A/N: The growing plot and blossoming infatuation.
Trapped
Seras awoke the following morning with her mind within a fog of memories and anemia. The incident the prior night left its toll on her physical body and her tired mind, and she found herself late to her mistress' side. The repeat performance of a silent attitude was not overlooked by her employer, and she saw fit to scold her servant with her proper duties.
"You are late" Integra bluntly noted as Seras fitted her dress for the day. "What kept you from being prompt?"
"I am afraid I have not slept well these past few nights" Seras truthfully admitted as she buttoned her ladyship's dress. "The monster-" she began to speak but her words were cut off by her own lips.
Her blood pact with the beast would not allow her to speak further of the affair which she now held nightly with the monster. Integra, unaware of the visitations made by the creature, assumed she still held painful and disturbing memories from the castle.
"Perhaps with your lack of sleep, a ball would be in order to tire you to slumber" Integra suggested as she stepped toward the door fully dressed. Behind her Seras' eyes held both a plea and a refusal, two emotions which reflected her battling will. "Tonight will be a large show of peacocks and strutting roosters" her ladyship continued with distaste. "Prepare our finest dresses for the evening" she commanded as Walter opened the door from the hall and they left to attend another droll assembly of the nobility.
Seras' expression was pensive as she pondered over the evening's coming attractions. She had been to prior balls, all filled with self-important nobles and wealthy families, but perhaps the next one would be to her advantage. The large party would certainly take her attendance from the inn, where she knew the creature, or vampire, would come to where she slept.
Seras could escape his clutches for one evening, and possibly wean herself from his control if given more chances at leave from the inn.
Thus the majority of the day was spent preparing Integra's and her own dresses for the coming ball, no small feat considering she herself had lost all her belongings, while Integra had not bothered to purchase any article of clothing extravagant enough for the occasion.
However, with a small bag of money which her mistress kept hidden within the room, in the usual spot within her pillowcase, Seras set out for the fineries. She well knew her ladyship's and her own sizes, so with little trouble did she find an establishment which sold the needed clothing.
Seras found the quality to be perfect for their use, but the sizes were not exact. She sighed as she thought of the afternoon of sewing which would take place as she left the shop with her two treasures and walked down the street. The day appeared normal enough, with a clouded sky and damp air hanging above the rooftops of the crowded houses.
Unfortunately events were soon turned as she suddenly heard a scream not far from her path.
Soon a middle-aged peasant woman rushed from an alley, her face disheveled from drink and her clothes ragged. Seras was shocked to see blood upon her hands as an official for the city came to find the reason for the commotion.
"What is the matter?" he tried to ask the woman as a crowd began to gather about the two. He appeared embarrassed by the incident and fruitlessly attempted to disperse the mob, but they ignored him. "Get on with you all!" he cried above the murmurs.
"No!" the woman shouted as she threw herself upon a man nearby. "Don't leave me alone with the body!" she cried in hysteria as the people collectively gasped at her words.
"What body, woman?" the official asked in anger as he tore her from the other gentleman's arms to focus her attention.
"The body of the girl!" she nearly screamed as an onlooker who had ventured into the alley came staggering out backwards.
"She's telling the truth!" he yelled as he pointed toward the dark passage. "There's a girl in there with her face all white!"
The official barely squeezed past the crowd in time to block the alley with his arms. Seras, however, noticed a small urchin slip around the other side of one of the buildings and she followed his stride. She could still hear the crying of the woman and the yell of the officer as she turned the three corners of the square building, only to be knocked aside by the child as he suddenly darted out.
The young boy cried out in alarm as he bumped into Seras' body, but he did not break his running stride as he disappeared down another alley. The young servant girl, nervous from these two examples of witnesses, slowly looked into the darkness which enveloped the small space.
The passage, covered on two sides by buildings and above by hanging wash, stank of mildew as she carefully stepped into the way. She covered her hand over her mouth as the stench of chamber pots hit her nose, and she carefully watched her step as a sudden pale figure appeared just a few yards from where she stood.
