The bath Miss Stella gave, left me feeling refreshed and energized. After putting on riding boots and black breeches along with a simple shirt I made my way to the garden. "Think Fast!" I heard Jagger yell as a rock was hurled toward me. I focused on it and somehow it seemed to be moving at a really slow speed so I grabbed it easily. "Is slow throwing a vampire thing too?" I asked while he looked at me in utter disbelief. "What? Did a hook stick your tongue?" I asked as he stood there without saying a word.
"It seems your abilities have already made their way back to you. That is rather strange considering you only awakened yesterday. That rock was thrown with plenty of force and a very high amount of speed. It should have been very difficult for you to catch it" the Duke walked out and spoke. "It looked to be moving rather slow actually. Is that supposed to happen?" I asked feeling uneasy. "Vampires only develop that sort of visual ability as they get older. It takes some years to learn to focus on a speeding object and slow it down in their eyes. It must be because of your bloodline. I should have expected you to easily advance given your title" the Duke spoke with an intrigued look.
"So, I guess that means I am already doing well at this? I thought it would be really har-" I got cut off by Jagger sweeping my leg. I wanted to scream but something kicked in and I ended up landing on my hands. I'm balancing my body on my hands?! Ah, so this is what they meant by I have many capabilities. Everyone began attacking me head-on for what seemed like forever. I tried my best to defend myself without hurting them and was surprised at just how much I could do. Hours passed and I was able to keep up my pace.
None of them were able to touch me as I adjusted to my abilities. I wondered when I would see Ro again so I could tell her all about this. My thoughts were disrupted when Victoria suddenly attacked trying to knock me to the ground. My legs seemed to have a mind of their own as they wrapped around her neck and flipped her over. I landed back on my feet, standing completely still. "Oh my goodness! I am so sorry Victoria" I quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her up. "No need to apologize, I didn't sustain a single scratch" she chuckled. "It seems that we don't need to train you much physically, but I wonder if you realized that you were growling. Did we manage to get you angry with all these attacks?" she teased.
"No, I am not angry at all. I don't know what just came over me. It was as if my body was moving on its own. What growling are you speaking of though? I was not making a sound" I told them this because I did not want them to believe that I was completely aware while fighting. "Phoenix, come here" the duke called me over. I walked toward him and stopped. He gently gripped my chin and pulled my face up to look at him. His irises lightened as he stared deeply into my eyes. These people really do love to stare. "Is something wrong Duke?" I asked as he was not moving at all. "I need to be sure. Be very still for me and do not move an inch Grand Elder" he commanded me as he brought one hand to the back of my head stroking it gently.
I watched as he slowly brought his head down, inching closer and closer to my face. My breathing grew heavy as I saw his plump lips moving toward mine. "Open up for me dear Phoenix" he whispered. I opened my mouth slightly to follow his command. "Good girl" he spoke in a breathy tone. Nervousness began to flow over my entire being as I felt my belly tighten. He began to draw in my breaths with his mouth, still not touching my lips. We stayed like this for a few seconds until his eyes widened and he stepped back. "Is something wrong?" I asked him feeling concerned about his reaction. "I think that is enough training for today, everyone. Phoenix you are allowed to explore the castle grounds if you please", he spoke before turning and leaving abruptly.
"Could someone tell me what that was all about?" The Duke's behavior just now seemed quite odd. "Oh, Father has a gift that he developed over the years. He can measure people's energy and even determine the source of it. Quite interesting is it not?" Hunter answered with a smirk. "So what did he see just now that caused him to react like that?" That reaction was quite strange and he did not say a thing about my energy to me. "I have no idea, maybe your energy levels are really high and it shocked him. Most vampires aren't able to match the energy levels a Grand Elder could possess", he spoke nonchalantly as if it was nothing to worry about.
"Good job with this training session Grand Elder. I'm off to get a drink. Who knew being thrown to the ground could leave a girl so parched" Victoria smiled as she ran off with abnormal speed. I still can't get used to this speed our kind possesses. "Well, I guess that leaves you with us," Hunter said in a low tone. "Well, yes I guess it does. Since I was given permission, I'd like to explore the castle grounds. Would you two like to accompany me?" I asked hoping they would say yes. I still felt awkward about the fact that I had been so close to the two physically. Taking a stroll may just be a good start to asking them a few things regarding our encounters.
"Well, I don't see why not. Let us join her brother." Jagger spoke and Hunter nodded. Phew! Thank goodness they had agreed.