In a corner, Elysia sipped her coffee. Staring out the window at the boats returning with their evening catch. She hadn't noticed the men stealing glances at her, lost in her thoughts. She had seen Luna and Ignatius on a bench at the docks earlier. Luna's head rested on Ignatius's shoulder in silent companionship as the shop neared closing. Ayla, the petite dryad, cheerfully served the last patrons and sent the staff home. "They will be here soon, Detective."
A woman had made a nuisance of herself by pestering Ignatius. Ayla and seven maids in cloaks took the woman out back. Two minutes later. She ran out of the coffee shop crying.
"Do you need another cup of coffee?" Ayla asked her cute and loving demeanour back. Luna shivered. The eight girls looked like demons a minute ago. Competition for Ignatius between these girls was intense. Would she survive in this harem or run away out of fear?
"No, thank you, Ayla," Elysia replied.
Ayla rushed upstairs, shedding her blouse and skirt before reaching the top. A nobleman's voice echoed, "Ayla, get dressed."
"Master has a guest for dinner tonight."
"I know, she is gorgeous," Ayla responded.
The maids came downstairs in flowery dresses. "Be right back, Elysia," Christie said as she opened the door. "Taking Master's maids to their respective homes," Christie said, giggling.
The shop fell silent. Anderson, an old classmate known for his roguish charm, passed by. "See you, Elysia. It's good to see you again," he said.
Much to Elysia's disapproval, he had a reputation for straying from his wife.
The door opened, and Luna walked in, holding Ignatius's hand. "Elysia, glad you could make it," Ignatius greeted.
Luna helped Elysia out of her chair, embracing her. She whispered, "We have a problem. Her name is Claire Sullivan."
Elysia looked at Luna, concern etched on her face. Luna took her hand, leading her upstairs.
Elysia stopped, and Ignatius touched her back to reassure her. "It is Zarkon, our patriarch," Elysia said, kneeling in her tight skirt, hiking it up to reveal her blue lace panty.
Zarkon helped Elysia up by her arm. "Stand, Elysia. Do not bow to me," Zarkon said in alarm.
"Master, I meant no disrespect," Elysia said, trying to go to one knee, her skirt around her waist.
"It is okay, Zarkon, my loyal friend. She did not know," Ignatius said, placing his hand around Elysia's waist and touching her cheek. "What happens in this small family stays in secret. Nod if you agree."
Elysia nodded, her body trembling. "He is the vampire king. He is powerful."
Ignatius kissed her cheek while pulling her skirt down. "I know. He has been my servant for a long time." Luna also helped, making her presentable again.
"Your servant?" Elysia said, sounding confused.
"Master, dinner is ready if you follow me," Zarkon announced.
Elysia's legs felt wobbly after hearing Zarkon call Ignatius Master. Ignatius and Luna held her arms. Zarkon pulled a chair for her. They lowered her onto the seat. Christie seated herself next to Ignatius, with Zarkon on his left side. "Wine, Master," Zarkon said, pouring for Ignatius.
Christie motioned at the wine bottles on the table. "Drink, honoured guest."
"Luna, you know the drill," Ignatius said.
Luna poured wine for Elysia, dishing it up for her. Elysia, stunned at what was happening, could only nod and stare.
"Elysia, I will introduce you to the wizard after dinner," Ignatius said.
Elysia coughed, wine running down her chin. Christie wiped her mouth with a napkin. "In the future, Master's milk will run down your chin."
Ignatius stared at the fairy. "What? It is the truth." She said the picture of innocence. Luna knows she does it three to five times a day."
Everyone nodded their heads. Luna blushed, looking at her hands. "I love his milk Luna confessed."
Elysia relaxed after that remark, and the kitchen was full of chatter and laughter. This must be a dream, she thought. The goblet was filled with the wizard's blood. He must be near. How old was the wizard? Her mind reeled from the experience.
Elysia savoured the expensive dinner they had prepared for her. Thick sirloin steak melted in her mouth. The scent of the wizard blood in Zarkon's goblet made her giddy. Even though she had already consumed a blood bag before coming to the shop, she couldn't wait to meet the wizard.
Luna's desire for her to be with Ignatius didn't bother her. She would do anything to find the wizard. She liked Luna, and she had an undeniable attraction to Ignatius. Drinking his milk, as they call it, she could do that. The wizard was her goal. She would do anything, yes, anything, she thought.
She had a flashback to the war. She was kneeling in a trench, her sword next to her, and her mouth was bloodied from feeding. She looked up at Wilken. "Your first today. I thought you would like to go last. Eleven men laughed, standing in a queue."
"He could not wait, Captain. He was almost killed this morning." Jenkins said. Peering around Wilkon his pants on his ankles.
Wilkin brushed his fingers through her hair as she took him into her mouth. "Captain, I love you."
She looked around, the sound of cutlery bringing her out of her memory.
Christie and Zarkon cleared the plates. Ignatius lit his pipe, and the kitchen was filled with the aroma of tobacco.
She wanted to pledge her life and body to him. She would be a loyal servant to Ignatius. Why do I want him? What is happening? What about the wizard? She thought. No, I want Ignatius's milk. I want Ignatius; he would be mine, she firmed her resolve.
