Two years ago…
'Are going to keep staring or you are going to go talk to him?' Nichole asked from the piano.
Heather turned around with a scowl.
'I am not staring. I was just…'
'Observing his tall stature, his beautiful teal eyes, and his sensual lips.' Nichole said.
'Ugh… Have some decency, Nichole. He's your brother.' Heather said disgustedly.
Nichole chuckled and played her favorite tune as always.
They both sat in the attic with the large piano in the center of the room. Heather sat next to her and watched as she played.
'Did you take up my advice on not wasting your talents?' Heather asked.
'Surprisingly, I did. The Nobels called on me to teach their little daughter to play. A beautiful and smart little lass she is.' Nichole said with a smile.
'Hmm… The Nobels, decent lot. With their red hair and all' Heather said.
'Don't try to change the subject, Evie.' Nichole said.
Heather sighed.
'We changed the subject bloody seconds ago, you are now picking a whiff of it?' She asked.
Nichole chuckled.
'That's not the point. Evie, you've loved my brother since childhood. It's about time you go talk to him.' Nichole said.
'There's nothing to talk about Nick. I will just make a fool out of myself the instant I see him.' Heather mumbled.
Nichole stopped playing and burst into laughter. Heather glared at her.
'Laugh your fill. Your time will come.' Heather stood up and walked back to the window.
'Oh Evie, there I thought you were fearless. Never caring to be a lady for anyone.' Nichole taunted.
'I beg your pardon. I am a Lady.' Heather said with a frown.
'Oh yes, and I am the Queen of all four Kingdoms.' Nichole said sarcastically.
'Oh, you wish.' Heather mumbled.
Nichole chuckled. She walked to Heather's side and glanced down in the same direction as she.
She found her brother and Lord Keith standing by the stables. Nichole glanced at Heather with a smile.
' He never said it but he was a little upset about you and Claire.' Nichole told her.
Heather chuckled.
'Right. And I was upset when he started going out with that two-faced Elaine Alberts.' She said sarcastically.
Nichole raised her brows.
'Wait, you are serious?' Heather asked.
'I knew you were always jealous of Elaine. Even though you denied it all the time.' Nichole teased.
'Whatever.' Heather muttered.
'My brother may not be forthcoming about his feelings but Torment does have a delicate spot when it comes to you.' Nichole nudged her.
Heather attempt to hide her delight but failed.
'Bloody… Evie, you've turned all red.' Nichole burst into laughter.
Heather turned away from her.
'Shut your bloody mouth, Nick. Let's… talk about something else.' Heather said.
Nichole smiled.
'Alright then, I was saving this for later but I will tell you now. Remember what we spoke about the other time?' Nichole asked.
'We talk about a lot of things, Nick. Be precise.' Heather said.
'Alright. Remember we spoke about the amethyst stone the last time?' Nichole asked.
'Yes, my mother's necklace. What has that got to do with anything?' Heather asked.
'Well, I began some research on it a month ago, and guess what I found?' Nichole said excitedly.
Heather furrowed her brows.
'I don't like the sound of this.' She mumbled.
'I found a link and a history of where it originated. It was made in Eldovania a thousand years ago. It was forged along with three others by Phoenera herself and…'
'I don't like where this is going, Nick. Phoenera means trouble.' Heather said.
'Oh please Evie. This is just research. As I was saying, Phoenera forged these objects and shared them amongst the four trusted covens to the Elda. The Heretics, the Salem, the Trine, and the Ardennes. Over time, these objects were passed on from generation. They were worshipped even after the power of the phoenix disappeared. But during the Great Purge, even though the witches isolated themselves from the rest of the three kingdoms, there was a little ruckus there. That's where the sacred objects got lost. At least not your mother's because it was safe here with…'
'Stop talking Nichole!' Heather yelled.
Nichole frowned.
'Pardon me, did I upset you? I thought you would be happy with my findings.' She said.
'No, I am not. You have to stop this madness, Nick.' Heather said.
'Madness? You encouraged me to do this. Now you are calling it madness?' Nichole asked.
