Sands & Victoria Evening 3 part 1
Sands: This place is filled with vultures. I can sense them all right beyond the mahogany doors. I look at Victoria, about to warn her about those she'll soon be meeting. Before I can, the doors open and one of the house guests comes out. It's a woman I don't know, dressed like all those beyond the doorway in expensive evening wear. She pauses when she sees us and makes a sort of gasping noise.
Victoria: "Good evening," I say politely and I incline my head a bit. Then I cast a glance in Sands' direction. He's been here before and perhaps I can get a clue of what to expect. There are a lot of our kind inside, I can sense so many, it is almost overwhelming.
Sands: Well, Victoria is taking this well. The stranger, however, looks like she just ate a frog. She turns to re-enter the ball room, but Andre is there. My rescuer. He looks just as he's always looked, handsome, dark, a hint of mischief in his eyes. He holds out a hand and comes towards me saying, "Sheldon, you've been away too long."
He does the European kiss in the air on both sides of my face. From Andre, it's all right. I'd knife anyone else who tried that shit.
"Victoria, may I present Andre Salvatore. If his face looks a little familiar, it should. Andre, this is Victoria Dupree."
Victoria: I smile graciously and hold out my hand to him. "Yes, I recognize you from your ads in Elle and Vogue." He's very handsome. "But I did not realize that you were one of our kind, I'm pleasantly surprised."
Sands: Andre gets this a lot, but he soaks it up just like a kitten with milk. He takes Victoria's hand and kisses it, his eyes locking with hers. Straightening he turns to me. "How's my brother?" he asks me.
"Full of shit, like always," I say to him blandly. Then I remember why we're there. I usually go in through one of the tunnels to avoid the crowd of socialites - like the crowd staring at us from the room beyond right now.
Laughing, Andre shakes his head. "Not shit," he says moving closer. He touches my hair. "What are you putting on your hair. It looks terrible."
"Rain water," I admit. "Listen, Andre, something strange is going down." I look at Victoria to back me up in this. "We were chased by five Viscalli this evening."
Victoria: Quietly I watch this interaction between two old friends. It's nice to see this side of him. Many of the others are circling about trying to get a closer look at me. I know it, and I'd gladly match them glare for glare, especially in that new Versace dress I just picked up, but not now. I step forward at Sands' urging. "He and I were headed down Park Avenue when they swarmed. I think one of them was there the last night. I thought I felt something watching us."
Sands: She didn't tell me this before. "I felt something earlier today, too, when I went out for . well nevermind."
Andre nods. "The Viscalli are getting too bold. Have you talked to Quinn about this?"
"No, we just arrived," I tell him. Now there's at least a dozen of the vultures circling around us. I don't know if they want to get a look at Victoria or the vampire who grew new eyes.
I look around and spot Cerese. She raises a brow and descends like a dark cloud. "Hello, Sands. I thought they said you died in Mexico."
"Sorry to disappoint," I shrug.
Victoria: I don't like the look of Cerese. I interlace my finger tips and watch carefully. You can never tell with our kind who will be friend and who will be foe. It's better to be on the defensive. But I keep my pleasant smile waiting and watching.
Sands: Cerese's expression makes her look like she's ready to eat something. "Oh, Sands, you never disappoint." She's now staring at Victoria with something akin to acid in her glare.
"Victoria, this is Cerese." I feel compelled to introduce them. "She doesn't bite. Often."
Victoria: Does he mean me or her I wonder. "Good evening," I reply. I've met her type before, some things don't change over time. I wonder if Sands has had an intimate relationship with her, I know she's wondering the same about me. They all are. You can see it in their eyes.
Sands: I feel the sudden need to move closer to Victoria, to protect her from the vultures. Andre is still frowning.
"I think you should go see Quinn," Andre says thoughtfully. "Now."
I nod. He reaches out a bent arm towards Victoria. "While my brother attends to business, may I show you around."
I grind my teeth, but realize it's probably better if Victoria doesn't have any dealings with the Guardians tonight. She's been through enough.
"Take care of her," I tell Andre. I turn to Victoria. "You can trust Andre," I tell her.
Andre leans closer. "Yes, you can trust me." He bats those overly long eyelashes of his and if he wasn't as gay as the night is long I'd grab Victoria back.
