CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The funerals were the very next day. Father Jonas performed the service and Cedrik and Gregor Voss were laid to rest in our family cemetery, next to their parents.
The brothers were helping each other to be strong and Gunter thanked us for saving Thomas’s life. After the services, Father and Mother had everyone come for lunch and thanked the brothers for their service to our family. Then Gunter regaled us with stories from their childhood and told how much mischief the seven of them could get into.
It was the closure we all needed.
Damien was wonderful during the days that followed. He was right there when I needed him and knew instinctively when to leave me alone. He spent some time with Eric, explaining the purpose of his new life as a vampire, discussing what training would help him, and teaching him about our laws and other things all young vampires normally learn at a very early age. Eric didn’t come out much yet; the whole ‘need for human blood thing’ had to wear off, but we went over to see him often.
One problem remained uppermost in our mind. Luena was still missing, and even with our combined talents we were unable to sight her.
“Why can’t we find her?” demanded a very frustrated Kate.
“Maybe she’s gone to the Americas already,” Letta suggested, sounding defeated.
“That could be, but that’s not what I’m feeling,” I said. “I’m going to talk to Mother. I think Luena’s blocking us somehow, and maybe Mother knows something we can do to remove the block without tipping her off.”
“Good idea,” Kate said. “The rest of us will go to the library and see if we can find anything about it in those old scrolls.”
“Sounds like a fine plan. Let’s go.” Rosa was up and heading to the door.
On my way over to Mother’s, I saw Quinn coming toward me. I was glad to see he looked a little better.
“How are you?” I said, as I gave him a hug, which he returned.
“I’m healing, I guess. I feel as if I’m just going through the motions and trying to stay busy. The nights are the worst.”
“It’ll get better,” I said hugging him again.
“I wanted to talk to you about Paris. Do you have time now?”
“Of course, let’s go to one of the meeting rooms, where we’ll have some privacy.”
“If you want me all to yourself, you only have to ask,” he quipped
It was nice to see that mischievous smile on his face again.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said smiling back at him.
We entered the first chamber in the row of meeting rooms and closed the door behind us.
“First of all, I saw no sign of Luena, either on the way or in Paris, although I did see a lot of activity at the apartment the family owns there, including Ivan having quite a heated discussion with a woman just outside the building. I didn’t recognize her, but I did see her again, going in and out of Philepe’s estate. Several times she had two other women with her or the women, together or separately, came to visit her. I did take note that they seemed to loiter outside until Philepe left, before going in. And they didn’t ever use the front gate, only the side gate.”
“That is strange,” I said. Could these be the women from my vision? I wondered.
“Nothing unusual was reported by any of the Watchers we sent to the different ports.”
“Thank you, Quinn. It’s all good information, but I just don’t know what it means . . . yet.”
“I wish I had more,” he said, clenching his fists.
“We’ll find her, Quinn. She’s going to pay for what she’s done.”
“I will do whatever I can to help; just let me know.”
“I will. I’m on my way to speak with Mother now. Maybe she knows something that can help us.”
We got up to leave.
“Kat, I know Gunter thanked all of you before, but when I think about the fact we could have lost Thomas too…”
He dropped his head, overwhelmed by the thought.
“I know, we feel the same way. I just can’t help thinking if we’d only gotten there earlier.”
Now it was my turn to be overwhelmed, tears once again filling my eyes. Quinn came over and we held each other until we could compose ourselves enough to speak.
“I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I’m sorry,” he said.
“It’s still so close to the surface, it doesn’t take much to bring tears.”
“Well, if you need any more cheering up, just let me know,” he said, smiling down at me.
I laughed as he wiped the tears from my cheeks, then he kissed me on top of my head.
“All right, I’d better get back; I’ll walk you over to your mother’s.”
“I’ll see you later,” I said as we arrived and I walked up the stairs.
She was out on the balcony having tea when I came in.
“Katrina, good, come join me. How are you?” she said, as she opened her welcoming arms.
I thought to myself about how many times during my childhood I’d wished for a moment like this.
“As well as I can be, I suppose,” I said, not wanting to leave her embrace. She smelled like lilies of the valley and she let me linger there as long as I needed to. Reluctantly, I released her after a few moments.
“Come, sit; have some tea and relax for a moment. It doesn’t seem like we’ve had more than five minutes alone together, since I came back.”
“There has been a lot going on, hasn’t there?”
