So here it is, I apologize for the long wait, I appreciate your all being patient with how long it's been since the last chapter. So at long last here it is and I hope you have popcorn as it's gonna be long.
Thank you to all who is following and currently following this story. I would also like to thank those who continue to review my chapters as it helps me loads and it shows me that my story is appreciated.
Cathy29jes - yes it does seem that way. Yes indeed, but I think you will like it when the guests arrive as I plan to have a few surprises. It may benefit them but that depends on if the kings will learn from Felix's betrayal, Afton and Chelsea's deception, because if not then they could be letting in spies again.
Kouga's older woman - well I hope you enjoy them as Im trying to not create too many new characters as I don't want it to mess up the story too much, but besides that I hope you like them.
kelmikmag - yup just as I planned, as I do love my cliffhangers.
Maia - yes I can I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.
I don't own twilight and all rights goes to Stephanie Meyer
Chapter 21
Unknown POV
With all the staring going on since both of the females woke from their sedatives wearing off, it seemed more of a staring contest to see who would be the first to speak or do something. Part of me felt it was my responsibility to be the first to speak to break up the awkward suspense that was happening due to all the staring, I knew that I was staring because I was expecting something to happen, not just that but to ensure that if something changes either good or bad then I could react accordingly.
I was thinking of what to say that would break up the awkwardness, not just that but to make sure I didn't say something wrong that might offended them either, "sorry I'm not very good at this as for all this time I've been spending here, I've not had anyone to really talk to, despite you both being here too, as I knew that you both couldn't talk to me in the state you both was in until now" I explained, the both seemed to look at me like I was talking gibberish like what I was saying is in a different language or something, "can either of you understand what I'm saying as if you can't then this could make things a bit more awkward than it already feels like" I said hoping to get a response, "if it makes it easier just nod your head to say you understand or shake your head to let me know you don't understand me, at least then it makes it easier for me to know if we can understand each better" I explained again.
As I waited to see if they could understand me, I saw that they both nodded their heads, which made me feel relieved that they could actually understand me, " so now we got that out of the way, I've only been told of one of your names by my boss who hired me to take this job, so if I introduced myself would it be fine to know who you both are so we could have a nice conversation" I mentioned trying to sound very calm and friendly as I didn't want to scare them or make them feel uncomfortable.
"Well as I'm first to introduce myself, my name is Bari Lightfoot, I hope now that you know my name we can get to know each other" I said sounding as friendly as I could, definitely as I don't often do this kind of thing as most of my jobs or my life no one really pays me any mind or interest, but with these two I know I have to take a different approach.
I waited to see if they was gonna show any type of reaction or response either with words or in actions, several seconds went pass with nothing, until the one I know was named Chelsea grumble something inaudible to my sense of hearing, that for the life of me I couldn't understand, "what was that I couldn't hear or understand what you just mumbled just then?" I asked curiously but also not liking her attitude at this point, but maybe with more time she may start to improve her attitude.
Chelsea's face turned that of distorted into that just looked unnatural to me, but the nameless female next to her just didn't looked fazed by Chelsea's unnatural face change, "hey you" nameless female asked me using her finger to point at me to indicate she was in fact talking to me as I turned my direction to her, which I found hard to with Chelsea looking to be starting to act even more oddly, "you have those sedatives right with you, and don't say you don't because I can see them, so don't treat me for a foul" nameless female asked me again which I just nodded not being sure how to respond as I couldn't get my head round why she would ask that question, almost like she knows more than she lets on.
"Yes I do have them, why do you request them for, as if you want me to give them to you, just for you to attempt to destroy them, then I won't give them to you" I explained nervously, but then decided to turn my attention back to Chelsea who started to bang her head to the floor for no reason. "I'm not gonna destroy them if anything I'm gonna give her" she points to Chelsea as she speaks, " a small amount of it to knock her out for a bit so it should calm her, not just that, but anything you probably want to know I could tell you" she said trying to reason with me, even though I knew she could most likely be telling the truth I still felt I couldn't trust someone I don't know the name of, of course that is kinda terrible if me to think that when I accepted this job from my boss who didn't tell me who he is, but I was desperate for a new job and the payment was something I couldn't say no to then
"How can I trust you without knowing who you are or what you are, as your friend there definitely doesn't look human like I am" I said sounding with more bravodo than I was intending even if I was in a better situation than they was as I had distance, and wasn't chained up either, but there was just something that didn't feel right to me. The nameless female huffed loudly enough that even I heard, even over the banging of Chelsea's head to the floor, " gah fine I give up trying to talk sense with you, I will play it your way for now but I'm telling you, you really don't want to delay giving her some sedative as it's not the banging sounds that's gonna be irritating to deal with it's what comes next" the nameless female huffed again, "I sort of human, actually scratch that I'm more of a hybrid of human and something else, don't ask what, as I really don't know as my entire life has been sort of mess for about what I assume is now over two years, but my name is Aderes Yarrow" Aderes explained sadly, my face started to soften a bit at hearing it, wanting to know more but while still feeling weary.