Victoria: I smile for Sands and then gratefully take Andre's arm. His old world manners are comforting. He slowly leads me away. I glance over my shoulder as Sands disappears down a passage way. I hope he is not gone too long. I flutter my eyes lashes and begin the game. We used to play it at cotillions and dinner parties. But the new age brought in new manners and in this day and age one needn't be polite. But this is clan and appearances are everything.
I lean a little closer to Andre and whisper playfully. "Brothers?" He casually takes me sailing past Cerese who bears her fangs.
Andre: I have Sheldon's newest toy on my arm and she's delightful. "We call ourselves brothers. We both love swords. Not foils, swords. Actually, Sheldon has adapted to other weapons, but I still prefer swords. I have been in so many duels, I lost count." I smile down at Victoria. "And you, my dear, how did you meet Sheldon and what do you know about him?"
Victoria: I smirk deciding what to tell him. "I met him at the opera, La Traviotta." Slowly we walk through the room of the beautiful and dangerous. "I know he paints, I know he plays the piano, and I know he's a good man to have around in a fight."
Andre: I laugh. "Yes, he's good to have around in a fight, as long as he's on your side." I shake my head and look up to see Edward Kells blocking our way. "Edward," I acknowledge his presence.
"Andre, I heard Sands was back." He smiles briefly at Victoria. "Hello," he says to her.
Victoria: Edward is a large man, broad shouldered and ruggedly handsome. I nod politely, but keep my hands on Andre's arm. He's not really interested in me, it's clear that he wants to know more about Sands' arrival.
Andre: Obviously Edward is fishing. I smile. "Victoria, may I introduce Edward Kells. He looks and sounds one-hundred per cent American, but I can assure you he's as Irish as they come, despite his black hair."
Victoria: For a brief moment my eyes narrow. Irish, black Irish! He might know Connor. "Hello Edward," I reply. I allow my accent to roll off my tongue.
Andre: I watch the exchange. She's calculating. Edward is interested. He is now actually looking at her. "Charmed, Victoria. So you are the lovely woman who came with Sands? His taste in women hasn't faded." He leaned in close to her. "I hear he's blind."
"Edward, is that a question or an insult?" I ask. "He's not blind anymore. It was temporary," I assure him, looking at Victoria to see how she's taking this.
Victoria: He's forward, but then again most Americans are. I don't care for him at all, but still I smile. I lean forward mirroring Edwards actions. "Do you always ask ladies such questions?"
Andre: "Victoria, don't waste your breath," I tell her. "Edward is a Celt and he says whatever is floating to the top of that dark mind of his."
To Be Continued
Sands & Victoria Evening 3 part 1 "Well, it was quite the news," Edward says. "And so dramatic. I hear the coup d'etat didn't succeed because of him."
I exhale for effect. "Sands is here, Edward, if you're so interested, you just run off and find him. I'd love to hear you ask him these questions." Yes. Sands would rip his lips off.
I tug on Victoria's arm. "What to see our library?"
Victoria: "I'd love to, " I say to him with a smile. "I'm sure the company would be greatly improved."
Edwards eyes flash and Andre quickens his step.
"Is everyone here so distasteful?" I ask. I already know the answer. Yes they are. The young ones are crude and have no respect and the old ones expect you to quake as they pass by. Everyone is always trying to trump each other. It's all so tiring.
Andre: "To tell you the truth, there are a few interesting people, but they're all in the basement and they're much too serious for me." I lead her up the stairs. She moves like a dancer. "Here," I gesture to the right side of the landing and lead her into the library. "This is the part opened to everyone. They have more libraries for serious researchers."
Victoria: "Serious researchers?" I question as I look around the room. "Much too serious for you? What to you do for distraction then?" I'm eager to hear the answer.
Andre: "Me, I dabble in the stock market but I actually do spend a lot of time with my business." I cock my head to the side. "I love hair. Of course, eventually people will notice I'm not getting older, and I'll have to sell. I already have several people interested in buying it."
Victoria: "Why don't you pretend to have family, pass it along to an heir?" I ask casually. There are some large leather chairs scattered about the room. I motion for us to sit. Once we are situated a small group enters the library. I look them over and glance quickly at Andre. It Cerese and she's brought company. Two other female vampires equally distasteful. This could be trouble.
Andre: Here's Cerese and two of her buddies. Sharks each one. She circles closer and comes to stand in front of Victoria.
"So, tell me, how long have you known Sands?" Cerese asks Victoria.
Victoria: "Long enough," I reply with a dismissive glance and a smile. "Why does the length of my associate concern you?" I tense my body ready for what might come.
