Page 26 of Potion of Deception (Potion of Deception #1)

THE ROAD OF NIGHTMARES

T he Forest of Somber Eyes perhaps wasn't an exaggerated name as Dante stated. Violette felt like something was watching her, even when there was no soul to be seen as she continued deeper in the woods with the vampire.

Naked gloomy trees were threatening with their shape and crooked branches.

The thick fog was evoking an ominous atmosphere.

There was something rotten in the air, as everything around them was just dead.

They hadn't met any animal, not a bird. She also hadn't heard any sounds of the usual forest life – quite the opposite – it was the silence that worried her the most.

She tipped her head back to look at the trees, which almost completely blocked out the sky. The stars from here seemed faded and so far away as never before. The moonlight barely made its way through the tangled limbs.

A slight gust of wind caused her to shiver, like the sudden burst of fresh air was not natural for this place. Dante sent her a glance out of the corner of his eyes.

He cleared his throat. “Everything seems not too bad,” he said. “We've already walked halfway and haven't met a single monster. Looks like tonight is your lucky night.”

“If it was my lucky night I would be wrapped in a blanket in bed by the fireplace,” she grumbled.

“Then the night would be boring. This way, you can gain an unforgettable experience.” She couldn't tell if he was serious or sarcastic as the corners of his mouth twitched.

Unforgettable experience… She would rather it be not.

She would politely reject any experience related to monsters.

She already knew one and it clearly wasn't making her happy.

Good thing her monster didn't have claws, a diabolical shape or a terrifying face. However he had fangs, which weren’t safe either.

No, she shouldn’t let bad thoughts discourage her.

Her mother taught her a lot of things, but one she remembered really well: with hard work and passion, you could achieve everything you wanted.

Of course, her mother likely wasn’t referring to a situation involving vampires but it was all Violette had.

If she'll take on the matter with diligence – she'll find a way to help Dante take his mask off and say goodbye to him forever.

Their paths will never cross again and Violette will live happily with her father as it was before.

This thought cheered her up a little bit, even the forest became not as terrible in her eyes as it was a few seconds ago.

She should think about it as another step which will lead her to the desired goal.

After all, Dante was right, they hadn't seen any beasts yet, so perhaps, people indeed were exaggerating.

There was no denying the fact that the place was creepy and dead, there was no sign of a living soul, but maybe, it was for the better – they would rather not meet anyone than something bad.

The night, to her surprise, was quite warm for the season. The ground underneath wasn't covered in a white veil of snow, but it was hard and stiff. Some leaves of the bushes were still covered with a thin layer of frost but it was nothing compared to the night in the North Forest.

Violette stepped over a tree root protruding out of the ground as her mouth opened, “I have a question.”

“Who would doubt that,” Dante let out frostily.

“Don't frown. I am being nice to you.”

“Want me to smile at you with all my teeth? You won't like it.” The corner of his mouth raised brazenly.

“You’re right, I don't want you to flash your fangs at me,” she waved her hand.

“Don't like fangs?”

“Don't like what they can do.”

“In vain, you're missing out on a lot.” His voice sounded joyful, however she didn't like how he said it. It didn’t feel sincere.

“So my question. You said there are other vampires,” she side-glanced at him, “does that mean you have friends?”

Dante let out a laugh that could make anyone shrink. Shivers went down Violette's spine. She'd never heard such cold and arrogant laughter.

She speared him with an accusatory look. “I suppose that is a no.”

Dante didn't say anything but his eyes said everything she needed to know.

The fog was playing with Violette's vision. She almost stumbled over another snag sticking out from the ground. Distorted pictures of the tree at the right reminded her of a big monster from her worst dreams – her forehead wrinkled in disgust.

Crunch.

Violette shuddered. She glanced down – just a wooden stick.

Though, Dante didn't even bat an eye, continuing deeper in the forest. Their footsteps again became the only sound around.

A few more minutes of unchanged landscape and finally, a view of the lake opened up in front of them.

And if the forest was frightening and unwelcoming, this place appeared even more inimical.