With cautious movements Seras took a few steps closer and leaned further to gain more view.
She stifled a small scream as the ghastly face of a young woman lay upon the cobblestones. Her skin was almost white, an extreme contrast against the dark stones, and her clothes were damp from the air. Her eyes lay open as she looked above toward the clothing which hung above, and her lips were a bright scarlet against her pale cheeks.
Seras could not help but notice the two unhealed marks upon the young girl's throat.
"Get away from there!" she suddenly heard the official yell as he came stomping down the alley.
Seras quickly turned and fled back from where she had come, her hand over her mouth to stop the terrified yell which threatened to burst forth. She did not halt her quick march until she had reached the inn, where little comfort was gotten where there was no safety.
The young servant threw the clothing upon the bed and seated herself upon the covers. She wrapped her arms around her shaking body and gasped from exhaustion and fear. The young victim's marks were identical to her own, and she could only assume her fate would end the same.
Soon Seras decided her only option was to escape from the room with the ball as her excuse, and she wiped the scared tears from her cheeks and went to work on the dresses.
The afternoon flew with the work she kept herself occupied with, and soon her mistress and Walter had arrived. The clothing was done, and thankfully her skills had not dulled with her lack of sleep as the fitting went perfectly. However, she nervously glanced at the windows which reflected the setting sun as the last button was fitted.
"The carriage is waiting for us" Integra announced as she noticed her servant's agitated state. "We will leave shortly."
True to her word, her ladyship and Seras, prepared for the magnificent ball which awaited them, soon were seated in the carriage box as a pair of white steeds flew down the streets. Walter was positioned in the driver's box, reins in hands as he expertly moved the horses through the winding roads.
Soon the threesome had left the innermost portions of the city and Seras found herself engrossed in the fresh atmosphere of trees. She deeply breathed the sweet smell and smiled at the sounds of night birds calling out in the distance. The young servant was almost disappointed when after a few miles their journey came to an end, but the splendid manor which awaited their arrival was a wondrous sight to behold.
Large marble steps led several yards up to the grand, double-door entrance, both of which were thrown wide open to the guests. People milled about in gaiety as old friends were reunited and new acquaintances were created.
Seras was assisted from the carriage by Walter, and she joined her mistress as they walked up the stairs while their valet took the horses to the large stables. They were announced by the crier of the manor, and the young woman was amazed as they entered into a large ballroom lit with candelabra upon the ceiling and numerous tables. Food filled those same furniture while large french doors led out into a large garden. She smiled nervously at the numerous royalty and high nobility who milled about her, but Integra only appeared bored.
However, the servant noticed there was a tension within her employer's body which was not always present. Soon her suspicions were confirmed as Integra led her aside with a stern expression upon her face.
"I have a job you may perform while here" she softly announced so none would overhear above the din of other voices. "It has come to my attention that a woman was murdered within the city, and that two strange marks were left upon her neck."
Seras turned pale at the description of the young woman she had seen lying upon the stones, but she held her composure. There were too many important dignitaries within the room to make a scene, and she dared not alert Integra to what she had witness earlier in the day.
"If I may be at service" she quietly responded with a respectful bow.
"Good" Integra replied with a short smile. "Then move about the room and gather information from these puffy princes and their courts" she explained as she stared with disgust upon the ballroom floor. "Perhaps you may learn some gossip from the ladies which may be useful in finding out who the culprit may be, though I fear we have already met the murderer."
"Do you suspect the monster?" her servant asked in a voice barely above a whisper.
The young woman quivered at the thought that perhaps her trysts had possibly been revealed, or that the vampire's hidden residence was discovered. However, both conjectures proved to be wrong.
"It may very well be him" Integra replied in a doubtful tone as she peered beyond Seras to the guests which loitered about the room. "But we have little proof beyond the identical murders, and so more information must be gathered."