Zarkon had explained that Ignatius's power dwarfed his own. His loyalty to his Master was unwavering. Elysia couldn't believe she had met the strongest vampire in the world, rumoured to be one of the first vampire lords at level five hundred and ninety-eight. He could destroy armies without working up a sweat.
She had reached level ten in the war. She had no magic or abilities to speak of. A magus could defeat her at level five. She had nearly perished in the last battle with her squad. She had returned home broken. They had won the war she had lost everything she held dear.
Ayla had been quiet, eating and listening, her eyes focused on Ignatius.
"Take Elysia to your room, Luna. I will be there in five minutes." Ignatius said, standing next to Ayla.
Luna guided her into her room. The room said rich noble woman. She had seen rooms like this in investigations. She looked at the big bed the lavish bedding. Her legs would not move.
Time had stopped for her. She wished she had a room as big as this one. She would share it with Luna, she thought. Luna, dressed in a man's shirt, handed one to her. "Come put this on your sleeping over tonight," Luna said, sitting on the bed.
She undressed, folding her clothes neatly and placing them on a chair. The white shirt made from soft silk caressed her skin like a cloud. She kept her underwear on where Luna had no underwear on.
"Please, sit on the bed," Elysia heard Ignatius say behind her.
She wondered if she had chosen the right underwear. She went with royal blue. Why were her hands sweating and droplets running down her back? She wanted to run for the door. Am I betraying them, she thought. Their faces flashed in her memory. She had grown to love them. She had selected their gravestones with a message for each.
She sat down, and Luna sat next to her. "We will reveal a secret tonight, Elysia," Luna said, placing a hand on her knee.
Elysia felt awkward, unsure of what they would do with her. Her mind raced with possibilities, but she trusted them. She had to do it to find the wizard and fulfil her desires. She wanted power to protect. She could not even defend herself; guilt still haunted her. Their forces were defeated. The drow Armie lost all their soldiers. A handful of survivors from their side. She hated war.
"Elysia drink." He held his wrist for her. Luna licked his wrist and then kissed her.
She could feel her fangs growing longer. She bit down, and the blood filled her mouth. He was the wizard.
**************
Morning Light penetrated the curtains. Elysia lay on her side, Luna, her big spoon, snoring softly. Ayla lay before her, holding her hand, sleeping soundly. The room bathed in the soft glow of dawn as Christie opened the curtains. Revealing a breathtaking view of the ocean. The waves gently lapped against the shore. The boats bobbed in the distance, ready for the morning market.
Zarkon poured coffee for Ignatius, who sat at the table. Christie sat next to Ignatius, and Zarkon placed the coffee pot down before sitting on the bed. "Master, breakfast should be ready in an hour," Zarkon announced.
Christie took a sip of her coffee. "Anderson has a black eye."
Ignatius blew on his coffee to cool it down. "What happened?"
"He ploughed the wife of farmer Josh yesterday. When she came into town to buy clothes," Christie replied.
Elysia stirred, her hair a mess, as Luna hugged her tighter. "Morning, everyone," she greeted.
"Good morning, beautiful. Slept well?" Ignatius asked.
She shook her head. "Very, thank you."
Christie handed her a mug of coffee as she sat against the bed's headrest, Luna's head on one thigh and Ayla's on the other. Ignatius began explaining their quest to find Silvi's murderer. "John Silvan was a friend from school."
"He had vital information for us," Ignatius said.
Elysia took a sip of coffee. "His murder hindered your investigation."
Luna kissed Elysia's inner thigh. "Coffee, please," she requested.
Pushing herself up and dropping one leg off the bed, spreading her legs wide.
"Zarkon, Christie, to your satisfaction?" Luna asked.
They nodded, as did Ignatius. "Very satisfactory, my love."
Ayla woke, stretching. "Master's milk, thirsty," she said, making a beeline for Ignatius.
Ignatius stood with Christie and Ayla on their knees. "We have a lead, Elysia."
"We want you to join the wizard and dancer as we investigate."
Luna kissed Elysia. "Be a dancer with me."
"You're strong, and Ignatius will make you stronger."
"I want to. Magnus does not like you." Elysia said.
"If we could keep it a secret?" Ignatius asked, then moaned.
"Yes," Elysia replied.
"We will find ways to make it official investigations," Zarkon said. "Goblins are always a cause for concern."
Elysia mimicked Luna's pose, Zarkon's eyes roaming her body. "You learn fast. I am pleased," Zarkon said, making a respectful gesture with his hand.
"Zarkon, arrange a disguise for Elysia."
"Spare no expense. She is mine now," Ignatius commanded.
Zarkon stood, bowing. "As you wish, Master," he said, turning to Luna and Elysia. "Thank you, ladies, for indulging me."
Zarkon fondled Elysia's body. She did not move as he did. "I have her measurements now, Master."
Elysia wanted to say something. Luna kissed her. "He will do as he pleases. Accept his generosity." Luna winked at her.
Elysia relaxed her back against the headboard.
Christie stood, holding Ayla's head. Ignatius brushed his hand through Ayla's hair. "We have time before breakfast. You up for it, Elysia, Luna?"
Ayla stood, and Christie licked her chin, kissing the petite dryad.
Luna pulled Elysia off the bed. "Of course we are."
"Elysia, you go first," Luna said, kneeling with Elysia.