“Yes, and people will be arriving in less than ten days for the Council meetings and your birthday dinner.”
I had forgotten all about the dinner.
“I think we should keep it simple, under the circumstances. I don’t think any of us are in the mood to celebrate.” I told her.
“Of course, whatever you want, dear. Just close family and friends then.”
“There’s something else I want to talk to you about, Mother.”
“Go ahead,” she said, as she poured the tea.
“Father must have told you we think Luena was behind this latest fledgling attack.”
“He did,” she said, as she took a sip from her cup.
“Well, we’ve been trying to sight her. We have to find her Mother, before she succeeds in destroying us. Even with help from Rosa, Letta, and El, Kate and I can’t ‘see’ her. The only thing I can think of is she is blocking us somehow, keeping anyone from finding her. Do you know about anything like that, and if so, is there any way around it without her knowing?”
She smiled, “Well, is that all?” She sighed. “Remember when I said I would get you each a talisman to protect you from spells? She could have one that makes her virtually invisible to those trying to find her, the way you are. If Luena is in league with witches and they are using their power to protect her, your task will be great indeed. I’ll speak to my wizard friend again. If anyone knows how to circumvent their powers, he’s the one.”
“Thanks again, Mother.”
I relaxed a little then, knowing we might get some help. I drank my tea and we had a pleasant, simple mother-daughter talk about men, fashion, and the like. Later, I headed back to the library to see if the others had found anything there. They all were looking through scrolls and books when I arrived.
“Find anything?” I asked.
“Not anything for finding Luena, but lots of other interesting things,” Kate said.
“I think we should all read this book about fledglings - how to create them, how to control them, about their training, even what goes on with their bodies and minds as they change. This chapter,” Rosa pointed to the text, “is on why some are evil when they are turned and some aren’t. It may explain how Eric survived for so long alone.”
“We do seem to keep coming across them, that’s for certain, but we don’t have time to do anything but kill them,” I said.
“I, for one, want to know more. We’ve all learned basic things, but what if we feel we have to change someone?”
El said.
Looking concerned, Letta said, “You know it’s forbidden.”
“Except in special circumstances. Moreover, it still happens; we’ve seen bad ones, but then there’s Eric,” said El.
“Tell us what this really is all about,” I said.
“What if a human we love may not survive unless we change him?” she asked cryptically
“Are you taking about what happened to Cedrik and Gregor, or is this just about Thomas?” Rosa said.
“I was thinking about Cedrik and Gregor. If there were a way I could have saved them, I want to know about it, and if there is ever a next time, I want to be prepared. As for Thomas, I love him, and if he were ever hurt beyond my ability to heal him with my gift, I want the other solution, as an option.”
“I do think that would fall under special circumstances,” Rosa said, looking to me for confirmation.
“Well, then, we’d need to know how to care for them once they’re turned, just in case. You’re right, El, every option should be available.”
“That’s far removed from what we’re supposed to be finding out, but I agree,” Kate said, gently prodding us back to the reason they had come to the library.
“So do I,” Letta agreed.
“Very well, that’s settled. Now, Mother thinks Luena may have a talisman from a witch or wizard protecting her, and that’s why we can’t find her.”
“They may be physically hiding her as well, for all we know, which would make finding her not only difficult, but even more dangerous than before,” suggested Rosa as she blew the dust off a scroll.
“Did she have any ideas about how to help us?” Kate asked.
“She’s going to ask the same wizard who’s making our talismans. She said if anyone knows, he would. Do you know anything about this wizard, Kate?”
“Only that he’s hundreds of years old and very powerful. He’ll help us; I know he will.”
We spent all afternoon studying, until finally exhausted, decided there was time to take a nap before dinner.
“Remember when our days were filled with trivial pursuits, like chatting with friends, shopping, parties, and walking in the garden with a nice young man?” sighed Letta.
“Yes, but are you saying you’d like to go back to those days, Letta?” Rosa said.
“No, but maybe one or two dull days wouldn’t be bad,” she grinned.
We all laughed and agreed. We got back to our rooms and Sarah had snacks and wine waiting. We found we were all famished and ate everything but the tablecloth.
“Mother asked about our birthday dinner today. I had completely forgotten about it. We thought, if it’s all right with all of you, we should keep the party very simple, with just close family and friends attending.”
“I know I’m not in much of a mood to celebrate,” agreed El solemnly.
“Are any of us?” Kate asked.
The silence spoke for itself.