"Understood, Sir Integra" Seras bowed in respect as she turned and entered into the lion's den of politics which made up the body of people.
Seras kept her eyes and ears alert as she wound her way through the myriad of guests. Each was dressed in their finest apparel and preening with their own importance. She heard nothing of importance, other than the usual intrigues of court and city life, until a sudden tap was felt upon her shoulders.
Startled by the touch, Seras spun around and gasped with fright.
Before her stood the man from the previous night, the acquaintance of their former companions who had interrupted her last tryst with the vampire. He had changed, however, and the differences are what made the young woman cry softly in shock.
His face, once red with drink and lively with air, was now pale as death. His eyes gleamed with a strange light and a twisted smile lay upon his lips. Seras could not see sharpened teeth within his mouth and he did not hold two marks upon his neck, but she little doubted he had somehow physically been effected by the monster.
He bowed in a clumsy manner.
"My lord wishes to meet you out in the garden" he quietly announced so few would overhead.
"No..." Seras quietly replied as she began to shake her head. "No, I won't" she repeated with more firmness in her voice as she remembered the dead girl from the alley.
"I'm afraid he won't take that answer" the gentleman responded as his eyes flashed with a strange light and his voice seemed to echo in Seras' mind.
Seras held her head as a strange fog drifted over her thoughts, and she felt herself grabbed gently by the elbow and led by the other guests. She could not lift even a finger in protest, so much was her mind not her own, and soon she could feel the breeze off the trees as they stepped out into the garden.
The sounds of the ball drew fainter and the world was a strange blur as Seras was guided by the strange creature who was once a man to a fate which frightened her senses. The halt of their movements caused her even more panic, but still she could do nothing as the strange blindness began to lift from her eyes.
Seras could see they now stood within a small rose garden which was surrounded by tall bushes. A bench stood not far to her right, and a large willow tree towered over the wide, open area within the center of the space. From her first glance she supposed they were alone, but the soft movement of a figure beneath the willow caught her attention.
"My lord" she heard the man address the person within the darkness of the tree as he released her arm. "I've brought your little friend" he almost sneered with a smirk upon his lips.
"Leave us, and do not interfere" she heard the familiar voice of the vampire speak harshly to his servant.
"Yes, my lord" the man bowed in a mocking manner as he turned and quickly left the secluded area.
Seras shivered in the presence of the creature as her sight and body once again became her own possessions. She took a step back as the monster entered the pale light from the moon high above. His usual attire had been replaced by an elegant evening suit which seemed to shine in the light, and his eyes burned with a feral glow as he held his hand out for her to take.
Seras shook her head in refusal as she tried to tear her eyes from his own. She was aware of her mind again slipping from her grasp and she struggled as though for her life against his will. He noticed her persistence, and his arm slowly lowered to his side.
"So you still refuse what your soul demands?" he asked of her as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Do you still not know what I offer you?"
"You want to kill me" she quietly replied in a fearful voice. "Like the fate you gave the other two, and the ones at your castle."
"Tsk, tsk" he scolded as he began to slowly pace around where she stood. "Perhaps you have already forgotten the experiences I have given you" he surmised as he stopped behind the young woman.
Seras, shaken with fear but determined not to let him control the situation, flinched when she felt one of his cold hands softly brush against her hair. Her reaction was evidently expected by her tormentor, for he only chuckled and stepped up so their bodies pressed against one another.
"Perhaps another demonstration is in order" he softly whispered into her ear.
Seras gasped as his sharp teeth brushed against her neck hard enough to press the skin but soft enough so no mark was left. She could not lift her arms in struggle as he wrapped his own around her body, enveloping her in his cold presence. When he began to nuzzle her neck she uttered a soft sigh and closed her eyes as she enjoyed the erotic feeling as he teased her flesh.
Almost unaware she began to feel them move toward the bench to their right. Soon she felt his hands lightly grab her arms and set her down upon the low, stone bench as he knelt before where she sat. With the couple turned as such and his arms still holding on to her arms, Seras could not help but look into the dark eyes of the vampire.
