Chapter 115: The Courts
Disclaimer: I don't own anything apart from my characters; Teenage mutant ninja turtles belong to Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The same goes for Percy Jackson, belonging to Rick Riordan.
Italic means thoughts or dreams P.O.V. It also means texts.
mullac11, thank you for the alert added.
They are taking a seat in the cabin, glancing out the window, and seeing other travelers roaming and rushing to different trains.
"So, why did Chiron call in a demigod I haven't heard of?" Theodore questioned.
Pulling my eyes away to face them, the two sat across from me on their cushion bench.
"It's because I have a history with these courts," I answered, "I would suggest that you ask me all the questions you want to know before I take a nap."
"What are the courts exactly?" Riella asked.
"The courts are the ruling powers to the vampires in the world," I said. "And yes, vampires are real. I mean, werewolves and demigods are real too."
"But why are we being called down?" Theodore asked. "Why us?"
"Well, I know We picked you because of your divine mother, Lady Dike, being the goddess of justice, meaning it," I said.
"And what about me?" Riella asked, pointing at herself.
"I believe it's because Chiron wished for you to become the ambassador for camp with the courts," I answered.
"How many courts are we dealing with?" Theodore asked.
"There are multiple ones all over the world, but we only have to deal with three courts unless there are more," I said.
Theodore reached into his bag, pulled out a few folders, and handed them over.
"Chiron asks me to give these to you," he said. "They have more information about the attacks and courts."
"Thank you," I replied, placing them on the table and getting comfortable. "I'm going to suggest that you get some sleep. It will be a long trip, and your sleep schedule will change for a while in NOLA."
"NOLA?" Riella asked.
"New Orleans, Louisiana," I said. "Plus, vampires only come at night."
(T.L.)
Having the beds made, yet both Theodore and Riella had left to explore the train, I opened the folders to find crime reports and victims' reports. As well as seeing the courts accusing the others. Thankfully they were still only three courts, glancing out the window, seeing the world flying by with sunlight kissing the glass. The door opened to show Theodore and Riella's arms full of food, making me gently shut the folders.
"I see that you both got food," I said. "Did you leave anything left?"
"Of course, they are food left." Riella chimed in.
"Relax," I laughed. "I was just kidding."
"So, what can you say about the info in the folders?" Theodore asked, placing the food on the table.
"Well, I said, leaning back. "The victims were surprised, and the attack themselves were brutal, making me think someone is in a blood rage."
"Blood rage?" Riella asked as she ripped open some of the food and offered me some of the chips.
"It's a disease that affects vampires," I example, grabbing a few chips. "It's much like the name implies; the vampire with it will go into a rage, and unfortunately, the victim will not see it coming until it's too late; they will be ripped to pieces."
"But If it is a well know the disease, why isn't there a cure?" Riella asked.
"Well, that's the thing the blood rage vampires were supposed to be killed off," I said. "But I guess that someone got away from being killed off."
"But that's crazy," Theodore said.
"But that's life," I said, allowing a yawn. "Well, I'm going to suggest once again that you both get some sleep."
"I will go went I'm done eating," Riella said.
"Fine, but remember, vampires sleep during the day and live at night," I said. "So that means will be living like vampires."
(T.L.)
As we walked out of the station, night had fully set in. There was a shiny Lincoln town car with a driver waiting—a tall and thin black man in a driver's suit and cap.
"This is for the national court?" I asked the driver.
"Yes, ma'am," he said. "You are the three ambassadors?"
"Of course," I said with a nod of the head. "Guys over here."
Both Riella and Theodore walk over.
"We're going?" Riella asked.
"Yes," I said. "Now, come along."
The driver opened the door and allowed us to slip in; We drove through the night-filled city before stopping in front of a large and impressive white building with a large overhang. The driver opens the door and helps us out.
"Head to the front desk, and they will take care of you." He spoke.
"Thank you," I said and headed in with both Riella and Theodore trailing after me. "Yes, checking in for the courts."
"Oh, welcome, Miss Hector," The desk clerk said. "These are the keys to get into the room; you are all in en-suite. It is located on the 15 floor."
"Thank you," I said, taking the three keys and handing two of them to Riella and Theodore. "Come along, children."
Opening the double doors to show off a large and impressive suite, the walls were painted in light yellow walls, with dark furniture and rich textures. Three large portraits hung next to each other. As well as a large circular table where a giant vase filled with bright red roses.