“I know it’s still a couple of weeks away, but I could really skip it all together,” Letta spoke now. “I do look forward to seeing my family though.”
“What’s happened definitely makes one get one’s priorities in order,” El sniffed and wiped her eyes.
“We have the benefit of time; living a very long time allows us to live many different lives, repeating them to accomplish great things. Humans have no such luxury, which makes our Watchers’ dedication to us quite amazing,” I said shaking my head in wonder.
“You’re right, and I don’t think we appreciate them enough,” Letta said softly.
“Most of us have never been as close to our Watchers as your family has, Kat,” Rosa pointed out.
“For generations our personal Watchers have all come from Gunter’s family, and that doesn’t happen very often,” I agreed.
Kate sighed and then stood, “If we’re going to rest, we had better do it.”
“I think I was more hungry than tired. I’m going to go see Eric,” I decided, getting up.
Rosa laughed, “And if you just happen to see Damien, I guess that would be all right with you too?”
“You don’t think I’d have an ulterior motive for visiting Eric, do you?”
“No, of course not,” Rosa said. “Say hello for us.”
“I will. Have a good rest,” I said as opened the door.
I felt better than I had for days, so I took a small detour through the gardens, which was abloom with roses and lilies, passion vines and gardenia—their scents mingled together, rivaling the finest Paris perfumes.
“The lilies suit you; beautiful, sweet, yet spicy.”
“Hello, Damien.” I smiled as my heart skipped a beat.
He had his arms crossed and was leaning up against an ivy-covered archway at the north end of the garden.
“How are you?” he said as we started walking towards each other.
“Better today, thank you, and you?”
“Better, now that you’re here.”
He was right in front of me now. I ran my hands over his chest and up around his neck. He was just what I needed, and just what I wanted.
“I missed you,” I said without speaking.
“I’m right here,” he replied.
These phrases were something comforting to say to each other and still gave my stomach butterflies. We kissed then, a gentle, loving kiss, and we held each other as close as we could, but still not as close as I wanted. When the kiss ended, we continued to hold each other. He kissed my neck and I kissed his.
“You know what I’d like?” I said looking into his dark eyes.
“What’s that?”
“I’d like to have a whole night alone, just you and I.”
“So you’d like to wine and dine me so you can have your way with me? What kind of a man do you think I am?”
“My kind,” I said as I kissed him once again, this time more hungrily. When the kiss ended we embraced, nuzzling into each other’s necks. This time my only thought was the one I spoke to Damien’s mind, “Drink?” I asked. I could feel his body tense, and then I felt the moan along the side of my neck, I never wanted anything more.
“Please,” I pleaded with my mind.
“I love you,” was his only reply, Then sweet pain came as he pierced the throbbing vein in my neck. While he drank, I felt nothing but euphoria, my head falling to the side as I begged him to drink more. It hurt much worse when he stopped, leaving me wanting, and then I heard…
“Your turn.”
My eyes popped open in shock, but his eyes were filled with such passion, my fear subsided. He kissed me and I could taste my blood on his lips. The moan I heard this time was mine. As the kiss ended and he leaned his head to the right to expose his neck to me, my heart was pounding.
I took my hand from his back and ran my thumb the entire length of the vein, which made him tremble slightly. I kissed the base of his neck and then sank my teeth into the vein that lay pulsing just beneath the surface. When the blood covered my tongue, like sweet salty wine, I could feel his energy flowing into me, a current of blood’s pure pleasure. I didn’t want it to end, but I knew it had to, so I pulled away, licking the last trickle of blood from his neck, knowing he would heal in seconds without any trace. When I looked up into his face, his eyes were closed, and he looked so peaceful. Feeling invigorated, I kissed his lips gently and then his ear and he sighed and squeezed me closer.
“I’m going to come to this garden more often.”
“Good idea.”
“Were you just visiting the gardens or were you headed somewhere?”
“I was going to visit Eric, but I admit, I was hoping to see you.”
“I’m sure Eric would love a visit. Why don’t you go over there now and meet me back here at sunset for a private dinner.”
“Sounds wonderful; it’s a date.”
After one quick final kiss, we parted. I practically floated down the path, after having one the most amazing experiences ever.
Soon I was at Eric’s doo
r, hardly remembering how I got there. “Compose yourself,” I thought as I knocked on his door. I was shocked when Eric opened it. He looked so different; smiling, the pallor gone and looking stronger, so unlike the gaunt, lifeless man we’d rescued only days before.
