Page 45 of Midnight Whispers
The next couple of hours are spent wandering aimlessly around the manor. I go into the guest bedrooms to see the process his team has made in the decorations of each room. Each of them is fairly simple, decorated with modern day aesthetics and plain enough that whoever occupies them can change things to fit their personalpreferences.
Just after what would be lunchtime, I decided to go visit Lillia at Alcott’s. I get on my street bike and head into town, swerving around any cards that I encounter on my journey. In speed, I am quicker than my Yamaha, but mortals wouldn’t do well with me just appearing. My engine slows and quiets as I approach the shop. I find myself confused and worried when I see the lights are off. I look through the glass and jiggle the handle, only to find it empty and locked.
Why the hell isn’t she here?
I jumped back onto my bike—granted, the thought of just running crossed my mind first—and headed toward Lillia’s cottage. My vision is beginning to turn crimson by the time I arrive. Her bicycle still sits in its spot next to the steps.
I practically jump off the bike and within seconds I’m at the front door. The moment I knock on the door, a hysterical Flora opens the door.
“Where’s Lillia?” I demand, not trying to hide the urgency in my tone.
“I don’t know! She never went to the shop and when I got back the door was just… open,” she says between sobs. “Lillia’s justgone.”
The scent of blood, Lillia’s blood, hits my nose when Flora storms off, tossing her hands in the air. I track the scent to the laundry room just off the kitchen. It’s not a lot, but a smear just along the wall opposite of the washing machine.
“Is… Is that fucking blood?” she cries. A second scent catches my attention.
Another mortal?
“Flora. You must contain yourself.” I grip her shoulders, making a conscious effort not to hold on too hard. “Pack a bag. You’re going to stay at my manor where you’ll be safe.”
“But… What about Lillia?”
“I will find her; I swear this to you.” I release her from my grasp. “Even if I have to kill everyone who stands in my way.”
I usher her down the hall and into her room, where I stand just outside the threshold. The only sounds I can focus on are that of her broken sobs while she gathers her belongings. Finally, she zips up the bag and walks to my side.
“Ready,” she whispers.
“Are you okay to drive?”
“I think so.”
“Actually, no. I’ll just come back to get my bike later. We will take your car,” I responded, taking the bag from her and slinging it over my shoulder.
I’manythingbut calm at this moment. My anger is building deep in my gut, festering like an infected wound. Whoever stands in my way should pray for mercy because they’ll get none from me.
Aside from Flora’s sniffles, the drive to the manor is quiet. I’ve never been one to understand the art of consoling. In truth, certain emotions remain a mystery to me. Sorrow being one of them. However, anger is not. He and I have a long history of entanglement, and it seems we are getting reacquainted.
I input my code to open the gate and drive up the pebble road. My anger is nearing dangerous levels, and I know I need to get Flora inside and away from me, soon. I pull into the semi-circular driveway. I amhighlyaware of the contractors and designers that are coming in and out of the manor as we park.
“I’ve lived in Emolyn Cove my entire life and I’ve never been to the top of the mountain,” Flora whispers while looking out the window.
I usher her into the doors of the manor, looking around for Asher as we enter the main room. When he doesn’t come down from the stairs soon after we enter, I show Flora up the stairs and down the hall that leads to the recently renovated rooms.
“This will be your room for the time being. You are safe here and will be under constant protection. You are welcome to visit every room on the first floor,” I say as I open the door to the room.
“Just the first floor?”
“We value privacy. Most of these rooms are vacant, but my cousin and I reside in rooms in the opposite hallway. The rooms on the first floor are more communal like the kitchen, television room, library, etc.”
“You have a whole ass library here?” Flora exclaims.
“We do. It’s full of classics as well as more recent releases. We do also have quite a collection of independently published authors.”
“Lillia would love your library,” she sighs.
“She will love itwhenshe gets to see it.” Flora nods, and I continue. “Now, I do have some things I have to do. Would you like to meet my cousin, or would you prefer to be alone for the time being?”