We ventured out through the castle's back gates, passing through the serene world of flourishing gardens and shaded walkways that led us out to the plain field encircling the whole Castle grounds. Soon enough, we were leaving behind the grandeur and opulence that had surrounded us.
The small path gave way to a dense forest. Towering trees stretched upward, their leaves whispering in the breeze as they shielded us. The air carried the subtle melody of insects and the rhythmic patter of small woodland creatures, creating a symphony that harmonized with the tranquillity of our surroundings.
There were rarely any large creatures in these woods. Not when far more monstrous predators lived nearby. It was one way of knowing if a very powerful vampire was close.
Or a group of them in this case.
While I had the urge to question Becca once more, I decided against it. We walked in silence, my gaze occasionally drawn to her, hoping to discern her state of mind.
In my pocket, I clutched a silver talisman, our key to the outside world. We used it to make any purchase whenever we went out. Within minutes, we had reached the outskirts of the next village, a place far more prosperous than my home village. Pleasant-looking houses lined the outskirts, teasing at the delights that awaited further within.
Stone buildings, though modest in appearance, dotted the streets, forming a bustling marketplace where vendors and travellers congregated. The sight brought a glimmer of joy to Becca's eyes as she soaked in the animated atmosphere.
Taking a carriage to the central square, we found ourselves before Becca's favourite pastry shop. The tinkle of a bell announced our arrival, and a well-dressed attendant approached. He greeted us with a small bow before warmly addressing Becca and commenting on how pleased he was to see her again. Though it was only my second visit, he received me with equal warmth.
We chose a table on the front porch overlooking the bustling street, and waited to be served. I smiled at Becca and she returned it, only for her to avert her eyes. Under the table, I fidgeted with my wrist, watching the street. Children played. Humans and lower vampires mingled easily. Becca's gaze lingered on the street too.
I glanced back into the shop, silently hoping they would offer me something different this time. On my previous visit, I had forced myself to endure Becca's favourite indulgence… blood-clotted cupcakes.
Even with my senses altered by the potion, the taste had been repulsive. Thankfully, this time, I had proactively requested something more akin to human preferences. The workers arrived with a set of Becca's cupcakes, and another set for her to take back to the castle as a gift. Her face softened with gratitude. I smiled.
'I am so happy I brought her here.'
She dug into the snack with such joy and I turned to my chocolate cupcakes. Many vampires were curious about what the humans ate. Since we were in a village where these vampires lived peacefully with humans, my request wasn't all that odd.
The aroma alone was enticing, and I eagerly dug into the delectable treat, savouring the perfect balance of sugar and flavour. I then looked out into the street once again, lost in the pleasure of the moment.
"Hiln?" Becca broke the silence.
"Hmm?" I blinked mid-bite, trying to respond.
"What happened when you... went to Lord Fashire's chamber yesterday?" Becca's gaze dropped before meeting mine again.
The question hit harder than expected. My fingers tightened around the foil wrapper. "Hmm... It was nothing, really," I replied, my voice muffled by the last piece in my mouth. I swallowed it. "Did you see the boy?"
She nodded.
"Nothing much happened, Becca. I simply delivered his food and took the plates once he was done. I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. Well, perhaps I was a little slow…" I admitted with a nervous chuckle. "I might have dawdled a bit... Fortunately, Lord Fashire didn't snap at me much. But why do you ask about it now?" I crumpled up the foil, a sense of unease settling in.
She didn't answer. Her gaze searched my face as if trying to measure something unsaid.
The air grew heavy with unspoken words, and I couldn't help but question what had truly happened when Becca was in his chambers. My chest burned with curiosity, but I remained quiet, hoping she would take hold of that momentum to keep talking.
She did not speak.
Finally, unable to contain it any longer, I uttered the question that had been haunting me, "Did he do something to the boy?"
"No… he was asleep," she answered as if uncertain about what she had just said.
I traced one of the intricate patterns carved into the wooden table. "But… what happened? Why did you take so long?"
Becca sat up. "It seems our cases were similar. We both did little and you also took so long."
"Becca, you looked terrified, and I was so worried that—" I stopped tracing the table and looked up at her, thinking better of it. Maybe he had told her to keep silent about the matter, and she could be in trouble if she told me anything.
I just sighed. "Don't worry about it then. I just don't like seeing you this way."
She gave me a grateful smile which then waned. "Ah… thank you, Hiln. I appreciate your concern… But… it's not myself I am worried about."
For a moment, a soft breeze swept through the shade, brushing aside Becca's short blonde curls.
"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.
"Hiln." A daunting seriousness settled over her expression, and it rattled me. Her gaze lifted slowly. Haunted. Resigned.
"Becca, what is it?" I clutched the edge of the table.
Her voice carried a devastating weight I had never heard before. "Lord Fashire asked of you."