“It’s so good to see you, Katrina, come in.”
His shoulder-length blond hair, now clean, wavy and vibrant, was the color of wheat shimmering in the morning sun; not the matted, dull straw from before. His skin was smooth, the color had returned to his cheeks, and his blue eyes were bright and full of life.
“I hope you feel as good as you look.”
“Well, thank you, I do, and if it weren’t for all of you I’m sure I’d be dead. Now, with all your support and kindness, I feel hopeful for the first time. Damien thinks I’ll be fully recovered soon, and then I can venture out. I’m hoping you’ll have time to show me around.”
“Oh, I don’t think you’ll have any shortage of people willing to show you around, Eric. Do you have any idea what your plans might be once you’re healthy again?”
“Not really. Damien has mentioned his expedition to the Americas, and although my training won’t be completed in time for this trip, the thought of going next time is exhilarating.”
“Well, I think you should stay and train with us. We have everything here to help you fulfill whatever dreams you have. I have no doubt you’ll be a tremendous asset to all of us.”
“That’s a very generous offer, and if everyone else shares your opinion, I’d love to stay.”
“It’s settled, then. I’m glad.”
He smiled at me, and I thought to myself, “He’s gorgeous”.
“Has Damien been able to answer all your questions?”
“All the ones I could think of, and some I never knew to ask.” He smiled then. “He’s been very kind, and he’s a good instructor.”
“You have no idea!” I thought.
“Someday I’d like to hear your whole story, Eric.”
“My memory is still coming back in bits and pieces. I hope, soon, I can put them together.”
“El might be able to help you. I’ll send her by tomorrow.”
“Thank you. Maybe someday I’ll be able to repay all of you.”
“You’ve been through a terrible ordeal, Eric. Just concentrate on getting well. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“Come back and see me again soon.”
“I will, but now I’ll let you rest.”
“Thanks again, for everything.”
“You’re welcome.”
I opened the door and found Kate on the other side ready to knock, an arm full of books and now wearing a surprised look on her face.
“Well, look Eric, you have more company. I said you wouldn’t be lonely.”
“I thought you’d be gone by now, so I brought Eric something to read.”
“I see that, and the pack?” I asked as I gestured to the leather pouch slung over her shoulder.
“Well he has to eat, you know.”
“Of course, I’ll leave you it, then; have a nice visit,” I said to Eric, but turned to Kate with a smile and a wink. She gave me the merest glance, her eyes going to Eric.
I turned to see Eric smiling back at Kate.
“Goodbye, Eric, I’ll see you soon.”
“Yes, soon,” he mumbled, not taking his eyes from Kate’s.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Why was I thinking Eric needed company? My mind drifted back to Damien then. We were going to have dinner alone, and there wasn’t much time before dusk. I needed to change, so I quickly made my way back to my room.
“I want something that will look good with my green eyes,” I told Sarah as I sat in my bath.
“What about the hunter green, with the buttons on the sleeves?” Sarah said, as she rifled through the dresses hanging in my armoire.
“Pretty, but too formal.”
“How about the burgundy one then? You look so pretty in that one.”
“I love it too, but it’s so wintry.”
“This one is perfect,” she said, as she brought it over for me to see.
It was perfect: grayish lilac silk, empire waist, square, low neckline with short cap sleeves. The empire waist was accented with hand-embroidered white and yellow daisies.
“That’s the one.”
“When my hair was almost completely dry, Sarah twisted it around strips of rag cloth, rolled it up to my scalp and tied them. Then she helped me get dressed before brushing it out, letting it fall in soft curls down the middle of my back. She pulled thin strands from the sides, drew them up and pinned them with flowers at the back of my head.
“Lovely, just lovely,” she said, as she stepped back to take a look.
With just a touch of perfume behind each ear, I left to meet Damien. The sun was just slipping beyond the horizon as I walked to the gardens. When I got halfway across the courtyard, I spotted him. He wore black pants, a black vest, and a light blue shirt, and his hair was pulled back with a leather tie. He was a magnificent male specimen.
He smiled, casually standing with one arm bent, his hand resting across his waist, the other behind his back. As I got close to him, he sighed.
“I never thought it could happen, but it has.”
“What, what’s happened?” I said, franticly looking around.
He stepped forward and pulled a bouquet of flowers from behind his back.
“You’re more beautiful than you’ve ever been before, that’s what’s happened.”