'I didn't say go bloody do it, Nichole. I was just playing around.' Heather said.
'Well, I guess, you playing around, paid off. I have good work going on here. I just found out the second location of the second object. Remember that collector from the Eldovania, Ronald Edgerton? He has a collection I think…'
'Nichole. I said that's enough. I don't want to hear it' Heather grabbed Nichole's arm.
Nichole pushed her off.
'Evie, what is wrong with you?' Nichole asked in an annoyed tone.
Heather on the other hand was already furious.
'You need to stop this Nichole. It's going to get you killed.' Heather warned her.
Nichole raised her brows.
'Don't be absurd Evie. It's just research. Don't tell me you are jealous.' Nichole said.
'Jealous? Why on earth will I be jealous? Just stop being naïve and listen to me, Nick. This will only take you to your grave. So just stop.' Heather told her.
'Stop? Stop and go do what? Sit around all day listening to your self-centered ideas?' Nichole said harshly.
Heather frowned.
'I didn't know you were bothered by that.' She said.
Nichole sighed.
'I am not Evie but I'm just surprised at your behavior. You know I am always happy and supportive of you even with the smallest achievement. And this one time I tell you about something I am passionate about, you shove it away as if it were nothing?' Nichole said.
'You don't understand, Nichole. You think you are so smart but you are not. You refuse to listen to common sense even if it saves you from your death. Fine by me. You can die for all I care. I've had it with your bloody nonsense.' Heather said. She walked out of the attic instantly.
Nichole sighed.
This was all so ridiculous. Heather and her temper, she thought.
'Evie…Evie wait. Evie.' Nichole called after her.
Heather morphed into her wolf form and pounced her way down the stairs and outside the manor. She ignored Nichole's calls and ran as fast as she could.
Present day…
Heather watched as Nichole's boat was pushed from the docks and onto the river. She was laid in her wolf form on a bed of straw. A white sheet with the large Thornton crest was laid on her body. Torment and Nicholas stood in front while the whole pack in their wolf form stood behind. Nicholas lit an arrow and aimed overhead at the sailing boat. He released the bow from its quiver and it fell right at the center of the boat. The wolves howled as the sailing boat burst with flames.
Heath wrapped his arm around Heather.
'I still can't believe she's gone.' Heather mumbled.
Blaise and Keith stood behind Torment and Nicholas and watched on. Blaise glanced up at Keith to find his face void of any expression. He looked down at her and their eyes locked.
Keith slowly looked away.
She wondered what he was thinking. They hadn't said a word to each other since yesterday.
Torment and Nicholas turned towards them. Keith patted Torment on the shoulder and turned to speak with Nicholas.
'My condolences, Lord Thornton.' Blaise told Torment.
'Please call me Torment, Lady Vivian. It's a pleasure to finally meet you even though it's under such unfavorable circumstances.' Torment said with a small smile.
'The pleasure is all mine and please, call me Vivian.' Blaise said.
Torment nodded.
'I barely knew Nichole but from the first thirty minutes I spent with her, it felt like I've known her forever.' Blaise told Torment.
'That's Nichole. Always cheerful and such a talker. Thank you for your kind words.' Torment replied.
'Tor.' Keith called from behind.
'It was lovely meeting you again, Vivian. Please excuse me.' Torment told her before heading towards Keith.
Blaise glanced over at Keith to find him looking at her. He diverted them as Torment approached.
She had to speak with him, she thought. But not here. Right now, she searched around for someone in particular. As she searched the crowd, her eyes fell on a group of familiar faces.
Nicholas stood next to Heather and Heath. She wondered when he got there. He was speaking to Keith a minute ago. Klaus stood to his left side. He made it after all. Next to Klaus was an unexpected face.
Freya glanced at her and waved instantly. Blaise immediately headed towards them. Freya met her halfway and hugged her.
'Oh, I'm so glad to see you, Freya.' Blaise hugged her.
'It feels almost like forever since I saw you, Vivi.' Freya said with a smile.
Blaise pulled back to look around.