Andre: Cerese gives one of her practice laughs. "Well, my dear, the longer you know the psychobeauty, the more you realize why he usually stays away from the rest of us." She looks at me. "Even his best friends."
Victoria: "Psychobeauty?" I question. "What is that supposed to mean?" He stays away from the rest of you because you're annoying as hell I think to myself.
Andre: Oh, now I can feel it coming. Cerese was just waiting for a chance to release her venom, so I speak before she can.
"Sheldon has had some problems in the past. Haven't we all?" I look around at them.
Cerese crosses her arms. "We don't go around killing anything that moves, Andre. We're selective, at least. Sands likes to kill."
Victoria: I lean forward a little more, here's my chance. "We're vampires, killing is what we do."
Andre: I wonder where Victoria has been. Cerese has her claws out now. "No, dear," she says in a soft voice to Victoria. "We don't just kill. We feed. We kill to protect ourselves. But Sands kills for pleasure. Friend, foe, it doesn't matter much to him."
Victoria: I run my hands down the legs of my leather pants. I don't like what I've heard, but I don't like to be threatened either. And this lady is working hard to shake me up. In my day we were taught to hold it all in, well some times it's better to let it out. "I can see why he might enjoy killing some people." I smile, fangs bared.
Andre: "Cerese, you're just full of old news tonight," I tell her in my boast bored tone. "This is Victoria Dupree. She knows everything about Sands. Your attempts at juicy gossip are rather dried up, love."
Victoria: I cast a glance over to Andre. He's very good at this, at intrigue. I can't help but smile. But she has struck a cord deep inside and given me a few things to think about. I turn my attention back to Cerese. "Yes, Andre is correct. You'll find no gossip here with me. I'm afraid my lips are sealed."
Andre: I study Victoria. She is quite the beauty and looks athletic, too. Maybe she's a dancer. Certainly she'd be a danger to Cerese, whose only exercise is flapping her lips. Let her talk about my brother all she wants, poisoned tongue bitch. She's just bitter because he never found her interesting enough to court.
I lean closer to Victoria. "Have you ever modeled?" I touch her shining hair.
Victoria: "No, I haven't." I reply quietly. "Although I once had my portrait painted, but that was a long time ago."
Andre: I wet my lips. I would love to follow Victoria and Sheldon into the bedroom. I wonder if she'd be interested in a three-way. Her words jar me from my fantasy. Is she so innocent then? "You have not been in New York before?"
Victoria: I lean back into the chair and look into his eyes. You can tell lot about a person through their eyes. "Not for a very long time. But tell me more about you and your brother. How did you meet?" I am curious and do like to gossip, just not with vamps like Cerese.
Andre:
Her question brings a smile to my lips. "Sheldon and I met in Spain, where I lived at the time, before the Napoleonic wars. He and I were at a.gentleman's club. He was the foreigner, you understand, so most of the club's members didn't trust him. Only I realized he was a member of the brotherhood."
She would know nothing of the strict rules of society in Spain at that time, of the separation of classes, and the snobbery of the rich upper classes. Everyone else was an outsider, and an Englishman was even more suspect.
Victoria: "We're about the same age then." I glance around the room as a few more persons float around. "How long do you think Sands will be, with . . . Quinn was it?"
Andre: Again, she makes me smile. "I had been a member of the brotherhood since long before Sheldon joined our ranks, my dear." I look at the women who came with Cerese. They are hovering nearby, waiting for someone to die perhaps.
"He has some business." I shrug. "It may take him a while. Do you know what he's talking to Quinn about?"
Victoria: I made him smile. That's good, perhaps he'll trust me more easily. I look to see who might be eaves dropping and then lean in closer to Andre. I motion him to come closer. I lower my voice to a whisper. "He and I were ambushed today on Park Avenue by 5 members of the Viscalli."
Andre: Her words shock me. "You have no doubt about this?" She shakes her head. I take her arm and she stands. We walk off, not too fast, until we can get away from Cerese and her clutch. "Why would they attack you, Victoria?" I ask. Could she have some feud with Viscalli clan?
Victoria: I shake my head, "I don't have any idea why. I haven't been around our kind very much. My sire kept me, . . . separated. I wasn't even aware that problems existed." I look at him with my large green eyes.
Andre: Fascinating, but why would they target my dear Sheldon? I am thoughtful. "Maybe it's another war," I say softly.
