"I can see you, waiting in your rooms at night. All the lights down low, leaving the windows open. Sheets pulled back, flesh exposed. I can smell your desire, your fear. You want me to touch you, share all of the secrets I have learned. I am with you now. I could have you anytime I want to. Be patient. Be loyal. Obey me. For I shall come for you."
Preface
Welcome…please come inside to my world. The name is Ara Le Deyanora. I am a Vampire and quite proud to be. In my immortal existence I have had many adventures that I would much like to share with you, providing that you can look past all the heinous things I have done and look ahead to things I am quite proud of accomplishing. Much of my life has been dark and quite evil, but I promise that if you stay with me you will be captivated. You will understand why I was sometimes hated, quite respected and loved more times than I care to recall. I will tell you everything you want to know of me and perhaps things you did not want to know. I will tell you of my past lovers, friends, enemies and the one man that awakened my dead heart. I now give you the key to unlocking and releasing what is known as...Ara.
Chapter 1
Some vampires are born of a Sire, one that takes them from mortality and gives them the dark gift that is known as immortality. But not I. I was born to a vampiric father and a mortal mother. My father, Destaan lonel Grigescu, preyed upon women every night to satisfy his hunger. He relished in conquering them, leading them to his castle and feasting upon them. He would plan parties and invite the social elite to dine with him when in fact it was he that was going to dine upon them. He was known as a ladies man. Men dared not to cross my father for his mere presence was enough to cause their rapid heartbeats and an icy chill to glide down their spines.
One eve, when the moon was full and my father was in full form, he happened upon a young woman walking alone down the city streets of London. He knew that she was to be his entertainment for this eve.
My father was a very enticing and handsome man. He had long flowing black hair and eyes of coal. It was rumored that when he was angered his eyes would flare deep crimson daring the pits of hell to shine as brightly. He stood an intoxicating six feet tall and his skin of ivory was so alluring that he enjoyed comparing it to the bosoms of women.
This night he watched this woman as she walked along. Her form was almost mesmerizing to him. Her hair was of auburn and her eyes were deep ice blue that seemed to light up her path as she traveled. My father watched her closely and made no sound as he studied her.
Did this woman not hear the tales of the man that stalked and preyed? Did she not care? Was she seeking to end her life? These questions filled my father's mind as he followed her at a cautious distance.
She came to a stop just along a waterway. She peered downward to gaze into the dark waters below. My father remained an observer. The woman tossed a letter into the waters and turned to be on her way. Naturally, my father had to know what this letter was so he brought it from the waters to his hands to read it. It said the following...
My dearest Caterina,
It is with much regret that l send this to you, my love.
I have failed you my sweet.
One night I was weakened by alcohol and
found myself in the arms of another woman.
I knew the next morning when I arose
beside her that you and I could no longer be.
My precious, please find it in your heart to forgive me someday.
I will not burden you with my presence and I will not insult you
in asking that you forgive me now and remain with me.
I do so hope that one day we can be together again.
Until that day...God be with you,
Charles
Oh how my father enjoyed this so much. Here was a woman that had had her heart broken and was perfect for the taking. Nevertheless, there was something more to her that my father was denying. He was quite taken with her. If this were not so he would have already approached her and took her to be his.
He continued on his way watching Caterina envisioning how her body moved under her dress when she walked, or perhaps, bent over. She made her way into taverns only to exit a moment after she entered. She looked in shop windows and smiled at passersby. My father could sense her pain, her loss and her now doubt of love. He wanted to end her suffering, not because he cared but because he was hungry and she was ripe for the taking.
Her last stop was in a darkened alleyway that most men would not dare to slow down even if someone was screaming for help. This was where my father decided to approach her and let him be known to her.
Caterina leaned back against a building wall and put her hands upon her face. She began to weep and shake her head. My father was to play the concerned gentleman.
He came upon her and touched her shoulder. "Excuse me Madame, but why are you crying on such a beautiful eve as this?"
Caterina was startled and jumped by this stranger's touch. Her eyes burned into his as they made contact.
"Fear not of me, I was merely passing by and thought I heard the weepings of a lady." He smiled to her with his most charming smile.
She sniffled and smiled as best she could. "Worry not of me kind stranger. I am quite all right and in no danger. I received bad news this eve and was walking about trying to clear my head."
His hand gently rubbed her shoulder and made its way down her arm to her hand. He gently lifted it to his lips placing the tenderest kiss upon it. Smiling he remarked, "A lady such of your beauty should never receive bad news of any sort. Especially that which makes your wondrous eyes rain like the skies." His eyes glimpsed to her bosom trying to catch a look at her cleavage. His mind raced a hundred times a minute imagining the effect of the cold night air on her breasts.
His words of comfort and warmth made her smile a bit more. "Thank you so much for the thoughtful words but alas, I am still with this news and I cannot help but to cry. The pain is heart breaking." Small tears began to flow upon her cheeks.
His free hand rose to wipe away her tears so softly like that of a feather touching her skin. "Ahhhh, the heart is a strange organ. Our emotions hinge on the verge of how this organ is attended to. Be it broken or overjoyed," he offered a slight nod to her. He could smell her blood rushing through her veins; hear her heart beat as it began almost to speak to him.
"I do thank you for stopping to check upon me. But sir I am in no state to be of any company to anyone tonight. I fear I would only bring your mood down and perhaps cause you pain." She pulled her hand from him and wrapped her cloak about her, much to his dismay.
"The name is Destaan lonel Grigescu." He tipped his hat. My father was not giving up on having this woman.
"And I am...," she began to say.
My father interrupted her, "Caterina," he whispered deeply.
"How did you know my name?" Her eyes peered into his.
"I am quite good at that sort of thing. Tis my trade, I am a fortune teller," he smiled almost coyly.
Feeling a bit unnerved and yet almost at ease, she replied, "Well then, Destaan, you are exceptionally good. Perhaps you can tell me what my future holds. Although I don't hold much stock in hearing such, it would be a welcomed distraction."
Thinking only of her ultimate demise, he smiled to her as he offered his arm. "Would be my pleasure. Shall we go to my castle and see what your future holds?"
Knowing fully that going to a stranger's home could be most dangerous; she declined. "Forgive me, but I do not know you. I do not wish to offend but I should go home."
My father was not to be denied this woman. He smiled gently, "Madame Caterina, you are in no danger being with me. I fear letting you go home alone with such a heavy heart would be the true danger."
She felt something in this man was kind and warm. She sensed trust. She had no idea what truly awaited her. Taking his arm she said, "Perhaps you are correct. I truly do not wish to be alone this night. You seem quite kind to me and most caring. I shall be honored to be your guest this eve."
With that, my father proceeded to lead Caterina to his awaiting carriage that would take them to his castle. The horse drawn carriage followed the darkened path carrying Destaan and his trusting companion to his fortress.
As they entered his castle Destaan paused to allow Caterina to step before him, offering as a gentleman would. However, my father was far from that. He enjoyed toying with this prey, making them feel special.
The doors to his castle opened, Caterina stepped inside with Destaan only a breath behind her. Her eyes studied her surroundings, glancing to and fro upon the portraits that adorned the castle walls. Destaan stepped past her and smiled almost solemnly. "Please my dear Caterina, come with me. We shall partake of a drink by the hearth."
She followed him across the marble floor. The tapestries the color of blood billowed about as the wind blew across them. The moonlight cascaded across the floor almost following her every move as to light the way for her. Destaan's footsteps tapped softly as he walked. For the first time Caterina took a long look at her companion for the eve.
His raven hair fell just past his broad shoulders, his movements seemed almost careless and carefree but yet somehow well placed. His hands looked as that of a warrior, strong but yet comforting in the way he touched her as she cried. The way he carried himself with such confidence could almost be portrayed as arrogant but she saw a man of kindness and gentleness. This was far from what my father was. Arrogance could have been his middle name.
They stopped just before a grand room. It was decorated in gold and black. The floor was layered in black marble with stripes of gold across it. Everything seemed to glimmer with such sparkle. Candles flickered in their gold casings.
"Your home is quite exquisite,” she smiled to him.
The fireplace held a roaring fire that was inviting. Destaan smiled to her and asked, "What's to your liking M'Lady Caterina?"
Unsure of what he was asking she stated, “Please detail the question."
He grinned slightly. "I ask, what drink you would like? I have many a selection that I am sure a lady would enjoy."
Caterina blushed. "Brandy would warm me."
He nodded and proceeded to the bar. "Please, sit by the fire upon the sofa. I shall pour our drinks and we can partake of some conversation."
She smiled to him, admiring his generosity and walked to the black sofa. She seated herself and crossed her legs. Leaning forward she rubbed her hands together, warming them by the fire.
Destaan's eyes fell upon his lovely prey. Her hair was auburn, curled and flowing across her heaving bosom. Her eyes were that of ice blue. Eyes that he had not seen before but was longing to see them begging to spare her life as many eyes had done. Her skin was a wondrous ivory and looked so creamy, so tasty. He licked his crimson lips slowly as he made his way to her carrying two goblets.
He offered her a goblet. "For you my dear."
She looked up into his dark eyes as her hand slid around the goblet taking it from his hand. The warmth of her flesh made him smile cooly. "Thank you very much Destaan." She smiled.
He sat down beside her; his eyes peered into hers as she sipped her drink. He placed his goblet upon the table beside him. "So tell me Caterina, do you believe in fate, destiny perhaps?"
She lowered her glass, her eyes moved from his slowly only to meet them once again. "If you mean do I believe in our chance meeting as destiny? Perhaps it was," she nodded. "I was most depressed and unhappy when you happened upon me, seemingly just at the right moment. You lifted my spirits."
He smiled again to her. "That was exactly what I meant dear lady. You see, you were down and I lifted you as you said. Was my pleasure to make you feel better."
She took another sip of her drink. "And I am most happy that someone can be as kind as you and would care about a lonely stranger's feelings."
If only this poor woman had known that all my father cared for was where his next meal was coming from. Of course, even had she figured it out it was too late. No one had ever escaped his clutches and she would not be the first.
There seemed to be something about this woman that intrigued my father. For if that were not so her blood would have been spilled into his veins by now. My father was too stubborn a man to admit that perhaps this was so. Perhaps he saw something in Caterina that enthralled him.
The night had grown old and my father knew that sunrise was soon to show itself. Something that was not a friend to him. He knew that if he was to take her life it was to be now, or he would have to wait til nightfall again. This was not something that he was accustomed to. Waiting was not his forte.
The conversation carried on, echoing about his castle walls. Her laughter was almost warming to my father. He kept shaking the idea that Caterina had somehow warmed his dead heart. There was no way he was to admit, even to himself, that he possibly could care for anyone.
The wolves howled outside as to signal to my father that the sunrise was soon upon him. Caterina's yawning was a signal as well. My father smiled to her. "M'Lady, it seems that I have kept you. Would you care to sleep here for what remains the night? You do not have to travel back to where you came at such an hour. My home is open to you if you so wish it."
She nodded covering her mouth in a yawn. "That would be wonderful. I would not want to impose upon you however. You have been a most gracious host."
He waved his hand. "Nonsense my dear, you are weary as am I. There is no need in you leaving and perhaps falling asleep in the streets. I have a room that would be very comfortable to you. Come with me and I shall see you to it." He offered his hand to her.
She took his hand as she rose and walked with him ascending a set of stairs and then down the long corridor that led to a bedroom. He pushed the doors open and her eyes were greeted with an enormous room decorated in white. The bed was adorned in white satin sheets and a canopy that held silken draperies across it. Pillows were well placed about the bed, the room alit with candles. A window was opened at the far end of the room, the night air, still cool, played upon the draperies.
"This is a most splendid room. I do not deserve such, we barely know one another."
Destaan shook his head. "M'Lady, this room seems to be made for you. The innocence of the white, the simplicity and chastity." He made his way into the room behind her and passed her stopping at the window. "Shall I close this for you?"
"No, leave it opened. I enjoy the fresh air, feels good upon me as I sleep."
"As you wish." He nodded and walked past her to the door. "I shall leave you to your rest M'Lady. Come daylight I shall have someone to see you out. I have business to attend to in the morn." His grin was most devious. Of course that was a lie. He would be sleeping in his darkened grave.
She smiled with a nod. "Very well, and thank you for your kindness."
As he was closing the door he nodded in return. "My dear Caterina, thank me not for I only did what I felt was right." With that, he closed the door behind him and made his way to his servant's quarters. He handed a vial to one of them and instructed them to place it in a glass of warm milk and to deliver it to Caterina's door. As a gesture to aid her to sleep. The servant obeyed his Master as he always did.
The servant made his way up to Caterina's room and knocked upon her door. She called out, "M'Lord Destaan, I am undressing for bed. What is it that you wish?"
The small, faint voice whispered to her, "Tis not the Master of this castle, tis I a lowly servant. Master has requested that I bring to you a glass of warm milk in which to help you sleep M'Lady."
"Oh, thank you very much. Place it outside the door and I shall retrieve it when I am dressed appropriately."
"As you wish M'Lady, sleep well," the servant responded and sat the glass at the door. He turned and went back to his quarters.
She smiled as she placed the dressing gown upon her that she found hanging in the wardrobe. Caterina was amazed at how it seemed to fit her perfectly. "What a very nice man to care enough about my sleeping. I thought chivalry was dead," she said in a soft whisper to herself. She made her way to the door and opened it; her eyes glanced down the long dark hallway as she stooped to pick the glass up. She stood back up and closed the door behind her. Moving to the bed, she sat down upon it and took a sip of the warm liquid. The milk caressed her throat as it made its way into her body. She stood and sat the glass upon the nightstand by the bed. She took ahold of the covers and turned them down.
Sitting back upon the bed, she slid her body neath the covers. The coolness of the sheets was most soothing to her. She took the glass again as she made herself comfortable in the bed. Sipping the milk, letting it warm her throughout. Her eyelids began to grow weary. Her breathing labored and steady. She was slipping in and out of sleep. She turned to place the glass back upon the table but the glass slipped from her hand before she could and crashed upon the floor. Her head layed upon the pillows and she slept peacefully.
This was exactly what my father was waiting for. He appeared in her room and stared at her sleeping form. Making his way closer to her body, his eyes studied her every curve, her every breath that fell from her lips. He crept over to the bed and placed his hand upon her forehead brushing her hair back from her face.
He could feel the sunrise begin to break. His hand moved back from her and he smiled sadistically. "My sweet Caterina, the sun has saved you from your fate, your destiny. But the sun won't remain in the skies forever as nightfall will come, and you shall become mine." Suddenly, he turned and faded.
The sun rose the next early morn but Caterina was in a deep sleep and woke not. The servants had been instructed to check upon her but not to wake her.
As one servant was making his check upon her he knelt beside her bed and whispered softly, "M'Lady, how I wish that you had not stumbled upon the Master. For your fate seems far worse than my own. He is only to bring death to you." He sighed and stood up and turned to exit the room. But just as he closed the door behind him and set out into the hallway he heard a familiar voice known all too well to him.
"A fate far worse than your own? Perhaps I should remedy that and allow you to join her."
The voice was that of my father. Nightfall had come and the servant had paid no mind to it. My father had been listening to the servant's every word and was most displeased in what he heard.
The servant's face turned paler than Destaan's own skin. "I pray thee my Master, spare my life. I ask humbly for your forgiveness." He bowed to his knees.