She again felt herself sinking into an abyss, but now the experience had changed. The sensation of falling had become more oppressive, and she felt terror well up within herself as her hands gripped the stone beneath where she sat.
However, his eyes softened and the young woman's flinches soon dimmed to nothing as she now felt herself floating within his deep orbs. Their color seemed to shift from the void of nothing which had so frightened her to the red haze of passion, as though she were now beckoned by an old love.
"Do you not hear the call?" he quietly asked as his face slowly began to move closer to her own. "I have come to serve as your guide for the journey."
"The call..." Seras softly repeated as from a distance a strange noise was brought to her ears.
The vampire grinned widely as he watched her strain to hear the sound. His head dipped and he nuzzled her breasts as she became intoxicated with the music of the night which called to her. Seras' breathing quickened as she felt his teeth pull the front of her low cut dress down further, exposing herself to him as a grin of pleasure settled on his face.
The young woman gasped as she suddenly felt his teeth penetrate her skin. Her hands came up to clutch at his dark hair as she felt the wave of desire wash over her body, and she pressed herself closer to him as his lips suckled the wounds. Her breath came out in low moans as her head drew back so her eyes watched the sky above.
The stars appeared brighter than she had ever seen them as her vision became blurry, but still the ecstasy continued as the vampire's hands rubbed against her hips. She jerked against him in surprise and need, and he growled his approval. His low, possessive sound only added to the erotic dance and she shifted on the bench as she felt her desire grow between her legs.
Seras gave a cry of disappointment and anger as he slowly began to draw back from her breasts. He merely chuckled at her childish tone and turned to smile up at her, his teeth elongated and traces of her blood upon their tips. He climbed up onto the bench beside where she sat and cradled her with one arm as she felt a wave of dizziness creep over her body.
Seras blinked in weariness as she watched him lift his hand to his mouth and scratch the wrist vein across his sharp fangs. The blood was quickly forthcoming, and she was confused as he held the wounded hand before her face. However, remembering last night, and his interrupted efforts, she dipped her head and closed her mouth over the cut.
The sensation of his blood sliding down her throat was intoxicating as she drank heavily of the cold liquid. The taste was not bitter, like human's blood, but was sweet as wine chilled to perfection. The sensation cooled her body but flared her desire as she suddenly bit down to partake more of the precious life serum.
He flinched but a low chuckle came from his throat as she eagerly suckled the wound. Her hands came up to grasp his arm as her tongue lapped at his flesh. The fatigue which had only moments before plagued her body disappeared and she thought only of the intoxicating nectar which ran down her throat.
For a second time that night Seras was disappointed as she felt the vampire easily pull his arm from her grasp. She protested but he merely made a scolding sound as he rose from the bench and stood before his lover.
"Another night, my pet" he promised with a smirk as his servant suddenly appeared from the path. The vampire turned to the other man. "Take her back to the ball, but be careful you are not seen" he ordered as he then returned his attention to the young woman and held his hand out for her to take.
Seras hesitantly placed her hand into his and he assisted her to her feet. For a moment their eyes met once more, and she thought the depths appeared frustrated by their soon separation. The moment passed quickly, though, and then she was led by the strange servant down the path to the occasion.
"So he's had his fun, has he?" the man quipped with evident glee as he pulled her along by the arm.
"Be quiet" Seras found herself snapping, an action with surprised both her and her valet.
He gave her a scowl but remained in sullen silence for the remainder of the trip as the lights of the manor were soon visible. At the edge of the glare he dropped her arm and promptly fell back into the darkness, which left her to find her companions through the maze of people.
Fortunately Integra and Walter were not far, and they found the young woman in a merry but exhausted state. Her ladyship noted the mood, and with some suspicion came to the obvious but unusual conclusion.
"I believe the hour has come for us to leave" she flatly announced as she scowled at her maidservant. "I am afraid the drink has effected your senses for the night, and the time is getting late."