'Sadly I am the only one present. Thanks to Klaus, I came on behalf of Eldovania' Freya said.
'Oh Freya, there's so much to tell you.' Blaise said.
'Me too, Vi. There's so much we have to talk about but that would have to wait for now.' Freya turned towards Klaus and the others.
Blaise took the hint. They walked towards the others.
'I thought I saw Nicholas here…' Blaise said.
'You just missed him. I'm taking the lead to the manor. I'm thirsty.' Heather turned away to leave.
'Is she okay?' Blaise asked.
'She is. Just grieving her way.' Klaus mumbled.
'I will go after her. Freya, don't go anywhere' Blaise told them and headed towards the Thornton manor.
'I will be right here' Freya said with a smile.
Klaus glanced at her.
'I told you so.' He told her.
Freya rolled her eyes.
'You couldn't wait to rob that in my face' Freya said.
'I couldn't' He said with a smug smile.
'Lord Valerian can you please lead me to Lord Thornton. I will like to pay my respects.' Freya turned to Heath.
'Please, call me Heath. This way my Lady.' Heath gestured.
'Thank you, Heath. Oh look at that, your brother is such a gentleman. I wonder where the bloody hell you came from?' Freya threw Klaus a smirk before leaving.
Klaus frowned.
'I thought you said she wasn't your type.' Ares whispered.
'She's not. She just gets on my bloody nerves. And when did you get here?' Klaus asked her.
'I've been here the whole time.' Ares said.
'Of course, you were. You were the black wolf amongst the pack.' Klaus said.
'I'm going to get a drink. Do you want to join me?' Ares asked.
Klaus glanced in Freya's direction. She glanced his way but looked away quickly.
'Of course, I'm not doing anything useful at the moment' Klaus said.
'What was that?' Ares asked.
'What was what?' Klaus asked.
'That look between you and the Edmonton girl?' Ares asked.
'Nothing and she's called Freya' Klaus said abruptly.
'What do you mean by nothing? That was something?' Ares insisted.
Klaus looked down at Ares with a small smile.
'It's nothing, trust me' He told her.
Blaise found herself wandering towards a small garden by the manor. She caught a glimpse of Nicholas standing quietly by a small pond.
'The after memorial party is that way.' She said.
Nicholas glanced over his shoulder.
'I prefer the quiet.' He mumbled.
Unlike most times she'd seen him, he was sad. It was obvious why he was in such a mood. She felt the urge to talk to him. She wanted to make him feel better even though it wasn't her place.
'I hear she loved to play the piano.' Blaise said.
Nicholas smiled.
'When we were children, she used to creep out of bed and play all night long. It didn't matter how much father scolded her. She kept waking us up with loud tunes' He said with a chuckle.
'Do you play?' Blaise stepped in next to him.
'Not at all. But I loved to watch her play all the time. She had this particular tune she used to play…'
'The one she learned from your mother?' Blaise asked.
Nicholas glanced at her with a smile.
'Yes.' He replied.
' I know a similar tune... I would like to play for you sometime' Blaise said.
Nicholas didn't have to say anything. His teal eyes brightened up immediately.
'I will love that. You can play now. There's a piano in the main drawing chamber.' Nicholas told her.
'Really? Now...I...'
' I would be pleased if you do' Nicholas said with a smile.
Blaise nodded.
'Shall we?' He offered her his arm.
She placed her hand in the crook of his arm and they headed towards the manor.
Heather stood in a quiet corner all by herself. She watched as the guests all clad in black gave their condolences to Torment. He had a somber expression. He nodded and tried to smile once in a while. She avoided him throughout the ceremony. She couldn't face him, not when she felt tainted with guilt.
She placed her glass to her lips to find it empty.
'Bloody…'
'You can always find a servant to fill that.' She turned to find Torment at her side.
A sudden wave rushed over her. She looked away quickly.
'Go away.' Heather mumbled.
'Evie, Not even a fake condolence. She was your friend too.' Torment said.
'Well, you know me, typical Evie, insensitive and cold no matter who died' Heather said in an unsteady tone.