Destaan smirked. "You pray to me?" His evil laughter filled the castle, "You are worthless and weak and you dare to speak to my guest telling her of her fate in which you know nothing of."
The servant nodded, kneeling still yet he began to kiss Destaan's feet. "Please Master spare my life. I will never speak such words to the Lady ever again."
Destaan kicked the servant away with his booted foot. "That is partially correct," he snickered with a sinister smirk. "You won't speak such words to anyone again."
The servant nodded uncontrollably unable to speak as of now.
Destaan grabbed the servant by the throat, gripping him tightly; he slammed him against a wall. His eyes flared deep crimson, his fangs exposed. "You won't speak to anyone ever again!" he roared. And with that, he bit into the servant's throat gnawing out its insides. Blood spewed forth upon the walls, upon the floor and upon Destaan. He dropped the dead corpse to the ground and called upon another servant, "Clean this mess up. I don't want the Lady to see such." He wiped his mouth of the blood. Looking to his clothing he remarked, "Ah, I must change for I would not wish her to see me in such a state."
As the servant cleaned the blood and disposed of the corpse to the howling dogs outside Destaan went to his chambers to redress himself. He emerged wearing his black leather pants, a deep crimson shirt and black boots that embraced his lower legs tightly. He made his way back to Caterina's room, opened the door and crept in quietly.
She was still asleep amongst all the commotion that had gone with the servant. Her form still and peaceful. Destaan looked upon her, his eyes roaming back and forth about her body. Her auburn hair was lying upon the pillows in ringlets. Her face seemed so at peace, at rest. He sat upon her bed, leaned over and kissed her left cheek. His voice spoke to her in her deepened sleep, "M'Lady Caterina, wake from thy sleep. The daybreak has come and went and nightfall is upon us once more."
Caterina's eyelids began to flutter, her body stirring softly. She stretched and slowly opened her eyes seeing Destaan smiling to her. "M'Lord, the sun is not upon us. Did I sleep all day?" She blushed.
"That you did, seems you were most tired." He touched her rosy cheeks. "I trust you slept well and are rested for this eve. I have made plans for us, providing that is alright with the lady."
She nodded almost without her own will. "That is very good with me. You are much too kind Destaan. I did not know that I was so tired. I hope I did not worry you during the day as I slept."
"You worried me not dear Caterina. I had my business to attend to and had my servants to make sure that you slept well and were comfortable."
"Thank you Destaan." She smiled. "How can I ever repay you for such generosity?"
"Your beauty and presence alone is thanks enough."
Blushing once again she replied, "You flatter me so Destaan."
"Ahh…flattery my sweet. You know what that gets one." He smiled deviously.
Confused once again by his words but this time not wishing to look like a fool and questioning once more she merely smiled. "Then if you shall excuse me I will get dressed. I fear though that I only have the dress that I was wearing last eve."
My father shook his head. "Not true dear Caterina." He opened the wardrobe door to reveal a gown of red satin. "This is what I picked up for you to wear this eve to dinner."
Caterina's eyes brightened as she looked upon the gorgeous dress. "Oh Destaan, that is most beautiful but I cannot accept such a gift from you."
He smiled to her as he brought the gown to the bed, he layed it at her feet and said. "It is my gift to you. Should you choose not to take it when you leave then so be it but I beg that you wear it this eve. I do think the red goes so well with your fiery hair." He smiled.
Leaving? She was not leaving. This was my father's way of charming a lady. Make her think she is his Queen and then take her in ways she never dreamt of in her worst nightmares. His choice of words was careful yet full of lies.
She nodded again to him. "Then I shall wear it to please you. It is a most wondrous gift. Thank you again."
"Good," he said as he made his way to the door. "Also, there is a bath waiting for you in the next room. You may take as much time as you like and join me downstairs when you are dressed and ready." With satisfaction, he closed the door.
She rose to her feet, rubbed her face and stretched once more. "How could I have slept so long? Never was I this tired to sleep all day," she said to herself. She shrugged and opened the door that connected to her room. She saw as she entered the room an enormous bath filled with water. Scented oils and soaps lay upon the table next to the bath. She closed the door and removed her gown letting it fall to the floor. She stepped into the tub submerging herself in the warmth. She closed her eyes to allow herself to take in the relaxing feeling.
Unbeknownst to her my father was in the shadows watching her. His eyes roamed her every curve. He peered into the water at her breasts, the nipples so erect and rosy. His gaze moved downward to her belly, nice and soft. Moving his stare to her precious flower, he smiled knowing she had not been touched, a virgin. He watched her take a sponge and use the soap to cleanse herself. Her hands moved over her breasts to between them. The sponge slipped along her thighs and downward over them. She gasped slightly as she rubbed herself back and forth. My father watched all the while getting aroused.
Caterina looked about sensing someone was there. After glancing about the room, she dipped the sponge into the water and squeezed it over her as to rinse away the soap. Her hands massaged her breasts, gliding over her belly and down her thighs. This was making my father crazy with passion. He had to have this woman. And he was going to.
She stood from the water and took a towel, drying herself slowly. She stepped out and opened the door to make her way back into the bedroom. My father followed with his eyes, for he could not take his stare from her. Caterina then took the dress and slid it over her body. It fit perfectly as if it was made for her. She brushed her hair and slipped on shoes of ruby red that matched the dress. Taking one look in the mirror that was before her she then made her way to the door. She opened it and was startled. My father was standing there.
"I am sorry M'Lady Caterina, I was about to knock and you opened it just before I did."
She laughed slightly in relief and replied, "It is quite alright Destaan. I am ready as you can see."
He acted as though this was the first time he had seen her in the dress. Stepping back to take a good look he said, "You take my breath away. Stunning is the word that comes to mind seeing you in that dress."
She blushed. "Thank you Destaan. Flattery again I see."
"Flattery can be but a lie, I speak the truth." He offered his arm to her. "Shall we dine M'Lady? I am sure that you are quite famished."
She took his arm. "That I am. Take me to dinner M'Lord Destaan."
He led her downstairs to a grand dining hall, to her fate...to her destiny.
Caterina and Destaan walked through the doors and into the dining hall. The table was immaculate and alit with candles. The finest of crystal and silver adorned the table. Destaan led Caterina to her chair. He smiled to her as he slid the chair out for her to seat herself. She smiled radiantly as she sat down. Destaan made his way to the other end of the table and seated himself as well. Looking to her he said, "The candlelight cannot compare to the light shining in your eyes tonight Caterina."
Blushing again she replied, "I thank you Destaan and perhaps it's the company that I keep this eve that makes them shine so."
My father laughed softly. "Trying a bit of flattery upon me dear Caterina?"
She laughed with him. "Flattery tis but a lie, I speak the truth." She winked to him.
He laughed once more only louder. "Touché."
In but a moment four servants appeared, Destaan nodded to them as signaling to serve now. The first servant brought forth bread and placed it upon the table's center. The second placed a tray of silver that carried many assortments of fruits and nuts. The third servant filled their glasses with wine and placed the bottle in a silver bucket that sat upon the table. The last servant carried a silver covered tray and placed it along side the bread. He lifted the lid and the aroma of a roast sprung forth and surrounded Caterina's nostrils.
She took a deep breath. "Mmmm, I must say that your servants are quite good at cooking. The roast smells divine and most delicious."
My father thinking that Caterina looked most divine and delicious smiled to her. "Then tarry not my dear, we shall be served." He waved his hand to a small servant girl that had not been seen. She placed a roll on each plate, placed several berries and nuts as well and then began to carve the roast. Her delicate hands gave Caterina a slice then she turned and placed a slice upon Destaan's plate. He nodded to her and she left as quickly as she came.
Destaan watched Caterina as she took her silverware and began to eat. "Are you not going to eat Destaan?" She looked puzzled as he had not taken one bite and had not bothered to touch his silverware.
He smiled to her. "I was watching you enjoy the feast. I relish in seeing you happy."
"Well, your watching me is making you miss out on some wonderful food."
He laughed and lifted his fork and knife and began to cut into the roast. "Then I shall see what it is that I am missing."
As soon as Caterina had glanced downward to her food my father had slid the meat from his fork and placed it upon a plate that was placed at his feet. His fork was in his mouth as she looked up.
He smiled as he pretended to chew his food. "You are most correct, the food is quite good."
She grinned. "Told you so. And must I say, the wine is the sweetest I have tasted.”
"My own special brew. I made it myself." His eyes flashed slightly.
"You are a man of many talents Destaan. I am quite impressed."
He nodded in thanks to her and would pretend to eat each time she looked away. He would drink of the wine however, as it was his own special brew. Bloodwyne is what he called it. But never to a mortal did he reveal its true content. "M'Lady Caterina, I must ask of you a question."
She wiped her mouth with her napkin. "Ask me then."
"Your name is Caterina, but I know not of your full given name."
She laughed softly. "The name is Caterina Le Deyanora."
My father stood for a moment and bowed. "Tis an honor Caterina Le Deyanora."
The dinner continued with my father pretending to eat and Caterina totally mesmerized with him. The conversation was light, occasionally filled with him commenting on her beauty and such. Drawing her in more and more.
After they had finished their dinner my father stood. "Would the lovely lady care to accompany me and dance neath the stars?" He walked to her chair offering his arm.
She smiled and stood taking his arm. "Would be an honor to dance with you."
Their footsteps echoed softly as they walked slowly down another stairway. He placed his hand atop hers on the rail with his body close to her as they descended. Her perfume played upon his senses and he is aroused easily so. Making way through the living quarters and toward the large rear entry doors, they stepped out onto the marble chalet at the rear of the castle, and with a bow sweeping gesture of his hand, he presented her with the gardens.
The garden was extravagant with the hues of orange-red trumpet flowers that swayed in the breeze, the intensely yellow ray flowers set mediate fireweed of pinkish-purple. Brilliant blue harebell flowers lined the outside edging of the garden, with low-lying violets. Her eyes are met with intricate flowering designs for her to admire. A small fishpond whispers an easing trickle of water that slowly cascades down a rock lined brook.
White and yellow water lilies danced upon the crystalline water, brindle goldfish taunt each other circulating the abstract pool.
The moon full and bright guided their way with its light.
He took her hand once more and asked her to follow, bringing her down the stairs onto the deep green lawn that is full under her feet. There set just below the bedroom window in which she slept is a bench made of black polished marble, an arched trellis with red trumpet flowering vines and a white rose bush to either side.
He sat her down, kneeled before her, taking her hand in his, and smiled. "Now my garden is complete, there was one more flower I needed and now I have set it upon this bench with the other white roses, the center of all this glorious color."
She blushed profusely and gazed into his eyes. "M'Lord Destaan, this is the most extravagant garden I have ever seen and you compare me to it. I am most pleased and feel very undeserving of such a compliment."
"Nonsense once again Miss Caterina Le Deyanora." He shook his head and stood offering his hand to her. "This garden pales in comparison to you. You make it full of life and beauty. Now dance with me neath the starry skies."
She took his hand and stood to face him not willing to argue with him anymore.
Music came from nowhere so it seemed and he pulled her close to him. A sonnet played in the breeze as he began to sway with her. His eyes staring into hers. She could not avert her eyes from his even if she wanted to. And right now, she had no desire to look elsewhere but into his darkened stare.
As the music played, the breeze began to swirl about her more and more causing her tresses to billow about her body and his. He smiled to her sweeping a strand of hair from her face. "In all my years I have never met one as lovely as you."
"And I have never met a man that has treated me as kindly as you."
They danced on and on, their bodies so close as almost becoming one. Caterina never once tried to make distance. She was under my father’s spell and knew it not. He was slowly moving in on her even though he was captivated. Something he would never admit.
The music slowly began to fade away and Destaan pulled back only slightly. His eyes upon hers almost staring through them into her soul. "If I kissed you at this very moment, would you deny me the same in return?"
She smiled to him. "There is only one way to find out."
Destaan pulled her against him, cupping her face with his left hand and lifting it upwards. He leaned close and placed a gentle kiss upon her lips. Smiling to her he pulled her tighter as his lips slid across hers engaging them in a deep kiss. His tongue slithered into her mouth searching for hers. She gladly allowed her tongue to meet his. Her hands griping his arms tightly as both his hands now cupped her face. The passion was most evident in Destaan, as for Caterina she was filled with unknown desire but was helpless to him to fight it.
Slowly he pulled back to look upon her, her eyes remained closed for a moment. She opened them looking to him. Words left her and she spoke not to him.
"I am most glad that I took the risk in kissing you. Was worth the chance." He smiled licking his lips slowly.
"I am genuinely glad that I allowed you to kiss me that way. But I fear that I am not worldly in many ways of passion. Perhaps it should stop here. It is getting late and I should take my leave soon."
Destaan held onto her, he was not allowing her to leave but did not wish to have her screaming. "Caterina, the night is young. You do not have to go and if you are tired, you have your room in the castle.
She shook her head slightly. "You have been much too kind to me already. I cannot impose any longer upon you."
Smiling softly he replied to her, "Caterina, you are no imposition upon me. I reside here alone in this castle and I enjoy your company. Do not go, for what shall I do if you leave?"
"You have your servants to keep you company."
"You think they keep me warm as you do?" He laughed.
She smiled trying not to laugh. "I suppose you are correct in that." Thinking to herself. "I will stay but one more night then I must return to my home."
"Fair enough," he added. "That's all I ask of you."
And that was all he was asking because that is all he needed, this one night to make her his. It was his plan to take her this night, to drain her of her soul and her lifeblood. However, there was more to his wicked plan and he intended to see it through.
A cool breeze surrounded her sending a chill over her body. She rubbed her bare arms. "Might we go back inside? I am a bit chilly."
He put his arm around her and pulled her close to him. "If that is what you wish then it shall be."
Walking back into the castle the doors closed behind them. A roaring fire was in the hearth as he led her into the sitting room. She sat upon the sofa as she had done the night before. Warming her hands and arms, she smiled to him.
"Brandy again M'Lady?" he asked as he made his way to the bar.
"Would it be any trouble to have a glass of the wine that was served at dinner?" she asked.
His eyes darkened slightly, his lips curled into a smile. "No trouble at all my dear. I shall get us both a glass." Destaan filled two crystal wine glasses with the red liquid and made his way to her. His movements slow and almost like that of a hunter stalking his prey, making nary a sound. He stopped just before her and sat beside her. Handing a glass to her, "For you M'Lady Caterina."
She took it gladly and smiled in thanks. She lifted the glass to her lips and took a small sip. Her eyes peering at him over the rim.
He took a long drink of his wine and sat back resting on the sofa. Taking what seemed as a deep breath he smiled. "This must be what heaven is like."
She laughed. "Are you always this way with every woman you encounter?"
He laughed in response to her question but without hesitation replied, "No my dear, only with the most ravenous ones," he winked. "So far that has been only one."
She giggled slightly taking another drink of her wine shaking her head. "You are much the flatterer I must say. I do adore hearing it so don't stop."
He grinned. " I won't ever stop my dear." He took another drink of his wine finishing his glass.
Caterina began to yawn slightly as she finished her wine. "Perhaps I should turn in M'Lord Destaan. I fear I am getting quite sleepy and would not be much company to you."
He stood nodding. "Then allow me to see you to bed." Before she could answer him, he swept her into his arms and carried her upstairs to her bedchambers. He placed her upon the bed and sat on the edge. His hands brushed her hair from her face and began trailing to the bodice of the dress.
