Keith sat at his desk in his thoughts. Lately, that's all he did, thinking. He was too far off to heed Heath and Klaus's quarrel.
"Violence is not always the solution, Klaus." Heath said.
"Well, then enlighten us brother is there any other way to rid this scourge before it eats us all?" Klaus asked.
While they argued, Damien sat quietly writing in his book.
"We have a plan in motion. If things go as planned…"
" We can not sit around waiting for things to play out. I say we rampage through the town and kill everyone involved." Klaus said with a mischievous smile.
"You two talk loud enough to wake the dead. I'm going someplace where there aren't squabbling children." Damien mumbled as he walked out of the study.
"The only child here is our brother, Heath, who is too soft to go on a mutual spree," Klaus said in mockery.
"We are not savages, Klaus. And there is nothing mutual about killing a whole town. Keith, say something." Heath turned to Keith.
"Our brother is too far off to get involved." Klaus said.
"Heath report back to headquarters, I approve your plan," Keith said suddenly.
Heath nodded with a smile. Klaus sighed with disbelief.
"As Heath said, we aren't savages. Let's try the civil way. However, if there is even the slightest casualty, Klaus's plan will go through. I have no use for humans anyway." Keith said.
"Hold on that thought brother for there will be casualties," Klaus told Heath.
"Duly noted. I am off to the headquarters, I will see you at the ball." Heath headed outside the study.
Klaus stood up to leave too.
"Klaus, there's something I want you to look into." Keith turned.
"It has to be a quick one then. I have a rather hefty snack to finish before the ball." Klaus replied before taking a seat again.
A black cat dashed into the study. It immediately transformed into a stark naked Ares.
"Are you sleeping with Lord Barton's daughter again?" she asked.
"Jealous there, love?" Klaus asked.
Ares rolled her eyes.
"As much as I enjoy the sight love, have some decency, he's married now." Klaus pointed at his brother.
Ares walked to the rack and pulled on Klaus's coat.
"It's nice seeing you too Klaus." Ares muttered. She poured herself a glass of wine and took a seat next to Klaus.
"Okay then brother, what do you have for me?" Klaus asked.
Keith pulled the drawer in his desk and brought out a letter.
"This arrived from Eldovania the night after Vivian's arrival to Valeria. It was her first letter." Keith handed it to Klaus.
"Again, this speaks very little of you brother." Klaus told him.
"Just read it," Keith said.
Klaus read the contents.
"Alright, her cousin has nightmares. But how is that my concern?" Klaus asked.
"There's another paper in the envelope," Ares said.
Klaus furrowed his brows upon unfolding the second letter.
"You don't believe Vivian has anything to do with this, do you?" Klaus asked.
"No. Ares, did you find out anything useful?" Keith asked.
"Her name is Freya Renee Edmonton. She was born a Gemini twin. She survived the merge instead of her brother when she turned 21. As part of the abilities she inherited, she is the last seer of her bloodline. I believe Freya's visions as she wrote in the letters somehow relate to Vivian's power." Ares explained.
Klaus stared down at the rough sketch on the paper.
"I believe this same symbol was found on the bottle which contained the witch scourge at the crime scene," Klaus said.
"How the massacres and Vivian's power relate is still a mystery. But a hunch tells me as far as this investigation goes, there is a risk Vivian's power will be exposed." Keith said.
"We can't possibly shut down the investigation. It's raised too much publicity. Shutting it down will raise suspicions." Klaus said.
"That's why we have to be more than a step ahead of the investigation. I am sending you to Eldovania to conduct your investigation and report back on any finding." Keith said.
"You can't be bloody serious," Klaus said with a chuckle.
He glanced at Keith to find him with a cold expression.
"You are bloody serious. On my list of things I fear, the witches of Eldovania are second on that list." Klaus said.
"Don't tell me you can't handle a bunch of witches?" Keith asked with a hint of mockery in his voice.
"I swore never to mess with that lot ever again, not after what happened at the bloody soiree a decade ago. Besides, Lord Edmonton hates me." Klaus said.
"Why wouldn't he, you killed ten of his staff," Ares said.
"In my defense, I loathed the stale blood they served me. Either way, this is not a good idea, brother. Send Heath." Klaus said.
"Heath is already held up with the investigation itself. You need to take up this one." Keith said.
"Fine, but does Lord Edmonton know about this?" Klaus asked.
"He does," Keith said.