Riella whistled.
"This is nice." She said, looking around.
"There are at least three bedrooms for each of us," I said. "As well as a large table where we can do the research."
"So, who are there three paintings about?" Theodore asked.
Walk over to see the painting and smile.
"These are the leaders of the three courts," I said. "We will meet them soon enough."
I could feel Rinella's eyes on me, causing me to roll my eyes and sigh.
"The lady is Jacobina Woods, a noblewoman from the 1700s in England; She is in control of the court of lilies. Which is mostly a court of women vampires." I said.
Looking at the portrait, a knowing smirk graced her round face. Her deep-set hooded eyes are in the color of forest green; she has thick eyebrows, a long and button nose, and full lips the shade of blush. Her fair skin, which has small fleckers, dusted across her nose. Her long, flowing, wavy, auburn hair was adorned with white flowers, apple blossoms, and white lilies. Her dress was a simple but flowing white dress.
"What about the other two?" Riella asked, pointing with a thumb to them.
"Well, the blond is Prince Louis Bourbon, and the other is Lord Henry Sullivan," I said.
Prince Louis was tried back with a black ribbon with his long blond hair. His sharp, open eyes of pale blue, a hawkish nose, and natural lips that were light pink, thin eyebrows. He was dressed in a royal blue flock coat with a tight neck scarf covering his neck. A large loin pin was pinned to his jacket. Lord Henry Sullivan's brunette hair was short, and his narrow eyes were honey-colored. Roman nose and pointy lips in natural color. He was dressed from the Regency age, with a large crescent moon pin on his short jacket.
"Prince Louis is the leader of the Loins court, and Lord Henry is the leader of the Moon court."
"So, when are we meeting them?" Riella asked.
"More than likely tomorrow night," I reasoned. "They are going to let us have a day to rest and get ourselves ready to meet the courts. I'm sure Chiron told you that you must dress appropriately for the meeting."
"Sure, I did," Theodore said. "I have a few suits, as Chiron told me."
"Good," I replied before turning to face Riella. "And what about you?"
"Yeah, I have a few dresses," Riella muttered.
"Good," I said. "I suggest we order some food and get ourselves ready."
"Quick, how are these paintings here?" Riella questioned.
"This suite is for the ambassadors to the court," I said. "So, the staff with this hotel knows and will not do anything against us."
(T.L.)
The day rushed by, and now, by night, the three of us were being driven to the court of the lilies; the three of us were dressed to the nines; Theodore's suit. He wore a simple shirt and buttoned it up entirely to support the elegant tie he was wearing. On top of the shirt, he's wearing a sleek vest with three buttons; it has a very narrow v-line, allowing a large portion of the top to remain visible, even if the suit's jacket is buttoned up. The coat was made for him; it's a perfect fit. It's a solid color without a pattern that radiates finesse. The four buttons of his single-breasted jacket are all buttoned up, giving him a sophisticated look.
The jacket is the same length all around; it has no vent, a single pocket on one side, and a breast pocket containing a stylish pocket square. He's wearing pants the same color as the jacket, but a slightly different pattern, and they're a perfect match for his shoes. He's wearing a handsome pair of brogue monk straps.
To top it all off, he's wearing an elegant belt, which a watch and a tie clip can accompany.
Riella was in a dress covering her shoulders, which flowed down to a sweetheart neckline; it was a tight fit that removed the focus from her breasts without making them look sloppy. Her arms have been covered to just below her elbows. The sleeves broaden towards the bottom and playfully accentuate her skin. The dress' waist is broad, but it's a comfortable fit. An elastic band perfectly accentuates her waist and breaks up the dress nicely. The dress widens and has asymmetric layers from top to bottom. She's wearing ballerina flats; no other shoe would've matched this shoe. To top it all off, she's wearing a subtle necklace and gilded bracelets. The color was a light yellow, reminiscent of the early morning sun. Her hair was flowing freely.
As for myself, the dress covered part of my shoulders, which flowed down to a beautiful cowl neckline. It's a snug fit that removes the focus from my breasts without making them look sloppy—a perfect combination of grace and style. The dress' waist is broad, but it's a comfortable fit. An elastic band perfectly accentuates my waist and breaks up the dress nicely. Below the core, the dress widens into a ball gown-like style dress. The dress reaches just above my ankles and is the same length. Wearing wedges is a perfect choice in combination with this dress. The dress's color was black, and my hair was curled and pinned back.