To Be Continued
Sands: This place is filled with vultures. I can sense them all right beyond the mahogany doors. I look at Victoria, about to warn her about those she'll soon be meeting. Before I can, the doors open and one of the house guests comes out. It's a woman I don't know, dressed like all those beyond the doorway in expensive evening wear. She pauses when she sees us and makes a sort of gasping noise.
Victoria: "Good evening," I say politely and I incline my head a bit. Then I cast a glance in Sands' direction. He's been here before and perhaps I can get a clue of what to expect. There are a lot of our kind inside, I can sense so many, it is almost overwhelming.
Sands: Well, Victoria is taking this well. The stranger, however, looks like she just ate a frog. She turns to re-enter the ball room, but Andre is there. My rescuer. He looks just as he's always looked, handsome, dark, a hint of mischief in his eyes. He holds out a hand and comes towards me saying, "Sheldon, you've been away too long."
He does the European kiss in the air on both sides of my face. From Andre, it's all right. I'd knife anyone else who tried that shit.
"Victoria, may I present Andre Salvatore. If his face looks a little familiar, it should. Andre, this is Victoria Dupree."
Victoria: I smile graciously and hold out my hand to him. "Yes, I recognize you from your ads in Elle and Vogue." He's very handsome. "But I did not realize that you were one of our kind, I'm pleasantly surprised."
Sands: Andre gets this a lot, but he soaks it up just like a kitten with milk. He takes Victoria's hand and kisses it, his eyes locking with hers. Straightening he turns to me. "How's my brother?" he asks me.
"Full of shit, like always," I say to him blandly. Then I remember why we're there. I usually go in through one of the tunnels to avoid the crowd of socialites - like the crowd staring at us from the room beyond right now.
Laughing, Andre shakes his head. "Not shit," he says moving closer. He touches my hair. "What are you putting on your hair. It looks terrible."
"Rain water," I admit. "Listen, Andre, something strange is going down." I look at Victoria to back me up in this. "We were chased by five Viscalli this evening."
Victoria: Quietly I watch this interaction between two old friends. It's nice to see this side of him. Many of the others are circling about trying to get a closer look at me. I know it, and I'd gladly match them glare for glare, especially in that new Versace dress I just picked up, but not now. I step forward at Sands' urging. "He and I were headed down Park Avenue when they swarmed. I think one of them was there the last night. I thought I felt something watching us."
Sands: She didn't tell me this before. "I felt something earlier today, too, when I went out for . well nevermind."
Andre nods. "The Viscalli are getting too bold. Have you talked to Quinn about this?"
"No, we just arrived," I tell him. Now there's at least a dozen of the vultures circling around us. I don't know if they want to get a look at Victoria or the vampire who grew new eyes.
I look around and spot Cerese. She raises a brow and descends like a dark cloud. "Hello, Sands. I thought they said you died in Mexico."
"Sorry to disappoint," I shrug.
Victoria: I don't like the look of Cerese. I interlace my finger tips and watch carefully. You can never tell with our kind who will be friend and who will be foe. It's better to be on the defensive. But I keep my pleasant smile waiting and watching.
Sands: Cerese's expression makes her look like she's ready to eat something. "Oh, Sands, you never disappoint." She's now staring at Victoria with something akin to acid in her glare.
"Victoria, this is Cerese." I feel compelled to introduce them. "She doesn't bite. Often."
Victoria: Does he mean me or her I wonder. "Good evening," I reply. I've met her type before, some things don't change over time. I wonder if Sands has had an intimate relationship with her, I know she's wondering the same about me. They all are. You can see it in their eyes.
Sands: I feel the sudden need to move closer to Victoria, to protect her from the vultures. Andre is still frowning.
"I think you should go see Quinn," Andre says thoughtfully. "Now."
I nod. He reaches out a bent arm towards Victoria. "While my brother attends to business, may I show you around."
I grind my teeth, but realize it's probably better if Victoria doesn't have any dealings with the Guardians tonight. She's been through enough.
"Take care of her," I tell Andre. I turn to Victoria. "You can trust Andre," I tell her.
Andre leans closer. "Yes, you can trust me." He bats those overly long eyelashes of his and if he wasn't as gay as the night is long I'd grab Victoria back.