Torment noticed the tremble in her voice. He knew her too well to know she didn't mean anything she just said.
'Oh, I hate this bloody place.' She mumbled.
'You hate everything, Evie.' Torment said.
She glanced at him with a frown.
'Don't you have anything to do...guests to talk to?' Heather asked.
'Not at the moment.' Torment said.
'Well, unlike you I have things to do.' Heather turned to leave.
Torment grabbed her by the arm and pulled her closer.
'Unhand me. Your guests are watching.' Heather hissed.
'Don't fight me, Evie. We can go to a quiet place where you can pour it all out.' Torment said.
'What are you talking about?' Heather hissed.
He looked down into her clouded eyes.
'It's okay, it's just me' Torment said.
Heather looked at him without saying a word.
'Are you coming?' Torment asked.
'Fine but I...'
'I know. Just come along.' Torment pulled her along.
They walked past Nicholas and Blaise at the doorway. Blaise glanced at them with curiosity.
'Don't ask.' Heather told her.
Blaise and Nicholas entered the drawing room.
'You didn't tell me there would be people here' Blaise whispered to Nicholas.
'Don't tell me you are shy?' Nicholas asked.
Blaise glanced around the room. She found Keith standing across the room with Klaus and a few guests.
'Vivian?' Nicholas called her.
'Led the way.' Blaise said with a smile.
Keith looked across the room to find Blaise with Nicholas. He watched as Nicholas led her to the grand piano in the center of the room. She slowly sat down by the piano, pulled off her gloves, and graciously placed her fingers on the piano.
All the guests turned their attention towards her.
Blaise took in a deep breath and began to play. Nicholas watched her as she played.
He couldn't help but think, she was perfect.
Freya stood next to Heath with a stunned expression.
'Never knew Vivian could play this well.' Heath said.
'I never knew Vivian could play at all.' Freya mumbled.
Blaise ended receiving loud applauds from the guests.
Blaise smiled politely. She felt a small tug on her gown. She turned to find a little red haired girl. Her blue eyes felt so familiar.
'Ms. Nichole used to play that.' The little girl said.
'Oh is that so, honey.' Blaise caressed her cheeks.
'I can play it too. She thought me.' The little girl said.
'That's lovely. Can…'
'Veronica, I've been looking… My apologies, my Lady, was she bothering you?' A woman in her early thirties approached them.
'Not at all. Lovely Veronica and I were just having a little chat.' Blaise said.
'Pardon me but you are?' Blaise asked.
'Oh Melinda Nobel, my Lady.' Melinda bowed.
'Nobel? Like the Melinda Ana Nobel?' Blaise asked.
'Yes, my Lady.' She replied with a smile.
'And you must be Veronica Serine Nobel.' Blaise stroked the little girl's cheek.
Veronica giggled.
Blaise stared at the little image of her mother. She couldn't help but smile. Her mother was a vampire so that would explain how she knew Nichole. She used to talk about her piano teacher all the time.
'It's a pleasure meeting you, Lady Melinda.' Blaise said with a smile.
If only she knew she was her granddaughter from a faraway century.
'The pleasure is all mine, my Lady. Please excuse us.' Melinda said.
'Bye Lady Vivian.' Veronica waved at her.
'Goodbye., Veronica.' Blaise waved.
'That was beautiful, Vivian. Thank you.' Nicholas approached her.
'I'm glad you like it' Blaise said with a smile.
She reached for her gloves to find a black card on them.
She glanced around but there was no one close except for Nicholas. She turned the card to find the image of a man hanging upside down.
Her eyes went wide with surprise.
'The hanged man.' She mumbled staring down at the card.
'And what may that be?' Nicholas asked.
'Oh, nothing… it's just one of Clarissa's cards. I wonder how it even got here' She shoved it in her pocket.
She looked around cautiously. This was a message. The hanged man was part of the three phases of the prophecy. She wondered who knew about this apart from her. Freya? At least not the Freya from this century.
