Page 39 of Potion of Deception (Potion of Deception #1)

THE LORD OF DEATH

T he ample room was sinking into semidarkness. Two cupboards placed on both sides were stuffed with the books in shabby ancient spines: the language of each different, including runes and wondrous signs.

The creaking sound under Violette's boot made her perk up. It felt like they were entering an ancient place, which was not far from the truth. The silence of this room made it feel sacred, as if any sound could wake up what has been sleeping here for centuries.

The wide oak table stretched out in the center of the room, the dark broad-shouldered figure sitting at it, the gold sparks flickered in two brown eyes.

“Hello, Dante. I haven't seen you in a long time.” Violette felt a shiver down her hands right to the fingertips, as she’d never heard such a majestic but sepulchral voice. A hundred years of wisdom was concentrated in it.

“I would be glad to not see you even longer.” Dante's tone was replete with gloom.

“You are very gallant as usual.” The figure stood up so the candlelight illuminated his face and Violette at once could get a better look at the man.

The deep ash brown hair neatly lay back, a few strands falling on the prominent forehead almost not touched with time: he looked not much older than Dante, a few years difference.

“Tell me one thing, please.” Amber eyes gaped at Dante. “What were you thinking about bringing a human to a vampire's lair?”

“I thought your vampires are trained dogs.” Dante carelessly looked away.

“Some of these vampires were your friends.”

“I don't actually remember such times,” he gruffed. “And don't pretend you wouldn't send someone to talk with her, I made it easier for you by bringing both of us.”

The Lord of Vampires bestowed Dante an intensive look, approaching Violette. Her eyes darted to Dante at a loss before they met Caidas’ again.

“Nice to meet you, Violette.” His hand reached for hers and his lips delicately pressed to her skin.

Dante rolled his eyes in silence.

Violette's gaze was glued to Caidas, she didn't feel fear like with other vampires, something different was in him: he didn't inspire a trust but he hadn't looked evil or vile, or…

hungry. Furthermore, he definitely wasn't an old bag of bones as she could imagine.

The man standing before her was tall, representative and gallant.

Perhaps they shared a ten year age difference by look but centuries or even thousands by existence.

And she could feel it. The ancientness was circling around his presence.

The knowledge of centuries was living in his eyes, the sacred wisdom of many years.

If she didn't feel Dante's vampirism when he was around, it was completely different with Caidas – she could sense something really powerful standing in front of her eyes.

And yet, his features were much duller and the gaze seemed to be kinder and friendlier.

There wasn't much my stery about him, until she looked into his eyes that close.

He was mannerly and amiable, she'd never in her life could imagine the Lord of Vampires would be like this.

But the thing to say – he definitely suited descriptions of vampires she read in the books.

Courteous and charming. Not like Dante at all, with a somber flame darkness filled eyes.

“Can't say the same,” she said as politely as she could and then added to clear up things, “I mean, not like I was dreaming about meeting a bunch of vampires.”

The corners of Caidas' mouth curled in a soft smile but then it slowly faded away.

“Tell me, dear Violette, what connects you and this tremendous essence?”

“Nothing illicit. We are friends.” She fought a laugh at this thought. Her brows arched in conviction. If her eyes will not betray her, he might believe her words.

“Dante? Your friend?” He converted his gaze to the vampire and then laughed. “It's a hilarious joke, won't lie. But I would like to hear the truth.” His eyes flashed at the girl again, but this time his face was still and decisive.

Dante sighed by the wall, leaning towards one of the shelves. “I can really get offended, Caidas. Your low opinion of me truly hurts.” His hand dramatically fell on his chest, pretending to be deeply heartbroken. “Can't vampires and humans be friends now? ”

“Vampires and humans, yes. But you and humans – no.”

Caidas' tone sent a tingle of goosebumps down Violette's spine.

“Well, he is improving his relationships with mortals,” she blurted sarcastically.

“Violette, look at me, please,” the old vampire asked softly.

“Don't. Look at him,” Dante said firmly, with an almost commanding tone.

How different their voices sounded, the word placing.

Caidas' voice wasn't as harsh and rough as Dante's, if choosing who to listen to, Violette would rather make a deal with Caidas.