Almost in a daze and feeling most tingly she stated, "I can do that myself Destaan. You should go now and allow me some privacy."
"Shhh," he placed his finger upon her lips, "you will allow me what I wish as I have you all eve." He unlaced the top of her bodice letting his nail trace downward between her breasts leaving a small red mark upon her silken flesh.
She tried to stop him but her arms felt as though they were tied to rocks and weighed a ton. She was helpless to him. She could not cry out nor speak. She would have been utterly horrified if not for the warm feeling her body was experiencing.
He slowly opened her bodice to reveal her ample breasts, heaving slightly. He could see her heart beating wildly in her chest. His heart began to pound stronger, realizing that he was so close to touching the body he desired to own. His hand moved over her breasts slowly, his fingers tingling with excitement. She could feel her body was betraying her as it responded to his touch.
He lifted her arms and pulled the dress down across them. He then slid the dress from her hips and away from her form. Her silken panties covered what he so longed to touch, to smell...to taste. She was helpless and vulnerable to him. Exactly what he liked in a woman. His eyes moved from hers to her breasts, dilating, flickering, and darkening with each passing second.
Within, he was like a raging inferno. A volcano on the brink of exploding. The stirring in his pants was becoming most uncomfortable. He could smell her fear, her desire...one more overwhelming than the other. To decipher would be impossible.
Feeling the night air on her naked form, she tried to cover her breasts with her hands.
Destaan did not want that, so he grabbed her bony wrists and made her use her hands to touch herself, caress her own flesh. He knew that no matter her will power in the end she would get more stimulated physically if not mentally, just like he desired.
He stood and removed his shirt revealing his ivory chest. His arms, rippled and strong, worked his pants from him. He was ready for her but wanted to ravage her in many ways before taking her completely.
He moved her almost naked form to the center of the bed and placed his body between her thighs.
Something within her snapped. She was very aware and alert of what was happening to her. She screamed out, "You let me go now!" She tried to kick him.
Destaan roared loudly, "You do have fire within you!" He grabbed her legs and held them down.
"You are an appalling man!" She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Sweet Caterina, if you are to insult me you are going to have to do better than that," he scoffed.
"I want to leave, and you are going to let me go." She sneered as she struggled neath him.
He shook his head and smirked. "I am going to do no such thing. There is only one way this night is to end, and you have no say in the matter."
She tried to struggle but his grip was much too strong for her. He pressed his body onto hers. The weight of him held her where he wanted. He bent his head downward kissing upon her hot flesh. His tongue licked along her bosoms making them ache for more.
Caterina's eyes opened and closed, back and forth, as he was having his way with her. "Release me, you coward!" she demanded.
He ignored her words, feeling more powerful now that he caused her to act in such an unladylike manner. His fangs played over her breasts teasing them, she moaned slightly. He smiled evilly as he ascended to her quivering belly. His tongue licked along, playing into her navel. He bit her slightly, not enough to draw blood but enough to make her jerk. His fingers touched her panties, then he let his index finger slip neath the fabric. Ah, she was damp! He would make sure that she flowed like that of a waterfall when it was all said and done. She tried to fight him off her, but he used his free hand to hold her wrists together above her head. He teased her as his talon scrapped gently along, make her juices erupt little by little. Destaan watched her eyes making contact with his as the appendage traveled just a bit further. He snickered as he gazed into her eyes. "Your mouth pleads for me to release you but your body pleads for a release of its own." He gripped her panties tightly and ripped them from her body.
She shook her head back and forth, knowing that he could be right but trying ever so hard to convince him that he was wrong. "No, no...I wish...please release me!" she cried out.
He cackled, "Oh my sweet Caterina," he sucked his wet finger into his mouth, "release you I shall." He lowered his body, his head bent downwards. Still, he held onto her wrists that were now pressed against her tummy.
Grinning more and more his mouth found the top of her flower, not yet bloomed but was soon to be. He let his tongue play upon the lush mound, coiling downward in a spiral, licking and sucking upon her flesh. His hand gripped her thighs pulling her tight to his face. Her head moved about slowly as she continued to moan. His chin grinded into her soft flesh, causing her to cry out. Hearing her pleas and cries of pain only made Destaan's hunger intensify.
He sucked intensely upon her hardened stem, pulling her tighter and tighter. He could feel her jerking inside, knowing that her fountain would soon spring forth. His tongue traveled into her depths and taunted her juices to flow. When they did flow, he fed upon her glorious wine as she cried out in ecstasy. Grinning devilishly he licked, sucked, and devoured her. His nails making marks into her skin upon her precious thighs. His eyes glanced up to her, peering through a curtain of hair. She could only see the glow of his deeply crimson orbs. Lowering his head once more, he pulled her harder to him, swallowing every drop that she gave him. When he pulled his head back, his lips glistened with her rewards. He licked his lips and curled his lips upwards revealing his fangs.
At that moment she looked downward to him, still in a haze. Her eyes caught a glimmer of his canines and she screamed out in horror. Terror filled her as she tightened. Her fear only gave him more satisfaction. He never gave a damn about her all along. Or did he? Had he, at that very moment, he would not admit it.
He lowered his head and sank his fangs into her right inner thigh, her blood spilled forth into his mouth. The sweet essence filled his mouth and caressed his throat as it slid downwards into his body. His veins rejoiced in the virgin blood.
Tears streamed across her cheeks. The pain was almost unbearable, had it not been for the numbing of the wine she might have passed out. But Destaan did not wish that, he wanted her awake. To experience everything he was to do to her this night.
She pleaded once more, "I beg of you, let me go!" Her eyes wet with tears, her cheeks flushed.
He lifted his mouth from her wounded thigh. Her eyes widened in terror as she saw blood trickling down his chin. Her blood!
He licked across her wound sealing it and lashed his tongue back over her burning flesh that rushed with juices, shaking his head about. Letting her go was far from the ravenous thoughts in his sickened and twisted mind.
A million thoughts rushed through her. Was he going to kill her? Was he going to rape her? Was he going to torture her?
He continued to bring her to heights of ecstasy repeatedly, her body betraying her countless times. Drinking of her sweet juices, always hungry for more. His grip upon her thighs loosened only for him to grip her breasts tightly. His hands relished in the softness of her skin as his tongue wriggled along her flesh, snaking about exploring her every inch. Devouring her juices as if he needed them alone to remain alive. He sucked and licked harder than any mortal man could have, but would have willingly died to have been able to do so. He savored every drop and worshipped each one thereafter.
Caterina thrashed about but the effects of the bloodwyne had made its way into her veins and rendered her almost paralyzed. Destaan's partake of her blood made her head dizzy. Was he going to drain her?
Destaan raised his head and winked to her as he licked his lips. "You are most delicious my sweet Caterina. One can never get enough of you." As he arose to his knees before her, he taunted her. "Why do you look upon me in horror dear Caterina? Only moments ago you looked at me as the kindest man you have ever known." He smirked and howled evilly.
Tears flooded her cheeks and she screamed at him, "Moments ago you were not an animal!"
He shook his head still grinning. "I have always been an animal Caterina, tis only that you never saw it. And as any animal must do to survive, I must feed." He sneered to her.
Caterina moaned and wept as her juices had flowed feeding the hungry and insatiable Destaan.
He placed his hands upon her thighs and closed them. He grabbed her by the shoulders and flipped her effortlessly onto her tummy. His fingers trembled as he traced her spine. His hands slowly moved downward to her buttocks. He moaned softly as he felt her soft skin. He gripped her within his hands, kneading the flesh.
Shaking her head, her face buried into the pillow, she pleaded, "Take me not as this! I beg of you Destaan!"
Was he truly going to take her this way?
He quirked his brow in hearing her words and laughed slightly making her shiver hearing him do so. "Caterina, sweet Caterina. Do you think that I only wished to drink of you this eve? I am a man, be it so that I am a man you have never known before and never will again, still yet I have needs. You my sweet will fulfill them for me tonight. I waited out last eve, but no more. Tonight I shall have you." His hands caressed her body, his fingers tracing down along the backs of her thighs and then in a sweeping motion he traced his nails upwards to the back of her neck.
With his hand he gripped her by the neck and whispered into her ear, "Not like this." He flipped her over forcefully and rolled himself on top of her.
She could feel his hardened manhood pressing against her, she tried to struggle to no avail. He was much too strong for her, much too powerful.
He maneuvered his body between hers, parting her thighs with his own. She struggled with all her might, Destaan expected nothing less, and enjoyed it all the more. As he entered her delicate flesh, the folds opened, fluid surrounded his organ. Her insides gripped him, the velvet skin that engulfed him made him moan. Tears rained from her eyes. He pushed further and further, deepening with each move. His hands grabbed her arms, up to her shoulders allowing him to pull her tighter to him. He leaned down and kissed her lips, his hair touching her cheek. She shook her head back and forth, weeping. This only made Destaan smile for causing pain to another was his greatest turn on.
He felt a hot rush wash over him as he moved deeply within her. Pulling back looking downward as he slid from her tightness he grinned as he had never before, for he saw blood, much blood and it was thick. The scent of her bloomed flower was most intoxicating to him. He licked over her quivering lips. "You cannot deny the passion you feel at this very moment."
She spat at him. "You sick bastard! This is not passion, this is rape!"
He roared loudly and grasped her thighs tightly as he plunged into her with force. His nostrils flared as he raged within her body. Her eyes closed tightly as she screamed out with every violent thrust. Harder and harder he slammed into her, caring not if he was ripping her into.
Suddenly he tensed and jerked, moaning louder than any animal she had heard, he spewed forth his seed into her. It filled her and felt like a raging fire within her. She cried out and bit her lower lip hard. His rush was pounding into her and seemingly slamming into her walls.
Crashing so it seemed he fell upon her body, moving only slightly still yet deep within her. He could hear her heart pounding, he could feel it against his face as he lay there. Destaan rolled over onto the bed beside her. Caterina's body ached and throbbed from the ravaging it had taken. He wiped his hand over his face and then propped himself onto his elbow. He reached out and touched her belly, a strange look came upon his face. Then his eyes flared dark and deep crimson. His voice spoke to her coldly, "It seems that you Caterina are with child. What a mistake I have made but I can remedy that right now." He reached for his dagger that he had kept upon his pants and aimed it right over her belly. Her eyes lit with horror but she was too weak to protest or move. The point of the dagger touched her belly but he stopped for a moment and pondered.
Would it be so terrible to have a child? One that he could teach the ways of the dark. A son could be born to him and he could raise him to be like he. Or he could just kill Caterina right now and go about his way as he had planned. Looking to her however helped in his decision. Her beauty was unmatched by any other he had been with. The whores and harlots of the land were merely play toys to him. None worthy of carrying his child, bearing him an offspring. But this woman had not been with another and never would. This woman was as pure as any he had seen. He could keep her under his spell, keep her locked in his castle as his child grew inside her tummy. He could go about his ways keeping her a prisoner.
He put the dagger aside upon the nightstand and rose from her. "You shall bear me a child. You will remain in this castle til the baby is born. After the child is here you will care for it and nurture it so that when the time comes I may teach the child how to be like me," he smirked.
"Doom a child to be like you?" she asked with sarcasm in her voice.
He laughed at her. "No my sweet Caterina, it's destiny." With a chuckle, he retrieved his dagger and clothing and vanished from her room.
Caterina lay upon the bloodstained sheets and cried herself to sleep.
Chapter 2
Mornings came and went but Caterina refused to leave her bedchambers. She would not eat, she barely slept. Her tummy was growing more and more daily. It seemed as if this child was growing faster than it was suppose to. She guessed that since it was from a monster such as Destaan that this child possessed powers unlike any other fetus. Caterina feared that she could die in childbirth. What would this child look like? Would it have horns, fangs or perhaps claws? Was this baby to be born normal? She cried daily and there was no comforting her.
Destaan would visit with her but she refused to speak with him. He would laugh at her and leave her room, locking the door behind him as he left. She was a prisoner to him and his castle.
At night she cringed hearing Destaan with his women. She heard their laughter, their moans of pleasure then their cries as she knew he was killing them. Night after night, this went on. Just before he went to his daytime sleep, he would come to check upon Caterina. He would watch her sleep, touching her tummy anxious for his child to be born. Just before nightfall, as he was to embark upon his hunt he would stop in and check upon Caterina. She would not look at him nor speak. He would touch her and she would scream for him to leave her be. Not wishing to divulge in petty arguments he would simply leave her alone. He went out preying upon the women of the streets and brought them to his castle. He would seduce them as he had Caterina but not with such flare, only to end their lives. In his mind they had disgusting lives as it was and he was only doing them a favor.
One dark eve when Destaan was out on his hunt, Caterina knocked upon the door of her bedchambers calling to a servant that was placed to make sure she did not try to escape. The servant approached the door and asked," Yes M'Lady, what is it that you need?"
"I wish to take a walk in the gardens. The night air is so fresh and warm. I need to stretch my legs and I tire from being in this room for so long. The baby needs me to be in good health," Caterina said in a soft voice to him.
The servant replied, "I wish I could do what you ask M'Lady but the Master instructed me to not allow you to leave the room unless he was here. He will kill me if I go against his instructions."
"Please allow me only a few moments. I will not leave I promise you that and I will not try to escape. Destaan will not know for he is out on his hunt and will not return for some time. I won't tell him that you allowed me outside."
"M'Lady I pray that you won't ask this of me anymore. I cannot allow you to leave the room," the servant implored of her.
Sighing she replied, "Very well, I understand that you must do your duty. I wish you no harm. Thank you anyway."
The servant left the door sadly. Caterina ambled back to her bed wiping the tears from her cheeks that now slid down them. Sitting upon the bed, she placed her hand on her rounded tummy and spoke to it, "Dear child, I know not what you are or what you will become but the one thing I do know is that you are doomed. Your father is the most heinous man I know and for that I pity you." She layed back on the bed and once more cried herself to sleep.
When Destaan arrived to his castle with yet another street harlot the servant that spoke to Caterina approached him. "Master, may I speak to thee a moment? It's about the Lady." He pointed as to gesture upstairs where Caterina was being held. Destaan looked to the servant and under any other conditions would have killed him for disturbing him when he was about to dine upon his prey. He nodded. "Very well, but make it quick." Turning to the woman he stated, "Wait here for me my dear. I have something to attend to and then you and I shall have a night to remember." He winked to her and turned to step into the hallway with his servant. The woman, drunken, smiled to him with her toothy grin and fell upon Destaan's sofa singing to herself.
Destaan grabbed the servant and implored, "What is it of Caterina? Has she given birth?"
"No Master she has not but she did ask earlier this eve to leave her room for some fresh air," the servant said to Destaan.
Destaan looked to the servant, his eyes growing dark. "And did you allow such?"
The servant shook his head. "No no Master, I told her that she was not allowed outside her chambers unless you were here in the castle. I would never go against your orders."
Destaan released the servant and smiled. "Very good, you may go now."
The servant, all too happy to get away from Destaan, scampered away.
Destaan went back into the sitting room where the woman had undressed herself and was sitting by the hearth. She smiled to him and said in her drunken slur, "Ready when you are."
He smirked. "My dear I was born ready." He grabbed her, sank his fangs into her neck drawing out her very life essence. When he had drained her, he tossed her body out to the wolves. Wiping his mouth, he tossed her clothing into the fire then turned to make his way upstairs.
