Page 14 of Eternal Obsession

“Now Jadeon just mopes around in a melancholy mood. He rarely goes out,” Alex said. “He spends his time reading, studying music, and generally daydreaming.”

“Catherine. She remains in the convent?” I inquired.

“Yes, Jadeon sometimes goes down to the grounds outside the convent and sits, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. It’s so sad.”

“Grief can incapacitate the soul.”

“You’re referring to your friend?” Alex said.

“Yes.”

“I am sorry to hear that. Would you like to talk about her?”

“No. And your father, tell me of him,” I said.

Chapter Nine

ORPHEUS

The weaving of a friendship born from shadows takes time, each thread laced with vengeance, each knot tied in silence. What begins as trust is merely the slow cultivation of something far more sinister.

This delicious ache of vengeance ever present.

Alex and I enjoyed many an evening together. Alex believed that by day I attended to my business dealings, having no idea that in truth this was when I slept. It was a divine pleasure to manipulate him, as only a demon can, and soon Alex had grown distant from his family. Alex’s feelings of affection toward me were inevitable. He was swept away with emotion, infatuated with the most exceptional man he had ever encountered, and the very fact I chose to spend my evenings with him truly flattered him. His company was refreshing.

Alex was well educated, and therefore, a superb conversationalist. He was bestowed with a delightful humor and a kind nature. I also took great delight in teasing him. I gradually became aware that I had begun to feel passionately for Alex, but knew my plans would not and could not be hindered in any way. Despite this, I found myself obsessed with him. In many ways, Alex filled the void Sunaria’s death had left. Alex soothed my grief, so much so that he consumed my thoughts.

Alex’s visits to the Brandenburgs’ home became a frequent occurrence. Although suspicions would predictably rise due to their strange disappearance, it was difficult to extract myself from such a luxurious residence. Alex never mentioned the Brandenburgs. He was all too happy with the circumstances of us having a place where we could enjoy our undisturbed privacy.

As on so many evenings, he arrived at the manor. As I had instructed him, he rode his own mare and arrived as pre-arranged—later than usual. He led his horse into the stable. When he knocked at the door of the manor house, he was surprised there was no answer and for a moment he wondered if he had been mistaken to the time or place of our meeting. Then, with an eerie feeling of being watched, he turned and jumped with fright.

I was standing right behind him.

“Where the hell did you come from?” Alex gasped.

“What kind of greeting is that for your old friend? Really, I must teach you some manners. Now where should I begin?”

Alex’s cheeks blushed brightly.

“You are forgiven, for now.” I walked toward him.

Alex noticed I held something in my hand.

“What is that?” he asked.

“It’s a blindfold.”

“For what purpose?”

“For you.”

“No, no, really I⁠—”

“I have a surprise for you.” I turned Alex around firmly, ignoring his attempts at resistance. I pushed up against him and placed the thick strip of black silk material around his eyes. “Do you not trust me?”

“Of course I do. I trust you with my life.”

“Good answer.” I escorted Alex by his arm, our bodies locked together. I guided him to the large gardens situated behind the manor house.