"Alright, but I am coming back the instant I find nothing," Klaus warned.
"A month then." Keith said.
"Bloody no, a fortnight." Klaus said.
"Klaus how are you going to find out anything in that brief period," Ares asked.
"Haven't you heard, love, I am the best detective in all of the four kingdoms," Klaus said with a smug look.
"While you are there, look more into Freya," Keith said.
"Before you object, she's your type. Lovely brunette, olive eyes, sharp mouth, and very lethal when she wants to be." Ares said.
"I expect no less from a woman who can kill her brother. But, she isn't my type. I've never liked fierce women. I will leave after the ball tonight. But wait…the Edmontons are coming. Aren't they?" Klaus asked.
"Yes, they are," Keith replied.
"Good, I can start there." Klaus placed the letter back on the desk.
"And brother…you plan to tell Vivian about all this, right?" Klaus asked.
Keith stood up from his desk and headed towards the window.
Klaus received his answer loud and clear from his absolute silence.
"I would say you should know better but you do know better." Klaus turned to leave.
"Will you be at the ball, love?" Klaus asked Ares on his way out.
"I wouldn't miss it." She replied.
Klaus walked out leaving the two behind.
"He's right you know. The Lady has to know." Ares walked to Keith's side and looked in the same direction as he.
Blaise was seated in the garden alone reading a book in hand.
"You gave her your mother's grimoire." Ares looked up at him.
Keith's eyes remained glued to the garden.
"I haven't seen her since the day at the Salvatores." Keith said quietly.
"That was over a day ago. It's because of what she said, isn't it?" Ares asked intentionally.
Keith glanced at her coldly. This was where he would tell her to go find someone else to bother or give her another task. But for the first time, he didn't say anything. He sighed heavily and looked back at the lovely frame in the garden.
"I don't know what to do about her, Ares. She's…" Keith hesitated.
Ares smiled to herself. She'd known Keith for a hundred years now and there was never a time he hesitated about anything or anyone. She placed a hand on his arm.
"You could go talk to her." Ares said quietly.
"No… I don't want to." He turned back to his desk.
Ares sighed. And just like that he was back to the same old Keith Valerian.
"Then, shall I go keep her company for you?" Ares asked.
Keith skimmed through a file and ignored Ares's question.
"It's a yes then." Ares smiled.
She transformed into her cat form and dashed out of the study.
Keith dropped the file and turned to the window.
Blaise sat in the quiet garden reading Lady Evangeline's grimoire. The more she read the more she wished she'd listened more attentively in spells class. Back in the 21st century, she had a royal tutor growing up. Miss. Sarafin was bent on teaching her spells and potions. Blaise on the other hand was all about science. She never paid attention in her classes. And read books on science instead of practicing her spells. In the end, she became the best neurosurgeon and a witch who practically knew nothing.
She looked at the small plant before her. She was trying a basic growth spell and it wasn't working.
"Pousser éléver…pousser éléver." She chanted.
She raised her hand towards the plant and repeated the spell. The little plant remained still.
"Bloody plant." She said in frustration.
A black cat jumped onto her lap, startling her.
"Hello, little one, you scared me there." Blaise placed the grimoire down and carried the cat.
"Are you lost ?" Blaise caressed its fur. It purred and pulled closer to her.
"Are you not the loveliest little thing." Blaise tickled it.
"But I have a spell to get back to, so you stay here." She placed it on her lap.
She turned back to the plant before her and chanted.
"Still not budging are you?" Blaise sighed.
"It's the necklace. If you want to perform magic, you should take it off." Blaise turned to find Damien.
He was dressed in a black man's shirt with matching pants and braces. His blond hair was combed back neatly. He held his brown leather book in his hands as always.
Blaise found herself stroking her necklace. She remembered Keith telling her never to take it off.
"My mother was a powerful witch you see. But it got to a time it was a risk performing magic. So she cast a very potent spell on that necklace and her power ceased." Damien walked towards her as he spoke.
"May I?" he motioned towards the seat next to her.
Blaise masked her surprise and nodded. Damien Valerian had never spoken more than three words to her. He made his feelings towards her very clear when he told her she didn't belong here.
"If you want that to grow you should take that off and attempt a much simpler spell." Damien flipped his journal and handed it to her.
"You are offering your scared book to me?" Blaise asked suddenly.
Damien chuckled.
"I wasn't offering. You could just take a look." Damien said.
