I stretched and stepped lively as I went about my work. I had just rounded the corner when I ran into Olivander. The rag I was holding dropped to the ground as I steadied myself after the collision.
"Oh Miss. Eva please excuse me. I was told to wait here but this message is pretty urgent and so I really need to see Viscount Sinclair. " he reached down and retrieved my rag for me.
"Do you think you could take me to him?" He said as I plucked it from his hands. I pouted slightly uncertain. The other maids told him to wait here. There was probably a reason for that. If Viscount Sinclair was busy and I interrupted there was a chance I could get in trouble.
" I'll go get him Sir Olivander please just wait a moment." I took his hand and noticed how hard and callous it was as I guided him over to one of the spare lounge rooms, I became a bit nervous as I became way to aware of the male next to me. After taking him there I made a move for the door only to have my route blocked by Olivander. He invaded my personal space causing me to take a step back until there was no where for me to run.
Braced against a bookshelf he blocked my route with both arms.
" Just take me to him. " he pleaded. My heart hammered in my chest madly as all I could focus on was his charming features. He had a chiseled jaw, sharp slightly dropping green eyes, his cheeks were perfect for his face not to boyish but not so aged you'd think him old. And being this close to him I could see the muscles and power beneath his armor. A strong arousal built in me and I had to look away.
" Miss Eva?" I could hear the confusion in his voice but I didn't dare open my mouth. I was to afraid my voice would give me away.
"Oh..." the sudden low and knowing tone in his voice tickled down my spine. Did he notice? I could hear a chuckle and suddenly a hand was at my chin drawing me back to Olivander's face. He had a mischievous grin and his green eyes locked onto mine. I swallowed hard with anxiety and anticipation. He moved one of his legs between mine and I could feel it slight rub against my private area. I gasped and He began in a low seductive voice.
"Are you-" but was cut off my the voice of Anna one of the maids working here, she called out.
"Sir Olivander! Sir Olivander! My lord has come!"
He looked slightly disappointed then but quickly placed a kiss on my forehead; Then with a cheeky smile said.
"Perhaps next time." With that he exited the room leaving me there to stew. I had zero experience with men sure but why was it a problem now?! I covered my face in embarrassment. No man had ever showed interest in me at all. I wasn't ugly sure but I was a taboo and What was that look for?! I didn't dare entertain the thought.
After collecting myself I left the room. Luckily for me no one was there when I left and after doing my chores I spent time with Emma. We had our picnic on the moors and I could tell she was delighted by it all. The grassy hills and the small ponds here and there in the distance. She was positively glowing as she rested beneath the sunny skies.
" Emma I think it's time I go." The smile on her face faded and it seemed the whole world turned a shade of grey with it.
" Why so suddenly?" She asked as she sat up. I could see the Anxiety in her black eyes. Her peach colored skin always emphasized them and they were the first thing you saw because of this.
" well I have been thinking about becoming a tamer." It was something I had regretted not having in the first place. And with it I could improve my enhancement magic abilities. If I was lucky I could even pick up a healing skill.
She didn't say it but I could tell she was mad and saddened by my response.
" Then I'll come to." She said determined She stood up then.
" we can do this together. I have always wanted to travel so maybe it would be-" as she spoke an anger built up in me.
" what about your father?" I said sternly. Her father loved her more than anything. Sure he was strict and overprotective but he did it out of love. He is not completely unreasonable just a bit on the extreme side concerning those he loves.
With that comment she sat back down.
"Do I have to choose between you 2?" Tears started to whale up in her eyes and I brought her into a hug.
"No. You knew I would be leaving sometime and I promised I wouldn't disappear on you. But Emma you are the Lady of the house, You are your father's only precious daughter surely you can see this? If you must be by my side then when you are older come to me. You have responsibilities here at Sinclair Estate that cannot be ignored after all." She stopped crying and after a while said in a steady voice.
" promise you'll visit? " I smiled I think the gentlest smile I ever had and replied.
"I promise." We hugged then and sat as clouds drifted by.
Today had been a strange day indeed.
In The office of Sinclair Estate just 3hours before, 2 men sat conversing with serious expressions.
"Olivander if what you told me is correct that means that someone powerful is behind these abductions." Olivander nodded darkly he had did his best to find clues. But the trail ended with all leads dead or incapable of communication.
" Do you think it could be the Blackmarket leader?" Olivander proposed but the old Viscount shook his head with a sigh.
" It's unlike them to be this extreme. Usually they would just kill the goons inconspicuously or they'd just disappear. but what you have told me; things like leaving the bodies at the scene, or unable to function is unlike them. Up until now I was certain it was the Blackmarket but now I'm not so sure."
Olivander nodded in agreement. It always fascinated him how insightful the Viscount could be. It was a joy having him as a sponsor and when he found out the Lady of the house had been kidnapped it set him on edge like never before.
" there is also one detail that was left out of the report." Said Olivander with an assurance that surprised the viscount.
"Traces of a vampire were left on one of the corpses we found. There is a chance we have a vampire in Panacea." The Viscount's already dark expression turned Grim. It was hard taking out Vampires Not because of their power but their ability to blend in and take over someone's mind. There are records of incidents where entire villages turned against lords that tried to kill a vampire who resides there. As a Viscount it wasn't his duty but the ruling Counts duty to eliminate the threat. He was just the support.
"Is there any chance it has left?" The Viscount asked hopeful. If it was a single occurrence there was a chance it just passed through.
" Well there hasn't been anymore signs other than that. But I can't say with certainty it is gone." Said Olivander apologetically.
"Then we'll wait to report this to the Count. If we tell him and stir up trouble needlessly we may end up sending this city into a state of useless suspicion and paranoia. " said the Viscount once again getting a nod of approval from Olivander.
After the discussion was over Olivander left the room and felt a chill crawl up his spine. He knew that feeling. Someone was trying to hide their killing intent and were doing a terrible job of it. He walked further down the hall before stopping short and drawing his sword. He took a swing at one of the hall columns and hit nothing but marble.
"Tsk!" He re-holstered his sword no longer feeling it's presence. Was it a ghost? He thought to himself. He absolutely hated ghost. They were something you couldn't simply hit with a sword. Special care had to go into eliminating them and if you were really unlucky there were some that could only be delt with if you forced it to pass on. perhaps he had angered the ghost of the Viscounts late wife?? It was no wonder he couldn't or wouldn't remarry. Her ghost was haunting him. He chuckled thoughtfully, today was a strange day.