"That is enough for me to trust you enough but would it be better if you just hold her down so I could do it, as it is supposed to be my job to sedates both of you, if anything you can just tell me how little is enough to sedates her for a bit otherwise I just put it all in and she be out for several weeks maybe two months if I have worked it out correctly how long each sedative lasts on you both" I explained to her, she just nodded in agreement.
As Aderes moved as much as she could while still being chained, that i still refuse to unchain them just in the possibility that I'm wrong to trust her, as I knew I still couldn't take the chance definitely as I remember my grandma's old words that she used to tell me as a kid ' never put your full trust in anyone, always be on guard, as if you let your guard down even for a second most people in this world will stab you in the back' , those words I have never forgot and it's helped me in so many situations that i learned to show enough trust but never fully trust anyone, so I wouldn't ever have to let my guard down, which is why I showing some trust in this Aderes person, just enough to sort Chelsea out.
As Aderes restraining Chelsea enough to stop her banging her head, I moved slowly toward the two, with the sedative in hand, I saw the tiny hole located at the back of Chelsea's neck where I have previously been injecting the sedatives in, "so how much will be enough as I don't want her unconscious for too long as I think she may know things that you don't, no offense" I mentioned while still having the sedative at the tiny hole to inject into. "You should only need to inject upto the first line on the sedative container as I assume you just push it all in normally" Aderes explained, I looked at the container with more detail and was surprised that she was right as I could see the lines that had some numbers and letters that I couldn't understand what they meant, after my look at the container I went back to inject upto the first line as mentioned, which caused Chelsea to relax where Aderes let her go slowly, which made Chelsea slump back against the wall, just like she was before being woken.
After I saw Chelsea slumped against the wall I retreated back to my chair to sit down, to contemplate what I plan to do now, as things definitely haven't gone the way I planned, that was for sure. I started to feel hungry and a little thirsty, I began to stand up to head to the door to sort myself out, until I realised that Aderes wasn't unconscious now, so she might be hungry or thirsty too, "sorry I nearly forgot you was here for a minute as I started to feel little bit hungry and thirsty, did you want anything unless your hybrid-ness makes you not need that kind of sustenance that I heavily so require" I said curiously but also apologetically.
"I will be fine thank you very much, even though it's not like I can just grab my own, being chained and all" Aderes said sarcastically while motioning with her hand being lifted, causing the chains to jingle from the parts of it that was lifted, while the rest of the chains was scraping against the floor, which didn't have a very appealing sound, "well if you're sure, I will be coming in with it as I still would like to talk to you, at the same time if that's fine with you, as you so helpfully pointed out with sarcastic tone of your" I mentioned.
As I made my way to find what to eat and drink, I began to search through the many places that the food was in, but as I did I began to think to myself about what's been going on so far, some things have been surprisingly shocking to know but the many questions I had to ask, I do hope that this Aderes could answer them.
After a few minutes of me finding some food and preparing it, I eventually decided on some of the last bit of my meat I had left, today I choose to have steak as I really fancied it, I even boiled some vegetables to go nicely with it, it didn't bother me how long it took to cook it all as I found it was always worth the time, for my beverage I just stuck with a simple glass of water. With my food and mug of water I walked in the room where Aderes was just sitting down in a sort of weird sitting position that I couldn't recognise but it definitely didn't look very comfortable, "are you comfortable sitting like that as it looks awkward from where I'm standing here" I said while continuing to walk to my chair that was still in the same place as I left it. "It's not awkward how I'm sitting, it's supposed to like this as it's the best way to meditate and get a good feel of what's around you and to sense what others can not" Aderes said in a very laid back relaxed tone, while keeping very still, " that still makes no sense to me as I don't even know what meditating is or why you like doing it, to me it just looks to be a bizarre way to sit" I said between mouthfuls of food that I continued to put in my mouth.
While continuing to eat what I have in my mouth, I knew that the conversation has already moved away from what I wanted to know even before it started, "maybe it is to you, but if you tried it you might even be able to access some of your magical abilities that you have, and meditation helps to access it, but to also delve deeper into the source of where it's hidden in yourself that you may even be stronger enough to access the hidden world that you are blind to, while still thinking that your just human" Aderes explained, as I listened to what she said, as I couldn't speak as my mouth was still full with steak that was making me chew too much, but what she said sounded more like gibberish than the truth if that is what she believes in, as even if some of the things I've seen in my life even with Chelsea, are strange that's all they are, not just that I have no clue what she means about magic as it doesn't exist, it only exists in the form of people being crafty and having good reflexes.
