Disclaimer: Loosely based on the characters and genius of Anne Rice.
Immortal
Chapter 3
Shivering, Faith pulled the covers tighter around her. She kept her eyes shut tight in attempt to stay asleep. Why is it so cold in here? she thought, burrowing deeper still. Did I forget to pay the heating bill? She opened her eyes and sat up, about to go check the thermostat. Halfway out of bed, she stopped cold and gasped.
Around her was spread a red velvet quilt with a red silk pentagram stitched carefully into the center of a black background. Around that was a red border with black howling wolves embroidered into it. Around that was another border, this one black with the phases of the moon portrayed in red. Supporting her head were soft goose-feather pillows covered in black silk, which matched the sheets beneath the quilt. Surrounding the bed-twice the size of her own-was a soft, black, barely translucent canopy.
Through a chink in the canopy, she could see a stone room with a tapestry hanging from the wall. She could not make out the full design. Beside the tapestry was a candlabra, whose candles flickered ominously. The edge of the large wooden door was visible next to that. As she noticed it, the door opened with a creak.
Wide-eyed, she scrambled out of the bed, shoving the canopy out of her way. She stumbled over her feet, then stood next to it. In the open doorway loomed the familiar dark figure.
Oh, great. It's him again. Faith thought before she could stop herself.
Ouch, his soft voice sounded almost bored.
Realizing her mistake, Faith lowered her eyes in embarasment. She focused on the soft grey marble beneath her feet.
You're still afraid of me, the phantom spoke in her thoughts. He began to glide slowly toward her. She still kept her focus on the floor, tracing the patterns in the marble with her eyes. The black hem of the his interrupted the line she followed. A cold hand came up under her chin. He lifted it so her eyes now met his.
Sit, he whispered into her head.
Without thought, she sat obediently.
I need you to trust me, Faith, he said quietly.
Well, it's a little late for trust, now, don't you think? I don't even know your name. I don't know where I am, and I don't know why it is that you've brought me here. All I know is that I've dreamt about you for weeks, then suddenly you're in my bedroom. And before I know it, I'm waking up here, and I don't know why, she thought, irritated.
I'll tell you anything you want to know, Cherié. Just ask.
She paused for a second. She was surprised that he was so willing to give himself away. Okay, she thought. First, can we please, please stop thinking at each other?
You can stop speaking telepathically anytime you wish.
"Thank you," Faith said aloud. She blinked in shock at how loud and imperfect her voice seemed.
"Yes, that does seem to be a problem with speaking aloud. Our voices are so pure in thought, but in voice, they sound simply awful," the phantom responded, much to her surprise.
"Can you not do that?" she spat with venom.
"I apologize. It is simply habit to look into the thoughts of others. If it bothers you, I will not unless granted such permission."
"Thank you."
"Anything for you, Faith," the man replied. She looked at him curiously.
Just then the door burst open. There stood a man with dark, shoulder length hair and deep green eyes.
"Mon Dieu! Lestat! What are you doing?" he exclaimed in fury.
"Go away, Louis! I'll explain later." The phantom growled from beneath his hood.
"You do not just bring random girls here unless you plan to-" he stopped, glancing at Faith before returning his eyes to the cloaked man. "You don't bring random girls home. Do you not remember our agreement?"
"Louis, go away, or I will force you to leave," the man threatened. He was now standing.
The man called Louis rolled his eyes and grumbled. "Fine, but when you're done-"
"Louis, who's that?" a young girl with tightly curled blonde hair and big blue eyes stepped into the room. She pointed at Faith. "Did Lestat bring home another prostitute?"
The man in the doorway colored slightly. "No, Claudia. This is just a...friend of Lestat's." He glanced down at her extended arm, still pointing at Faith. "Don't point!" He said in a rushed whisper, gently lowering her arm. "She will be leaving soon, I'm sure. Come, now Claudia, we should leave them alone." He led the girl out of the room, giving the phantom a disapproving look as he went.
"But Louis," the girl whined, "I want to watch Lestat-"
"Shh, Claudia," Faith heard the dark-haired man whisper as the door closed with a dull thud.
Faith stared at the door for another moment with her mouth wide open. Finally, she closed her mouth, and turned to look at the phantom. "What-"
"I will be sure to introduce them to you properly in a little while. First, I much introduce myself. I-" He pulled the cape off in one smooth, graceful motion, and allowed it to fall to the ground "—am Lestat." Before her stood a tall man with blonde hair. He had soft grey eyes reflecting his black velvet suit. His face and hands were pale white. His hair sat just above his shoulders. "I am all you want, yet what you despise," he continued. "I am a dark angel, a demon, a deadly charmer, a snake. I am your nightmare and your dream come true. I suppose you could call me a walking contradiction." He paused to pick up the cloak and took his place back beside Faith on the bed. He gently lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. "And more than anything, Faith. You need to know that I am a vampire."