The Bride and Her Bloodlust

I didn’t recall much on my way back home. Mostly I remembered how drained I felt, how sore my bloody hands were and the rage that burned in my chest. I don’ remember getting back to the house but Mo’s concerned face and outstretched arms was something I did recall clearly. I think I was on the brink of collapsing when I entered the door. Mo had been moving very quickly towards me.

Now I was alone once again in the massive bed of my Master. I stared up at the ceiling above as I lay completely straight. My hands no longer hurt and had healed long ago but the savage wound the Master had inflicted still remained and throbbed hotly.

I had remained there since I woke at dusk, unmoving and numb. I had contemplated to go see Lucius but I dreaded him being awake now. I didn’t want to see him like that, mad with crazed black eyes. It hurt worse than my torn flesh.

I had closed my eyes and kept them shut, even when there was a light tap. I didn’t say a word but the door opened still and the familiar childish scent wafted into the room.

James’ feet slapped against the polished floor as he approached my bed. I could smell his worry and fear. I didn’t blame him. No doubt he was more confused than we were about what was happening.

The mattress sunk a little as James clambered onto the bed and curled up beside me.

“I know you’re awake, aunt Susan.” James said softly.

I grunted but opened my eyes so I could look at him. He looked tired. “Have you not been sleeping properly?”

James shook his head. “I’m scared for uncle. Papa said he went mad.” His doe eyes looked up at me sadly. “He hasn’t has he?”

“He has.” I said honestly. “But the Lady is coming today. She will make him well again.”

“She will?” James asked, his old bright smile returning.

“She will.” I said firmly, or she’ll have me to deal with, I thought heatedly.

James laughed lightly in relief. “I hope she does soon. I want to play with uncle again. His hunting games are fun.”

A small smile tugged at my mouth as I remembered Lucius’ determination to make sure James was able to hide well from enemies and be able to track their whereabouts at the same time. It had resulted in these late night hunting games, where Lucius and James took turns on who hunted who. It was James’ favourite lesson.

“How was school?” I asked.

“It’s okay but Harry is still talking to me. He’s helping me with homework at lunch break.” He grinned then abruptly looked a little sad. “Mother won’t let me go round his though.”

I didn’t blame her. After the attack on Lucius, it was risky enough letting him go to school but Ella and Mo were tight on the school hours. The moment he was outside, one of them was there to bring him home safely.

“Once this problem has been sorted out, you can go to Harry’s again.” I promised.

James smiled in relief and joy then looked up when the door knocked loudly. I shouted at them to come in and Mo opened the door, looking a little flustered.

“James, what are you doing here? You’re meant to be finishing off your homework, not bothering your aunt.”

James looked a little sheepish. “I just wanted to see her. I haven’t been allowed to for days now.”

Mo expression softened a little. “Well, now that you have it’s time to return to work.” James groaned and remained where he was. Mo just ignored him and turned her gaze onto me. “Susan, the Lady Eva is here.”

Instantly I shot up and clutched the bed sheets tightly. “She is?”

“She’s just in the hall.”

I needed no more encouragement. I simply jumped out of bed, not bothering to change out of my shorts and top that I had been sleeping in, and charged for the door.

“You’re not getting dressed first?” Mo yelled after me as she followed as quickly as she could.

I ignored her and continued to run to Eva. Hope whirled. Lucius might just be saved.

I bounded down the great staircase of the main hall, already picking out the small white haired woman among the tiny crowd. Alphonse was already, welcoming her to his home despite the dire reasons as to why she was.

Eva’s gentle eyes turned to me and she smiled warmly, if a little sadly. She did look tired and her eyes were red. It was obvious she was still struggling with the loss of Sonia, her guard, and one of the few Silver Blood carries.

“Susan. I am here now.” She said as I approached her slowly and Alphonse stepped aside, letting me stand before her.

I nodded and glanced at the people she had brought with her. I wasn’t surprised Vincent was here, looming beside Eva in a protective manner. From my experiences of him before I doubted he was going to leave her side for a moment, even if the man who attempted to end her life had been exterminated. He was just as moody looking as ever but tidier than I recalled. It had been a long time since I last saw him. Behind her, dressed in black, where her two remaining maids. Dana, her oldest and most powerful, was stern faced with her scythe strapped to her back. Gentle faced Livia stood beside her, holding the hand of a small white haired boy.

I knew instantly by his hair and tanned skin that this was Pyotr, son of Eva and Vincent. I had met him once before, when he was two. He had been lively then and adventurous, a joy for James to play with. But now he stared at the floor and flinched at the slightest sound. It saddened me to see. I knew he had played a major role in Eva’s assassination, used as a plot to get close to her which had resulted in Sonia’s death, and it had obviously left its mark on him.

Eva looked back at her son who continued to stare at the floor and grip Livia’s hand and the back of Eva’s dress. “I couldn’t leave him at the Domain.” She said apologetically. “I hope you don’t mind.”

I shook my head. “He can play with James. He’s been bored of late and worried for his uncle.” I replied. “The youngsters will watch over them both and make sure they’re safe.”

“Livia isn’t leaving his side.” Vincent said deeply and a little savagely. “She will be the one to watch over him, no one else.”

His tone irked me a little and I hissed lightly. “Our youngsters will help her then. I’m having as many eyes on James as possible until we catch the witch that did this.”

Eva put a hand on Vincent’s chest in an attempt to calm him. “I agree with Susan. The youngsters here are loyal to Susan, they won’t hurt Pyotr or betray him.” Vincent snarled a little and his dark eyes narrowed at Eva but he backed down and fell silent. Eva smiled at him before she turned back to me. “Could Pyotr go to the youngsters now?”

“I can take him.” James said abruptly.

I turned sharply and glared at the blond haired boy hiding behind Mo’s skirt. I should’ve guessed he had followed. He wasn’t one to keep his nose out of curiosities.

“You can along with Mo.” I said stiffly, still glaring at him.

His grin returned instantly and he scuttled over to Pyotr. The boy looked up at him, faintly recognising him, but shied away at his approach.

“Come with me. You can come see my mother and listen to her stories.” James said gently, recognising Pyotr’s fear and refraining from grabbing his hand and dragging him away.

Livia coaxed Pyotr to let go of Eva and follow James softly. She spoke gently with soothing whispers and words. Eventually, Pyotr let himself be dragged away and followed James and Mo to a quieter place where he could get used to his new surroundings.

“Shall I take you to my uncle?” Alphonse asked solemnly.

Eva smiled weakly and uneasiness touched her face. It worried me. She was troubled by Lucius and that was never a good sign. She was often positive, even in the face of disaster. “Yes.”

Alphonse nodded and took the lead in guiding Eva to the prison my mate was locked in. I took up the rear, glancing at Dana’s savage looking weapon before I gazed at Eva’s white hair.

I shook a little from adrenaline, relief and fear. Eva was going to delve into his mind and see if she could find and help him. I was praying she could. I so very much wanted Lucius back and his warm embrace but there was the chance she couldn’t. She might not be able to rescue him and I would lose him forever.

I swallowed the panic back thickly and clung to the idea that he’ll be found again, that Eva will bring my darling Master back to me.