After finishing chewing and swallowing my mouthful of steak, I out my plate back down on the floor so I could stand up, as I stood out of my chair, and walked towards her only standing a few metres away from her, " magic doesn't exist and if it so by any chance it did, I would know if I had any, anyway we are getting off subject of what I want to know, not this garbage about magic, meditation and stuff that your talking about" I said angrily. " You shouldn't be so quick to let your anger get control of you like that, it's no wonder your ignorant to what you don't want to see or admit is the truth, but I will let this drop and let you lead the conversation" Aderes said, "for now" Aderes said in a whisper tone, i then turned back and headed back to my seat to continue eating, ignoring the last couple of words that she said in a whisper tone that she probably assumed I didn't hear or if she did waiting to see if I chose to respond back.
I didn't have to think long to know what I wanted to ask as I already had the questions building up from the time I've been here just waiting for the chance to ask them, and now I will get that chance, "well now that I can finally get the conversation on the way that I want, my first question is i really want to know how you even landed in here, alongside Chelsea if you know why she is here too" I asked feeling calmer now that I was in charge of the conversation, "now that is a question that isn't gonna be a short answer to but I can tell you what I think is the reason, even though it's more of assumption, as your boss is the one who can tell you why" Aderes explained, I didn't respond just waiting for her to continue, so I just nodded my head and put some more food in my mouth again.
"Well from what I assume, it must be something to do with the child that I gave birth to just over a year ago, before I was captured by your boss's minions, actually they was more like assassins as they failed to kill me and my child before I gave birth to her, or even after I managed to find someone who could protect her so she could fulfill the prophecy that was told to me by this oracle who lived near where I lived before I had to go on the run while still being pregnant" Aderes explained, but then paused, which I was gonna ask why she stopped until I saw tiny crystals falling out of her eyes, which looked painful to me, but she didn't seem to look in pain, but looked sad, which made me wonder was there something that she didn't mention because it made her sad or what she was yet to say making her sad.
I considered going over to comfort her but I wasn't sure if I went over to her that she wouldn't react badly to me trying to comfort her so I stayed where I was, " you don't look very good, did I ask a question that made you think of a bad memory or is there something else that's making you sad, also Im not certain if you already know this or don't but your also crying tiny crystals out of your eyes that look awfully painful to me" I said sympathetically as I felt I kind of owed to show some sympathy as the time she had been here away from her child or even family, if she has any of course, so it must have been painful to be away from them for over a year. "Thank you for trying to care but being trapped here and unable to go back my home is painful, as before you, your boss often loved to brag about killing my family slowly as he thought then that would break me to spill my secrets about my child's birth, and other things that I couldn't tell him, whenever he came here to torture me with new things to do that would break me, I only let slip her name, but ever since I slipped up with her name, he hasn't tried to torture me with anything but just laugh at how I still remain here trapped and unable to return to her again as she is the last one left of my bloodline and family, I have left in this entire world" Aderes ranted while still crying tiny crystals, "so whatever you plan to ask I will only tell you what I want to, so anything I choose not to tell you, you won't know because I won't let slip any more secrets" Aderes cried again with some anger showing.
After Aderes finished speaking, I decided for the best that I should just leave the room, so she could have some time alone, but not just that I felt that me being still in the room really wouldn't help to calm her down and make her feel even more sad. As I stayed in what I like to call my bedroom that was literally next to my kitchen area I decided to take a small nap on my sort of looking bed, as after I eaten all my food I felt full but what Aderes said really got to me as i knew she wasn't wrong with the feeling of being trapped and what she said about my boss kinda but me on edge as if he was like that to someone who is like his prisoner, what would he do to someone like me who is just his paid guard or lacky, after several minutes of thinking about it I felt myself drift into a slumber.
Several hours later
As I awoke to silence, I began to think that everything that happened before I slept must have been a dream or something like that, so I stood myself up to stretch and walk to the kitchen are to splash some water on my face to wake myself even more, I began to walk into where I knew both of the women would be at, as I looked round the corner to be safe in the chance that it wasn't a dream and was real, as I peaked my head round the corner I could see that while Chelsea was still unconscious, Aderes was sitting up just staring at the wall on the sides but still awake.
As I brought my head back round again I then realized that it was most definitely not a dream and everything that happened actually happened which I knew I had to do something to as I couldn't just avoid that room as my book was still in there which as much as I'm not a book person I actually was enjoying reading it. So I let myself think about how I was gonna go in there to see if I could help her to want to talk to me without feeling too sad and angry again.
I walked back into the kitchen, I started with the preparing of a sort of mixed fruit selection with what I have in the storage, then I brought out two wooden bowls to put it in, making sure that she Aderes had the bigger portion, then I got two glasses to fill with water, as I wasn't sure what she would prefer to drink as I still don't know that much about her personal, and apart from that I really didn't feel like drinking anything but water again.
