Emily gazed out the window into the frigid winter night, her bright eyes fixed on the twinkling stars and the silver half-moon. The distant calls of nocturnal creatures and birds, hooting, screeching, and singing ,filled the air, creating a symphony of nighttime sounds. Emily felt an inexplicable sense of solace in the chilly breeze caressing her face.
Her reverie was disrupted by a gentle knock on the door. "Emily, are you there?" Penelope's voice called out from the other side.
Emily quickly rose from her spot by the window and hurried to the door, opening it to reveal a flustered Penelope. "Penelope, what's wrong?" Emily asked, concern etched in her voice. "You look like you've seen a ghost!"
Penelope rapidly shook her head, her cheeks still flushed. "I'm fine, Emily. I just... uh... ran into a pesky rat in the hallway. It startled me, that's all," she explained in a single, hurried breath.
Emily's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing that Penelope was hiding something. However, she chose not to press the issue further. "Okay, as long as you're alright," Emily said, though her gaze lingered on the faint red mark on Penelope's neck.
"Penny, what happened to your neck?" Emily asked, her fingers instinctively reaching out to touch the mark. Penelope's face turned a deep shade of crimson as she hastily covered the mark with her hand, her eyes avoiding Emily's.
"It's nothing Emily , let's go downstairs dinner is ready." Penelope said as she gently dragged Emily from the room.
As they descended the stairs, Emily's curiosity about the red mark on Penelope's neck lingered. She couldn't help but wonder what had really happened.
Upon entering the dining room, Emily was surprised to see Robert and Lucas already seated at the table. She hadn't expected Lucas to be there, and his presence added to the sense of unease she had been feeling.
Robert's expression was as unreadable as ever, but Lucas offered Emily a charming that wasn't very sincere smile as she took her seat. Penelope sat down beside her, still looking a bit flustered.
As Emily took her seat, she couldn't help but notice the two new faces at the table. One of them was a tall, imposing figure with piercing eyes and chiseled features. His skin was deathly pale, and his dark hair was slicked back, revealing sharp cheekbones and a pointed chin. He was dressed impeccably in a black suit, his white shirt crisp,above all his red eyes were warm as he looked at Lady Camila who sat beside him,Emily Assumed he was Lord Maxwell Roberts father.
Next to Lady Janine sat a man with a rugged, weathered face and a head of thick, gray hair. His eyes twinkled with warmth as he smiled at Emily, and he nodded in greeting. He was dressed in a more rustic style, with a tweed jacket and a crisp white shirt. Emily felt a sense of comfort emanating from him, and she smiled back, feeling a little more at ease. This, she assumed, was Penelope's parents.
"You must be Nelly's School friend?." Lord Maxwell asked his red eyes looking piercingly at her.
At that moment It downed on Emily that's he was in a household if vampires ,the same very creature she had promised her family she'd stay clear off."Yes I'm Emily Patton,you must be Lord Maxwell I have heard a lot about you." Emily said politely with a smile.
Lord Maxwell chuckled."not very sure what you heard ,but I trust they are good things."
"Of course ,My lord ,I have heard very much of your recent development and aids to the council." Emily said almost too quickly.
"You know about the council?." Lord Maxwell asked.
"Come-on Maxwell don't scare the young child." Penelope's father said with a small chuckle."Penelope you are welcome to our home , we are happy Penelope is socializing."
Emily let out an internal sigh at Penelope's father's intervention breaking the tension,she smiled gratefully at him."Thank you sir." Emily said trying to sound polite."it's very nice of you to welcome me to your home."
"No need for the formalities you can "just call me and that hot man over there Uncle." Penelope father said as he pointed his finger at Lord Maxwell ,who let out a heartfelt laughter.
Emily was a little surprised at the casual remark ,but then remembered they were adopted sibling of course it was normal,she couldn't help but glance at Lord Maxwell who was indeed laughing Heartily,the sound was deep and rush but if filled the room with warmth.
"Enough you two old hangers ,eat your dinner." Lady Janine said.
As the dinner conversation continued, Emily noticed that Penelope seemed increasingly flustered, drinking more water than eating her food. Emily's concern for her friend grew, but she didn't want to draw attention to it.
Meanwhile, Lucas and Robert were engaged in a heated discussion with Lord Maxwell and Penelope's father about some land dispute and a series of mysterious deaths. Emily tried to follow the conversation, but it seemed to be going over her head.
"Excuse me , I need to powder my nose." Penelope said and immediately walked.
After dinner , Penelope was not yet back and Emily was worried ,but didn't show it. "Emily we hope you loved the food."Lord Maxwell said ,as he used a napkin to wipe his lips.
"thank you,the food was exquisite snd soothing for the mouth." Emily replied politely with a smile.
"We are glad you did ,we all would be retiring to our chambers." Penelope father said as he stood up and lady Janine followed
"It was lovely meeting you Emily, have a good night rest." Lady Camila said as she and Lord Maxwell exit the room ,leaving only her Lucas and Robert.
Emily stood up awkwardly."Penelope has been away for a while, I'll go look for her."
"They would be no need for that Ms Emily, I'll look for her ,you should rest it's late." Robert said as he stood up and exited the room too ,leaving only the duo.