At least he gives the impression of an honorable gentleman.

She knew she probably shouldn't do it but she couldn't stand Dante's tone, as if she belonged to him, as if she'd listen to every word he'd say, so her pettiness made her raise her gaze to Caidas.

He looked carefully into her eyes, as if trying to read the hidden truth there.

The silence settled in the room and then he let her.

Violette turned her head to Dante, finding him with a satisfied smile on his lips.

Of course this bloodsucking monster knew she wouldn't listen to him.

That's why he said it to her – to prove to Caidas that she is completely sane.

Her mind wasn't dazed by anyone's magic and wishes, all her actions were voluntary and now Caidas didn't have reason to think contrariwise.

“So, Dante didn't lure you,” Caidas stated and strolled back to the table but instead of sitting back in his chair, he leaned toward the table’s edges. “ But it's even worse, it means you are doing whatever he wants of your own free will.”

“I do not do what Dante says to me,” she frowned.

“Oh right. I noticed.” He smiled. It seems as if he was polite with her but somehow Violette could feel that it wasn't sincere.

He was trying to be nice to her so he could win her trust. He wanted answers.

Little did he know that Violette swore to herself never to make such a mistake twice – to trust a vampire.

“Dante is helping me,” she voiced without hesitation. She needed to be more convincing. She felt the pressure Dante set on her with his stare.

“Helping?” Caidas looked at Dante nearly with aversion. His forehead wrinkled, one of the brows raised in a question like she said something ridiculously stupid.

“I am full of surprises.” Dante forced a smile.

“Oh, I know you are,” something bitter embraced the vampire's tone. “So what is he helping you with?” His attention got back to Violette again.

“Well, my father is ill and Dante kindly offered me his help to find a cure for him,” she stated.

“A cure?”

Violette nodded.

“And what does he want in return?” Caidas eyes slightly narrowed.

“He was just being nice. Is it not enough? ”

“Not for someone like him.” He nearly frowned.

“A lot of years went by. Maybe I just changed,” Dante cut in, his voice appeased. “Couldn't I? Maybe I just want to be useful, to redeem myself.”

“Oh, no. Don't try to make me believe this. Such people as you do not change. We all know you do not care about others' feelings and well-being.”

“You are saying this like other vampires are not the same,” Dante grumbled.

“Do not think I will believe you would offer someone help just because you really wanted to do so.”

Dante annoyingly clicked with his tongue.

“This is what we'll do. I want to speak with our dear human guest alone for a few minutes,” Caidas said after some thought. “Dante, could you leave us?”

Dante's jaw tightened. Violette doubted he liked this idea but he left the room without a word. And before disappearing, he sent her a look, reminding to remember everything he said about Caidas and vampires before.

“Can't vampires hear through the walls?” Violette asked as they were left alone.

“Not through these,” Caidas stated calmly, a benevolent smile took its place on his face again. “This place is enchanted. Take a seat, please.”

She glanced at the chair and sat in it, her shoulders tensed up. “Do you value privacy? How old are you? You look not much older than Dante. ”

“You're a curious girl.” He bowed his head to the side.

“Well, it's not a crime.”

“Or,” he continued, “you’re trying to engage me in conversation to divert my attention.”

“To fool the oldest vampire who'd walked this world? I am not that smart.”

“I don't think so.” The corners of his mouth turned up again. He was right with his assumption, sadly her tactic was revealed too quickly.

“Violette, don't be afraid that someone will hear you,” he went on, this time he leaned slightly in. His gaze was penetrating, as if trying to inspire trust in her soul. “You can tell me the truth. Dante will not do anything bad to you. Just tell me what he wants from you.”

“I told you everything you should know,” she asserted. At least, she wasn't lying. She definitely told him only that part he was allowed to know.

“You know, I don't think about my own needs, Violette.

I am worried about others, that's my duty. Vampires and people both.” Caidas pushed off from the edge of the table and began to measure the room in steps.

“My vampires learned how to live with people, controlling their urges for blood. Some of them even have friends in your world. But Dante…” He gazed back at Violette.

“He's not like this. He doesn't have any respect for others, doesn't matter if they are humans or vampires or any other kind of person.

He doesn't stick to the rules, never followed them, never really tried.”