As I walked with both hands full carrying both mixed fruit bowls and two glasses of water, which most would think it's crazy or difficult to carry all this, but I always managed to find a way to make it work without dropping them, as I got to the room I put the glasses of water down first on my chair and then out the two bowls down afterwards. After I put them down I stood myself back up, "as you can see if you do turn back round to face me, I brought an extra as I thought you might be hungry and thirsty, you can decline them if you like but they are here if you want them, you can see it as whatever you like, Im hoping you see it as a gesture of hospitality, as that is what I brought up to do with guests"I mentioned, while still being aware that she didn't move from where she was facing and sitting.
I picked up her bowl and glass and walked over to where she was sitting and placed them next to her, "they are here for when you decide to turn round or grab if you get hungry or thirsty, by the way I can sort of sympathise with everything you said, I know it's not the same or anything but I can understand some of what you went through, as being here, despite being paid does make me feel trapped as from what you told me about my boss, I really don't know what will happen if I choose to leave and try snf return to where I lived, but apart from that I will do my best to try and make the best of the situation that we are in, so if you do choose to talk to me and tell me about your life and everything then I would appreciate and try to return the favor" I explained, as I finished talking I noticed that she didn't move from her spot or where she was facing but I was sure that I saw a nod that I took as she heard me and appreciated what I said and done.
As I turned round to walk back to my chair I took a quick glance at Chelsea to see if she was awake or still unconscious, "don't worry she awaken again in about a hour or two but she won't need anything to eat unless you have blood as you might not believe it but she is a vampire, a real one, not made up, so if you can believe me with that then just be aware not to stay too close to her if you want to not be drained of blood" Aderes said quietly that I just about heard while walking back to my seat." Thanks for the advice, it's good to hear that you still able to talk to me, will you be safe from her when she wakes" I asked while sitting on my seat while picking up a slice of apple to put in my mouth, "yeah I will be fine, unlike yours my blood is toxic to hers for some reason, which I'm not sure why maybe it's a miracle or something else but either way I'm grateful for that blessing in disguise" Aderes said quietly again but started to turn herself round to pick up her glass of water to take a sip from.
We spent the next thirty minutes or so in what became silence as we was both just decided to drink our glass of waters slowly and eat our fruit selection, during that time I did noticed that she more in favor of eating the fruit with majority liquid in take, as they must help with keeping hydrated, which made me think maybe I should ask her if she knows how she is still survived for a year with those sedatives all this time with no food or water to keep her sustained all this time until now. "Sorry to interrupt this silence that we been having but I have this question that I've been wondering just now as we have been eating and drinking" I asked curiously, she looked at me so I knew I got her attention again now, "you can ask but if it's too personal of a question I may not answer it, but as I said ask away" Aderes said, I thought to myself that it's good that this question isn't personal but just a observation of a question instead, " well as we was eating and drinking in silence, I came to a realization that you and Chelsea have been under sedatives for awhile, I assume you have been under them longer if I'm correct in my assumption, but how is it that you don't look like death because with eating or drinking you would have died a while ago if I'm correct in my observation" I explained.
"Actually that's something I haven't quite understood myself, but from what I can only guess it might be something that your boss must have put in them as normal sedatives shouldn't work on Chelsea as her skin isn't easy to inject into or possible to even keep under sedation, for myself it could be that I'm a hybrid that has allowed me to last as long, but if your boss from what I know of him, is smart enough then he might have come up with a special type of formula to put in the sedatives to work as a way to knock any species out unconscious but also prevent us from dying of lack of hydration or staving, but as I said it's more of a guess than anything from what I know to add to make it more reasonable to myself, I hope you can understand all that as it's a lot of information to absorb" Aderes explained very thoroughly, she was right, it was a huge amount of information to understand but from what I've been experiencing so far I don't think I could say she was wrong either.
Judging by what she has told me and how long she has been talking to me definitely as of now, it's definitely something telling me that she seems to know more than she is letting on, so I will have to choose my moments wisely to ask certain type of questions to see what she knows, but I've also got to be aware that she may know what i'm doing and playing along to see if I choose to let her out of the chains that still are shackled to her, which I still don't trust her enough to let her free from, so its gonna be interesting to see who is gonna be winning this game and how long it will be played, but I know I have to be careful that my boss doesn't find out that she is conscious either, but she most likely knows that too and is trying to see how far im willing to keep this going as I know for a fact the boss can come in anytime as he might come early than expected or on the time he said he would and if so then I should have about a month to go till his arrival again.
Coming back out of my mind I get hit by something solid that knocked me off my seat, groaning in pain, as I look to see what hit me, I see the wooden bowl that I used for mine and Aderes's fruit selection. As I pick up the bowl while still rubbing my head, that continues to throb, I could tell it most likely gonna be a bruise or a show with a big lump now thanks to that flying wooden bowl, "well looks like I got your attention then, I've been trying to get your attention for fifteen minutes now, what was you thinking so heavily that you didn't hear me shouting your name several times or that bowl I threw at you which you should've seen" Aderes ranted looking very frustrated at being ignored, as I still didn't respond back as my head still continued to hurt from that bowl that I know for certain was her, even though I don't know why I thought it could be anyone but her as it's just us here, apart from a unconscious Chelsea, must have been the hit to the head that made me think it was something else.
