When Magdalena emerged from her son's room and gratefully leaned into the warm embrace of LaCroix.
Without a word LaCroix began to lead Magdalena towards the room they'd prepared as a classroom of sorts for Nicholas.
"Don't be sad, cherie. You were magnificent. I don't believe I've ever heard Nicholas sound so chastised since he was a boy." LaCroix assured her.
"It seems like only yesterday he was just a child. Do you recall the time Nicholas got into the baking flour and completely covered himself and the kitchen with it? It looked like a snowstorm and all Nicholas could do was smile at us." Magdalena asked fondly.
LaCroix chuckled at the memory, "And he knew that I wouldn't punish him for it either. Smart little bastard."
"As I recall the bath we gave him later was far worse than any spanking. So many memories. I'm glad you were able to preserve this place." Magdalena said softly running her hand over the aged stone wall.
When LaCroix and Magdalena had begun drawing up their plans to whisk Nicholas away Magdalena had been delighted to learn that her husband still owned and maintained the Chateau Crepuscule, their family home as well as Nicholas's mortal and vampiric birthplace.
"The Chateau wasn't the only thing I have maintained over the years, ma cherie. Remember this?" LaCroix asked softly as he held out the ruby pendant still attached to the brittle chain.
Tears slid down Magdalena's cheeks as LaCroix snaked the necklace around her throat.
"I thought I lost it forever the night Nicholas and I were taken. I can't believe you kept it." Magdalena admitted.
"It pains me that you assume I could just toss aside something that was cherished by you." LaCroix said seriously.
"Does that include our son? It was painfully obvious to see why Malachi was able to invade his dreams so quickly. How could you not teach him how to block his thoughts? You certainly had no qualms about teaching Janette or I." Magdalena growled.
For once in his long life Lucien LaCroix was speechless. Any possible justifications he might've had for neglecting that part of Nicholas's education would most likely have been labeled as incorrect.
"Nearly eight hundred years and you still can't cut the cord." Magdalena muttered as she stormed off towards the classroom grumbling about the depths of Roman stupidity.
LaCroix had no choice but to silently follow his wife unable to hold back his smile as Magdalena continued her ramblings. Gods he'd missed her.
Minutes later Nick joined his parents in one of Crepuscule's many spare rooms. The only light illuminating the small chamber was from countless candles mounted in grand candelabras and the warm glow from the nearby fireplace. The stone floor was covered by ornate rugs and soft pillows.
As Nick sat on the floor across from Magdalena she spoke, "Since Malachi has assaulted you through your dreams, Nicholas, it is paramount that you learn how to block your thoughts. It is very tiring at first but with practice you will eventually be able to painlessly block your thoughts even while asleep. Once you have mastered this skill no one can read or enter your thoughts without your knowledge or consent." she explained pausing only to glare at LaCroix, who sat beside her.
Nick couldn't hide his smirk as he felt his sire mentally squirm.
"One of the most basic ways to block your thoughts is to visualize the barrier itself. The more detailed your vision the more efficient your block will be. For example I prefer to visualize my thoughts being hidden by a stone tower both too tall and too thick to penetrate. For your first try I want you to select a specific memory that you wish to protect, Nicholas, and then picture the barrier in your mind that will keep it safe. Are you ready?" Magdalena asked.
Upon selecting a memory Nick nodded and though it was not necessary he took a deep breath and concentrated on the image of the barrier. What came to Nick's mind was a strong thick door barred by an equally thick wooden beam. As he felt his mother's efforts to break through the door Nick half heartedly tried to hold off her intrusion. When she easily broke through Nick smirked as his mother beheld the memory.
"You cannot hide your thoughts from me, Nicholas. I was a poor teacher in that area. Or could it be that we skipped that lesson altogether?" LaCroix asked with mock innocence.
Magdalena's brown eyes rapidly bled to crimson as she observed what had taken place so long ago in the Civil War hospital tent. Faster than even the immortal eye could follow Magdalena's palm connected with the back of LaCroix's head.
Before LaCroix could demand an explanation Magdalena jabbed his chest with her finger, "You deserved that, Lucien. Nicholas, I know you did that on purpose. Now if the two of you are ready to grow up we will continue with the lesson. Do put some effort into it this time." she said sharply.