Caterina had heard the woman's initial screams and then the wolves gnawing of her flesh. It made her cringe knowing what Destaan was doing. She then heard his footsteps coming towards her room. Was he coming to brag about his latest kill? She curled up into a ball and pretended to be asleep as Destaan opened the bedroom door.
He strolled to the bedside and sat upon the edge. Tapping her shoulder lightly he said, "Caterina rise and talk to me. I know you are not sleeping, your breathing is much too light."
She shrugged his hand from her shoulder. "Go away Destaan. I have nothing to talk to you about."
He grabbed her arm and forced her over onto her back. Her eyes looking into his. "I was told that you sought to go outside and I have come to grant you that wish."
Sneering at him she replied, "I don't wish to go anywhere with you. You are a monster."
He grabbed her arm tighter and pulled her up to face him. "You will go outside now damnit! I have ended my evening abruptly to take you outdoors and you are going."
Knowing there was no use in fighting with him she nodded slowly. Rising from the bed, she pulled on her robe and slipped on her slippers.
Destaan looked to her and walked to her side. He placed his hands upon her tummy. "How is the baby doing?"
"Pretend not that you care." She sneered at him pulling away from his touch.
His eyes flared. "Listen you little bitch, that is my child growing inside your womb and I do give a damn!" He raised his hand to slap her but stopped.
"Hit me!" she screamed at him, defying him.
He merely grabbed her arm again and pulled her outside the room. She struggled with him descending the stairs but he held her tightly knowing very well that she would love nothing more than to fall and perhaps lose the baby.
He led her out into the gardens where he took her the night he changed her forever. Now the gardens did not seem so wondrous to her. The flowers seem to have wilted in her eyes. The colors gone, only weeds were seen by her.
Destaan released her arm and allowed her to wander about. He sat upon the marbled bench and watched her. She did not look at him; she only walked around staring off into the night skies. Her hand would occasionally rub her belly but she wished to forget that the child was inside her. She wished nothing more than to love this baby but she knew its fate was to be a monster like that of its father. She could not bring herself to love a demon.
Destaan sat tapping his booted foot against the concrete as he watched her. She was still the loveliest woman he had ever seen. If only he could see that he did in fact care for her, but he was not to ever admit such to himself. He shook away the feelings that crept upon him as he looked at her. Calling to her he asked, "Caterina, have you had enough air? I grow weary of watching you pace."
She looked at him with contempt and hate. "You have come to me for months now asking me to leave my room, asking me to talk. Here I am outside and within a mere few minutes you want me back inside?"
He laughed and rose to his feet. Walking to her he remarked, "You don't look happy Caterina."
She stopped her walking and glared at him. "Would you be happy if you had been raped and held against your will?! Would you be happy if you had a monster growing inside of you?!"
He grabbed her arms. "Stop calling my child a monster!"
"That's what it is! A monster doomed to be like you!" She tried to pull away from him but he held her tightly.
"I should kill you after you give birth. It's not like I need you to raise the baby." He smirked at her holding her tighter.
"Please, kill me! I beg you; release me of this torture, this hell!" Her ice blue eyes flared themselves with her anger.
He laughed at her words, enjoying in how she showed fire and rage. An emotion that she had only shown him once, the night he took her against her will. He released her arms and unsheathed his dagger offering it to her. "Here you go. Take this dagger and kill yourself now. Kill the baby that kicks inside you." He grinned wickedly as he folded his arms across his chest.
She grabbed the dagger and placed it at her belly, holding the point against her skin. Destaan watched her intently. "You don't think I will do it, do you?"
He smiled and sat upon the bench once more watching her, saying nothing.
She screamed at him, "I swear I'll do it, I will kill this baby and then I will slit my wrists!"
He nodded to her, folding his arms over his chest once more as he watched.
She pushed the dagger against her, staring into his eyes. "You think I won't, don't you? I will, I swear it as I am standing here!"
He just shrugged to her. "So do it and get it over with. I bore with this display."
She raised the dagger and brought it down to her belly stopping just before she stabbed herself. She dropped the dagger to the ground neath and fell to her knees crying. "You bastard, you bastard," she wept, "you knew that I would not kill this child. I hate you."
He stood applauding her, mocking her. "That was a wonderful performance my sweet. Standing ovation all around," he laughed as he approached her, stooping he picked up his dagger and placed it back into its sheath. Grabbing her arm again lifting her to face him. Her crying affecting him not he demanded, "Back inside Caterina. You have had such a night and you need rest."
She was weak and allowed him to take her inside. She no longer had the strength to fight him. He sensed her knees growing weak and lifted her into his arms carrying her upstairs. He placed her tired body upon the bed and covered her in the satin sheets. She was asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.
Destaan watched her til the sun started to rise. He then made his way to his safe haven to rest until the night called upon him again.
Nightfall came upon Destaan once again and he arose to set out upon his hunt for the night. Making his nightly check upon Caterina, he set out into the streets. His coal black eyes scanned the corners and blocks for a woman to his liking. He was approached many times by the street women but turned each one away. He thirsted for a different taste this night.
Coming upon a lady standing inside the doorway of a tavern Destaan stopped and tipped his hat. "Good eve my dear lady, the name is Destaan."
She turned with her eyes of emerald to gaze upon him, she smiled. "Tis quite the pleasure to meet you Destaan, I am Lydia."
Taking her hand into his and turning it slightly, he leaned and kissed her knuckles smiling up into her eyes. "You are wrong M'Lady Lydia, tis all my pleasure this eve to encounter such a beauty as you."
"What a charmer you are Lord Destaan." She grinned, "Were you going inside?"
"No, I was merely walking by and noticed you. You seemed unsure of going inside yourself."
"I am not much for the drinking of such places. Do not think me a prude but I would rather enjoy some conversation rather than get drunk and fall on my face." She laughed softly.
Destaan laughed with her. "And I would not wish to see you fall upon your face as well M'Lady. I am up for conversation myself. Would you care to walk with me and talk awhile?"
Nodding she replied, "That I would. Finally a gentleman that enjoys more to a lady than what is under her dress."
He laughed again, this time with a bit more wickedness. "Then I am your man." Offering his arm to her, "Shall we?"
She took his arm gladly and she and Destaan strolled along the streets.
"So tell me Lydia, what do you want in life?"
"Many things Destaan, same as most I would assume."
Walking along, the moon full and bright he asked, "And that would be?"
"Health, happiness and lots of money." She laughed jokingly.
Destaan chuckled. "Sounds like you have it all thought out M'Lady."
Shaking her head still laughing slightly. "All I want is to find someone that shares the same interests as I."
Passersby nodded to them as they walked, Destaan played the perfect gentleman tipping his hat to the men and women. "What are your interests? I am most intrigued to know."
Lydia looked to the night sky; the stars seemed so bright this eve. She smiled still walking with him. "Music, I simply adore music. Candlelight dinners under the stars. Most of all, someone that I can talk to for hours. I enjoy reading and love to read to anyone that would listen to me."
Destaan stopped for a moment, tilting his head to her he said, "I would most enjoy listening to music, having a candlelight dinner with you and having you read anything to me afterwards." He winked to her as he began to walk again.
She laughed softly. "You are so sure of this within meeting me in a matter of five minutes perhaps?"
Nodding he replied, "That I do dear Lydia. I am quite keen to the senses and emotions. I enjoy your company as of this very moment and would like to take you to dinner this eve, providing that you have not partaken of a meal yet." He looked to her as she stopped.
Her eyes met his. "I have not had my dinner yet Destaan and I would be most honored to dine with you." She smiled brightly.
"Then we shall dine. Would you care to go to my castle? It is only a short distance from here. I have many choices in music and many books that you may read to me." His charming smile flashed to her.
Feeling a sense of trust in him Lydia nodded. "That sounds very nice. Yes, I will go with you to your castle. I usually don't go to a stranger's home as soon as I meet them but there is something very trusting in your eyes Destaan."
Once again, he had met another trusting soul. How utterly foolish.
Those words were exactly what he wanted to hear. He smiled to her and led her along the streets back to his carriage, back to his castle. The gates opening as he approached. Leading her inside to the main hall, he told her to make herself comfortable in his sitting room. He said he would be back as soon as he told his servants of his dinner plans. He vanished down the hallway to the servant's quarters.
Lydia stepped into the enormous sitting room. She walked about looking at the paintings that adorned the walls. Her eyes studying the lavish furniture and decorations. She wondered why a man obvious of wealth would be alone on such a night. Surely he had a female companion to keep him company.
After Destaan went to the servant’s quarters to instruct them not to make a meal but also not to disturb him as he had his, he went upstairs to check on Caterina. He opened the door and saw her sitting by the window as she did many nights. Approaching her he asked, "Sweet Caterina, how are you this eve?"
She did not look at him, speaking softly, "As well as one can be in my condition."
He nodded. "Very good. Do you need anything before I return downstairs?"
She shook her head. "No, go back to your next victim. She looked rather beautiful."
"You saw her?" he inquired.
"Yes I did. I was sitting here when you came through the gates with her. She has no idea of your plans to kill her, does she?"
He laughed. "No Caterina. If she did do you think she would be here?"
Caterina turned to look at him with disgust. "You do so enjoy inflicting pain upon your prey don't you?"
He knelt in front of her smiling. "It only hurts for but a moment my sweet. Unlike the pain you felt." He smirked sadistically.
Caterina's eyes flared, she slapped him hard across his face. "You bastard!"
He grinned and rubbed his cheek. "My sweet Caterina, you have a temper."
Sneering she turned away from him staring out of the window again. "Fuck you Destaan."
He stood once again and laughed at her. "Such words from those precious lips. However, not tonight my dear. This night I plan to fuck another. Listen carefully and you will hear her moans of pleasure. As I heard you when I took you that night. Perhaps I will take you again after my child is born."
Shaking her head speaking no more to him she merely scoffed.
He laughed again and walked to the door, stopping as he opened the door he remarked, "Then again, perhaps not. Perhaps I will just kill you after you give birth." He closed the door and locked it behind him.
Caterina rubbed her belly and softly cried as she looked towards the moon. Hoping that he would make his kill soon so that she would not have to listen very long to the poor woman. She knew he killed them just below her bedchambers so that she could hear him.
Destaan descended down the stairs and into the sitting room where Lydia was waiting for him. Smiling to her he said, "Forgive me M'Lady, I was attending to making sure dinner was prepared as I wanted."
She smiled and shook her head. "No forgiveness needed. I was busying myself looking at your paintings, such beautiful artwork."
He made his way to the bar. "Thank you, twas my Great Great Grandfather that was the artist in the family. Care for a drink while we wait on dinner?" He lifted his bottle of bloodwyne.
She shook her head. "I don't think so Destaan. Drinking on an empty stomach makes my head a little dizzy. Perhaps I should wait til afterwards."
This displeased Destaan, he persisted, "Come now, one glass of wine won't affect you so." He began to pour them both a glass and walked to her.
Standing before him, she still said no. "Truly Destaan, I must decline. Perhaps at dinner I will drink with you."
He smiled getting annoyed with this woman. "One sip and I promise you will be glad that you waited not." He held the glass close to her lips.
Sighing slightly, she smiled and nodded taking the glass. "Very well,
since you insist." She took a sip from her glass.
Destaan watched her as he drank from his.
Lydia removed the glass from her lips, running her tongue over her lips she said, "This is quite good, where did you get this?" She took another drink.
He smiled very pleased. "My own special brew dear lady."
Lowering her glass. "You can't tell me what is in it?" She turned her glass up drinking as if she was quite thirsty.
Shaking his head. "I am sorry M'Lady but it's a family secret."
Laughing softly she replied, "I see, keeping secrets already. I shall let this one go, for now." She winked and finished her glass.
"Thank you M'Lady, you are most kind." Destaan laughed and bowed to her.
As soon as he stood back up Lydia shook her head and looked to him strangely. "I need to sit." She fanned her face.
Destaan took her hand and helped her to the sofa seating her. "Are you okay M'Lady?" He knew full well that the effect of the alcohol and blood was making her drugged. It was almost time to move in on her.
She nodded slightly rubbing her face. "I am sure I will be fine. Like I said empty stomach and alcohol make me quite light headed. I did drink that much too fast."
He smiled evilly and pushed her back against the sofa arm. "Well then Lydia perhaps you should not drink on an empty stomach as you did."
Lydia began to feel overwhelmed and quite scared. Her body was going numb and her limbs seemed not able to move. She had been intoxicated before but never this way, never on one glass of anything. "Did...did you...drug me?" she barely spoke.
Ripping her bodice open exposing her breasts he smirked. "No, I did not drug you. But you should not drink my blood for it makes a mortal helpless." He laughed as he grabbed her breasts roughly.
Lydia felt as though she was floating and looking down upon herself being ravaged by this man. She could not struggle; she could not fight for she was truly helpless.
Destaan ripped her dress open completely. His sharp nails raked over her flesh making her quiver. His tongue licked upon her nipples as his fangs pierced them slightly, enough to draw a small trickle of blood for him to taste. His hands forced her thighs apart and he roughly pushed two fingers with razor sharp talons deep inside her making her scream loudly.
Upstairs Caterina placed her hands over her ears rocking herself as she cried. Wishing it all to end soon. Wishing him to put this poor woman out of her misery.
Destaan relished in hearing this woman's screams. He pumped harder and deeper inside her til he felt her blood race over his hand. He then pulled his fingers from her and sucked them making her watch. Grinning as his eyes flared, he said to her, "You taste sweeter than the wine."
Lydia was horrified and prayed for help. She had no idea what this man intended to do next, kill her or make her suffer more.
Destaan stood only to open his pants, pulling himself free he fell upon her and held her knees with his palms as he brutally raped her. She screamed so loudly that Destaan had to put his hand over her mouth. Just as Destaan was to release into this woman he forced her head to the side and sank his fangs deeply within her flesh. Lydia let out the most horrific scream as her lifeblood was drained from her. Destaan pumped hard as he drank all she had to give. He moaned deeply as he washed inside her. Lydia's head fell to the side, her eyes lifeless, and her body still. Destaan removed himself from her, picked her up and carried her to the door. Opening it he heard the wolves howling waiting to be fed. Just as he was to toss her lifeless corpse to them, Lydia let out a gasp. She was still alive in his arms. Destaan laughed wickedly and tossed her to the wolves anyway. He was done with her and what was left his pets could attend to. As he closed the door he could hear the blood curdling screams of Lydia as the wolves gnawed and ripped her still alive body into shreds.
Destaan paid no attention as he tossed her clothing to the fire, leaving no trace of Lydia behind. Wiping his mouth, he went to his haven to change his blood stained clothing.
Caterina cradled herself in the windowsill crying as she listened to the woman's screams diminish. She shuddered as she heard the wolves fighting over what she knew was the woman's carcass.
Destaan emerged in fresh clothing and headed to Caterina's room. Opening the door, he saw her sitting in the same place as when he left her. He closed the door behind him and spoke, "Enjoy the sounds tonight?" He smirked.
Caterina turned her head to look at him. "Not nearly as much as you I would assume." Her eyes glossy and red from her crying, she stared coldly at him.
He walked to her and sat upon the bed near where she was. "You are most correct my sweet." He licked his lips and smiled. "I did enjoy her flavor. Was robust yet sweet. Can't find too many out there like that."
She got up from the window and stared into his eyes. "You are a worthless bastard! You are a creature that cares not for a damn thing but satisfying your appetite! I hate you!" She spat in his face.