"Why did you throw a bowl at me, because that actually hurt, and it's not my fault that I things on my mind that got me distracted, you could have just waited, even if it was fifteen minutes, as you have been without me talking to you longer before remember" I said angrily as my head still hurt with the throbbing sensation continuing, causing me to run my head where it felt lumpy.
"I already said it was to get your attention, and It's to do with what your plans to do once Chelsea wakes up again as unlike me she has no care for what happens to you and will do whatever she can to get back in her master's good books, as that is the only reason she told me she was here because she did something wrong" Aderes explained with a huff, "okay,okay well as long as she doesn't try to kill me I will find a way to get her some blood, so that should help somewhat but if I hear anything to lead me to think that my boss is coming I'm using these sedatives on you both so I don't lose my job, as even though this job is the oddest one I have had, I feel like I want to help you to get out of here, so you can get to your child but besides that I just want to go back to my normal" I explained, even though the thought of getting blood from myself as there wasn't any other sources of blood that Chelsea could have, which I definitely wasn't looking forward to either, not just that but part of me wants to know more about her and Chelsea before the boss returns which I try not to think about too much.
"Well I'm gonna put our stuff away and try to find a way to get blood from myself that isn't gonna be too much of a issue, and I hope that she will be bloody grateful for what I'm gonna do, as I'm actually gonna bleed for her, so she doesn't die on me or go into a killer rampage, as much as I want to think that those chain will hold her, i'm not gonna hold my breath that it will hold her if she gets mad enough" I ranted while picking our stuff up into a pile and walked out the room, before noticing that Aderes was checking on Chelsea, which I assume must be just to check if she was doing okay.
Looking at the rooms that were available to me, which was only about three other rooms besides the one that Aderes and Chelsea were occupying, I found a few things I could use. I walked into their room as I couldn't call it anything else as they spent so much time in there and it wasn't used for anything else so it kind of made the name seem to fit. " I'm gonna do the one thing that isn't something I do well at and I'm gonna need to trust you enough to stab this long thin pointed needle to pull out as much blood to fill it several times over, just don't tell me your gonna do it as I don't want to see it, but also don't ask why I'm telling you that either as it's not something Im proud to admit, as it's embarrassing" I said trying to cover my discomfort, as I couldn't stand needles no matter how small they are.
"I'm not gonna say it but I'm also not surprised as I have met only a few people who share the discomfort for needles, but I am grateful that you are willing to trust me enough to do this, after this we should really should start asking questions to get to know each other, definitely if we are gonna be spending this much time here" Aderes explained, "you can look now as I'm done with the scary needles" Aderes laughed, while holding them up to show me, I was surprised that she did it while talking to me and that I didn't even feel any pressure from the needles going in. "Will that be enough for her as I don't know how long she goes without feeding unlike us who are more human than, what did you say she was again, I think you said vampire" I asked curiously, it was most definitely gonna be difficult to remember that there is a actual sort of living vampire in the same property that I'm in. " Don't worry you get used to it, from all of us I think she is gonna struggle to cope with us than you with her as she has a sort of detest for humans as I know her history very well, but let's just say that she isn't gonna be as talkative as I am and will most likely be way more grumpy" Aderes mentioned.
We continued to keep talking and getting to know more about each other by just asking the mundane things like favourite foods, books, and things such as that as we didn't feel it was much chance to ask these small questions when Chelsea will be awake soon. "Are you ready she be awake soon and most definitely gonna be cranky so have the blood ready even though I suggest you put it in a sort of cup of some kind as you won't have any needles spare for future use if we are here longer, without being sedated again" Aderes explained to me, I moved quickly to the kitchen area to get a cup that I didn't mind to be smelling of blood for a long time as I'm not known to do much in cleaning recently.
As I emptied all the blood from each needle into a cup, I heard Aderes calling my name, which I guessed must be the grumpy vampire has started to stir, I walked out the kitchen back into the room with a cup full of red blood that smells metallic which made me know I couldn't pretend it was anything appealing unfortunately for my luck. As I got into the room I passed Aderes the cup ready to give to Chelsea as I knew that I would be more at risk of getting attacked than she was which we spoke about earlier during the getting to know each other.
As she I watch her stir awake she seemed more at ease than before, "hello Chelsea, I'm hoping your in a better mood than last time I let the sedatives to dissipate from your system, my name is Bari Lightfoot, I'm hoping this time around you be willing to let me get to know you better as I have with your friend Aderes who has been talking to me so we have a small understanding and cooperation that's been going on so I'm hoping for the same with you" I announced to her as I knew she could understand everything I said. Chelsea tried to stand up but the chains wouldn't allow her to stand as tall as she could reach and looked to be arched as she tried to stand, "damn these treacherous chains that Kur created to hold any species" Chelsea ranted not knowing fully being aware that myself and Aderes was in the room, "who's Kur? What do you mean to hold any species? Is he the same one that Aderes spoke of when she said my boss or are they two different people?" I questioned that name. I have only heard a handful of times spoken by some of the old people in areas that I've traveled to on my odd jobs I did before this but I never paid them any attention but that name just made me think about this guy and who he is.