"Why are you talking to me? Did you finally realize there was an alien red haired amongst you lot of gold?" Blaise asked.
"I didn't. I just dislike lot I don't understand." Damien replied.
"Well, I am not apologetic for being someone you don't understand." Blaise removed the necklace and took his journal.
"Sertris allivis éléver?" Blaise asked him.
"Just try it." Damien sat back with folded arms.
"Sertris allivis éléver." Blaise chanted.
The small plant suddenly sprouted into a beautiful black rose.
Blaise smiled.
"Finally some progress for the first time." Blaise said.
"You are a witch and you can't perform a simple growth spell?" Damien asked.
"Well in my defense, I neglected my spell classes to read science." Blaise replied.
"And where did that take you?" Damien asked.
"To a very good destination you can not imagine and I paid the price for being an ignorant witch." Blaise said.
She flipped through the pages of the journal. They were filled with witch spells and scientific analysis.
"How do you know all these spells?" Blaise asked.
"I wrote them myself." Damien confided.
"You did? That's incredible. But you are a vampire. How do you know all..."
"I'm a part warlock." Damien said abruptly.
"You are? But…"
"Just like that necklace, this ring stops me from doing magic." Damien removed the ring on his finger.
He motioned towards the plant and it instantly died. He put the ring back on.
"But your siblings aren't…"
"As I said my mother was a powerful witch and my father was a hybrid. So their union created a very rare species, us. Take my twin brothers, Keith and Klaus. Keith being the first is a tribrid. Klaus is a hybrid. Heath and Heather are hybrids. And I am a part vampire, part warlock." Damien said.
"I've always found your family's nature confusing." Blaise muttered.
"But that would make you the first of your kind. A part vampire and part witch." Blaise said.
Damien nodded.
"Yet you dislike my kind. How ironic you turned out to be one." Blaise said.
"I've never liked witches and I detest that part of me, my father made sure of that." He ended in a whisper. Blaise noticed the sudden change in his mood.
"So you relate witchcraft to science." Blaise quickly changed the subject.
She saw his mood lighten up with a little smile.
"I do. Science will soon take over the world you see. I will like to familiarize myself with that knowledge." Damien said.
Blaise flipped through the book. There was a drawing of the human skeleton with labeled parts. She remembered this drawing like the back of her hand. Suddenly, she felt a nostalgic rush over her. She didn't even realize how she missed her old life.
"I doubt you do all this just to acquaint yourself with the changes of this world," Blaise said.
Blaise noticed a sudden surprise in his hazel eyes.
"No one has ever asked me that." He said quietly.
"Well, I have the habit of asking questions." She said with a smile.
"Clarissa." Damien simply said.
Blaise furrowed her brow for a second. She soon realized what he meant and looked at him in wonder.
"Damien, you do all this to find a cure for Clarissa?" She asked.
"I see the way she longs to run on her legs. I see the joy in her eyes whenever she sees any of us riding a horse. I will like to bring that dream into reality. But so far nothing I tried seemed to work. Not even your power could make her walk again." Damien said.
Blaise furrowed her brows.
"Did you say, again? So there was a time Clary could walk?" Blaise asked.
"Yes. She wasn't born a cripple. She was…"
"What are you lot sitting here, chatting about? We have a ball to prepare for." Heather headed towards them.
Damien suddenly took his journal and stood to leave.
"Damien wait…"Blaise said.
He ignored her and walked away quickly.
"What is with that odd brother of mine?" Heather said.
"Anyway we have a…why is your necklace off?" Heather asked abruptly.
Blaise touched her neck absentmindedly.
"Oh, I was just…"
"Whatever, you should follow the instructions by which this was given to you, Vivian. Never take it off. Let me help you with that." Heather took the necklace.
Blaise turned around and pushed her hair to the side. Heather froze instantly.
"Vivian…is that what I think it is?" Heather's voice was filled with surprise.
"What?" Blaise turned around at her.
Heather grabbed her hand.
"Let's go get you a mirror." She told her.
"Wait." Blaise turned back to the table.
She picked up the grimoire and the cat.
"Where did you find that bloody cat?" Heather asked.
"It came to me." Blaise replied.
"Bloody Ares." Heather mumbled.
Blaise looked up at her confused.
"Let's just go." Heather hurriedly pulled her along.
Damien stood quietly as his servant tied his tie. Another servant buckled his shoes after finishing his hair.
Heather entered the room in haste.
"Well don't you look dashing, brother." Heather said.