Wiping the saliva from his cheek he smiled wickedly to her. "You really do have such a temper. Pregnancy does not become you my dear."
"Oh go to hell Destaan." She sneered.
Nodding he stood and looked down at her. "Worry not my dear, that I will do. But not before I teach my child the ways of that which I am."
Her eyes flared darkly. "I will not allow you to teach this baby how to be a killing machine like that of its father!"
Destaan smiled. "You can't stop me. You are mortal, powerless against me. This child will possess my powers but will be taught so that it will know how to use them."
Caterina shook her head. "Never! This baby will not be taught to be a monster!"
"This baby already is a monster." He laughed as he grabbed her arms and held her against him. "This child is of my seed, this child is of my blood and this child is of my soul. You can't stop that which has already happened."
She tried to no avail to jerk from him. "I hate you!! I wish you dead!!"
Sighing he rolled his eyes. "Stand in line dear Caterina. Many hate me and many more wish me dead. But wishes don't always come true."
Caterina struggled more but Destaan held onto her wrists. "Let me go you bastard! You are hurting me and you wouldn't want to hurt me or this baby, would you?!"
Destaan smirked. "Now you know I would never do anything to harm my child. Unlike that which I did a moment ago to that poor Lydia."
"I heard as you know I did." She sneered still trying to get free.
Shaking his head, "That's not what I meant." He let Caterina go and looked concerned.
Looking towards him as she rubbed her wrists, "Then what the hell do you mean?"
His eyes grew darker, his lips played an evil smirk upon them. "What I meant was, dear Caterina, was that when I tossed her to the wolves, she was not dead yet."
Caterina's eyes filled with horror. "What?!?"
Laughing as he watched her eyes, "You heard me, she was not dead. I always toss the corpse to the wolves so they can feast and they have always been dead. However, Lydia was still alive. Her cries you heard there at the end was that of being shredded by the wolves. Their teeth gnawing at her flesh, ripping it from the bone."
"Stop it!!!" Caterina screamed. She ran to the bed crying uncontrollably.
Destaan watched her, crossing his arms he remarked, "Calm down, that can't be good for the baby. You knew I killed them. What difference does it make if one remained alive for a few more seconds? I assure you that after a few bites she was dead."
Caterina could take no more and grabbed the vase from the table; she turned to throw it at Destaan but dropped it instead grabbing her belly as she fell to her knees. Destaan watched as fluid pooled around Caterina's knees mixed with blood. She screamed in pain, "Destaan, it's the baby! I believe it is coming now!"
Destaan ran to her side and lifted her onto the bed. "I will fetch the servant that has been caring for you as a mid wife. She will deliver this baby if it is time. You must wait here for me to get her."
"Ahhhhhhhhhh! Destaan do not leave me now! The baby, I can feel it!" Caterina screamed grabbing her belly.
"Caterina I cannot deliver this child. You must allow me to get the servant. I will be right back." He turned and vanished from the room.
Caterina screamed and cried holding her tummy as the baby raged within her.
Destaan appeared in the doorway with the servant. He rushed to Caterina's side as the servant went to the bed. She lifted Caterina's gown and examined her. "The baby is crowning Master. The delivery will be soon."
Nodding to the servant Destaan shouted, "Make sure that this child does not die or you will!"
The servant nodded hard and placed a fresh towel under Caterina's body. "Listen to me M'Lady Caterina. You must be ready to push when I instruct you to. Do you understand?"
Caterina screamed as another contraction hit her very hard. Destaan was holding her hand and she squeezed it tightly. "Oh Gods!"
"M'Lady Caterina, the baby is starting to come out. I need you to push now and I need you to push hard," the servant instructed her.
Caterina screamed louder and pushed hard. Her back leaving the pillows as she did. Destaan held onto her hand tightly.
The servant nodded, "Yes, yes. That is good. The baby's head is out. Wait and let me clean its mouth. Lie back and push no more til I say so."
Caterina fell back onto the pillows. Destaan rubbed her head softly with a dampened cloth. Pains hit her hard and she screamed again, "Get this out of me!"
The servant cleansed the baby's mouth and said to Caterina, "Now push very hard and very strong for me. You must deliver the shoulders."
Caterina rose again and pushed with all she had, screaming as she did. Destaan all the while looking as best he could as the baby was coming out of Caterina.
The servant said, "Very good M'Lady. Now lie back and relax for one more push. You need all the strength you have to deliver the rest of the child."
Caterina fell back onto the pillows shaking her head, "No no, I cannot push anymore. I have nothing left."
Destaan looked to her. "One more push Caterina, one more and this will all be over."
Shaking her head still yet, "I have not the strength."
The servant looked to Destaan. "Master, she must push once more. Take her shoulders and lift her from behind and push her forward."
Destaan rose to do so. "Come on Caterina, we are going for one more push." Even though Caterina kept saying no, Destaan got behind her and pushed her forwards with Caterina screaming all the way.
"Bear down and push M'Lady. Give all you have!" the servant exclaimed as the baby was sliding out of Caterina.
"Ahhhhhhhhhh!" she cried out as she pushed. Destaan pushed her from behind.
Wails of a baby's cry was heard. Caterina fell back onto Destaan panting and gasping. The servant was smiling as she cleaned the baby and wrapped it in a clean towel. She offered the baby to Caterina. "It's a beautiful baby girl."
Destaan's eyes grew dark. "Did you say...girl?"
Caterina took the baby into her arms smiling at her as it cried.
The servant nodded. "Yes Master, the baby is a girl."
Destaan looked over Caterina's shoulder at the crying child. Her hair was the color of midnight and her eyes were deep ice blue, like that of her mother's. He frowned slightly. "I wanted a son. One that I could teach to be like me. I did not wish a daughter to grow up to be a harlot of the streets."
Caterina sneered. "How dare you be so cruel. You wanted a child and you got just that. Be it a girl this is still your child. Perhaps it is best that she was not a boy because it will be harder for you to teach her to be a horrible monster like you."
Destaan was not pleased. He arose from the bed and stared at Caterina as she snuggled the baby. She smiled softly to it as the baby cried more. The baby was beautiful, no horns, no fangs and no hooves. She was a perfect baby girl.
As the servant was finishing with Caterina she said, "M'Lady, the baby is hungry. You need to feed her and she will stop crying."
"Ah yes, you are most correct," Caterina replied. She opened her gown and placed her breast at the baby's mouth. The baby latched on hungrily and began to drink from Caterina.
Destaan made not a sound as he watched them. The servant made her way from the room to leave them be.
Caterina looked to Destaan as she fed the baby. "Are you such a monster that you cannot love this child because she is female?"
"This child was to be a boy," he said deeply.
"There are some things that even you can't control Destaan." She smiled caressing the baby's head.
"I can make another child; I can get rid of this one Caterina. So don't get smug with me." His eyes looked into hers with a hateful stare.
Shivering she looked away from him, cradling the baby as it fed from her body. Softly humming to her, rocking slowly as she sat on the bed.
Destaan simply turned and walked from the room leaving the door unlocked. He knew Caterina was much too weak to walk so there was no point in locking the door. He needed time to himself, time alone to think about the daughter he now had.
Caterina smiled as any new mother would. All the hate she had for the baby, all the feelings of wishing it dead were gone. She was holding the most beautiful baby she had ever seen in her arms, and she was her baby. Speaking softly to the child, "My sweet little girl, I make you a promise now. Your father will not ever come near you to make you such as he. I will do everything to protect you dear baby." The baby's eyes seemed to shimmer a silvery blue as if she was telling Caterina that she understood her words.
Soon the tiny infant was asleep and Caterina laid her down upon the bed beside her. She stroked the child's head and face very lightly. Whispering she said, "Dear little one, you don't have a name. I am sure your father never thought of one for a little girl. I am ashamed to admit that I did not think of one either. But not for the reasons that your father has." Caterina wiped a tear from her own cheek as she spoke to the baby, "I pretended that you did not exist. I was a fool. You do exist very much so." Looking to the window watching the breeze blow about the draperies she said very softly, "Ara." She looked back to the sleeping child, "I shall call you Ara. That is a beautiful name for a beautiful child."
Caterina laid down herself beside the baby and went to sleep as well.
As the years passed, Caterina watched Ara grow. Destaan had little to do with his daughter or with Caterina. He went about his ways of womanizing for the kill. Caterina would take Ara away from the castle for strolls in the park. A servant of Destaan’s always accompanied her so that she would not try to escape. How she wished she could take her daughter and leave. Go to some faraway land and raise her child in the way she wanted. She feared that one day Destaan would take interest in this child and want to teach her as he said before she was born.
Ara had grown to look so much like her mother. Her eyes still as ice blue as the day she was born, her hair the color of midnight like that of her father's. Her skin was ivory and softer than anything Caterina had ever touched. Ara was a most playful and happy child. Sheltered from most of the outside world, her father not wishing anyone to know that she was of his seed. She ran through the gardens of the castle, played around the pond taunting the fish and made the servants a nervous wreck as any precocious child would.
On Ara's fifth birthday, Caterina's worst fears came true. Destaan came and took young Ara from her mother's arms. He smiled as he spoke, "It is time that Ara come with me and be taught the ways of the darkness."
Caterina begged, "Please Destaan, take her not. She is but a child and should not be exposed to such."
Destaan ignored her pleas and took Ara's hand into his. "Caterina, you wouldn't wish to frighten our daughter. Calm yourself, I shall return within the hour with her."
"Destaan, it is almost her bedtime." She tried once more so that he would not take her. "She needs her bath and her sleep. She has had a most incredible day."
Destaan shook his head as he led Ara through the doorway. "As I said, I will return within the hour." Smiling to his daughter, "Wave good bye to mommy."
Little Ara waved her small hand to her mother and blew her a kiss as she was taken through the door towards the stairs.
Caterina held her tears watching Destaan take Ara through the castle gates in the carriage, and then she burst into tears falling onto her knees praying that he would return with her. Her mind raced with all kinds of thoughts as to what he had in mind teaching the child. She sat in the window watching for them to return.
Destaan had the carriage take him and his daughter to a bridge, stopping there to let them out. The driver was told to wait until he returned. He carried Ara across the bridge and set her down. He took her hand and began to walk speaking gently to her, "Young Ara, look to the night skies. Do you see how clear it is? How you can see the stars?"
Ara looked up smiling staring at the stars, her little head nodded. "Yes father, it's so pretty."
He looked to her child eyes. "You see my precious one, when the skies are alit such as tonight the innocent come out."
Little Ara listened to her father walking with him. Her tiny hand in his, she watched his steps and tried to stay in step with him. She admired her father. He was so tall and strong. She had no idea of the evilness that lurked within him, that perhaps lurked within her. She only knew that he would bring her gifts, gifts that awaited her each morning as she awoke. She never questioned why she did not see him during the daylight. Her mother and the servants kept her company.
He kept walking along with her. "The innocent like to play in the open my darling. They know neither of danger nor of their impending demise."
Looking up so sweetly to him she asked, "What's that word father?"
"What word my sweet?"
"The D word father, dem...dem...."
"Demise?" He laughed softly.
Nodding to him. "That's it father. What does it mean?"
Thinking he stopped and picked her up. "My lovely child, demise means fate. You know, like destiny. What will happen to a person no matter what they wish. Some things just happen and for good reason."
"Like me being born father?" She smiled innocently.
"Yes my beautiful child, like you being born. That was your mother's destiny, fate."
She giggled and put her arms around him hugging him. Only this child was ever to touch Destaan's heart, be it cold and dead.
Destaan walked with her carrying her, pointing out various people. Slowly teaching her about which people are bad and which are innocent. The innocent was perfect for the taking. He wanted her to know this.
Walking back to the carriage Ara fell asleep in Destaan's arms. He placed her inside the carriage and climbed in. Picking her up once more cradling her as they rode back to his castle.
Caterina rushed to the door of her bedchambers as soon as she saw the carriage make its way through the gates. Destaan carried the sleeping child into the room and placed her in her bed. He removed her shoes and kissed her forehead.
Looking to Caterina he stated, "She went to sleep before I got her back. She can take her bath in the morning."
Nodding just happy that her child was home she went to Ara's bed and kissed her good night. She looked over to Destaan as he was leaving the room. "You love her, don't you?"
He looked to her just before closing the door, his eyes showing what his words would deny. "I don't know the meaning to such a word. A useless emotion."
She smiled knowingly and tucked her daughter in, covering her small body.
Destaan closed the door making his way to his haven.
Caterina went to bed beside Ara happy that she was safe.
Daybreak came waking Ara and Caterina. Ara was playing with her toys as Caterina ran her bath. She took the child's clothing from her body and led her to the tub. Placing her inside, Caterina asked her, "My sweet child, what did you and your father talk of last eve?"
The little girl smiled as she splashed the water about. "The sky."
Caterina took a sponge wetting the child. "What about the sky?"
"Father told me that the sky brightened the way for the innocent." She splashed about more with her toys, giggling as she played.
Caterina inquired further, "For the innocent? What did he tell you of them?"
Ara looked into her mother's eyes, hers sparkling. "He said that they meet their..." She stopped trying to think of the word he used.
Caterina look puzzled. "Their what my child?"
Ara thought for a moment then smiled most proudly. "Demise."
Caterina took a deep breath then let it out slowly. "I see. And did your father explain what that meant?"
Nodding, "Yes mother he did. He said it was their fate, their destiny. Like you having me was your fate and destiny."
Shuddering at the words Destaan told Ara, the same words he used many times speaking to her. She poured water onto Ara's head slowly still hearing the words in her head. Smiling to her as she washed her hair, which was now so very long. "Ara dear, I want you to learn many things. Things from your father and myself. Be careful in your choices in life. Your father is correct, fate and destiny can lead to one's demise."
Ara looked to her mother as she spoke, not really understanding what she spoke of. She continued to splash and play in the tub.
Caterina rose and called to a lady servant that was chosen as a guardian over Ara when Caterina needed help. "Patrice, come here please."
The servant came right away, bowing to her knees. "Yes M'Lady, how may I serve you?"
"I need you to watch Ara as she plays in her bath. I need to attend to something downstairs and wish not to leave her alone. She could get hurt."
The servant nodded and rose to her feet. She sat beside the tub as Ara played.
Caterina smiled to Ara. "Mother will be back in only a few minutes."
Ara nodded still playing, splashing the water about wetting the servant.
Caterina left the room and went downstairs. She knew all eyes were upon her as it always was. She never had a moment of privacy she felt. She looked at the sun begging to enter the room through the darkened draperies. Destaan liked to keep it dark in the case that he had to arise during the light hours. Only once did Caterina ever see this happen and she still knew not the reason. There was a visitor at the door, she was rushed upstairs and told to remain there. Destaan would not speak of it to her and she knew better than to ask.
Caterina looked about as she made her way to the door that led to Destaan's haven. A place where she was never allowed to enter. She had always wondered what it was like. Was it cold? Was it so dark that she could not see?
This day she was determined to enter his sanctuary. She needed to speak with him and she was not waiting til dark. She placed her hand upon the latch, turning it she found it to be locked as she assumed it would be. Sighing she turned and went to the servant's quarters. She found one servant busying himself sweeping. Speaking to him softly, "Excuse me."
He jumped as she had startled him, going to his knees before her. "M'Lady, I did not know that your presence was there. Forgive me."