"Remember, allow me to do most of the talking," I said. "And remember, we need to find the information."
"Yeah, we know," Riella said. "Be on our best behavior."
"Riella," Theodore said, giving her a look. "You need to be nice. Alex is trying to help us."
"We are going to be fine," Riella said.
"Riella," I said. "You need to stop. If you are going to be the ambassador for the camp, you need to be better."
The car pulled up to a large, stately home painted white, with the shutters painted red. In the front garden, white lilies were blooming. The driver opened the door and helped Riella and me out; Theodore offered both of his arms Riella quickly grabbed them, giving a slight shake of the head and leading the three of us up to the door, which opened with a handsome woman in a simple black suit.
"Welcome to the house of the lilies," she said. "The lady of the house is waiting for you; please follow me."
The inside of the house was painted light cream with lilies of every color in various stages of blooming. As well as paintings of Jacobina in different highest fashions from additional years. The woman leads us to the salon, where Jacobina sits in the center of the room on a walnut throne dotted with craved lilies on the chair. Surrounding her was other women of different beauties.
"Madam Woods, I present the ambassadors from Camp Half-Blood." The woman said with a bow of the head.
I kneeled to a curtsy, looking to my left to see Riella doing the same while Theodore bowed his head deeply.
"Please stand," I heard Jacobina's light and clear voice. "Welcome to the court of lilies."
Standing up to meeting eyes with Jacobina's eyes that offered warmth and longing.
"Thank you, Lady Woods," I said, "For granting us entry to the court of the lilies."
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine," she said, standing up, watching as her beauties stood up. She walked closer to me.
"I wish it were a better reason for coming to the courts," I said. "But we must discover the reason."
"Of course, Of course," she said, stopping in front of me. "You seem to be the same, Alex." She gently touches my chin.
"I'm just lucky with my look Lady Woods," I replied.
She smiled and showed off her pointed teeth; she gently took my hand and kissed my hand.
"Yes, these horrible killings and attacks," she said, her slight English accent slipping out. "You know that none of us Lilies would be so barbarian to rip them apart; that's not our way."
"Oh, I know, Lady Woods," I said, smiling. "Now tell me, what do you know of the blood rage?"
"Don't think of that horrid disease," she said. "Everyone and anyone who had that disease were killed off. So that can't be so."
"I understand that Lady Woods, but from the case files and reports, I feel that a vampire may have survived the purge of blood rage." I reason
"Yes, I understand, but I know it's not possible," lady woods said. "Perhaps it could be one of those horrid courts of the loins court; you know that they are brutal hunters and enjoy the thrill of the hunt."
"Of course, we will be asking them for information as well," I said.
"You that Prince Louis is still in charge of the loins, and he still talks of your last court visit." She said, offering a smile, feeling the heat on my cheeks.
"Why am I not surprised," I said. "He is a massive flirt."
"Oh, we both know that," She laughed. "But I will say no blood rage vampires are in the court of the lilies."
(T.L.)
"Well, what else did you find out while I was talking with Lady Woods?" I asked, picking at the gumbo sent for us for dinner.
"They all believe that this court of loins is the reason for the attacks," Theodore said, stabbing a piece of sausage.
A knock on a door alerted us,
"Did you order something?" Riella asked.
"No, did you?" I questioned, standing up and heading to the door. "Who is it?"
'We have a delivery for Alice from his highness Prince Louis." I heard from the door.
Pushing out a breath, I opened the door to show staff they were holding a portable rack of high-end dresses. Allowing them to push the frame in and hand a card to me, a fancy one. The staff gave a nod of the head and walked out. Riella shot me a look as the door slammed with a slight thud.
"Whose Alice, and why is this Prince Louis sending dresses here?" She demanded.
"Alice is the French form of my name Alexis," I said, ignoring Rinella's outburst, and opened the note to find a curly handwritten note.
"I welcomed you back to the courts, my dear Alice; please join me for a private event and choice one of these lovely gowns that will enchant your beauty; please reply by dawn with your kind agreement, Prince Louis."
I was allowing a small smile to come across my face.
"Well, what does the note say?" Theodore asked.
"The leader of the court of loins has requested me to a private event," I said.