"I don't know who your boss is as I've never seen him, but if these treacherous chains are to go by then yes they may be one in the same and not different people, or species, Chelsea spoke with venom as she still sounded very angry and frustrated, I saw Aderes pass the cup of blood to Chelsea which Chelsea just took from her, but not before glaring at her in what looked to be hatred. As Chelsea sipped the blood down to its last drop from the cup, she just placed it on the floor, "I appreciate the blood, even though it's better when I can get it myself, just don't expect a thank you because I'm not gonna give it to you, so you can wipe that smug look on your face Aderes as I know you liked watching me drink blood, for whatever odd reason of yours" Chelsea explained bitterly.
As I watched the whole conversation begin to start between the two I thought I would escape to my bookshelf to find something else to read, as whatever they were talking about it wasn't in a language I understood and felt no desire to ask or find out as it was becoming heated. As I eventually found a nice book after several minutes I could still hear their conversation going on quite loudly but still not making any sense I just made my way to my bed and read.
Marcus POV
Meanwhile in the gardens
After a much needed break away from everyone and everything, as some of the coven are going a bit crazy and stir crazy waiting for the guests to arrive, then my brothers are just trying anything to calm everyone down or find something to keep them occupied either with discussing the plans for the celebration again to ensure nothing goes wrong or to find out what would be the best place for themselves to be placed in. I just couldn't deal with staying in there longer as it started to stress myself out that a fight was gonna occur, as even with everyone talking to myself and my brothers, there was still some trusting issues, where I knew that my brothers felt shameful about and then lacked the authority to calm everyone down to listen to them again.
So with all that I knew the one place I would be undisturbed and able to be at peace for as long as I so desired, would be under the luminescence of the full moon, alongside a nice refreshing cool breeze, that makes me feel like it's washing away all my worries and stress from me, so I could just enjoy the time alone.
As I was alone in the garden I brought along one of my many books that I so enjoyed, as I was tempted to read more of the tome but knew that Aro promised to show the twins it so they could see for themselves what is contained in it, but also to see if there was anything that they could gather from it that we have not or could not see within it. Apart from that I didn't want to read something that was factual and wanted to read something fictional as it was a way to get away from this world and be absorbed into a fictional world within my books, as being absorbed into the book from enjoying it so much I could make my mind think I'm there, so I can sense everything almost like I'm actually there even if my brain knows I'm not there physically. I did this heavily before Isabella but now being less frequently as I find relaxing being with Isabella as she always gives me a presence of comfort and contentment, that felt different to how Corin's gift affects the ones she used it on.
Laying down under the tree closing my eyes with my fingers tracing the words of the book and turning the pages, feeling at peace for almost several hours felt amazing that I so wished I could feel again what it's like to sleep and dream, unfortunate that I sensed that I wasn't alone but not in any danger. I slowly opened my eyes and sat back up straight, then I placed my book that I still had in my hands to my side to ensure I didn't damage it as I went to see who disturbed my peace, as I looked from the ground up to the face I saw it was one of the guards who I assumed must have followed me out of worry or was sent to me by my brothers. "What is it that requires you to interrupt my moments of peace that I've been enjoying here alone?" I asked calmly to the guard deciding to be the first to speak, "sorry master I was told to locate you as Isabella has woken up and everyone else is currently occupied or busy arguing about the celebrations still, I left my position by her door to find you, so please don't punish me, as there is still a single guard with her" the guard said shakingly, which I knew he was either scared to tell me he left his post thinking I would punish him like Caius would do for being not just interrupted and also leaving his post, "you don't need to be nervous, even though I'm not pleased that you left your post and interrupted me, I do appreciate that you informed me of this" I said which caused the guard to relax with a sigh, "it doesn't mean that you will be let off for leaving your post and leaving just a single guard to guard princess Isabella as you know what we face if anything got to her, which I will be informing my fellow brothers about this, so you will get some punishment for that, so next time you will think before you rush off to find me" I said with a more serious tone, which the guard just nodded and sped out the room in a hurry to get back to his post.
I just laughed at the guard speeding out the room knowing to get back before Caius could punish him for leaving his post for too long as the guards all know Caius loves to punish for disobedience more than anything, as he changes his ways to punish to keep them on their feet. As I made my way at a casual pace to Isabella's room to see If Isabella was ready to be taken out of her room to have something to eat from the kitchen, as I knew our human staff adored her so much and was always willing to help with anything that little Isabella required.