She hated how the servants treated her, like she was a Queen. Nevertheless, Destaan had informed them that she was the Lady of the house and was to treat her as so. "No, apologize not. I came upon you quietly. I have a question for you."
He looked up. "Yes M'Lady?"
"Do you know where Destaan keeps the key to the door just below the stairs?"
Shaking his head he replied, "No M'Lady I do not. That room behind the door is not to be entered except by the Master."
"I know this, but if there was an emergency and Destaan was needed, would he not have you come tell him?"
"I suppose M'Lady, but I doubt he would come to me."
"Why not you?" She approached him slowly looking to him as he was still kneeling.
Clearing his throat, her beauty making him feel a bit anxious. "M'Lady, the Master only trusts but one servant with informing him if there is an emergency as you say."
"And where might I find this trusted servant?"
He pointed outside. "He is in the gardens M'Lady picking an arrangement of flowers for the dining table."
She smiled to him. "Thank you kindly. I won't speak of this to Destaan."
He swallowed hard. "You won't have to, Master knows all."
She nodded knowing he spoke the truth. She turned and left the room, making her way to the gardens. Her eyes sought out the one servant afar picking assortments of flowers and placing them in a basket. She called to him as she approached so as not to startle him as the last one, "I must speak with you."
He looked to her and fell to his knees still holding the basket. "Yes M'Lady?"
"I must speak with Destaan at this moment. I am told that you are the only one that is allowed to go to his haven and awake him during the daylight."
The servant nodded. "Yes M'Lady I am, but the Master does not take kindly to being disturbed during his sleep."
"This is an emergency. I must speak to him now. This cannot wait til nightfall."
The servant looked up from kneeling. "M'Lady, if Master does not deem your need an emergency he will have my head. I do not wish to die M'Lady." Fear sprang forth from his eyes.
She smiled and knelt in front of him. "I will take responsibility for this. I will not allow him to harm you. I have to talk to him."
He smiled slightly to her. "You do not understand, the only one that controls Master is himself. Nothing you say or do would spare my life if he chose to take it. Please M'Lady, spare me now."
Sighing deeply she nodded as she rose. "Very well, perhaps you are correct." Turning to go she stopped, her eyes alit. "I have an idea."
The servant looked to her. "Yes M'Lady?"
"What if the door was unlocked mysteriously and I went to him on my own?"
"Master would know that it was I that left the door open to you. He would feed me to his wolves." He shuddered.
Remembering the woman that was fed still alive to the dogs years ago, she agreed. "You are correct, he would." She turned and left to go back into the castle. As she closed the door, she turned and bumped into Destaan. Caterina looked shocked and frightened at the same time. "Gods, what are you doing awake?"
He grabbed her hand and led her through the door that led to his haven. It was dark and cold, as she had imagined. Her eyes could not see anything but felt his hand still griping hers tightly. In but an instant he lit a candle. "What do you want so badly to speak to me of Caterina?" He released her hand as he sat down upon a chair. "What cannot wait til nightfall?"
Caterina looked about as best she could. She saw no windows, no paintings, and seemingly no signs of life. She heard him tapping his booted foot on the cold concrete floor, her eyes turning to his. "It's about Ara."
Destaan nodded. "What of her?"
"I don't like what you said to her last eve and I want you to never take her outside this castle again without me," she demanded bravely.
Chuckling he smirked, "I don't care Caterina. She is my daughter and I can and will take her anywhere I choose."
"Destaan, she is five years old. She needs not learn of destiny and fate."
He grinned. "So you spoke to her of last eve I see."
Nodding she replied, "Hell yes I did. I wanted to know what sick and twisted things you said to her."
"Sick and twisted?" He quirked a brow. "Ara is of my blood Caterina and she will grow more and more much to your chagrin. She must know how to protect herself. She must not become one of the innocent."
"She is innocent Destaan."
Yawning he spoke, "Caterina I must get my sleep. There is nothing to talk about concerning Ara. She will be taught my ways."
"Over my dead body she will!" Her eyes flared.
Smiling coyly, "As you wish."
His words sent a chill up her spine, she stepped back. "Going to kill me? Is that how you will have complete control of our child?" Tears began to form in her eyes.
"I already have complete control Caterina, over her and you." He smiled to her as he slipped back into his coffin. "Close the door on your way out."
"You bastard, your day will come. You will die I assure you." She turned to head back up the stairs.
"Not before you my sweet, not before you." His words echoed throughout the castle as she left the cold dungeon he called his haven.
Caterina returned upstairs to see Ara running around the room naked with the servant lady chasing her. Caterina smiled. "Ara, we can't behave this way. You must get dressed. We are going to the park."
Ara giggled and plopped down on the bed. Caterina dismissed the servant and dressed her daughter. They made their way to the carriage leaving the castle on their way to the park.
Soon, winter came upon the castle. Snow fell for what seemed like days. Ara had grown so much. Caterina was amazed at how time had passed so quickly. Ara came to her mother's room bouncing like any happy five-year-old. "Mother, let's go outside and play in the white fallen snow."
Caterina smiled to her. "My darling it is very cold outside. The snow is still falling and your father is away. We must stay indoors for now."
Ara pouted, sticking out her bottom lip and crossed her arms. "But I want to go now. I don't want to wait."
"Ara, your manners are very unlady like."
She stomped her little foot. "I don't care, I want to go outside and play."
Caterina could not help but smile at her little girl's display. "But I said you must wait and that is what will happen."
"You're mean!" she yelled and stormed out the door back to her room slamming the door behind her.
Caterina shook her head as she walked to the window looking out at the beautiful scenery that was layed out upon the grounds. "A temper like that of her father I fear," she sighed. She then heard a loud crash; it was from Ara's room. She quickly left her room and down the hallway to her child's room. Flinging the door open she found Ara standing in the middle of the room, a large mirror smashed in pieces on the floor. "Ara, did you do this on purpose?" Caterina asked approaching the child.
Nodding with her little arms folded, "Yes I did mother. I said I want to go outside."
Caterina was furious. She grabbed Ara's arm and scolded her, as she looked her over for any cuts. "Young lady, you will apologize for that act."
"No!" she screamed as she tried to pull away.
Caterina jerked her daughter around and smacked her on her small bottom. "How dare you yell at me child. For your behavior, you will not be going outside to play at all. You are to stay in your room until you can learn some manners."
A servant came rushing into the room and began picking up the pieces of glass from the floor. Ara merely sneered at her mother and went to her rocking chair to sit down. She folded her arms and looked away ignoring both Caterina and the servant.
Caterina shook her head. "I don't know where this attitude is coming from young lady but you better find out and put it back. I don't want to see such a display ever again."
Ara brushed a tendril of hair from her face staring out the window as she rocked.
Caterina left the room. "Honestly, I don't know where this is coming from." She went about her daily rituals. Reading was the one thing that kept Caterina sane in this prison. She often would keep a journal and log the daily happenings. This one was for the books. Destaan either knew not of her journal or did not care. Either way he never mentioned it to her. Caterina would read poetry to Ara when she was not acting like a spoiled brat. Destaan was not helping for he always brought the child a gift each and every day. She had so many toys that it filled several rooms of the castle. Caterina sat down in her chair by the window and opened a book that she had just started reading. It was a book about true love. Something she had never really experienced. Not since Charles. With each page it only saddened her because the woman in the book was finding true happiness and joy with the man of her dreams. Caterina was stuck with the man of her nightmares.
Destaan rarely came to her bedchambers for pleasure. Some nights he would awaken her and pleasure himself, leaving very little for Caterina. On a few occasions, he seemed almost gentle and loving. His eyes would soften slightly in the way he looked upon her. When she would smile as if to respond to him he would turn into the bastard that he was so good at being. It was as if he was afraid to show feelings other than hatred and disdain. She wondered if he ever loved her at all. Was a question she longed to ask but did not wish to be laughed at. Her eyes became heavy as she read on and soon she drifted off to sleep.
Ara sat rocking in her chair quite mad at her mother when she heard a knock upon her door. Figuring it was her mother or one of the servants she replied harshly, "Go away, I am still mad."
The door opened and her father stepped inside smiling to her. "And why is my precious little daughter mad?"
Her eyes lit up upon seeing him. She jumped from her chair and ran to him. "Never at you father." She smiled sweetly.
He scooped her up into his arms and kissed her cheek. "What has gotten you mad my dear?"
Pouting she said, "Mother, she was mean to me."
"How so?"
"She won't allow me to go outside and play in the snow."
"Well, we can't have that can we? Come darling, let's get you dressed."
Smiling most happily Ara gathered her boots and coat. Destaan helped her get dressed warmly. She giggled as he slipped on her boots. "That tickles."
Grinning he said, "I should tickle you. But let's get outside for now." He took her hand and led her downstairs.
Whispering she asked, "Father, what about mother?"
"What of her my darling?"
"She is in her room, she may hear us outside."
"You are with me, your father. I can take you outside if I choose. Worry not of mother dear Ara." Destaan tossed her over his shoulder playfully and carried her downstairs.
Destaan took her outside and immediately put her down bottom first in a huge pile of snow. Laughing as she screamed, "Ahhhh! It's so cold." She laughed as she got up and ran around. She picked up some snow in her small hand and ran to her father slamming it onto his knee. Giggling as she ran away.
Destaan laughed at the child's playfulness. "I shall get you for that my darling." He then picked up some snow and rolled it into a ball. He tossed it gently hitting Ara in the back. She laughed and fell face first into the snow. Destaan laughed loudly as he watched her. They continued to play. Running about, throwing snow at one another. Destaan taught Ara how to make snow angels.
Awakening upstairs Caterina heard Ara's laughter. She thought at first that it was coming from Ara's room. Arising from her chair and stretching she then heard it again from outside the window. She flung open the draperies more and saw the child running about in the snow. Just as she was about to become quite furious she then saw Destaan chasing after Ara. She grabbed her cloak and left her room to go outside. She waited til Ara and Destaan came around to where she was. She was standing with her arms folded as they came about to the door in which Caterina was waiting.
Ara looked at her and ran behind her father. "See father, she is mad. I told you she would be. Look at her eyes."
Destaan smiled as he patted Ara's head. "And as I told you, I can take you outside whenever I choose."
Caterina looked Destaan in the eyes. "Did she tell you that I forbid her to go outside?"
Nodding he replied, "That she did, but I chose to take her out anyway. There is nothing you can say of this Caterina."
"Did she give you reason as to which she was punished to her room?"
"I need no reason. Ara is my child as well and I wanted to play. I couldn't very well play alone now could I?" He smiled as he hugged Ara to him.
"She broke a mirror in her room Destaan and was quite rude about it. She had a little fit because she did not get her way."
Ara peeked out at her mother but quickly hid again behind her father. Destaan spoke to Caterina, "She is five Caterina, she will have her fits. The mirror can be replaced."
"Destaan, she was rude and yelled at me."
"I am sure you yelled at your mother at some point in your childhood Caterina."
Caterina's eyes narrowed. "If I had yelled at my mother I would have been whipped as I did smack Ara's bottom for her behavior."
Destaan's eyes grew darker. "You put your hands on this child in rage?"
"She must be punished when she is bad."
"Caterina, you are to never place your hands on Ara in that way again. Do you understand?" His eyes flared deeply at Caterina.
Caterina sneered at him, gritting her teeth she knew very well that she was not to argue with him. "I understand Destaan. But you must understand that you will be raising a spoiled child." Caterina turned and went back into the castle.
Destaan took Ara's hand and smiled to her as he stooped to look into her eyes. Her ice blues glowed at him, her lips forming a loving smile. He said to her, "See my darling, I told you not to worry. Fear not of your mother, she won't ever hurt you again."
Ara giggled, "Okay father. Let's play more." Ara slipped her hand from his and took off running through the snow-covered grounds. Destaan laughed following closely behind her.
Caterina went back up to her room and peered out the window watching Destaan and Ara run through the snow. How she wished that she were there with them carefree and playing. Her heart ached for a normal family life but she knew it was not to be. She also knew that Destaan was winning Ara over and that soon he would turn her own child against her. She vowed to never allow that to happen. She loved that child more than life itself and would not allow a monster to take her away. She closed the draperies and sat down to log this day in her journal.
Seasons came and went. Caterina became more of a prisoner in the castle. Destaan was taking Ara with him most each time he left the castle. He would return with her and tuck her into bed before going out on his hunt. Caterina was thankful that he was not allowing the child to see his kills. The fear was always there however. She knew that one day her young daughter would learn of her father's ways. She knew not how Ara would deal with it.
Ara was seven now and very interested in the daytime goings on of her father. She came to her mother's room one morning and asked, "Mother, why doesn't father take me on his business during the day? We only go out at night."
Caterina was unsure of what to say to Ara. She could not tell her the truth. She knelt to face the child. "Ara, your father must attend to business alone during the day. There are places that he goes that a child cannot go."
"But I want to go. It's not fair that he leaves before I rise." She frowned.
"Dear child, not all things in life are fair. You must learn this."
"I will ask him this eve when I see him. I want to go with him tomorrow."
Caterina nodded. "Very well Ara, you ask him when you see him to take you." She would let Destaan handle this one. She could not wait to hear his response.
"That I shall do mother. And I assure you, he will take me with him." She smiled very proudly.
Caterina arose and smiled. "That we shall see child."
Ara turned and left the room to attend to her studies. A tutor was brought to the castle every day to teach Ara. Destaan did not want her to attend school. He would not allow her in the public eye unless he or Caterina was with her. Many knew of him and he knew that Ara would be the object of scrutiny.
When nightfall came, Destaan arose from his haven and made his way to the den. Ara was waiting for him. He smiled upon seeing her. "My sweet child, how are you this fine eve?"
"I am well father. I wish to talk to you about something."
He sat beside her on the sofa. "Then speak my child."
She turned her face to meet his. "I wish to go with you father tomorrow on your business journey."
He laughed softly shaking his head. "You may not Ara. I meet many people during my travels that would be a danger to you. I cannot allow such."
"But you have always given me what I desire father. Don't deny me now."
He smiled lovingly to her and stroked her head. "This I must deny for your safety."
Unbeknownst to them both Caterina was listening on the staircase just outside where they sat and talked.
"You are strong father. No one will hurt me with you around."
"I am strong but I cannot keep a watchful eye upon you as I do my business."
"Father, you won't need to watch me constantly. I know no one will come near me."
He quirked a brow. "How do you know this my child?"
"I have seen the way others look at you father. I can almost see fear in their eyes and I know not why."
Caterina shivered hearing Ara say that to her father. She covered her mouth to hold back her tears.
Destaan smiled to her. "What makes you think they fear your father?"
"I don't know but you can see it when we pass them on the streets." Her little eyes glowed almost as she looked into his.
"Ara, some people fear what they don't understand."
"Why would they not understand you?"
Caterina sat down upon the steps listening to them talk.
"I am a stranger to them Ara. Many fear you when they don't know you."
"But don't you see these people on your business during the day father?"
"No my sweet child." He rubbed the back of his hand across her cheek. "I travel elsewhere. I do not see many of those people during the day as at night. Many do not come out during the day for they have business as well to attend."
Nodding slowly, "I guess so. But why can't I go with you just once?"
He smiled and laughed softly. "You are quite persistent my child. However, the answer is still no. I am sorry but I cannot and will not grant this wish you ask."
Frowning darkly she stomped her foot as she rose from the sofa. "You don't love me or you would take me."