Like always, it was raining heavily in Runen. Keith walked out of his study towards the drawing room. It had been a long day and the ride from Theroden was tiring. He was exhausted yet he couldn't go to his chambers. Blaise would be there and right now she needed space. He headed for the grand piano in the center of the room. He placed the glass of wine on top of the piano and stared at the keys.
Keith smiled at the thought of listening to Blaise play. But he also saw the way Nicholas looked at her. He didn't like it one bit. He rode alone the way back and Blaise rode with Heather. He wondered how long he was going to keep this up. Not seeing her, talking to her, and watching her smile.
Several months ago, he didn't even care if she existed. Now, she was all he could think of.
Keith sighed. This was getting more and more complicated. He placed his fingers on the keys and began playing a slow tune. He barely remembered the last time he played. There was a time he used to play the piano all the time. A time, where he had a passion for it and his hands weren't tainted with the blood of innocents. The tune he played suddenly changed from a gentle pace to an aggressive one. He missed those days. But as the saying goes, every good thing has its end. He didn't regret the horrible things he'd done. And he hated himself for not regretting them.
A gentle touch stopped him as he played. He turned to find Blaise seated at his side. He thought he smelt the scent of roses. He was so consumed in his anger his senses were dull. Keith watched her as she placed her hand on his left hand. She wore a thin silk nightdress and her skin glowed in the dim light. Her emerald eyes were bright as always. Her full lips curved into a little smile when she looked up at him.
'I know a better tune' She told him.
Keith could only nod his head. He watched as she led his fingers to play a slow tune.
He turned his focus to the piano as she played. He knew this song. It was a gentle love song his mother used to play.
He began singing to the slow tune in his rich baritone voice. Blaise glanced up at him surprised. He sang and played the tune with her. The tune ended and so did his song.
'You have an incredible voice.' She told him.
Something in the way she smiled made him smile too.
'I know.' He replied.
Blaise smiled. Typical Keith Valerian, she thought.
'We at least have something in common' Blaise said.
'You sing then.' He said.
'A little.' She mumbled.
He chuckled and reached for his wine glass.
'I…I wanted to apologize for what went on two days ago.' She began.
Keith glanced at her with a raised brow.
'I didn't mean to react that…'
'There's no need for that.' He said abruptly.
He turned back to the piano and started playing again. He wondered why she was apologizing when he was the one supposed to. Blaise watched him as he played. She was itching to ask him something else but she didn't know how to.
'Is there something you want to say?' Keith asked through the awkward silence.
'Err…I… I just wanted to ask…' She found herself stuttering.
He kept playing and waited for her question. He could sense her hesitation.
'On the night we kissed, you didn't touch me. Why?' She suddenly asked.
Keith instantly stopped playing to watch her.
'I… I am not attractive enough?' She asked.
She didn't want to sound desperate but there was no way to put this.
'So you just want to know why I didn't sleep with you?' He asked bluntly.
Blaise shifted nervously in her seat. Did he have to just say it that way?
A sly smile crawled onto his lips. Her face reddened.
'Well, if you…' He abruptly kissed her.
He pulled her closer and ran his fingers through her hair. He slowly took her lips and explored her mouth with his tongue. Blaise melted in his arms and wrapped both hands around his neck. They broke their kiss and she stared up into his eyes.
Keith gently placed soft kisses on her neck. A slow moan slipped from her lips. He brushed his lips on her ear and whispered.
'You are a virgin, Vivi.' He whispered. Blaise instantly froze.
He pulled back to look at her. He gently traced her lips with his thumb.
'I want your first time to be perfect. The day I make you mine, I'm going to make sure you never forget it' His lips lingered on hers as he spoke.
Shivers ran down her spine at his words. He hadn't done anything to her and yet she was so turned on.
'You have your answer then. You should go to bed now, we have a long day tomorrow.' He suddenly pulled away from her.
Blaise sat with a disappointed look.
'Only if you come with me.' She told him.
'No… you should go ahead without me.' He told him.
Blaise placed a hand on his cheek and stroked his face. Keith stared at her with a stunned expression.
'You look exhausted' She said.
'Some sleep will do you good. And please don't tell me vampires don't need sleep. Everyone needs rest. Even you.' she told him with a sweet smile.