As I arrived at the entrance of her room, "has there been anything that I need updated on besides that she has awoken from her sleep?" I asked both of the guards, while trying not to glare at the one guard who approached me earlier, " nothing to report, just that she's awake and the last we checked was still lying in her crib cuddling her toy that if I remember correctly was one that you gave her" the guard reported to me, while keeping a straight standing posture. "Good as long as nothing is wrong you both are doing a great job, keep up the great work" I said before I started to make my way into her room.
As I walked into the room, not needing to turn any lighting on as my perfect sense of sight makes it nigh impossible for me to walk into something, I'm able to get about the room without colliding with nothing, but as I approached the crib I noticed that Isabella was in fact not lying down like the guards reported to me but was in fact sitting up with her toy cuddled up in her arms, while just staring at me babbling something that I couldn't make out, "what was that my little princess" I asked wondering if she would try to speak again or if she was gonna babble again. "Mama" Isabella babbled, this time but more clearly, but as I heard it I wasn't sure if I should have corrected her for calling me mama or just be ecstatic that she said her first word and I was the first one to hear it before anyone else, maybe apart from the two guards stationed outside her room.
I picked her up and did a little spin with her in joy as I just couldn't hold my excitement for Isabella saying her first word, after spinning a couple of times before I begun to realise I shouldn't spin with a one year old as it could do more harm than good, I stopped and walked out of the room. "Did you hear it, well of course you did hear it, Isabella said her first word, sorry I'm just so excited and I know it's weird for you all to see me like this as you used to me not showing my expressions before, this little bundle of joy came into our lives, but like I said it's a little miracle that she spoke her first word now of all times" I said speaking very quickly and with so much joy in my voice it was hard to hold in.
As I continued to walk quickly but not too quickly, I was vampire speed but quick enough to get everyone's attention while I was heading to the throne room to let my brothers know of this miracle that I got to witness. As I got to the throne room I noticed that my brothers was with the twins discussing something that I guessed is either about the tome or asking for any news on Demetri's mission that he was still on. " Brothers I have some amazing news that I think that you both will love to hear, that goes for you all too, the twins included, as I want to let you all know that our little Isabella has just said her first word" I said excitedly, everyone just stared at me like it wasn't that big of a deal, except for the twins and my brothers who was the only ones in the room who looked genuine happy about this news.
Aro turned to everyone else and then to me, "may I have a peek and see as I can't contain my excitement that she is on the path to start talking now, or maybe I'm just a little jealous that you got to witness it before me" Aro asked, with his puppy dog eyes, before I could respond, I heard a grinding sound from several teeths grinding against each other, as I turn round I saw that it wasn't just Caius who was grinding his teeth, but also the twins too, " seriously you can't just wait like the rest of us to witness it for ourselves as it's not like it be the first time she will say a word or speak" Jane spoke angrily, while glaring at my brother, I could tell she was trying her best not to use her gift on him but was on the edge of her anger rising.
"She is right Aro, you got to be patient like everyone else, it's just that I was luckily enough to be there at the right time when she spoke even if she did call me mama" I said calmly, "sorry your right again, everyone has been telling me for ages that i heavily dependent on my gift and because of it I miss out experiencing life through myself and instead only experience life through others which isn't a life at all, of course this will take time for me to remember this but if you all give me time I will try to use my gift for when it's actually required not for everyday use" Aro explained apologetically, "well if you can learn that then we all will feel more at ease without the knowledge that you are gonna check on us every five seconds" Alec mentioned quietly while yet irritable, as he stood beside his sister who seemed to share his opinion as she just shook her head.
"Well less of the arguments that I can tell is gonna start, would anyone like to hold Isabella and get her something to eat as I have a feeling she be quiet hungry, but please let us know if she talks again, and if so what she says as I'm interested if she calls anyone else mama or if it's just me, I'm assuming she called me mama because of my long hair but hopefully when she's older she will call me uncle or something as I don't think me as a mama, gonna help me much, being a male and all" I expressed my explanation, so everyone heard me clearly but still having a little laugh at my last part of my explanation.
Before anyone could respond the throne door opened, that got everyone turning their heads myself included, "is little Isabella ready for something to eat as I have some soft fruits that she may like, that's if she's ready to have them, Master Marcus" Albert the cook said behind the door while the door was still open so we could hear him. "Actually that's perfect timing but if anyone wants to join her to and to keep an eye on the cook to make sure that if she chocks or is unable to eat it then to be there to suggest something else or to do some activities with her that may be enjoyable for her, as we can't stop trying with any of them, as she may pick up on them in time, just as she has with saying her first word" I spoke to everyone in the room while directing certain parts of my big speech as it seemed I was doing a speech that just a ordinary short response.
Jane and Alec both came up to myself, which I knew they wanted to spend some time with Isabella as they both seem to want to spend more time with her than others apart from, myself, my brothers, Queens, Heidi and Demetri who always spent the most time with Isabella, while the others spent time with her just on a lesser extent of time due to not growing a stronger bond to her, than we have and become more familiar based bonded while the others are more like closed friends or just friend based bonded, which has never bothered me or my brothers as we was just glad that they wasn't hostile to her, enough to cause harm.