Damien threw her a bored expression.
"All done, my Lord." The servants bowed.
Damien walked to his bed stand to pick his journal.
"For goodness sakes Damien, it's a bloody ball. Leave that behind." Heather told him.
Damien hesitated a while. He finally placed it in his lower drawer and walked out of the room.
"I got you this, matches perfectly with your grey suit." Heather handed him a grey mask.
Damien looked up at Heather with a questioning look.
"What do you want, Evie?" he asked bluntly.
"Fine, you caught me. I need your help, it's for Vivian." Heather said quickly.
"What kind of help?" Damien asked.
"You will know when you see it." Heather said.
"Fine. If I do this will you stop bothering me?" Damien said.
"I wasn't…"
"Do you want my help or not?" He asked abruptly.
"Alright, whatever let's just go." Heather walked past him. Damien followed her as they went up the stairs.
"You look beautiful, my lady." Eve Sinclair said.
"Thank you, Eve." Blaise smiled.
She stared at her reflection in the full length mirror. She felt very nervous at the moment. She wondered if it was the masquerade or her pending crisis. This was her first appearance as Lady Valerian. She admitted this wasn't the 21st century with Xavier and Ember. But she had about nine to ten beauticians all her to dress her up for the night. Even Madame de Martel was present to make sure her dress was flawless. She sure did a great job.
The white full-length gown she wore was stunning. It was made from satin and designed with detailed golden stitches, that shimmered in the light. It was an off-shoulder with the dress straps on her arms. Her copper-red hair was styled in a braided chignon with a few strands on both sides of her face. Her face was touched up lightly. She wore customized white arm length gloves with her necklace around her neck. In all, she looked elegant and very graceful.
"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" Blaise turned to find Heather and Damien at the door.
"Thank you, Evie." Blaise said with a smile.
"Darlene, Eve. You two can go now, thanks for your help." Blaise told them.
"My Lady." They bowed lowly before leaving the room.
As soon as the two stepped out, Heather shut the doors and turned to Blaise.
"Show it to him, Vivian." Heather told her.
Blaise turned around and pointed at the red mark on her back. The dress she wore exposed most of her back.
Damien stepped closer to examine the mark. It was a bird with flaming wings.
"The mark of the Phoenix." Damien mumbled.
"Why the bloody hell does that mark have to appear on no other day than today?" Heather asked.
"The last time, I saw it, it was on my arm. Can you disguise it?" Blaise said.
"I know a spell but it won't last long till it wears off." Damien said.
"How long?" Heather asked.
"An hour or less." Damien said.
"Fine, I wouldn't stay that long besides if I have the scarf on I will be fine." Blaise said.
"I will keep an eye on you, just in case." Heather said.
"Alright then, let's get this over with." Damien said.
Keith stood at the center of the ballroom, searching through the crowd. He was surrounded by many aristocrats who sought his attention. He constantly nodded and smiled mildly without paying attention.
Why wasn't Vivian here? Didn't she want to show up because of spite for him? Or maybe he couldn't recognize her because everyone was wearing a mask. No, that wasn't it, she stood out everywhere she went. He could recognize those pair of emerald eyes anywhere.
"My Lord Valerian, don't you look as handsome as always." He turned to find Camille. She wore a red gown with her red and black mask on.
Suddenly all eyes turned in the right direction. The ballroom went silent and everyone stared. There stood Blaise dressed in the most stunning white gown. She wore a silver mask with her full lips painted red. Her hair was adorned with her crown. From where she stood, she searched through the crowd of unfamiliar faces. They bowed and paved way for her, she had no idea where she was heading but standing still with all eyes on her would be very uncomfortable.
Keith found himself smiling the instant he saw her.
"My Lord…"
"Let go of me." He said sternly.
Camille quickly let go of his arm. She watched as he walked through the crowd to Blaise. Camille turned away to leave in fury.
"My Lady." Keith gently kissed Blaise's knuckles. She noticed how his smile.
"My Lord." Blaise bowed.
He looked handsome in the black suit he wore. His blond hair was not tied tonight. Instead, it was gelled back revealing more of his face. He wasn't wearing a mask like everyone else. Blaise couldn't help but think he was a beautiful man.
A fork clinging to a glass turned all eyes from the couple. On the mounted stage where the Royal orchestra sat was Klaus. He held a glass of champagne in hand with a bright smile on his face.
