The Beasts of Hildegard
In the world of Obsinthius, a new age of darkness has taken dominion over the moon. Every millennium four trials are held to decide who will become the next Lady of the Night. This year, Rhea has been invited to participate. Is there more at stake than just her life? Does the handsome duke, Demian Demas, know more than he lets on?
Rhea has one secret she must keep within the inner courts. Her half blood status in this world of vampires, for if they discover what she truly is, the trials will not be the only deadly thing thrust upon her.
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“Thank you,” she mumbles before rushing past the tall man. A warm hand wraps around her arm, pulling her back from the door. Her back hits something like a solid wall, the man’s chest.
“Which house do you belong to?” He asks.
Rhea nervously answers him, afraid to turn back towards his face, afraid of what she might find there. “House of Solon, Sir. I am the youngest daughter.”
“The half blood?” He says, and somewhat forcefully turns Rhea around towards him. His curious eyes stare into her face, attempting to detect any and all signs of weakness, of humanity.
She stares back at him, feeling suddenly less nervous as something about him becomes familiar. Perhaps it is his tone, that contempt. Her stepmother’s face, her teeth… This man, with his somewhat gentle disposition, is nothing like her, but still she sees her red eyes in his.
“Yes.” she answers quietly.
He seems to consider her for a moment, staring as if trying to remember something until finally he has decided. Then, to Rhea’s surprise, he smiles at her. “Good. I was looking forward to you.”
And then, as if he had never been in the garden at all, she is left with only the lingering sight of that smile of his. The fountain quietly sings on, the moon and the cat on the ceiling continue their endless chase, and a shadow finally comes for Rhea.
umLilith · Fantasy