"Ara, you know that not to be true."
"Mother loves me more than you do. She takes me everywhere with her."
"Your mother loves you very much Ara as do I. But your mother does not travel where it is dangerous to a child."
"People look at mother strangely father." She sat back down.
Caterina's eyes blinked hard hearing this. She wondered what she meant.
"What on earth do you mean child?"
"They look at her when we go by as if she is from another world."
"Ara, you have quite the imagination I do believe." He patted her hand.
"No father, I am telling the truth. They look upon her but quickly turn their eyes from her when they see me."
Destaan narrowed his brow in thought. Perhaps these people recognized Ara. Maybe it was that they have seen her with him and then with Caterina. Could they think that Caterina was also a danger to them? He had to put a stop to this before it got out of hand. Before anyone was to figure out what he had done to Caterina and what Ara was to become. Certainly before Caterina could find someone to help her, to get away from him.
Caterina listened carefully from the stairs. She never knew of this. Ara never told her this, not once from any trip.
Destaan looked back to Ara, "Child, you may think you see this in other's eyes…”
"NO!" she screamed standing up. "I see them looking away from her. Is there something wrong with mother? Are you hiding something from me?"
Destaan grabbed Ara's arm. "Sit down and listen to me now. Scream no more in this house. Do you understand me?"
She shivered seeing her father upset with her and nodded her head slowly. Caterina feared what he may do to her and descended down the stairs to get a look. She watched from the shadows in the doorway. She was amazed to see Ara nodding in obvious fear of Destaan.
"You are to listen to me carefully and I will not hear anymore of this nonsense. Do you understand?"
Ara nodded again. Destaan released her arm and spoke softly, "There is nothing wrong with your mother. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen so perhaps it is that everyone else sees her beauty and are completely taken with her."
Caterina was taken aback hearing him speak such. But was he merely saying this to cover himself? Or was it true?
"Many can't compare to her and are perhaps weakened in her presence as am I sometimes. You have her eyes Ara." He touched her lids gently with his fingertips. "You have her beauty and one day people will turn away from you as well. Beauty scares people. It is something that many cannot achieve. Your mother was born simply stunning as you were." He smiled to her.
Caterina wiped a tear that had trickled from her eye across her cheek. That was the kindest thing she had ever heard Destaan say about her. Be it what he truly felt or not.
"Now you see child, they turn away because they feel that they have not earned the right to be in her presence. They do not feel equal to her. They don't feel worthy."
Ara smiled. "I see now. Forgive me for screaming father."
Destaan hugged her close. "Already have my child."
Ara smiled wider looking up into his eyes. "Any chance I can go with you tomorrow?"
Destaan laughed loudly shaking his head. "You never give up child."
She smiled. "I am like you father."
Destaan looked upon her proudly. "That you are my sweet, that you are."
Caterina felt shivers cover her body upon hearing them speak that one sentence. Ara was like her father. Dear gods, she was losing her slowly and there was not a damn thing she could do about it. She turned and went upstairs crying in her hands.
Destaan's eyes looked towards the doorway and he grinned evilly. He knew she was there all along. He knew that Caterina was hurt deeply by Ara's final words. He knew that this child was destined to become truly as he. And Caterina was correct; there was not a damn thing she could do about it.
Destaan awoke upon nightfall and felt a craving for Caterina. Her blood was of the most savoring he had tasted in many years. He appeared in her room startling her.
She looked at him. "Destaan, I deplore when you appear that way. Why can't you use the door?"
Approaching her, "Why should I waste precious time climbing the stairs and opening the door when I can just be here?" He smirked.
Rolling her eyes she asked, "Going hunting as always?"
He shook his head. "Not yet. There is something that I want first. Something to satisfy me."
Caterina stepped back knowing what he sought. This night he came not to tell her good night but to have her. "Destaan please, not tonight. I am quite tired and you may awake Ara. She wasn't feeling well when we returned from town so she is taking a nap."
Grinning he whispered, "I can be quiet, can you?" He grabbed her arm pulling her to him.
She swallowed hard. "Destaan, you are hurting my arm. Please go find some street woman to satisfy your urges."
"I am not in the mood for easy prey. I am in the mood for something sweet." He caressed her cheek with his nail. "Something almost as new as the fallen snow."
She pulled away from his touch turning her head. "You only come to me in lust Destaan, you never come to me as a man should."
He laughed softly. "I come to you as I am, hardly merely a man Caterina." He drew her closer breathing in her scent as his nose ran across her neck.
She breathed deeply trying to pull back. "Destaan, if you only loved me..."
He grinned upon her flesh. "Love is a word I use with Ara, not you my sweet." He licked along her throat as he hands gripped her buttocks tightly.
She tried in vain to push him back from her, but knew it was no use. "Your love for Ara is the only thing that makes me happy about you."
He licked his way along her throat to her chin, licking back down to her left ear and whispered softly into it, "Let me make you happy now my dear." His nails raked along her back as his hands unlaced her gown from the back.
Caterina, even though she was repulsed by Destaan, was a woman and had needs. Being that this was the only man that she was allowed to be with she slowly gave in to him. There was no use in fighting him anyway, she would not win.
Destaan unlaced her gown and let it fall from her shoulders. He kissed his way over her cheek to her soft, pink lips. Caterina found herself locked in a deep kiss with him. He moved back slightly from her only to allow the gown to fall from her body and to the floor. He scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed. His eyes gazed at her body as he stood and removed his clothing.
Speaking to her softly, "You still have the most exquisite body my eyes have ever seen Caterina. Even bearing a child changed you not. Your form is incredible."
Caterina tried not to allow his words affect her. He only spoke this way to her when he wanted her. But how could he not affect a woman? She longed for such words to be spoken to her and even if it was him, she loved hearing such.
Destaan smiled as he placed his body onto hers. He kissed her deeply once more but this time he sucked her tongue into his mouth and moved it so that she licked at his fangs. Her eyes opened staring into his as they kissed. He seemed turned on by this when she did it. Each time she willingly licked, he moaned and pressed to her hard. His wanting for her was quite evident. She parted her thighs for him, surprising him, as he always had to force her. She allowed her nails to rake down his back gently, he moaned more and this time louder. Their eyes never wandered from one another's. Their gaze almost spell binding.
Destaan gripped her shoulders tightly as he worked himself inside of her. Caterina let out a soft moan as he filled her. Their bodies this once moved together slowly. Caterina traced her nails up and down his back making marks along his ivory flesh. Destaan would arch his back each time and push himself further into her. Their bodies rocked slowly, their eyes remained locked even as he kissed her lips. Caterina cried out in a passionate moan releasing herself onto him. Destaan's hips drove harder against her, his nails embedded into her flesh upon her shoulders. He let out a loud cry, his fangs elongated, his head lowered and he sank them deeply into her neck drawing out her sweet vitae. Caterina gripped him tightly raising her hips to meet his thrusts. This time not fighting the pain, but enjoying it. She whispered into the air, "Make me like you Destaan."
He drank hard of her holding her tightly, pushing his hips harder and faster to hers. Going as deeply inside her as he possibly could. He ignored her request as he drank. Her sweet juices showered over him again and she moaned once more. He felt her contract and shiver around him. He pumped with all his might.
"Destaan, take me this eve. Make me a vampire. I beg of you," she pleaded to him releasing herself to him willingly.
He cried out so loudly that the castle windows rattled as his hot seed rushed through her, filling her silken walls. He pulled away from her wound, slithering his tongue across the wound sealing it. He layed his head down upon her chest shivering from the moment, from the release.
Her eyes cried salty tears, as she knew he would not grant her the request she asked of him.
He could feel her shivering and looked up at her. "Why do you cry Caterina?" he asked, knowing the answer already.
Sobbing softly, "I asked that you take me, make me immortal and you ignored me as if you heard me not."
Shaking his head, "I heard you my sweet but I will not make you as I."
Looking into his eyes, "Why not Destaan?"
"Tell me why you made such a request Caterina." He licked the salty tears from her face.
"Because Destaan, I realized that I want to be with you forever."
"What makes you want this now?" He traced his nail along her cheek.
"You made love to me Destaan as I did to you this eve. For the first time I felt the emotion coming from you."
He rose from her shaking his head as he picked up his pants. "No Caterina, that was not love. As I said, the only love I feel is for our child. I don't love you."
His words pained her heart, but she knew he was lying. "Destaan, you lie to me. I could see love in your eyes. Why must you deny this?"
He slipped his clothing back on. "If I loved you Caterina, why would I be leaving this moment to find another to take to bed?" he responded coldly.
She blinked slowly but was not going to allow him to get away with his lies. She knew he was saying this to hurt her and not himself.
"Destaan, I love you. You love me; I know this to be true. You are saying this only to protect yourself."
He looked to her as he slipped on his vest. "Caterina, what reason do I have to protect myself from you?"
"You fear loving me Destaan. You fear that you could be hurt." She rose to her knees upon the bed.
Scoffing he snickered. "You can't hurt me Caterina."
"You have fear of love Destaan. Allow me inside that cold heart. I have seen you with Ara and you have allowed her to warm you. Allow me Destaan."
Shaking his head as he sat upon the bed to slip on his boots. "As I said before Caterina, I love that child of ours. I do not love you. What I do love is how you feel when I take you. I love the way you taste." He stood up and bowed to her. "Was a pleasure M'Lady. I shall be off, don't wait up." He chuckled darkly.
Caterina looked down as the tears rained from her eyes. His words cut her deeply as if he had taken a dagger and done so.
Destaan looked to her once more and vanished from the room. Caterina looked up to speak once more to him but to her dismay, he was gone. She hugged a pillow close to her as she stretched out on the bed and went to sleep, crying until she did.
Destaan left the castle hearing Caterina's words in his head. 'Destaan, I love you. You love me; I know this to be true.' She was right, he had fallen in love with her the moment he laid eyes upon her. Her beauty was unmatched. Her auburn hair and ice blue eyes had made him feel vulnerable. Her touch made him shiver, her kiss made him weak. To hear her speak was that of a melody that no composer had created and would never attain. But he would not allow her to know this. She could not know that he felt this way for her. He knew that his words hurt her deeply, that is why he left so abruptly. He could not believe that he was feeling love for Caterina. Or that he had let it shown in his actions with her. He would not make that same mistake again with her. He searched the night for a distraction. A woman to take his mind from Caterina. In his sights, he eyed just the thing he was looking for. A woman of her 20's standing alone on a pier looking into the water. Destaan approached her slowly and charmed her to her demise, or was it her fate...destiny?
Chapter 3
Destaan came to Ara's room one dark eve. He knocked upon her door hearing her call out to enter the room. He opened the door and stepped inside smiling to her.
Her eyes lit up as they always did when she saw her father. "Are we going out this eve father?" she asked standing up.
Nodding he replied, "That we are my darling. But this night will be a little different than any other night we have shared."
She grabbed her coat slipping it on over her dark blue dress. "How so father?"
"Tonight Ara, you will see what your father enjoys."
Looking a bit puzzled she said, "I don't know what that means."
Smiling and offering his hand to her, "You will. Come my dear, the night is calling."
Ara willingly took her father's hand and was led from her room past her mother's room. As they passed Caterina's door she opened it. She knew that Destaan was taking Ara out as he had done many nights. "Going out with father, Ara?"
"Yes mother, and tonight he is…”
Destaan covered her mouth before she could finish her words; he smiled cooly. "I have a surprise for her tonight."
Caterina look concerned. "What kind of surprise Destaan?"
Letting go of Ara's mouth he smiled once more. "I very well cannot say in front of the child, now can I?"
Caterina was greatly worried as to what Destaan had planned. She hoped that he was not going to show her his hunt. She knew that the day would come when he did so but Ara was only ten. She was not mature enough to handle such. She tried to plead with Destaan without alarming Ara. "I do so hope that this surprise will only make our child happy."
He winked. "She will be most happy Caterina. Worry not, we shall return before too late." He kissed Caterina’s cheek and took Ara away. Ara waved to her mother as she was taken down the stairs.
Caterina felt chills cover her body. She went back into her room and watched from the window as the carriage left the castle with Destaan and Ara. She wrung her hands together and whispered, "I do pray that he will not kill in front of her or God forbid," she shivered, "offer to her a kill of her own." She sat in her chair awaiting their return.
Ara was so excited and talked a lot in the carriage asking her father many questions, "Where are we going Father? Are you buying me something? Is this place where you work? Are the people going to like me?"
He laughed softly at her constant questions unable to answer one of them because she never gave him the chance. As the carriage came to a halt and the driver opened the door, Ara finally stopped talking. Destaan stepped out of the carriage and helped Ara from the carriage. The driver waited for them as he always did.
Ara's eyes looked about at her surroundings. Her father had taken her into town this night. Not where he always did before, on the outskirts. Everything was alit; she could hear music playing and people laughing. Destaan tugged at her hand to make her walk. She could not help but stare at everything and everyone as they strolled by. She was so much in awe of the city lights that she did not notice the eyes of the people as they passed. Many afraid to look upon Destaan, many wondering why this rumored madman was with a child. Ara cared not if she had noticed them; she loved her father very much and saw nothing evil about him.
Destaan stopped just outside a tavern. He smiled as he led Ara inside. She laughed watching all the people dancing and acting as if they had not a care in the world. A man approached Destaan. "Sir, we do not allow children in the pub."
Destaan's eyes deepened. "This is my daughter and she will stay in here with me."
The man nodded and backed away slowly. Seeing Destaan's eyes darken put a strong fear in the man's gut. He dared not to cross him.
Ara looked to her father. "What did that man say?" The music was so loud that she did not hear him.
He smiled picking her up carrying her to a table that emptied quickly as he approached. "He told me of this table dear child where we can sit." He sat her down in a chair.
She smiled looking about the room then to her father. "That was very nice of him."
Glancing about, daring anyone to say anything to his daughter he replied, "Yes it was my child, was most kind of him."
Ara clapped her hands with the music, dancing in her chair.
"Remove your coat my child. You will get hot in here with it on."
She smiled to her father and removed her coat hanging it on the back of her chair. Destaan waved a server over to him, she came quickly. He told her to bring him ale. She hurried away and got it for him.
Ara watched the people. She was mesmerized. She kept clapping and dancing in her chair.
Destaan smiled watching her as he sipped his drink. "My darling, do you enjoy this?"
"Yes father I do. I love it. It is so much fun. Next time may we bring mother?"
Destaan was a bit shocked by her question but he showed it not, he nodded. "As you wish my darling. We can bring mother next time if she chooses to come."
"Good, because I want to see you and mother dance like these people in here."
Destaan grinned and sat down his ale; he stood and removed his cloak. He bowed to Ara offering his hand. "May I have this dance M'Lady?"
She giggled and took his hand, standing she replied, "Would be an honor."
He chuckled. "And where did you hear such a phrase?"
"From that woman across the room." She pointed to a woman that was far enough away that there was no way possible that Ara could have overheard it. Not unless...
Destaan grinned most broadly taking her small hand and leading her to the dance floor. "Tis my honor my sweet."
They danced across the floor. Ara stepped on his toes along the way. Their laughter overshadowed everyone else's. He spun her around making her squeal with delight. The song turned slow and as he was about to sit back down she protested, "No please father. I wish to dance this one too."
He smiled. "Very well." He placed her feet upon the floor and told her to step onto his boots so that he could lead her. "You will be on my toes anyway." He laughed.
