76.5 Finale (Patreon)

The door closes behind me. This is it.

I am nervous.

Torran walks up and hugs me from behind. I am not tactile, not since I was turned, yet this firm embrace soothes me. Torran is solid and dependable, and he has shown time and time again that he was there for me, even if I had lost myself. We have known each other for all of two weeks, I remember. Somehow it feels longer than that.

My lover remains silent. He must have an idea what goes through my mind right now. He knows that I am scared. What he may not know is that I am also eager. It happened during our very short fight, when he showed me the steel under that composure of his. It was not the violence itself but the control and power behind it that made me want him.

I turn in his embrace and reach up to kiss him. He is hungrier than before and a bit demanding. My nervousness disappears before his passion and I close my eyes to enjoy the moment. His hands caress my shoulders and my back and for a while, we just enjoy each other’s presence. Rather quickly, I feel something hard push against my belly.

Torran takes a half-step away. He knows what I felt. His face is unapologetic, waiting for my decision.

“Torran…”

“Be sure what you want Ariane, because I am done holding myself back.”

In answer, I place my hand on the flat expanse of his stomach and trail down until I reach the tip of his erect member. Torran groans and grabs me as I yelp in delight. There is much I want to see, and he is eager to show. For the rest of the night, I know only him.

I submerge in piping hot water and luxuriate in the amazing feeling of the warm water surrounding my body. Last night was so great. On one hand, I am horrified that it took me so long to experience lovemaking. On the other hand, it probably had to be Torran. That man is talented. Dangerously so.

A knock on my bedroom door forces me to lift my head off the bathwater.

“Yes?”

“Guests milady. Your friends Naminata and sister Jimena.”

“Those busybodies…” I grumble, then louder: “let them in, I will join them momentarily.”

I dry myself in a hurry and pick up a light pink dress which I put on in a hurry. I leave my hair down and come out into the main room.

“Look at that slovenly girl Jimena dear. One night of sin and she’s already given up on propriety,” a sly voice remarks.

“That’s rich coming from you Nami. How is Jarek by the way?”

“Hanging around, I’m sure.”

I wince. I should not get Nami started on him or she’ll be debating about the perfect… scrotum. For a good ten minutes. Again.

“We heard that Torran spent the night. We are delighted for you, sister,” Jimena says.

“How do you know already?” I ask with horror.

“It takes a lot of efforts to take such things secret in this place. The staff also loves gossip, and as a newcomer yourself, you are a prime target. You must also take recent events into consideration.”

“You mean the trial?”

“The trial, the hearing, your lineage. There are also rumors of an arrangement with Constantine to take over a new region as the entire state of Illinois has been taken off the list of available lands.”

I did not know that.

“Your duel with Torran yesterday morning impressed a few people as well. There are few who can offer a challenge to a warrior like him. And you’re so young as well, my little lemon pie!” Nami explains.

“And now you went and nabbed one of this den’s most eligible bachelor.”

“I admit that he exceeds all my expectations,” I cannot help but remark. The other two smile at each other knowingly.

“Oh, it is not just that. You don’t know why he is here, do you?” Nami asks smugly.

“He mentioned his technical expertise was needed. He was quite vague.”

“Naturally so. He did not want the knowledge of who he really is to affect you. Many would chase him just for what he can do.”

“Whatever do you mean?” I ask with suspicion.

Naminata smiles knowingly and nods to herself.

“He is one of the world’s few soul smiths, my sweet.”

“What?!”

“He can help Masters bring soul weapons into being. That is why he is here.”

“I know what a soul smith is! Why are you telling me this only now?”

“He requested that we do not share this knowledge and we agreed.”

On one hand, I understand him. I too, would prefer if someone was attracted to who I am instead of what strategic value I have. On the other…

I frown.

“Have you two and my lover been plotting together all this time?”

“Of course dear,” Nami declares as if it was obvious.

“From the very beginning,” Jimena adds, “he came to us for advice on how to best approach our favorite thorny rose.”

“Hey!”

“It is for your own good my little strawberry,” Nami retorts, “how else could we get you out of your shell? You needed a very special blend of silk and steel to let yourself go and he was only too happy to provide it. We are delighted that it worked just as planned.”

I hold my head between my hands.

“Am I that easy to read?” I complain, dejected.

“You are not. In term of emotions, however, you are surprisingly consistent, sister.” Jimena says with a gentle voice.

“Tis a good thing to be reliable in love and business, unpredictable in schemes and wars,” Nami adds. This sounds like good wisdom, especially coming from her.

“Don’t look at me like that, treacle cake, I am predictable in some ways.”

“You always go for the hunkiest beefcake?”

“That too,” she answers without a hint of embarrassment.

I shake my head. This is a surprise, and though I understand Torran’s choice, we must still have a talk.

“So Torran is here to create soul weapons. What about the other two lords who arrive with him? What are their plans?”

Nami and Jimena glance at each other. Jimena shrugs and Nami starts.

“We are not sure. The most likely event is an arrangement for both Hastings and Natalis clans to take over a domain, though this is mere speculation. Lady Sephare holds a lot of sway in the United Kingdom. She would have to sacrifice it all to come here herself and none of her protégées qualify either.”

“Indeed,” Jimena continues, “there could be other reasons such as a trade agreement or simply Constantine’s expertise. He is possibly the most prominent blood mage in existence, after all.”

I bet he isn’t.

“In any case, we will know soon enough. All three of them came to an agreement two days ago, an official declaration is sure to follow.”

“Speaking of time,” I interject, “you have stayed here for a long time Jimena. Is your position with the Knights assured?”

“It is. I am afforded more flexibility than the squad, therefore I can stay here until my next task comes up. Hopefully not too soon.”

“I will stay as well honey,” Nami continues with a devious smile, “you always bring me the best and most interesting things.”

“... are you referring to the Merghol mana hounds?”

“Absolutely. The Book of Lives can be accessed via several physical tomes, one of which is in New Orleans under Kouakou’s care. I already shared that Hunt including its last glorious moment. You’re famous!”

A dreadful foreboding fills my heart.

“We are talking about my incredible stunt right? The part where I threw a lit powder charge down the beast’s gullet?”

She just smiles.

“We imbue the recollection with a smidgen of essence. Your face just after the creature projectile-vomited on your back was so priceless...”

“Nami!”

“It was! And now the whole of clan Ekon is grateful for your contribution. I received several commendations for having saved your life back in New Orleans. Some call me the Devourer Wrangler.”

“Forget I asked...” I reply, appalled.

Jimena smiles knowingly and asks in turn.

“Speaking of embarrassment, how is Urchin doing? Remember that you can always cast him out if he fails your expectations.”

“He is doing adequately. I sent him to get a new wardrobe and I have taught him better posture, manner and, most importantly, proper Akkad. My hope is to have him promoted from street thug to fancy highwayman by the end of the year.”

“He does not know the tongue? You do not have to teach him yourself, you know? Constantine has several books available for self-studies.”

“That would help if he knew how to read.”

“You must be joking.”

“Alas, no. Why are you even surprised?”

“You are correct of course. I wonder who changed him and what pushed them to do so. There are rumors that Vanheim him or herself is to blame for these random occurrences.”

“You don’t say. Urchin would be a first generation vampire? Like me?”

“Hard to say. The Vanheim progenitor is barely more than a legend at this stage.”

“I see.”

At this moment, Solveig stands up to answer a knock on the door. She walks back to give me an envelope. It contains a message from Wilhelm requesting my presence, quite possibly to pay back the favor he did for me yesterday. I dislike having debts, and so I take my leave of the others and go see what the steward wants from me.