"What?" Riella questioned. "Just you, not us?"
"Riella, I have a history with him. It means I can get more information," I said. "Plus, I'm a big girl who can protect herself." I walked over to the rack of dresses.
There were at least five dresses, each of which was just as pretty. One was a tulip-style dress with a high neck in the color of cherry; another was an empire waist dress with cupped shelves in the shade of buttermilk, and there was a mermaid-style dress with an off-the-shoulder top in the color of indigo. A princess dress in the color plum and an A-line dress with thick straps in the shade of crow feathers.
"All of these dresses are breathtakingly beautiful," Riella said. "It's not fair."
"Well, whatever dresses I don't pick, you can try them on," I suggested.
"Really?" Riella asked happily.
"Yes," I replied with a smile.
(T.L.)
Walking into the residence of the court of the loins, having chosen the high-necked cherry color dress with my hair pinned back with a small crown of a golden band placed like a crown on my head. The door opened as I walked up, and the butler ushered me in.
"Welcome Alice to the court of the loins," he said. "His Highness is awaiting you if you, please follow me."
"Thank you," I replied.
The home was in rich earth tones with red highlights, as well as having paintings that showed sexual nature and vampire nature. The butler led me into the dining room, where Prince Louis sated waiting for me, sitting on the opposite side of a dining table.
"Ah, Alice!" He announced with a thick French accent and stood up. He was dressed to the nines in a black suit and red pocket square. "You have arrived."
He was holding a goblet, no doubt filled with blood, giving a crusty.
"Thank you for having me, your highness," I replied.
He came closer and gently took my hand. It was like sticking one's hand into an ice bath, typical for vampires.
"You look ravishing, my dear Alice," he said, looking me up and down like a piece of rare meat, another common trait for vampires. He lifted my hand to his chilled lips. "Come, my dear, let's get you seated and food for you."
He led me to the table and helped me to sit; he offered a smile calling me in.
"Thank you, your highness," I said, offering my smile.
"I was surprised to hear you were coming to assist us with these horrid attacks." He spoke.
The butler placed a plate before me, cooked streak, with mashed potatoes and spinach salad. The butler placed a goblet that the butler filled with wine.
"Please start eating, my dear Alice." He said, bringing his goblet to his lips. "As I said, I'm surprised and shocked to see you here before me, alive and breathing. I must ask what your secret is."
Offering him a smirk as I cut the streak apart.
"I will be keeping that secret," I said.
"I last heard of you are passing away summoning by your friends and family," Louis said. "So, hearing that you were coming to pique my interest and questioning my belief in life after death."
"Once again, your highness, I will keep that secret," I said. "Now tell me, do you believe these attacks are the work of a vampire with blood rage."
Prince Louis laughed after taking another sip.
"Oh, I know that Lady Woods has already warned me of your idea of this," he said. "All of the vampires that had blood rage were destroyed."
"Are you sure about that, your highness?" I questioned. "These attacks and killings are very similar to other cases of vampires with blood rage."
"Again, they are gone and were taken care of." He said with a shrug of the hand.
"Then it's a vampire making it look like a vampire with blood rage," I reasoned. "Can you think of any vampire who would like to do that, and what could be the reason why? Why would they want to start a war within these courts?"
"It could be that they just want to get control of the courts." Prince Louis said, thinking out aloud.
"But why?" I questioned.
"Well, if you would like to know my theories on who could want this," he said, standing and towering over me within seconds. "You know what I would like, my dear Alice."
Offering a bittersweet smile.
"I'm sorry, your highness," I said, eye to eye with him. "But I'm not your blood bag, nor am I your toy," Standing up and staring him down. "I thank you for the meal and the dresses, but I must leave."
Giving a nod of the head and headed out, only to have Louis pull me back into his arms.
"Ah, that fire you have, mon amour, ma boule de feu." He teased, feeling his chilled lips ghosting my neck.
"As I said before, I'm not your blood bag nor your toy," I growled. "I would suggest you let me go now."
He pulled back, allowing my body to heat up, granting me freedom, and allowing a fireball to appear and float around me.
"Ah ma boule de feu," he said. "A true firecracker."
He took a step closer; the fireball grew more enormous and hotter.
"I would suggest you give me thorough ideas and names of who you think would want control of the courts," I ordered.
"Of course, mon amour." He said, smiling and showing his fangs.
