Page 21 of Eternal Obsession

“I have heard of his family. He is indeed of noble birth, but I would like to meet him for myself. Two weeks from today I have instructed for a grand function to be arranged. This ball will celebrate your brother’s birthday. Perhaps we can marry him off after all. And be forewarned, you will be next. You will extend an invitation to Lord Velde, and he will accept. If he does not, you will break this liaison off immediately. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Father. I have already extended your invitation to Lord Velde and⁠—”

“Check with the stables. If they destroyed your horse, it was for the best.”

Alex struggled for air.

“Alex,” Lord Artimas said. “If I seem harsh, it is because I have your interests in mind.”

Alex lingered, hoping for some sign of affection or approval.

“You may go,” Lord Artimas said.

Alex searched for words.

“You are still here?” Father inquired.

I hurried toward the stables to make sure Alex’s horse was well cared for.

Soon afterward, I found my brother down by the water’s edge and stood behind him, holding a bottle of rum and two goblets. “All is well. Turns out you now own the most expensive and well-bred horse in the stables, and mine has been demoted to mule!”

“And she can stay?”

“She can stay. I warned the grooms and stable workers that your horse was to receive the finest care.”

Alex sighed. “I’ll take that drink now.”

“And talk?” I sat down beside him.

“And talk,” he said.

I poured two large cups of rum and handed one to him.

Alex relayed his experiences with Lord Velde, leaving out any information that would indicate they had ever shared an intimate moment. We sat and talked into the early hours of the night in an attempt to catch up on all the time we had lost over the last few months. I reassured him I would do everything in my power to encourage our father to be welcoming to Alex’s new acquaintance, expressing my delight that I would soon be meeting with the man that my brother had spoken of so highly.

Chapter Eleven

ORPHEUS

After enjoying an extended sojourn within the luxurious residence, I left the Brandenburg’s home, having overstayed my welcome. No trace of the family or their staff would be found, and I had kept such a low profile that my stay would go undetected. It was during my search for a new residence that I came across a witch’s coven.

It was the whispers of spells and sacred scheming that gave them away.

Their country estate hidden in the heart of Bodmin Moor. Its grand silhouette half-swallowed by the creeping fog. Sturdy tone walls, dark with moss and rain, rose from the coarse, untamed grass. Ivy choked the walls. Wild heather and gorse had claimed the gardens. Somewhere deeper in the mist, a stream could be heard but not seen.

At first, I had considered finding refuge here.

I had never minded the women who believed in magic, nor those who gathered leaves and roots for medicine—in truth, I much preferred their quiet, enduring kindness. They, after all, were just as persecuted as someone like me.

This manor hid another secret.

Athena, a female vampire had ensconced herself within the clan.

Fascinated with the occult, I took a few moments to peer through an open window, closing my mind to Athena.

I perceived she had sensed my arrival in Cornwall and had considered coming in search of me. Though concerned I might covet her den, she had reconsidered. She selfishly obsessed over her darling witches.

In the name of politeness, I waited for her in the kitchen and gently beckoned her inside.