"Good evening, Lords and Ladies. Nobles, Ladies again, and Gentlemen." Klaus saluted.
"Tonight marks the 887th anniversary of the royal masquerade. Thanks to our patriarch, the great Runen Valerian, we all gather here to celebrate one night as one. Even though most of us plan to go our old ways after tonight." The crowd laughed.
"But tonight is all that matters, so on behalf of the Lord and Lady Valerian." Klaus raised his glass towards the couple.
"The Valerian family and the citizens of Valeria, I welcome you all to a night of unity and peace. Cheers!" He raised his glass.
"CHEERS!" The crowd responded graciously.
Suddenly, the royal orchestra began playing a slow symphony. The hall went quiet again and all eyes turned towards Keith and Blaise.
"Why is everyone staring?" Blaise asked.
"We have the first dance. It's tradition. Shall we?" Keith offered her his hand.
She took it and placed her other hand on his shoulder. Keith wrap his left hand around her waist and pulled her closer to him.
Blaise took in sharp breaths and looked up at him.
"I…I don't know how to dance." She whispered.
"Follow my lead." He whispered in her ear.
She took slow steps as he did. He twirled her around and she laughed heartily.
"You are beautiful, Vivian." He suddenly told her.
Blaise glanced up in astonishment. He'd never complimented her.
"Don't look so surprised. It's true." He said with a smirk.
She found herself redden. The song ended and so did their dance. Keith kissed her knuckles and she bowed slightly. This was followed by a loud applaud from the crowd. Keith led her from the dance floor.
Couples walked to the dance floor and began dancing.
"That was lovely, my Lord, my Lady." A man in his late sixties approached them.
"Thank you, Head Councilman Reagan." Keith shook his hand.
"You look as lovely as they say, Lady Valerian." The woman next to Councilman Reagan said.
"Thank you, Lady Reagan," Blaise replied.
"My Lady may I have this dance." Blaise turned to find a tawny blond haired man with a smug smile.
He wore a black and blue suit without a mask. He had the dominant Valerian features.
" William?" Heather stepped in next to Blaise.
"Cousin. How lovely to see you." William smiled.
"What are you doing here?" Heath asked.
"You hurt me, cousin. Isn't this the one night we come together to…"
"There's no need to pretend, William," Damien said.
"Oh…look at that, Damien talks now. Impressive." William said.
"What do you want?" Keith asked irritated.
"I'm glad you asked, cousin. I heard about the unrivaled beauty of your newest wife. I just came to introduce myself and also spend time with my family." He said with a smile.
"Oh, I swear I will wipe that bloody smile off your face after this," Heather said through gritted teeth.
"Oh Evie, always with the brash temper. Shall I have this dance, my Lady?" William asked Blaise again.
Blaise turned to Keith who gave her a slight nod.
She took William's hand and they both headed to the dancefloor.
"I don't like this one bit," Heather muttered.
"Whatever he's up to it's nothing good," Keith said.
He glanced around the hall. Looking out for anything or anyone suspicious. He spotted a black haired woman moving through the crowd in a red gown. Her eyes were glued on Blaise. Keith glanced at Blaise and to the woman again.
"Heath go tighten the security." Keith said.
"Why is Camille dancing so close to Vivian?" Damien asked.
"And who is that man she's dancing with?" Heather asked.
Keith turned his attention towards Blaise again.
As Blaise danced with William, she saw Camille dance close to her with a man.
"You are a very good dancer, my lady." William drew her attention.
"Err… I…" he suddenly twirled her around.
Everything happened so fast, Blaise bumped into Camille. And Camille in turn grabbed at her scarf.
"Is that…" The man dancing with Camille raised a hand to touch her.
Blaise glanced at him confused. She suddenly felt a coat around her shoulder. Keith stepped before her. She suddenly realized her shawl was in Camille's hand. The man stepped away and pushed through the crowd. Heather stood behind Blaise with a sharp look.
"You idiot." She hissed at William.
Everyone turned to look at them wondering what was going on.
"There's no need to stop dancing. Everyone go back to enjoying." Klaus told the crowd.
Keith wrapped one arm around Blaise and led her away from the crowd.
"I will take that." Heather snatched Blaise's shawl from Camille.
She walked away with Damien and Klaus behind her.
William headed towards Camille with a smile.
"Nicely done, my Lady." He whispered into her ear and kissed her cheek.
Camille watched as he walked his way through the crowd. What just happened? She asked herself.