(T.L.)
Having given the information to Riella and Theodore, I said I needed to clear my head and walk through the quarter. Riella said she wanted to come with me. I changed into a standard outfit: jeans, a vintage band tee, and boots.
"Are you sure that I can keep those dresses?" Riella asked.
The beats and sounds of the bands fill the air with blues and jazz. Crowds were all around. Some were drunk, and others were getting there.
"To be honest, I don't care what you do with them," I said.
"Why, thank you then." She said happily.
I pushed through the crowds, pulling Riella along.
"There is a lot to learn if you're the ambassador to the court and camp," I said. "We need to talk to Chain."
"Who's Chain?" Riella asked as I dragged her down one of the side streets before stopping in front of a large shop painted white with blue shutters and large pillars that offered some protection from the weather. Above the door, read "Chain's bar and food." "What a bar?"
"Chain knows everything, and his bar is neutral ground and helps all new ambassadors to their job," I said, dragging her in; upon entering, the space was a rustic room with extensive wood paneling within cherry wood, as well as brass fixtures and leather chairs with an overflow of plants and lights.
"Is that Miss. Alex Black?" I heard from the bar.
I was meeting eyes with Chain, a tall and thin man with dark skin like wet driftwood. His dark eyes and hawkish nose, a large pair of lips that were in a significant smile. A delicate silk waistcoat in the color of cranberry with fine golden stitching. Multiple rings in different shades of metals donned just finger. Allowing a smile to come across my face as I walked more into the bar, dragging Riella along.
"If it isn't Mr. Chain Jones himself," I said. "I would have thought that you would be gone."
"Well, you could say that I was blessed with long life." He said, showing a large golden chain.
"Let me guess, as long as you wear this chain, you live," I said.
"In a nutshell, yes," He replied. "Now, what do I know this pleasure of your visit? I had heard that you were gone yourself. Surrounded by loved ones and friends."
I held up a hand to stop him.
"I don't nor want to know," I said. "I need information and some food."
"Of course, of course," he said. "For the information, we need some privacy."
"Lead away," I said. "I'm sure you will not cause chaos, right, Riella?"
"Sure," she said. "Can I get some food, please?"
"I'll have the chef cook something for you right now," Chain said. "Alex, if you will follow me?"
I gave Riella a look and walked after Chain through the hallway up to his office; as we passed the kitchen, he stuck his head in for a moment before stepping into his office. A dark and moody room that screams man lair, deep and lush red walls, and dark furniture. A waved his hand, offering a seat.
"What information are you seeking?" He asked.
"Regarding the vampires, who would have wanted power over the court?" I asked.
"A good amount of factions who want power," he said. "I can easily give you a list, but the main would-be Lord Sainsbury, who has been fighting for control of the court of lions for years. His symbol is that of a winged lion, but they are many more. Now tell me, young one, what is worrying you?"
"Louis," I said. "He tried to force himself on me; I managed to get away, but I just feel wrong."
"Louis doesn't know the word no," he said. "Be happy that you were the first to tell him no."
"But…" I said.
"But nothing," he said. "Louis needs to understand that no means no."
"Thanks, Chain," I replied. "Now, on the business of Riella, Chiron wishes her to be the next ambassador meaning you will have to teach the ways."
"Why can't you teach her?" He asked.
"I don't believe I will be here for much longer, Chain," I said.
"I will write down more of the list for you and give it." He said. "Does she have the necklace yet?"
"Not that I know of, Hades. I don't even know where I am anymore." I muttered.
"I will find you the necklace," he said. "I mean, I do have a small amount of them."
He stood and may quick work of finding the necklace; he gently placed it into my open hand.
A small silver pedant, a single four-pointed star, shone in the middle, attached to a long and robust chain—slipping it over to land on my covered chest.
He glanced at the clock.
"You and your little friend should head back to the hotel," he said. "Tonight is one of those nights."
We found Riella eating fried green tomatoes, reaching over and grabbing one.
"Hey, I was eating that," She complained.
"You have to be quick went you are around me," I teased with a smirk. "It's time to go and see what Theodore has found out."
She stood up and offered us a smile.
"What do I owe you?" She asked.
"Don't worry about it," Chain said. "We will be getting to know each other soon enough."
With a nod, we headed back out; we walked through the streets and alleyways. Eyes were watching and following, gently grabbing Riella's arm.
