Page 3 of Cursed Lifeline (Eternal Love)

Two

FELIX

Song: Bring Me To Life | Evanescence

"Do you think they're expecting us?" Talon smirks as we climb the steps of the grand Martin Manor.

Shadows cast by flickering sconces play tricks with my eyes. They quickly perform a dreary scene. A foreboding dance.

A girl. A boy. A chase.

Forbidden love. Sudden death.

If I blinked too fast, I'd miss their threatening display.

I cast a cautionary glare over my right shoulder. Talon gives me a cocky shrug and a wolfish grin. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he climbs the stairs behind me with predatory purpose. My other coven brother, Dimitri, follows closely after him.

Facing forward and straightening my lapels, I grit out, "In the hundred years we've served by each other's side, Talon, how often have you known me to make uninvited house calls?"

Without having to knock, the door's hinges creak as it's slowly opened from within, proving my point.

Talon grins, holding in what appears to be a sinister secret as his grim shadows twirl portentously before my eyes. His ability to control darkness and command phantom shapes has undoubtedly gone to his head. I'll have to speak with Drusilla about it.

"And save your shadow tricks for someone who'll believe them," I warn, "before I remind you whose leadership you follow and the repercussions you'll face if you continue to insinuate we're nothing but fools."

"I'd never imply you're unwise," he flatters mockingly. "Merely cautioning to beware. Tricks parade as treats. When you realize they're sour, it's typically too late."

The massive wood doors groan as they're pulled open wider, revealing a bustling entryway filled with dapperly dressed gentlemen and elegantly clothed ladies. Music floats my way from a ballroom just beyond the grand space. Men and women drift in and out of the reception area, sipping champagne, giggling, and laughing with their conquests for the night.

The men flaunt their wealth and stature like turkeys strutting around an open field. The women, ever playing the part of an innocent butterfly, float from gentleman to gentleman and do their best to look unamused. Their chaperones stick close to their sides, drawing the women back in if they stray too far into dark, unattended corners with a strutting Tom.

My gaze skims the scene before landing on the smiling face of the older gentleman who has come to greet us.

"Felix Caldwell?" he questions. I nod. "We've been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

I glance at Talon, whose smug face is now searching beyond the entryway, surveying the delicious options readily available for tasting.

"Careful," I warn under my breath. "You're drooling."

He grunts in annoyance because he knows we've come in peace. No blood will be shed. At least not tonight. We've been called here to deal with an uprising revolution the government and Lords and Ladies of France can't control.

"The master is indisposed," the gentleman offers, "but he'll meet you in the study."

The butler steps back from the door and gestures down a long hallway to the left.

My hesitant gaze drifts to the ground, to the line I was eager to cross mere minutes ago until Talon's shadows forewarned me to be wary as we venture further into tonight's gathering. The memory of the mournful display causes an alarming chill to trail its monitory fingers through the far recesses of my mind, but I ignore their persistent, threatening bite and let out a heavy sigh as I toe the line in front of me.

A few eager partygoers who've just arrived shove past and rush off into the throng of people just beyond the door. Forced aside, my brothers emit a warning snarl as we wait to be invited in.

Before their temper gets the better of them, I raise a threatening brow and say, "Our travels seem to be ending in burden." The man studies me curiously. "We're just as eager to meet the Lord of this manor, though his letter was vague regarding a proper invitation to visit."

"We wouldn't want to overstay our welcome," Talon grins like the Cheshire cat, toeing the line we're all eager to cross.

His canines shine in the glow of the flickering sconces, and the butler's hesitant gaze remains on his mouth, studying the risk he's been asked to invite in.

"That is," Talon snarls. "If we're indeed welcome here at all?"

Stepping closer, the butler's breath hitches as my brother's violet eyes, high cheekbones, pale skin, and blood-stained lips come into view.

The man before us swallows hard and looks down at the entryway. At the threshold. The last line of protection for this house and all who inhabit it. A line that separates life from death. Instinctively, my brothers and I take a predatory step forward, and the butler takes a nervous one back. But before either of us gets the chance to say another word or make another move, the warning of Talon's dark, dire display manifests itself in an enchanting voice.

"I assure you, sir, I've saved you a dance…"

The nervous melody of the woman's insistent tone sinks its fated claws into my heart as she stumbles into view. Catching her breath, I hold mine as she swats away the eager embrace of a suitor before grabbing hold of the butler's arm for balance. Gracefully, she takes a few deep breaths as mine gets lodged in my cursed chest. Her left hand trembles as she holds it against her stomach. A fan, clutched tightly between her fingers, flutters quickly, attempting to cool her flushed cheeks and stabilize her panicked disposition. Her right hand leaves the butler's side and shakily holds a mask, covering her captivating eyes.

The life within her calls to me, and I take a startled step back.

" The devil hath power to assume a pleasing shape, " I quietly gasp.

Talon chuckles snarkily at my side as my hungry gaze devours her like a mortal man who would risk his life for the chance at just one night to worship her like his heart craves.