Keith looked at her without saying anything.
'I am not taking no for an answer.' She said abruptly.
Keith smiled.
'Let's go' Blaise stood up and held out her hand.
Keith stared at her hand and back at her. He finally took her hand in his.
'Let's go.' He mumbled.
They held hands as they climbed the stairs to their bedroom. Blaise looked down at their intertwined fingers. His large palms held her slender ones in his. It felt good having him this close. She wondered if he felt the same way.
The thought of the earlier event slipped into her mind.
The Hanged man, she thought.
She wondered how the card got there. She needed answers to all this. She wondered if Nichole's death had anything to do with the card.
'You seem far away.' Keith said.
'I…I'
'You don't have to say anything if you don't want to, Vi' He interrupted her.
'What do you think about card reading?' Blaise asked.
Keith chuckled.
'There I was thinking, you were thinking about me.' He drawled.
Blaise glanced at him surprisingly.
'Well, you seem disappointed.' She said with a small smile.
' I'm not.' He replied.
'Oh, I see.' Blaise mumbled as she stepped into their chamber.
'Now who sounds disappointed?' Keith smirked.
'I am not…' Keith abruptly grabbed her waist and pushed her to the wall.
'Leo.' Blaise gasped.
She clutched onto him astounded. She looked up to find him smiling darkly. His features were heavy and masculine. He looked like he could devour her that instant.
'For one, I am not disappointed because I know you think of me every single day.' He slowly grazed his lips on her neck.
Blaise held her breath and closed her eyes as he kissed her neck.
'Just like how you are thinking of me right now He whispered into her ear.
Blaise waited to feel his lips on hers. For a second nothing happened. She opened her eyes to find him staring at her with a smug smile.
'Well, I don't doubt the authenticity of a card reading but from an academic perspective it…'
'W…what are you talking about?' Blaise furrowed her brows.
Keith raised his brows.
'You asked for my take on card reading?' Keith said in an obvious tone.
'But we…'
'We? We what, Vivian?' he asked with a blank expression. As if he had no idea what she was talking about.
Blaise furrowed her brows.
'What else will we do if not talk about cards?' He asked.
Blaise frowned. A little disappointed and irritated by the sudden change in mood. She wasn't like him, who could turn it off anytime he wanted to. Right now, cards were the least on her mind. But here he was acting as if he wasn't going to devour her a second ago. She walked towards their bed. She laid down and pulled the covers over her.
She glanced up to find Keith still at the door.
'Are you coming to bed?' Blaise asked.
Keith pulled off his black robe revealing his solid chest. His muscles were ripping out. This was the first time she'd seen him without a shirt on. All had on now were black pajama pants. He slipped in next to her and laid down on the pillows.
'Tell me all there is to know about cards.' Blaise said. She tried hard not to be distracted by him.
Keith turned to her with a suspicious look.
'Your new hobby?' he asked.
Blaise shrugged. She wondered if she could tell him about her dilemma.
'Then why the sudden interest. Are you planning on becoming a Sherman?' Keith asked.
Blaise laughed.
'Very funny, like you would have me in your home' She said.
'I would have you any way you are, Vivian' He said.
Blaise looked at him to find him with a calm expression. Did he mean that? She wondered how he could make her feel so safe sometimes and other times make her ran for her life.
'I mean it if that's what you are thinking' he said as he laid back on the pillows.
Blaise laid back staring at the ceiling.
'I guess that's why you had that card today' Keith said changing the subject.
'You saw it?' Blaise asked a little surprised.
'I did' Keith replied.
'Did you see the person who placed it there?' Blaise asked.
Keith furrowed his brow.
'No. What card was it?' he asked.
'A hanged man' Blaise replied.
'A hanged man' Keith mumbled.
'Suggests ultimate surrender or sacrifice. Why on earth will someone send you that?'Keith asked.
'I have no idea' She replied.
She wanted to tell him this wasn't the first time she'd seen this card. But that would mean telling him everything from the start. Would he believe her or think her crazy?