by owl0430 » Wed Apr 03, 2024 6:03 pm
A soft smile graced her face, her hands clasping one of his.
"Of course you may. I look forward to seeing what you have planned."
--------------------
As expected...there weren't any loopholes to the deal she'd made. Well, maybe one or two, but they could only be exploited so much before he caught on and found a way around it.
Back during the night, in the woods- a solemn vow had been made.
" Why have you summoned me, child of night?"
While Adrian spoke the necessary formalities, Esmerelda couldn't help but notice how similar he looked to the night she'd first met him. That cursed night when, after a long absence, her brother had mysteriously returned from the dead, with a silver-haired man by his side. The whole ordeal had been baffling. A "savior" Orion had called him, refusing to introduce just who Adrian was, and from where he was affiliated. In retrospect, perhaps Orion himself didn't even know at the time. From what she understood he had always acted in a rather secretive and enigmatic matter- she hadn't know him to ever do otherwise. But that night had been an odd one in and of itself...and perhaps, due to shock, she had dared not question how her brother had returned. She was just grateful to have him back. As he had been introduced to her, she gazed upon him as such. A savior. For a time she had even had the gal to believe him an angel.
More like an angel of death.
Not that she believed him a savior at the moment. Those days were long passed. Right now she was reminded of that dangerous allure, the air of elegance, power, and arrogance. Just like he did then, he knew he had her in the palm of his hand. Still dancing along to his tune, steps memorized to the point it was practically clockwork.
" On this night I have summoned you, our progenitor, seeking a favor."
" What favor is it that you seek? I deal in bargains, not favors. But for you, the second of my pureblooded creations...my sweet Esmerelda- I may be persuaded."
It took every ounce of her own restraint not to grimace as he spoke of her in that way. A grim reminder of to just what extent she was inhuman anymore.
" Your blood, sire...just a single vile." At this he raised an eyebrow at her, as if pondering what kind of schemes she had been up to. It took some time before he responded.
" You make and odd request- but say I agree to your request. What are your intentions?"
" I know 'tis uncustomary, and in fact quite taboo to request the making of a new pureblood. I understand it risks upsetting the hierarchy and your secrecy- but seeing that you are to soon reclaim the throne, this time as Atlas Nyx, the progenitor, as opposed to your 'mysterious pureblood' persona. " Huh. It was odd to see him look genuinely shocked. It almost made her a bit proud of herself. Right up until his bewilderment turned into that familiar devilish grin. "Esmerelda~"! He spoke in a sing-song voice, dropping the formalities and practically throwing himself from the tree to place an arm over her shoulders as if they were two confidants sharing a bit of gossip. " Oh do tell- just what kind of mortal man could have charmed you so? " She refused to turn her gaze to him, opting not to return any of the friendly behavior. " and here I thought you only had eyes for Lucas..."
" I do!" she quipped. "That's why in a way, it's for him." And that was the end of Adrian's antics...sort of. He still looked rather intrigued, but he did remove to his previous spot against the tree- a birch tree by the looks of it. " Go on" with a motion of his hand. " Tis to turn that human girl of his. It would appear that when she fades away, as all humans do...that he intends to go with her. T'would quite displease me, and prove most troublesome for you."
" I already have plans in place to prevent that from happening. That said, I'm quite surprised you would want to prolong his infatuation with the mortal. You've already confirmed you still have feelings for him."
" Which is exactly why 'tis all the better she turns- sooner rather than later. I'd rather Lucas be alive so I may continue to enjoy his company as a close acquaintance then have him dead. Tis better than never holding a conversation with him again."
"Even if he will hate you for it?"
" You've taught me well, sire, in the art of deception. I have plans of my own in place to avoid bring suspicion upon myself."
"Very well then. What are you prepared to offer in return?" Her answer must have been good enough for him if he had decided not to ask for further details. " The very thing you want most right now..."
"And that is?"
" I shall return to your side...so long as there are times when I may travel to visit those I see fit." at this, Adrian laughed. She hated that is sounded like he was genuinely amused.
" oh-ho, it's almost too much, Esmerelda!" in between bouts of laughter. " With all you're giving up already, letting her win, I would have agreed without any conditions had you asked me too...did I or did I not say that for you, I could be persuaded to bestow a favor? a flush rose to her cheeks, out of embarrassment and frustration- once again falling into his traps. But it was too late now. The offer had been made. " Very well then- I accept your deal -With- all that you have offered. But, you shall not find me to be completely unfair to you. I shall tell you all you must know to help keep this secret from Lucas...how best to go about it. But you mustn't speak of our deal to anyone. Not the conditions, not how you got this information...none of it. Do I have your vow, Esmerelda?
ow.
"....It's a deal." she hadn't even caught what he said.
"No, Esmerelda, your vow."
she audible gasped, but spoke not on the matter. Instead, with a grim expression she hesitantly sat herself with her legs tucked beneath her- head bowed and wrist held out to Adrian. He, following suit, knelt upon the forest floor- taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. " Tis only fair, Esmerelda, is it not? After all, 'tis you who betrayed me. Besides, in basic terms, it's an equivalent exchange. Blood, for blood."
.....back in the present morning, a knock sounded at the door to Roland's study.
Last edited by
owl0430 on Fri Apr 05, 2024 4:38 am, edited 1 time in total.