I could feel the heat on my cheeks.
“Lilies, my favorite,” I took the lilies from his hand and took in their sweet fragrance.
“As I said before, they suit you. I’ve had dinner laid. Would you like to eat now?”
“That would be lovely, thank you.”
He offered his arm, which I accepted, the huge lily bouquet cradled in my other arm.
We turned the corner and entered the gardens through one of those ivy-covered archways, and what I saw next took my breath away.
The garden was aglow with dozens and dozens of candles, set singly and in groups; on stands, in votive containers or on candelabra, short and tall, their flames flickering in the moonlight. At their center a small table set for two made an intimate setting for our dinner. The atmosphere was truly magical. Damien guided me over and pulled out my chair. He took the bouquet from my arm and put it into a vase waiting for it on a side table, which also held the wine.
Once he took his seat, discreet waiters served course after course of a gourmet meal, each with a complementing wine. We laughed and held hands in between courses. With all that had happened since we’d met, the special connection between us was still there. Now more than just an attraction, our bond was growing stronger.
What I had thought in the beginning was menacing turned out to be a smoldering passion. Luena had tainted him, making him seem evil; freeing him from her gave him his humanity back. Now he was mine - I was so proud he was all mine - tears filled my eyes as the phrase ran through my mind.
“What’s wrong? What have I done to make you cry?” Concern darkened his face.
“I can’t believe you’re mine. These are tears of thankfulness.”
He stood, and taking my hands he pulled me up and into his arms.
“We were meant to be together, my love. Never forget that, no matter what happens. For the rest of our lives, nothing and no one can keep us apart for long. We will always find a way to be together, for our minds and our hearts are linked, always.”
He kissed me passionately, and I knew he was right; we were meant to be together.
“I don’t want to leave you tonight.”
“We have a lifetime, Katrina; now I’ll escort you back to your room, your reputation intact, as your father would expect.”
“Thank you for such a lovely evening; it’s just what I needed.”
“I look forward to many more.”
We walked, arm in arm, across the
courtyard. When we reached the bottom of the stairs, I stepped back into his arms and kissed him deeply, after which I whispered to him, “I want you, all of you, and soon I will have you.” Then I turned and walked up the stairs to my room without looking back.
“Have a nice evening?” El asked.
“I did. It was nice to be together and not have to kill anyone. How’s Thomas doing?”
“He’s staying busy helping Gunter with arrangements for the arriving Council members and their families. I’m worried that besides the sadness, he’s secretly feeling guilty.”
“Guilty? Why would he feel guilty?”
“Because he’s alive and they’re not. I’ve tried to talk to him about it, and so has Gunter, but I just don’t know what to say.”
“You could ask him if his brothers would want him to be dead too, or if he would want Gregor or Cedrik to feel that way if one or both of them had lived instead of him.”
“That’s a good point, I’ll talk to Gunter about it again, but he probably just needs more time.”
“Can I ask you to do something tomorrow?”
“Sure, what is it?”
“Would you go and see Eric? He’s having trouble with his memory, and I thought maybe you could help.”
“All right, I’ll go in the morning. How does he seem to be otherwise?”
“His health is much better and his mood is much improved too. I have a feeling the mood change is due to the fact Kate’s been spending a lot of time with him. I think she’s quite taken with our handsome new resident.”
“I hope she’s cautious until we know more about him. Well, I think I’ll go to bed.”
I stretched and yawned, “Me too. See you in the morning. Do you want to go work out early?”
“Yes, but not too early, all right?”
“All right,” I said as I walked into my room; but then I didn’t feel like going to bed yet. After undressing and donning my nightgown, I took the flowers from my hair and took my brush with me back into the common room. I sat in front of the fire, where I brushed my hair mindlessly and reflected on my day.
I closed my eyes. “Damien?” I called.
“I’m here,” he replied.
“What am I going to do without you for all those months?”
“I’ll be as close as this, and I’ve decided I may not stay with the whole group. I think I can save time if I go out on my own or just with Demitrie and of course, Ivan. Then we can meet up with the group later, tell them what we’ve seen, and head back.”
“As long as you can stay safe, I’d love to have you back sooner.”
“Would you like to go for a ride in the morning?”
“I’d love to.”
“Just after sunrise?”
“Perfect.”
“Goodnight, Katrina.”
“Goodnight, Damien.”