Victoria: I smile for Sands and then gratefully take Andre's arm. His old world manners are comforting. He slowly leads me away. I glance over my shoulder as Sands disappears down a passage way. I hope he is not gone too long. I flutter my eyes lashes and begin the game. We used to play it at cotillions and dinner parties. But the new age brought in new manners and in this day and age one needn't be polite. But this is clan and appearances are everything.
I lean a little closer to Andre and whisper playfully. "Brothers?" He casually takes me sailing past Cerese who bears her fangs.
Andre: I have Sheldon's newest toy on my arm and she's delightful. "We call ourselves brothers. We both love swords. Not foils, swords. Actually, Sheldon has adapted to other weapons, but I still prefer swords. I have been in so many duels, I lost count." I smile down at Victoria. "And you, my dear, how did you meet Sheldon and what do you know about him?"
Victoria: I smirk deciding what to tell him. "I met him at the opera, La Traviotta." Slowly we walk through the room of the beautiful and dangerous. "I know he paints, I know he plays the piano, and I know he's a good man to have around in a fight."
Andre: I laugh. "Yes, he's good to have around in a fight, as long as he's on your side." I shake my head and look up to see Edward Kells blocking our way. "Edward," I acknowledge his presence.
"Andre, I heard Sands was back." He smiles briefly at Victoria. "Hello," he says to her.
Victoria: Edward is a large man, broad shouldered and ruggedly handsome. I nod politely, but keep my hands on Andre's arm. He's not really interested in me, it's clear that he wants to know more about Sands' arrival.
Andre: Obviously Edward is fishing. I smile. "Victoria, may I introduce Edward Kells. He looks and sounds one-hundred per cent American, but I can assure you he's as Irish as they come, despite his black hair."
Victoria: For a brief moment my eyes narrow. Irish, black Irish! He might know Connor. "Hello Edward," I reply. I allow my accent to roll off my tongue.
Andre: I watch the exchange. She's calculating. Edward is interested. He is now actually looking at her. "Charmed, Victoria. So you are the lovely woman who came with Sands? His taste in women hasn't faded." He leaned in close to her. "I hear he's blind."
"Edward, is that a question or an insult?" I ask. "He's not blind anymore. It was temporary," I assure him, looking at Victoria to see how she's taking this.
Victoria: He's forward, but then again most Americans are. I don't care for him at all, but still I smile. I lean forward mirroring Edwards actions. "Do you always ask ladies such questions?"
Andre: "Victoria, don't waste your breath," I tell her. "Edward is a Celt and he says whatever is floating to the top of that dark mind of his."
To Be Continued
Sands & Victoria Evening 3 part 1 "Well, it was quite the news," Edward says. "And so dramatic. I hear the coup d'etat didn't succeed because of him."
I exhale for effect. "Sands is here, Edward, if you're so interested, you just run off and find him. I'd love to hear you ask him these questions." Yes. Sands would rip his lips off.
I tug on Victoria's arm. "What to see our library?"
Victoria: "I'd love to, " I say to him with a smile. "I'm sure the company would be greatly improved."
Edwards eyes flash and Andre quickens his step.
"Is everyone here so distasteful?" I ask. I already know the answer. Yes they are. The young ones are crude and have no respect and the old ones expect you to quake as they pass by. Everyone is always trying to trump each other. It's all so tiring.
Andre: "To tell you the truth, there are a few interesting people, but they're all in the basement and they're much too serious for me." I lead her up the stairs. She moves like a dancer. "Here," I gesture to the right side of the landing and lead her into the library. "This is the part opened to everyone. They have more libraries for serious researchers."
Victoria: "Serious researchers?" I question as I look around the room. "Much too serious for you? What to you do for distraction then?" I'm eager to hear the answer.
Andre: "Me, I dabble in the stock market but I actually do spend a lot of time with my business." I cock my head to the side. "I love hair. Of course, eventually people will notice I'm not getting older, and I'll have to sell. I already have several people interested in buying it."
Victoria: "Why don't you pretend to have family, pass it along to an heir?" I ask casually. There are some large leather chairs scattered about the room. I motion for us to sit. Once we are situated a small group enters the library. I look them over and glance quickly at Andre. It Cerese and she's brought company. Two other female vampires equally distasteful. This could be trouble.
Andre: Here's Cerese and two of her buddies. Sharks each one. She circles closer and comes to stand in front of Victoria.
"So, tell me, how long have you known Sands?" Cerese asks Victoria.
Victoria: "Long enough," I reply with a dismissive glance and a smile. "Why does the length of my associate concern you?" I tense my body ready for what might come.