Baby blue eyes stand out against the red lace mask covering her doll-like face. Her heart-shaped lips are stained with a breathtaking shade of burgundy. Red silk hugs her hourglass curves in a beaded corset that beautifully offsets her flawless, porcelain skin. The straps of her dress fall off her slender shoulders, and her rich garment swells into a lavish ball gown at her hips. The shade of her dress makes her flushed complexion all the more enticing. Her long, golden blonde hair curls into a breathtaking crown atop her head. Small sections dangle down her back, and a few sweep across her tempting, full breasts. The thundering of her heartbeat at the side of her neck catches my attention as she leans towards the butler and whispers, "Pierre, where's..."

But her words are cut short as the eager man she was attempting to flee from comes into view. He thirstily paws at her like she's a piece of meat any man can claim. Enraged heat rushes through my veins. But before I do something rash, it cools slightly as the butler protectively steps between them. She takes a timid step away from the suitor, braces herself on her tiptoes, and searches the crowd. But the insistent man steps closer, earnestly trying to win her affection.

A growl passes through my lips. Talon shoots me a cautionary glance as more partygoers arrive and push past me and my brothers as we wait impatiently to be invited in. The captivating woman peers over her shoulder, shooting a kind glance our way. Her eyes skim over us quickly but never meet mine as the eager man at her side tries to win her attention yet again, and the new arrivals jostle us all aside.

Suddenly, her name is called from within.

"Esmeralda," a gentleman calls out to her affectionately.

Time pauses, and the alarming touch of Talon's shadow's forewarning from earlier grabs hold of a deep-rooted hole in my chest that used to house my soul.

"Alfred," she exclaims over the roar of the party.

My damned heart sinks hearing the joy in her voice when she says another man's name, and before I can hide the effect she has on me, my brothers take notice.

"Treats and their tricks," Talon repeats disparagingly.

I shoot him a menacing glare. A disturbed shudder courses through his body, but he doesn't stay threatened long. Instead, his cruel smile grows as the woman's voice pulls me back to her, and I forget all about his second act of insubordination.

"Pierre," she flutters from the butler's right to his left, avoiding the impatient man at her other side. Her gracious gaze momentarily drifts back our way. "Who are these men?"

"Guests of your father's," Pierre reluctantly answers as the woman moves further away from the restless suitor's fondling hands.

The persistence in the fool grates on my last nerve. Before I can stop myself, I lurch forward and am suddenly forced back by an invisible barrier. A carnal, savage desire to kill grows under my skin.

Fortunately, the ambitious man from earlier looks up at me with wide eyes, takes a hint, and retreats into the shadows. Unfortunately for him, he hasn't gone back to the party just yet.

"You must forgive Pierre," she smiles, searching over her shoulder once again for the male companion who continues to shout for her.

As her name echoes through the night, it settles across my skin like a warning, urging me to stay away yet drawing me closer. It thunders through my mind like a favorite tune I swear I've heard before and vow never to forget as long as I live.

How can that be?

Before I can make sense of it, she shimmies her lithe body away and retreats into the crowd. "Please, come in," she invites . The butler's eyes grow wide. "Make yourself at home. I'd love to meet your acquaintance later, but for now, if you'll please excuse me..."

As the last barrier between us lowers, and she flutters away quickly, my brothers cross the threshold, and Pierre shudders, stepping back in fear. My mind stays tuned to where she's waltzed off to, but my eyes remain locked on the ambitious gentlemen who was relentlessly harassing her earlier. The one who is still hiding close by in the shadows.

In a moment of pure stupidity, he starts to follow her.

A need to covet takes over, and I growl, "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

His eyes lift and find mine. I smell his fear, his panic, his horror as I lift my foot and take a fated step over the threshold. Cocking my head to the side, I study the terror in his eyes. The alarm in his stance. The fright that trembles through his doomed limbs.

Pierre rushes off as my brothers step past the man who had his greedy hands all over a woman who had no interest in his advances. Caging him in, my brothers create a barrier between us and the rest of the party. I take a bloodthirsty step forward, holding the foolish man's gaze with each calculated stride. The large, heavy doors behind me quickly close. Obeying my silent command, they lock and allow no escape.

We agreed upon no bloodshed, but surely, there are exceptions to every rule, especially when the honor of such a heavenly creature is at stake.

The man opens his mouth to speak, but soon realizes what and who we are, and the threat we pose. He raises his hands in surrender. In a form of protection.

A cold chuckle passes through my lips.

"Do you make a habit of pursuing women who don't belong to you," I mercilessly ask, closing in on my prey.

"Forgive me," the man stutters as he throws a concerned look over both shoulders at my brothers. "I didn't know the lady was spoken for."

The memory of her rushing off into another man's arms stings as I back the mumbling imbecile into a darkened corner. I didn't know she was, either. It's an unfortunate fact I unexpectedly find myself needing to change.

