that was not all. After that he went to her little son's bedroom. He was only five, can you imagine? Only five, but was hungry and so he had to die.”
opened her eyes again, staring at in disbelief.
“Hard to believe, hm?”
“...?” she asked, giving him a begging look. He looked at her, swallowing hard. “Tell me she's lying.”
Their eyes locked, but finally he gazed away, not able to hold her penetrating stare. A sudden coldness overcame her and she started to tremble, having again the feeling that she was about to faint right now.
“No, no, let me finish. Then he saw me, and he bit me too... But before I died he was full, not able to drink any more blood. And so... here I am. His mistake was, that he left me alive without taking me with him and when I awoke I was hungry too. And who was still left, returning from a poker night?” She turned around, smiling at . “My sister's dearest husband.”
let out a gasp, opening his mouth in shock. He froze, staring distracted on the ground. tensed too, watching the 's face. She was afraid of him. She knew he was maybe capable of everything, as everyone would be after such a story. And he had betrayed all the time, she thought, afraid of what he might have planned to do with them now. But somehow she could imagine well what her role was in this whole play. She let out a faint scream, her hands flew in front of her mouth.
“Victoria... Let. Her. Go.” he ordered in a cold voice, but she only laughed about him, stroking gently over 's hair.
“You don't really think I would let her go! Or would let you go. My god, ... You tasted her, she's way too delicious.”
With that she grabbed 's wrist again, putting it on her mouth, licking appreciatively at her wound. “Look at me, . I am your nightmare.” She bit deep into her skin, making cry out in pain. She struggled, trying to free herself, but with every sip Victoria was taking she felt weaker and weaker. Vaguely she noticed flailing around, fighting against , who suddenly pushed him rudely on the ground, making his way over to . He shoved Victoria away, holding when her knees weakened. Then she felt him sucking on her wrist, before he suddenly let go of her, breathing heavily. She fell hard on the ground and kept lying there, too weak to move. She knew that she was in real danger, she was even too weak to keep her eyes open. Suddenly everything was quiet. With the last bit of her strength she opened her eyes, seeing that was standing in front of her, looking down at her.
“...” she rose her arm up, begging him for help, but he kept standing motionless, staring at her in shock.
“What have you done?” he suddenly whispered, shaking his head. “What have you done?”
“We are even.” said.
“Yes, . But you have a choice. Don't you appreciate our generous offer? It is your turn, . You have the choice.”
“No.” he mumbled in shock, refusing to believe what just had happened in front of his eyes.
“...” she begged once again, before she broke down, too weak to move. She was dying she knew, and she was dying alone. He had left her. When she was strong enough she would have cried, she knew, feeling so lonely as she had never in her life.

How can you see into my eyes
Like open doors?
Leading you down into my core
Where it becomes so numb.
Without a soul
My spirit's sleeping somewhere cold,
Until you find it there and lead it back
Home.

Wake me up inside,
Wake me up inside,
Call my name and save me from the dark.
Bid my blood to run
Before I come undone,
Save me from the nothing I've become.

Now that I know what I'm without
You can't just leave me.
Breathe into me and make me real,
Bring me to life.

Frozen inside without your touch,
Without your love, darling,
Only you are the life among the dead.

“...” she managed to say once more. But he had left her alone. Before she felt herself drowning in the silent darkness she could smell the salty and fresh air of the ocean, the green Irish heels, her black mare, galloping over the green meadows and then suddenly her mother's smiling face.

Without a thought
Without a voice
Without a soul
Don't let me die here,
There must be something wrong.

She had often thought about her death, but she had always assumed that she would die an old woman. How wrong one can be. She breathed in, knowing that it was her last time. Knowing, that she had betrayed her family. Knowing, that was not with her. Knowing, that she was dying alone.

Epilogue

She opened her eyes, scrutinizing her surroundings. She was in a chapel, it seemed, or something like that. Slowly she got up, stretching her stiff body. She closed her eyes once again, taking a deep breath, feeling the freshest air she had ever breathed in filling her lungs. Then she opened her eyes, letting her gaze travel around the chapel. Suddenly she caught sight of a man who stood in front of the altar, watching her. She tilted her head to the side, scrutinizing him. He was of middle height, hair, noble dressed. His eyes were lying on hers, maybe curiously. The warm light of the candles was dancing on his face, revealing eyes of the darkest she had ever seen. And suddenly she remembered. He was her lover.
Slowly she made her way towards him, step by step, eyes locked with his. When she arrived in front of him she just stared at him, waiting for his reaction.
“.” he finally said, curling his sweet mouth up in a breath-taking smile. “How do you feel, my pearl?”
She made one more step towards him, touching his lips. “Alive.” she whispered, swallowing. “And hungry...”

The End