Page 10 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 1

I open my mouth to protest, but I think better of it when I see the expression on Bastian's face.

Somehow, despite the fact I've just witnessed a vampire for the first time, I feel more like my twin is the most dangerous person in the room.

SIX

The servant leads us through a warren of corridors, making me realise that the castle is far bigger than I initially thought. From the lack of windows, there's a chance we're now walking back into passageways and rooms carved into the mountain itself.

I tighten my grip on Pip's rope, not that I need to for her sake. My dog is pressed against my legs even as we walk, I'd worry about tripping over her if I didn't appreciate her companionship right now.

I'm sure that if the two of us tried to escape, we'd both end up dead, but it still makes me feel better that we aren't alone.

The man stops in front of an ornate set of double doors and gestures for us to as well. "I shall announce you," he says.

Bastisn nods curtly, but doesn't say anything.

I study my brother, trying to think of a way getting through to him, but I can't think of one. Once his mind is set, there is often no changing it and this time it's even more certain than ever.

The servant reappears and gestures for us to go inside.

Bastian strides forward with purpose, while I hurry behind him with Pip by my side. I don't like anything about this, but I can also see how I have no choice.

The doors shut behind us with a loud thud, making me jump. It does nothing to help still the sense of foreboding within me.

Bastian continues to be unaffected, his head held high and not an ounce of fear within him. Or if there is, he's doing a good job at not letting me see it.

Pip lets out a soft whine, breaking my heart in the process. I want to reassure her, but I know there's nothing I can do. Especially with Bastian's words about staying silent ringing through my mind.

The room opens up in front of us and appears almost like what I'd imagine a throne room must look like. A large chair made of dark wood dominates the back wall, and a man I assume to be Lord Fallmartin reclines in it with a goblet of wine in one hand.

He's younger than I expect him to be by several decades, and something about his features seems familiar, but I can't place why.

"Lord Fallmartin," Bastian says, bowing deeply.

I take my cue from him and dip into a feeble attempt at a curtsy, but at least I can use the attempt as an excuse to give Pip a reassuring pat. She's even less at ease than before. Maybe I should have left her at home after all, she would be lonely, but at least she wouldn't be scared.

Lord Fallmartin gestures for one of the servants to take his goblet from him and gets to his feet.

A horrible feeling twists within me as he heads towards us. I'm not sure how I know, but I can sense that this man is dangerous, and right now, I feel like I'm his prey.

My gaze shifts to Bastian. He's been saying that tonight would change our lives, but what does that mean?

And what's he used to barter for the opportunity when we have nothing?

"You must be Bastian," Lord Fallmartin says.

"I am," my brother responds. "And this is my sister, Beatrice." He gestures to me.

Lord Fallmartin turns his attention to me, studying me intently as if he's trying to ascertain something. "You look like your mother."

"My mother?" I echo without thinking.

He nods. "She was beautiful, for a human."

I swallow hard. This man doesn't look old enough to have had an opinion on my mother's beauty.

Lord Fallmartin turns back to Bastian. "You did everything I asked?"

My brother nods. "There won't be any questions from the townspeople."