"We're being watched," I whispered. "Don't look around; we have to lose them."
We slipped into a crowd of others and stayed within them until we pushed through and found ourselves at the entrance of the Lafayette Cemetery. I could still feel eyes watching and waiting. Drawing out my necklace and held it up high.
"The courts protect us, so I suggest you leave us alone!" I yelled.
Riella looked at the necklace and pulled out her own.
What are you doing with my great-grandmother's necklace?" She demanded.
Hissing from the darkness sounded out, and figures soon appeared, slapping Riella's hand away again, still holding the necklace high up. "We are protected by the courts, so back off!"
The hissing grew louder, and the figures soon came into the light. They were dressed with the symbol of a winged lion. Pulling out a short celestial bronze sword, he launched at us, and others followed. Fireballs appeared and surrounded us.
"Why aren't they backing off?" She asked.
"I don't know," I said as they roared; one launched himself at us, and the fire soon took over and killed him. He crashed before us in a burnt husk.
"Back off!" Riella yelled.
Another vampire attempted to jump over the flame, but the fire took him over, and another husked body.
"We need to move now," I said.
"But how are we going to get through them?" She questioned.
Slipping my sword back in its stealth, taking a breath, and fire shot up, making them back up.
A blast of bright flash blinded me, covering my eyes at once.
"Hey, it's safe to open your eyes," Riella's voice sounded. "It's safe."
I slowly blink my eyes to see the ashes and smoking remains of the vampires. I was glancing over to see Riella glowing.
"Right child of the sun itself, so it makes the scene glow like the sun," I said.
"Yeah," she said weakly. "We need to go. I feel more are coming, and I don't know how long I can keep this going."
I gave the nod, rushed over, and pulled off the winged lion's logo, running back to Riella. Who was slightly shaking, gently stopping her from falling?
"Put your weight on me." I reasoned, wrapping my arm around her waist, and we started to walk to the hotel.
(T.L.)
Somehow, we made it to the room right as Riella fainted. Riella threw her head back, her eyes rolling into the back of her eyes, slamming a fist on the door and praying that Theodore would open up. The door spun open to show Theodore looking annoyed before worry and concern flashed over his face.
"What happened?" He demanded.
"She blasted Vampires away," I reasoned, lifting her and carrying her into the room, pushing through and bringing her to her room. Theodore was hot on my heels and got ahead of me and pushed open the door, and made quick work of undoing the bed. I placed her down; Theodore gently pulled off her shoes and covered her with the sheet.
"So, tell me exactly what happened?" He asked.
We walked back out and came to a stop in the dining room.
"I got information from an informer about who could be causing these attacks and killings," I said. "When we returned, we got chased and surrounded by vampires, and Riella blasted them with sunlight, and here we are."
"Okay, who do you think is the cause of these attacks?" He asked.
"The informer is saying Lord Henry Sainsbury, whose symbol is the winged lion," I said. "And these vampires that attacked us wore the winged lion symbol."
I was pulling the ripped and burnt piece of fabric which displayed the winged loin.
"I was going to tell you both when you got back that Lord Henry has been causing problems for the courts for years," Theodore said.
"Much like what?" I questioned. "What problems?"
"A lot, to say the least," Theodore said. "The main one being that he and his followers believe that vampires are the rightful rulers of the world and some other dark things."
"I get it," I said. "I do know of him, not the nicest of guys."
"I mean, he was turned doing the English civil war." He said.
"Which one?" I asked, grabbing water. "The one with Matilda and Stephen or the one with Charles and Cromwell?"
"Charles and Cromwell," he said, pulling out a folder and pulling it open to show victims with his hands. "He is known for his cruel treatment of Cromwell's followers and has been like that with though he doesn't like them. He believes he should be the leader of the court of loins."
"That's why he has the winged lion symbol," I said. "Even though it's the symbol of St. Mark and Venice." Tipping a sip.
"So, we have a justifiable reason, but we need to prove it," Theodore said.
"We have an attack on both Riella and myself; thankfully, we got away with the winged loin," I reasoned.
"They might suggest you planted the winged lion," he said. "Studying to be a lawyer has its advantages."
"We need to see the cage files and see if any of them have the winged lion on or near them," I suggested.
"How are we going to see them?" Theodore asked.
Giving him and look and smirk.