"I'm assuming you both are gonna take her to see the cook and keep an eye on her and the other human staff" I asked curiously even though I knew the answer, they just nod and Jane opens her arms out to ready herself to hold Isabella so I could pass Isabella to her, "thank you, both of you, I appreciate you both taking time to spend some time with her even though I have fully enjoyed watching you irritate my brother to see the tome as he promised to show you after the celebration" I said with a small laugh, while also hearing a laugh escape from Caius but a grumble of annoyance from Aro, which caused a few others who was in the room or just came in to laugh too.
While the twins headed out the door with Isabella to see the cook for some solid food, I noticed that both of the twins seem to have a few small cracks showing on open areas on them that was noticeable from where either hair or the cloak didn't cover, which made me curious if anyone else noticed, " was it just myself who noticed small cracks on the twins unbreakable skin start to show just like the Bella who spoke to us before, said to us would happen, which means that it's happening, they are on their way to becoming those powerful witch hybrids" I mentioned, which I could see in everyone's eyes, some was fearful, some was just seemed to in deep thought about it, which I knew that those didn't notice it, but then I looked at my brothers and the Queens who was in the room too, most likely crept in when I was distracted looking at the twins.
"We did notice but just put it down to them most likely caused them from training with each other earlier and not fed to heal, but if we are wrong with our assumption then you may be right that it's happening" Caius informed me, but looking at Aro I could see that he didn't fully agree with my brother's assumption and was thinking what I did when I saw the cracks. I decided not to say anything as I was still annoyed with him about what he did to my mate, but knew that it won't be long till I can get my payback on him for that which I've spoken to the others about and they agreed with when I planned to get it.
"So on another point of matters can you both tell me what I've missed and what's been happening while I've been in the gardens" I asked. Both of them started to inform me with what I asked from what they have been told and other matters.
Felix POV
" You have done us well my friend, you speed, strength and fighting ability is getting much better improved, I'll bet the next time you are fighting with everyone in the room to see who lasts the longest you may actually stand a chance at even giving the Romanian a run for their money" Yaotzin informed me, while giving off a little chuckle at most likely imaging me actually giving the Romanian a challenge to be the last one standing in our version of battle royale.
It's not that I could blame him as even though I feel mentally and physically exhausted after every session I have with them to improve, it's hard for me to get used to feeling exhausted no matter what way it is because I've always thought that being a vampire meant I didn't suffer that particular weakness, but I've been told while here that it only happens when being pushed way farther passed the limit that is built in all of us, as we all without knowing set a limit that prevents us from evolving further and pushing that limit will destroy it but allow us to evolve.
Both Tezcatlipoca and yaotzin have told me after some of the sessions that we sometimes have spectators, who look surprised at them but also me fighting each other, they said that they lost interest in the reactions or some of the comments they could hear from when they witness what they look like with their odd demonic gift. So far we have yet to get the attention of Kur, our boss and leader in this soon to be war that I wish would happen sooner rather than later, who has yet to see our fights unless he has but not made himself known during them.
The funny thing that even now makes me laugh is that with all these insults and teasing that I get, from the demon twins as I've named them, have helped me to grow a sort of thicker skin to it so if I do come across my old pal Demetri or old masters so I can truly show them how much better I am than they are and nothing they will say would cause me to show them any weakness, as I refuse to show weakness to them off all people. As of now I will head to get my next dose of serum that allows me to go longer without needing to feed from any human, as my body is still new to it so it takes longer to go longer without another dose.
Unknown POV
" Mistress we have a problem, we have a cloaked figure who has broken our first line of defence and is currently battling our army as we speak, which makes no sense as the cloaked figures who have been spotted before have only just watched from a distance and didn't do nothing more, what is your orders?" A male newborn spoke quickly with huge pants of unnecessary breathing.
"What of the Major and Captain?" I demanded to wonder what they were planning as if they were doing nothing then I couldn't have done that unless they knew something that they didn't inform me about.
"They are just observing and just keep sending more newborns to join in after each of the cloaked figure decapitates a newborn, but other than that, just told me to inform you of what's happening" the male newborn informed me again, standing straight while continuing to panting heavily.
I could think of a few things as to what I should do and weather to do one or the other, "fine, call the Major and Captain to call off the newborns and ask the cloaked figure to come to me as it's unlikely he be stupid to come here alone and attack for no reason" I demanded again, as soon as I spoke the last word, the newborn ran out of my office to repeat my orders.
So what did you think was it what you expected? I couldn't resist the urge to put another hint of Jasper still being around in the story. Don't worry there will be more of him to come in the upcoming chapters.
If you did enjoy this chapter, I love to see what you think through any reviews you leave as I always appreciate them. Of course I will try not to take too long with the next chapter.