Andre: Cerese gives one of her practice laughs. "Well, my dear, the longer you know the psychobeauty, the more you realize why he usually stays away from the rest of us." She looks at me. "Even his best friends."
Victoria: "Psychobeauty?" I question. "What is that supposed to mean?" He stays away from the rest of you because you're annoying as hell I think to myself.
Andre: Oh, now I can feel it coming. Cerese was just waiting for a chance to release her venom, so I speak before she can.
"Sheldon has had some problems in the past. Haven't we all?" I look around at them.
Cerese crosses her arms. "We don't go around killing anything that moves, Andre. We're selective, at least. Sands likes to kill."
Victoria: I lean forward a little more, here's my chance. "We're vampires, killing is what we do."
Andre: I wonder where Victoria has been. Cerese has her claws out now. "No, dear," she says in a soft voice to Victoria. "We don't just kill. We feed. We kill to protect ourselves. But Sands kills for pleasure. Friend, foe, it doesn't matter much to him."
Victoria: I run my hands down the legs of my leather pants. I don't like what I've heard, but I don't like to be threatened either. And this lady is working hard to shake me up. In my day we were taught to hold it all in, well some times it's better to let it out. "I can see why he might enjoy killing some people." I smile, fangs bared.
Andre: "Cerese, you're just full of old news tonight," I tell her in my boast bored tone. "This is Victoria Dupree. She knows everything about Sands. Your attempts at juicy gossip are rather dried up, love."
Victoria: I cast a glance over to Andre. He's very good at this, at intrigue. I can't help but smile. But she has struck a cord deep inside and given me a few things to think about. I turn my attention back to Cerese. "Yes, Andre is correct. You'll find no gossip here with me. I'm afraid my lips are sealed."
Andre: I study Victoria. She is quite the beauty and looks athletic, too. Maybe she's a dancer. Certainly she'd be a danger to Cerese, whose only exercise is flapping her lips. Let her talk about my brother all she wants, poisoned tongue bitch. She's just bitter because he never found her interesting enough to court.
I lean closer to Victoria. "Have you ever modeled?" I touch her shining hair.
Victoria: "No, I haven't." I reply quietly. "Although I once had my portrait painted, but that was a long time ago."
Andre: I wet my lips. I would love to follow Victoria and Sheldon into the bedroom. I wonder if she'd be interested in a three-way. Her words jar me from my fantasy. Is she so innocent then? "You have not been in New York before?"
Victoria: I lean back into the chair and look into his eyes. You can tell lot about a person through their eyes. "Not for a very long time. But tell me more about you and your brother. How did you meet?" I am curious and do like to gossip, just not with vamps like Cerese.
Andre:
Her question brings a smile to my lips. "Sheldon and I met in Spain, where I lived at the time, before the Napoleonic wars. He and I were at a.gentleman's club. He was the foreigner, you understand, so most of the club's members didn't trust him. Only I realized he was a member of the brotherhood."
She would know nothing of the strict rules of society in Spain at that time, of the separation of classes, and the snobbery of the rich upper classes. Everyone else was an outsider, and an Englishman was even more suspect.
Victoria: "We're about the same age then." I glance around the room as a few more persons float around. "How long do you think Sands will be, with . . . Quinn was it?"
Andre: Again, she makes me smile. "I had been a member of the brotherhood since long before Sheldon joined our ranks, my dear." I look at the women who came with Cerese. They are hovering nearby, waiting for someone to die perhaps.
"He has some business." I shrug. "It may take him a while. Do you know what he's talking to Quinn about?"
Victoria: I made him smile. That's good, perhaps he'll trust me more easily. I look to see who might be eaves dropping and then lean in closer to Andre. I motion him to come closer. I lower my voice to a whisper. "He and I were ambushed today on Park Avenue by 5 members of the Viscalli."
Andre: Her words shock me. "You have no doubt about this?" She shakes her head. I take her arm and she stands. We walk off, not too fast, until we can get away from Cerese and her clutch. "Why would they attack you, Victoria?" I ask. Could she have some feud with Viscalli clan?
Victoria: I shake my head, "I don't have any idea why. I haven't been around our kind very much. My sire kept me, . . . separated. I wasn't even aware that problems existed." I look at him with my large green eyes.
Andre: Fascinating, but why would they target my dear Sheldon? I am thoughtful. "Maybe it's another war," I say softly.
To Be Continued