"Theodore, everyone knows there are vampires in New Orleans; the police are in on it, well, the highest ones," I said.
"Oh," he said. "You better give that necklace back to Riella. She isn't happy about you taking one of her prize items."
"Well, this is my necklace; she is still on her neck last I checked," I said, "What can you tell me about her necklace?"
"It was her great-grandmother Alexis Splinterson, she left in her Will that the necklace would go to the eldest daughter, and Riella is the eldest daughter; she loves it because it makes her feel close to her," Theodore said.
"Got it," I said. "I will make a few calls, but I need to nap right now."
"Fair enough." He said.
Walking past him to my bedroom and crashed onto the bed, allowing my brain and eyes to shut and sleep to take over.
(T.L.)
"You are not going to believe it," Theodore announced, causing me to shoot up from the bed. "You were right."
"Right about what?" I questioned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
"I was able to talk to some of the cops and got access to the case files, and you were right; a chuck of the victims has winged loin symbols by the bodies or something like it." He said.
"So, what does that mean?" I asked. "Also, is Riella up and going?"
"It means your idea is possibly right," he said. "And yes, she is up and going. She is eating like a fiend."
I slowly pushed myself up and off the bed, heading to the dining room to find Riella devouring fried eggs and toast.
"Good morning, sunshine," I said, grabbing a piece of toast. "How are we feeling?"
Riella shot me a look, to which I just offered a smile.
"So went are we going to tell the courts about Lord Sainsbury?" She asked.
"We need to get everything ready and give it to the right people, then we leave and let the courts handle it," I said. "So, we are going to help Theodore get it ready."
"Okay." She said.
"I need to get some food," I muttered. "And some strong tea."
"What are you going to order?" Riella asked.
"Food," I said with a smirk before taking a significant bit of her toast. "Simple as that."
I looked at her more closely, trying to see if I could see myself or Raph in her.
"What are you looking at?" She questioned, meeting eyes with me—purple, meeting green.
"Nothing," I said. "Nothing."
I still couldn't see anything of myself in her.
(T.L.)
Walking back through the penthouse doors, chatter sounded from the living room. Anxiously pulling at the necklace back and forth. Having given all the information to the courts, we packed up and left, and I laughed as Riella threw all the dresses into her bag.
Walking closer to see if everyone was happy with each other walking into view. Making eye contact with Ava, who smiled brightly and ran over, tackling me into a hug.
"Hey, Ava," I said with a smile. I looked around to see there was relief on their faces. "What did I miss?"
"There was a lot," Leo said.
"What happened with you and this supposed mission from Chiron?" Tabs asked.
"A lot," I said. "I'll tell you later."
The penthouse ring rang throughout the space; Sterling walked away to answer.
"So, what happens here?" I asked.
"We got trapped in a game and had to beat it to get out," Mikey announced, hopping over. "But of course, we beat as we would."
I am offering a smile at him.
"Miss Alex, there is a flower arrangement for you." He said, walking into the room with the rest of us; he gently placed it on the table.
Flowers filled the vase with black roses and white lilies, which put me on edge.
"Who and why would they send you these flowers?" Ava asked, walking closer.
Instantly stepping in front of her and grabbing the note attached, ripping it open to see the logo of a loin with a bright red crown, meaning it was from Prince Louis.
"Dearest Alice,
I appreciate your help in the matter of the attacks in New Orleans, using the evidence you and your people collected. We have taken care of Lord Sainsbury, so the courts thank you., Please accept these flowers as a token of our thanks and note that I still wish we had finished that night.
Regards, Prince Louis."
I knew that was a genuine threat from him.
"Oh, who sent them?" Ava asked.
Closing the note and fighting the urge to burn it.
"It's nothing you need to worry about," I said, turning and walking away. "Really nothing."
I stop on the patio and allow myself to breathe.
"Al, what is it?" Raph asked, coming to my side and gently holding my arm.
"I don't want to talk about it," I said. "It was on the mission; someone tried to do something I don't want to talk about."
"Tell me who it is, and I will kill them." He growled.
I turned to face him and smiled.
"Thanks, Raph, but I don't want to lose you," I said, leaning my head on his shoulder. "I just want to be with you."
He interlocks his fingers with my own.
Okay, that end of chapter 115 more is coming. Please tell me what you think, but please use Constructive criticism.