Chapter 3 Collusion
You rouse early, dreams of Corliss and your Embrace lingering for a moment and then fading, as dreams so often do. Your early training as a neonate is something you rarely think about. Agelessness has a way of stretching memory thin, a phenomenon you've noted in ageing mortals as well, at least to a lesser degree. It occurs to you in those waking moments that you can no longer recall the precise circumstances of your Embrace. There was trauma in it, as there always is given the nature of the act, and sometimes you swear you can still feel her fangs pressed against your neck, supple flesh flexing, parting, and the rush of being taken. The seething remnants of your humanity bred a hatred for Corliss at first—forcing you into her world and not only demanding obedience, but perfection. Has your opinion on the matter changed in the years since?
When you finally manage to dress and leave your inner chamber, you find Gerard stationed behind a nearby desk as he always is at nightfall, ready to serve you. It's pleasing to know that even in the midst of all this upheaval you can still count on someone to be consistent and dependable.
"Good evening, sir," he says as you enter the room. There's a slight edge to his voice, and you're uncertain what it signifies. "Alisha Grey's retainer had a doll delivered earlier for a meal at your leisure. She's mildly sedated and waiting in the dining room. If you don't mind my saying, sometimes I wonder where she finds these women. She seems positively eager to offer herself up to you."
You give Gerard a quick nod before he continues.
"Ms. Grey wished to express her condolences over the events of the past few nights and regrets that she cannot be here in person to…'dish' about the details."