It had been six months since I rescued the Van Helsing family and by now, I was living in the heart of London as Lady Joanna De Winter. It was a foggy afternoon and I had just finished making certain all the shutters were closed so I could rest. Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Coming" I called and carefully opened the door.
A messenger presented an envelope and after I tipped him, I took the envelope and headed up to my room. I could see that it was an invitation. I finally opened the envelope and took out the invitation and read it over. My presence had been requested by a Mr. Alexander Grayson for a ball tomorrow night.
I contemplated not going but I knew it would be rude. I finally wrote a message of acceptance and had my maid, Clara, find a messenger. I returned to my room and laid down. Yes, I could sleep like a mortal and be out in the sun but my senses were certainly sharper than normal and it helped a lot that I could control my powers.
As I slowly drifted off memories of losing Ilona came back. I haven't had a night that I didn't think of my sister, watching her burn at the stake and she was so innocent. 'Why didn't I just sacrifice myself that night' I thought. I finally forced myself into a dreamless state so I could rest.
The next day seemed to pass too quickly for my liking until it was time for the ball. I was still feeling a sense of dread. Whoever this Alexander Grayson was must have a lot of money but he was certainly a noveau riche or new money around here. I finally got dressed and got in the waiting coach before being swiftly whisked away to the mansion by the mysterious host for the evening.
Upon arrival, I presented my invitation at the door and then made my way through the foyer into the ballroom. There was quiet chatter and my eyes scanned the room for any sign of our mysterious host. I accepted a few dances from some of the eligable gentlemen present to be polite but I had no interest in any of them.
At last all of the chatter and music ceased when a big, well muscled gentleman appeared and he spoke briefly to introduce our host, a gentleman with a slender build and dark hair. He was the mysterious Alexander Grayson. All eyes were on him as he descended the grand staircase.
When the music resumed, I moved to the side and continued studying everyone. It was then I heard two heartbeats I hadn't heard in six months, the Van Helsing family. I quietly slipped away to insure they never saw me. I finally found a nice bench on the patio and took a seat.
I was soon lost in the peace and the scent of the roses. It made me unaware of anything until I felt chill bumps rising on my arms and neck. "Why are you alone on this lovely evening" a smooth voice asked. I nearly fell off the bench when I saw I was looking up into the smoldering eyes of Alexander Grayson.
Grayson's P.O.V
"My apologies for startling you my good lady" I added, seeing her startled expression. I saw her studying me just as intently as I was studying her. For a moment, it was silent until I asked "What is your name my dear lady?"
"Lady Joanna De Winter" she answered, standing slowly and I offered her my hand to help her. She took my hand and I could see that she reminded me of my real lost love, Zarita.
"Lady Joanna, would you please grace me with your presence for a dance" I asked before kissing her hand softly.
"I suppose one dance would not hurt" she answered as we joined the other couples on the floor. Gently, I pulled her close as the orchestra began a lively gavotte. She was rather graceful as we danced. In fact, it felt like it ended too soon but in that moment, I felt a sense that Lady Joanna was indeed my Zarita. First though, I needed proof and then the perfect time to confront her.
After our dance, I excused myself to prepare for the demonstration. As we parted, she stole one last glance my way and walked over to a corner. I finally took my place in the middle of the stairs and the orchestra stopped. Now the highlight of the evening could truly begin.
Zarita's P.O.V
I slinked off to a corner and watched Alexander ascend the staircase and all went quiet. I looked down at the light bulb I had been given and as all the mainlights went dim, the lightbulbs that everyone held began glowing. 'This man really has a vision' I thought to myself. After a moment, the lights came back on and the rest of the evening resumed.
When it felt right to slip off, I did and that was because I needed to feed. After awhile of searching; I found the perfect victim and after feeding, I made sure they stayed dead and disposed of the body. Once I had done so; I returned home and changed out of my dress. Sooner or later, I had a feeling that things were going to come back and I would have to prepare for a battle of life and death.