Now I was ready for bed. It had been a wonderful day. As I got up from my chair, I sensed movement outside. Moving quietly to the door, I eased it open and crept out onto the balcony. Mother was in the courtyard, quietly pacing. She would stop periodically and peer into the darkness; obviously waiting for something or someone. I wondered where her Watcher was, and as I leaned over the balcony to scan for him, a man came out of the shadows. He was dressed in black from head to toe. She greeted him, and they embraced warmly. Mother held his arm close and in whispered conversation they went inside. “The wizard,” I thought. “Good; we should have some answers soon.”
I must have fallen asleep seconds after my head hit the pillow, because I awoke just before dawn, totally refreshed, having slept through the night without strange dreams or sleep-interrupting visions.
I dressed in my riding clothes, tied my hair back, pulled on my boots, and left to meet Damien at the stables. It was a beautiful morning; and the crisp cool air filled my lungs. I could hear Klaus singing as I walked past the kitchen. When I reached the stables I called out, but Damien wasn’t there. Nulla was eating her oats and hay.
“Hey girl, finish up and I’ll give you a good brushing.”
As I went to the tack room to get the brush, I passed Theo’s stall and noticed he wasn’t in it. “That’s strange,” I thought, but I got the brush and headed back to Nulla. She had finished her oats and was now happily eating hay. I opened her stall door and walked in. After I finished brushing her, I led her out so I could saddle her.
“Katrina?” I heard in my mind. “Meet me in the meadow.”
“I’ll be right there,” I replied.
I finished saddling Nulla and mounted. I suddenly shivered as a feeling of “wrongness” swept through me. Damn— something is wrong.
“Open the gate,” I shouted, “and be alert!”
I galloped through the gate, around the corner to the right and into the meadow. I could see Theo in the distance, but where was Damien?
“Damien?” I called with my mind. No answer.
I lowered my body over Nulla’s neck and asked her for more speed. I used my gift and I didn’t recognize the scent that raised my reaction and anxiety; I just knew it wasn’t good.
When I finally got to the top of the hill where Theo was standing, I could see a blanket had been laid out with a willow basket covered with a red-checkered cloth, sitting at one corner.
“Damien?” I called out loud.
“Over here,” I heard from my right. I dismounted and left Nulla beside Theo. As I went in the direction of Damien’s voice; over the rise of the hill, I could see him. He had his back to me, and when I approached, he turned.
“I want you to meet someone,” he said.
When he stepped aside, he revealed the woman standing in front of him. She was about my height, wearing a black riding habit including crop and hat, but I didn’t see another horse. I couldn’t get a good look at her face because the sun was at her back, putting her face in the shadow from her hat. Damien held out his hand to me, which I took. My heart was pounding - this couldn’t be good - but Damien seemed happy and perfectly calm.
“Katrina, I want you to meet the Countess Daniela Daminov, my mother.”
I wanted to run. I was sure Damien could feel my apprehension. My body tensed and he put his hand on the middle of my lower back to steady me. I took the hand Daniela held out for me to shake. It was ice cold. As we touched, I looked into her eyes and felt a shock of surprise I hoped I’d kept from my face, because standing here with her hand in mine was one of the women from my vision; one of the three I’d seen in the dress shop.
“How nice to meet you,” I somehow managed to say.
“She’s beautiful, Damien, just like her mother.” Daniela said to Damien.
I managed a weak smile.
“I was just passing through. I have been visiting friends in Bulgaria and Romania. When Marcus mentioned Damien was here, I knew I had to see him,” she must have been nervous, she was speaking rapidly and gushing as she explained.
Now she spoke to Damien. “It’s been so long. Your father never believed I wasn’t involved in the trouble, all those years ago; guilty by association, I suppose, with Antoinette being my sister. Your father said he wouldn’t let me near you. I know I can’t stay here, Damien. I wouldn’t think of it, but I hope we can get together in Paris someday and get reacquainted.”
“As a matter of fact…”
“No!” I was yelling to him with my mind. No reply; why couldn’t he hear me?
“. . . .I’ll be in Paris later this month on business, and I’ll be staying at the apartment. Perhaps we could get together then.”
“I’d love that, Damien, really,” she said. “Well, I’ll leave you, then; I know I’m not welcome here.”
She came closer to Damien and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“I’ve always loved you, my son; please believe that.”
They hugged each other and then she walked off into the forest.
Knowing this meeting was a dream-come-true for Damien, how could I tell him I felt his mother was evil?
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