Taking a heated step forward, I grab him by his collar and violently pull him towards me. My mouth waters. My canines throb, elongating, anticipating the kill. But before they sink into his skin, he nervously mutters, "Lord Martin's daughter is beautiful, but..."

Lord Martin's daughter?

My eyes lift and catch the woman in question as she shuffles back into the foyer. She smiles as she clings to the other man's side, who gaily parades her through the entryway toward the ballroom. Though I can't see his face, he leans into her and whispers something in her ear.

I was debating letting the fool in my clutches off with a warning, but now, the pain in my chest from seeing her in another man's embrace consumes all reason.

"Alfred, her brother…" he stutters.

Brother?

My fierce gaze swings back his way as the fool continues to mumble, "Well you see, uh, he promised he'd get me a dance with her, and…"

My hungry gaze lifts once again and finds the pair in the crowd. Esme forgotten at his side, all I see is the back of Alfred's head as it swings from side to side, and he surveys the ballroom for an eager conquest. Perhaps this unfortunate mortal is telling the truth. My grip loosens slightly on his collar as the realization takes root. I shove the human away and put a good foot's distance between us as my stare lingers on a woman who has suddenly enchanted me into an addictive, unrelenting spell.

"Besides," the fool hisses under his breath, drawing my attention back his way. "There are other women here that will serve my needs better than a prim princess who has only recently come of age."

My angered gaze flutters to his pretentious face. He straightens his lapels, feigning confidence he doesn't feel half of, all while his lying eyes nervously shuffle about the foyer and never meet mine.

"What did you say?" I seethe.

"Good luck with Esmerelda," he stews. His loss obviously sits bitterly between us in the face of his impending death. "Between her and Alfred, you're guaranteed to have your hands full."

He starts to move away, but my brothers step closer and tightly cage him into the darkened, isolated corner. He releases a panicked gasp. When he attempts to bolt for freedom, I hold him in place with a sinister stare, an inescapable grip, and give him a few more seconds to take his last shuddering breaths.

"Serve?" I growl.

His alarmed eyes finally meet mine. Did he really think I'd let him talk that way about a goddess, a treasure, a thrilling soul that mysteriously makes me wish I never lost mine? My voice dangerously lowers. My hooded gaze, wild with fury, locks on his as I hiss, "No woman is a servant expected to only do as she's told."

“Law states...” the blubbering idiot stammers.

My brothers step closer, making it impossible for the idiot to escape. Not that I'd let him now.

"I'm the law," I growl. "By my hand, and my hand only, respect and obedience will be enforced."

Reaching out swiftly, I brace my right palm firmly on his shoulder and pull his neck angrily to the side with my left. Paralyzed, he doesn't put up a fight. I grant him one more pathetic breath before my teeth sink into their mark. His life quickly drains, filling my mouth with a sharp, devious flavor. My eyes stay locked on Esmerelda as I drink the first of many lives that will ever threaten her. Ever endanger her.

As I empty his soul, I swear my eyes lock with Esmerelda's for a brief moment as she glances over her shoulder. She trembles, not in fear, in knowing, and quickly looks away.

The mortal's thoughts and intentions towards her rush through my mind as I drain the last of his life from his spineless body. Though he deserves slow and painful, my frenzied thirst for her vengeance won't let me inflict the torture he deserves. A merciless rage fills me, and I bleed him faster, quicker, sucking down every last dishonorable drop.

As the last bit of his pathetic life drains from my grasp, I quickly discard him on the floor with an insignificant shove. Wiping his filth from my mouth on the sleeve of my black jacket, I run my fingers through my disheveled hair and try my best to clear my mind. To focus. To remember why we're here.

My brothers move quickly, disbanding the hedge of protection they offered while I took the deplorable mortals' last breath. As I step over the man's lifeless form, they internally discuss what to do with the body. After a moment, Talon's shadows emerge from the dark corners, drawing the cold form back from view.

As I emerge from the shadows, Esmerelda looks my way. Spooked, her gaze drifts off as quickly as I capture it, leaving me feeling empty inside. Talon's words from earlier resurface when I least want them to.

Treats and Tricks. When you realize they're sour, it's too late.

Esmerelda and Alfred drift further into the crowd. Anxious, my senses desperately search her out. When I'm sure my brothers have the situation behind me handled, I purposely stalk off toward where she disappeared. The foreshadowing thoughts of Talon's cautionary display from earlier prickle my skin as I hunt for her.

A girl.

A boy.

A chase.

Why I'm drawn to her is disconcerting. As I try to make sense of it, I realize the forbidden fruit dangling in front of me like an entrancing delicacy isn't the fact that she's Lord Martin's daughter. No. It's something deeper than that. More compulsory. More irrevocable. More sinister.

Talon's foreshadowing beckons closer, threatening to overtake my thoughts once again. My only hope is to figure out what's drawing me to her before it's too late.

Before either of us meet a dire end.

A sudden death we can't escape.