She grinned and put the tips of her shoes over the tips of his boots. He held her hands and danced slowly with her. She watched his feet move, trying to learn this dance. She would occasionally glance about at others dancing and giggle. Her father wondered why she giggled. He looked about as well and noticed many kissing. He thought that the kissing was funny to Ara; she was a child after all.
When the song ended, Destaan bowed to Ara. "Thank you kindly M'Lady."
Ara curtsied as best she could. "You are most welcomed."
Destaan laughed and picked her up carrying her back to the table.
She looked at him as he drank his ale. "Father, may I ask you a question?"
Still drinking he nodded to her.
"What does, your bosom smells like roses mean?" she inquired.
Destaan choked, coughing as he sat the mug onto the table. "Where did you hear such?"
"When we were dancing I heard a man say that to a lady. They were on the other side of the room but were most loud. I am sure everyone heard them. Surely you did."
Destaan then knew that Ara was possessing powers of the dark. He smiled to her. "Ara it is rude to listen to what other's say to one another."
"But father, they were so loud. It was as if they were beside me. And the other couple was as well."
"What other couple my darling?"
"There was another couple sitting down." She stood up looking and then pointed them out. "Over there, in that booth."
Destaan looked through the crowd and noticed the couple. They were entirely too far away for any mortal to overhear them. He inquired, "Ara, what are they saying now?"
She looked at him as if this was a test and she hated tests. "Father, they are so loud. Everyone can hear what he is saying to her."
"Tell me, so that I may know. Your father is getting old you know." He winked.
She giggled. "Okay, he is saying that he would love to take her home and create a fire unknown to man with her. What does that mean?"
Destaan laughed softly shaking his head. "My darling, he is saying things to her that are said between a man and a woman. I should not have asked you to eavesdrop on them." He had heard them himself and knew that Ara was hearing them correctly. She possessed the power to hear from a great distance. She was so young that she did not know how to control it. Destaan would teach her.
Ara smiled to him. "Well, what does it mean?"
Destaan grinned and tapped her nose with his fingertip. "That is something that you shall learn when you become older."
She pouted and folded her arms.
He grinned. "You are so spoiled my darling."
"I am thirsty too." She smiled. "I wish something to drink. May I have a sip of yours?"
"No my sweet, this is ale and not to be given to a child. I shall get you some water."
"I don't want water father. Please, only a sip?" She batted her lashes, her ice blues glowing.
He laughed softly. "Look at you, you know how to get your way don't you?"
She pouted a little, letting her bottom lip stick out slightly.
He nodded as he slid the drink to her. "Very well Ara, but you won't like it."
She grinned as she wrapped her hands around the mug. "Thank you father." She turned up the drink and took a big gulp. Sitting the glass down she swallowed.
Destaan quirked a brow watching her. "Well?"
She sneered a bit but then licked her lips. "More please."
He took the ale from her. "No my child, I can't very well take you home drunk. Your mother would have both our heads." He joked.
She giggled and started clapping again, dancing to the music in her chair.
Time passed on, the hour grew later. Destaan looked to his watch and stood. "Come Ara, it is quite late. We must go now." He offered his hand to her.
Shaking her head she said, "No father please. Let's stay a little longer."
He shook his head. "No Ara, not this time. Get your coat and come. Don't cause a scene or I won't return with you again."
She frowned as she stood, taking her coat and putting it around her. She took his hand and was led from the tavern. Not noticing that everyone seemed to rejoice that Destaan was leaving. She was taken back to the carriage and placed it in with her father. Destaan decided not to make a kill this eve. He was to take Ara home and face Caterina, knowing she would be beside herself with worry.
Ara fell asleep in the carriage on the way back to the castle as she always did. When they arrived to the castle, he carried her upstairs past an obviously worried Caterina to her room. He removed her coat and shoes. Caterina removed her dress and allowed her to sleep in her slip.
Destaan awaited Caterina in her room. She came into the room, closed the door and slapped Destaan hard across the cheek. "You bastard! It's one o'clock in the morning! Do you have any idea how worried I was?!"
He smirked and rubbed his cheek. "I thought you would be. I lost track of time." He shrugged being very smug.
"How?! You lost track of time with a ten-year-old?!"
"Caterina, lower your voice or you will surely awaken Ara."
She seethed as she walked to the window where she had sat all night. Turning she glared at him. "She is a child Destaan. She can't be out this late."
"I said I lost track of time Caterina. Ara was having so much fun; she did not wish to return when we did."
Caterina approached him and sniffed at his lips.
"What the hell are you doing?" He pushed her back.
"Smelling for blood. You did not kill this eve. What did you do? What was the surprise?"
"You may ask Ara that in the light hours. For now I am going to my study."
"The hell you are." She grabbed his arm to stop him.
He looked at her and laughed. "And who is going to prevent that? Surely not you."
She raised her hand to slap him again but this time he grabbed her. His eyes grew dark and his fangs elongated. "The first time you hit me was allowed, but no more. So back off of me before you become my kill this eve."
Caterina quivered and jerked from his hold. "I wish sometimes you would kill me. The only thing that keeps me alive is that child. And you are corrupting her, I know this."
"You know nothing Caterina." He turned to leave her room, stopping at the door he stated, "Word to the wise my dear, don't say anything that you would not want Ara to hear if she is about."
"What are you talking about?" She looked to him.
He smiled and closed the door.
She threw a vase at the door. "You bastard!!" She fell to her knees crying.
Destaan checked upon his sleeping daughter before he went downstairs to his study. He called upon a female servant. She came quickly. He looked her over. “You will do I suppose.” He grabbed her and pulled her to him.
She closed her eyes and prayed that he would bring death quickly. Destaan sank his fangs into her neck, the servant let out a low moan. He held her tightly as he drew out her blood. Just as he was sinking his fangs into her deeper, he heard a voice.
"Father, what are you doing with the servant?"
His eyes flew open and he dropped the servant's still alive body to the ground. Looking to the doorway of his study, there he saw his daughter looking at him. Then she screamed in horror.
He went towards her but she ran upstairs screaming, "Mother! Mother!"
Caterina heard her child's screams, she opened the door and Ara ran to her mother shaking and crying uncontrollably. Destaan ran into the room behind her. Caterina's eyes widened looking to him. Caterina held Ara tightly as she stared at Destaan's face. He felt a trickle running down his chin. He wiped it with his hand and sighed, as it was blood. His own child had seen him feeding, she saw the blood.
"Ara let me explain," he said to the screaming and crying child.
Caterina turned her from him. "Leave her alone! See what you have done!"
She picked her up and carried her to bed with her. Ara was hysterical. Caterina tried to calm her.
"Ara, father was...he was...." Destaan knew not how to explain this one.
"Leave this room at once Destaan. She is hysterical with you about. Just leave!"
Destaan hung his head knowing that he must go. Ara would not calm down nor speak if he was there. He left the room. He went back downstairs; the servant was holding her neck. He looked to her and waved her away. He then left the castle.
Caterina tried to calm Ara. "Shhh my child. Your father has left the castle. I heard his carriage leave. It is okay now, you are with me." She rocked her as Ara sobbed.
Ara kept blabbering about blood, her father and a servant. Caterina did not need her to tell her what she saw for she knew already. Destaan had thought the child to be asleep and was making a kill of a servant when Ara came upon him and spied on him.
In some ways, Caterina was glad. Now Ara would not think so highly of Destaan anymore. Now she would not wish to go with him at night anymore. Also, Ara would have many questions and would have to be told what Destaan really was. When morning came, she knew that Ara would ask. She dreaded telling her daughter that her own father was a vampire and that Ara carried his blood. She too could become one. Ara cried herself to sleep in Caterina's arms. Soon Caterina herself went to sleep.
Daybreak awoke Caterina. Young Ara was still asleep curled up next to her mother. Caterina stroked her daughter's face softly, looking at her so peacefully asleep. She wondered if Destaan had returned to the castle or if he had stayed somewhere else because he was ashamed as to what he was seen doing by his daughter. Caterina wished that Destaan would never return. That perhaps he would stay away feeling guilty and foolish. She shook that thought away. "He hasn't guilt within him enough to leave us be," she whispered softly.
Ara began to stir softly in her sleep. She stretched her arms and opened her eyes looking to her mother. Her blue eyes looked sad and scared still yet.
Caterina smiled to her. "Morning my precious child. Sleep well?"
Shaking her head slowly she replied softly, "No mother I did not. Tell me that I dreamt I saw father drinking that servant's blood like he was an animal."
Wishing she could make Ara's vision of what she saw go away she knew she had to tell her the truth. "My sweet child, how I wish I could say it was a dream. I fear it was not."
Ara shivered curling into her mother's lap. "Why did he do that mother? Did it not hurt that lady?"
Caterina stroked her hair as she spoke. "Ara that is something you must speak to your father about. I cannot answer for him."
Ara looked up shaking her head. "No mother, I do not wish to talk to him. Never do I want to see him again." A small tear left her eye and ran across her cheek.
Caterina brushed the tear away. "Ara, he is your father and you must see him. You have to know the answers to your questions."
Shaking her head sitting up to face her mother, "No, please. I do not want to. He might want to drink my blood." She covered her neck.
Caterina pulled the child to her rocking her slowly. "He won't ever do that I promise you. Your father is...he is unlike most."
Speaking softly against her mother's bosom, "Please tell me why he was drinking her blood like that. I know you know why. Don't make me see him again."
Caterina sighed. She never wanted to explain any of this to her child. She sensed the great fear Ara now had of her father. "Look at me Ara and I shall tell you all that I can."
Ara looked up slowly, her eyes filled with tears.
Caterina kissed her forehead. "Ara, what I am about to tell you will shock you. You must know something first. No matter what you saw, no matter what you may see in the future you must know that your father loves you very much and would never hurt you."
Ara nodded slightly as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Ara, your father is what is known as a...vampire." She looked to her child's eyes to see if she understood the word.
"What is a...vampire?" Ara looked puzzled.
"He lives by drinking blood Ara. That is the only thing that keeps him alive in the sense that he lives. Oh Ara, this is most impossible to explain to you," she sighed.
"Mother please, explain to me. I must know what my father is."
Taking a deep breath she continued, "Ara, your father is immortal. You and I are mortal. The difference is that if I got sick, terribly sick, I would die. Your father however will not die. Not unless he starves from not feeding, as you saw last eve."
Ara looked more confused now. "I don't understand mother. Father can't die unless he does not drink blood?" She blinked slowly.
Nodding, "Yes Ara, that is what I mean. I know it's very hard to understand but long, long ago your father was killed...and then another vampire brought him back."
She did not know how Ara was taking this. Ara's eyes merely looked into Caterina's as she listened.
Clearing her throat she continued, "You see Ara; your father is dead in the sense that he is not alive as we are, you and I. If he were to be cut, it would heal immediately, but if you did, it would take time. His body is very different from ours."
Ara looked down then back to her mother. "I am his daughter."
Nodding, "Yes Ara you are..." She did not know where Ara was going with this.
"Am I sort of dead too mother?" She tilted her head.
"Ara, I am not sure of what your body will go through. You are born of me and even with your father's blood in your veins, you have mine as well. I do not know what the future holds. Even your father has never been able to say if you will change."
Ara looked scared. "I don't want to drink blood mother."
"Ara, you need not think of such now. You are a child and your body is behaving as mine does. You eat food to stay alive, as I must. If you needed blood like that of your father then food would not make the hunger go away."
A tear slid over Ara's cheek. "What if that happens?"
Caterina pulled Ara to her and hugged her tightly. "Then we shall do what we can. Perhaps that will not ever happen. I pray each night that it does not."
Ara sniffled and looked up into her mother's eyes. "Where is he now? Drinking blood?"
"Your father?" She shook her head. "No my child, he...he sleeps during the light hours. That is something quite deadly to him."
Ara look confused again. "I thought he went out on business during the day."
"Ara, your father and I never wanted you to know this about him so we had to tell you that he was away during the day."
"If he is not, if he sleeps, where is he?"
"He has a haven, a place where he rests during the day."
"Where mother?"
"In the castle Ara, but you cannot see him."
"Please mother, show me where he sleeps." Ara pleaded with her.
"No Ara, no one is allowed to see him when he sleeps. Not even I."
Ara wiped her face. "Not even you? Why?"
"Because during his sleep he does not wish to be bothered. As when you sleep at night you want to sleep not be woken up, right?"
Ara nodded slowly. "I suppose so."
"Well then, he is the same way. He sleeps during the day that is the only difference. We don't disturb him."
"Okay mother, but when night comes will he come to me?"
"Ara, I will talk to him before he tries to come to you. Do you still wish not to see him?"
She nodded. "Yes, I don't want anything to do with him."
Caterina hugged her once more. "Then I will tell him but for now we must get dressed and have some breakfast. I will take you to town and buy you a new dress. How does that sound?"
"I would rather not mother. Father took me to town last night. I wish to stay home today."
Caterina had almost forgotten about Destaan taking Ara out for the eve. "That is correct Ara, he did take you out. What happened?"
As Ara sat on the bed she looked to Caterina, "We went dancing mother."
"Dancing?" she asked.
"Yes mother. There were many people in this place. Dancing and drinking this stuff from mugs."
Caterina's eyes narrowed. That bastard had taken their ten-year-old to a tavern. How could he be so foolish? She looked to Ara. "Did father dance with only you?"
"Yes mother. He let me take a drink from that mug too."
"He what?" Caterina was upset.
"It was okay not as good as the juice I get here though."
"You are to never drink that horrid stuff again Ara."
"Don't worry mother, I won't ever go back to a place like that ever again."
Caterina dressed herself and took Ara's hand to take her to her room to change her clothing. "What else happened at this place?"
Getting to Ara's room she replied to her mother, "There were people saying things loudly. I could hear them so well."
Caterina looked at her. "What kinds of things?"
"One lady was told that her bosoms smelled like roses, something like that." She shrugged as she sat on her bed.
Caterina blinked. "And your father knew you heard such?"
She nodded. "Yes and also there was a man and woman in a booth and he said he wanted to set her on fire, or light her fire. I forget which."
Caterina nearly passed out. "Your father and I will have a long talk about this."
"You know what was weird?"
"What Ara?"
"Father wanted to know where these people were sitting and I pointed them out. He seemed strange about it. They were so loud though, anyone could have heard them."
"Ara, how close were you to these people?" Caterina feared the worst as she helped Ara undress.
"I don't know. The people in the booth were across the room."
Swallowing hard she asked, "Was the music loud too?"
"Yes mother but it was like those people were speaking to me in my ear. Even the two dancing. It was like when I looked at them they were talking to me. Was quite odd mother."
Caterina held back her tears. Her worst fears seemed to be coming true. Ara was starting to show signs of possessing her father's powers. Hearing someone from a distance was one of them. So that had to have been what Destaan meant when he stated, 'Word to the wise my dear, don't say anything that you would not want Ara to hear if she is about.'
Destaan knew that his child had powers. Caterina feared him now more than ever.
Ara touched her mother's face. "Are you okay?"
Caterina looked to her and smiled, "Yes darling. Let's get you dressed and ready."
Caterina and Ara shared breakfast as they always did every morning. It was quite hard though for Caterina to pretend not to be bothered by what Ara had said. But she had to; she had to for the sake of her child.
After breakfast, Caterina took Ara outside to the gardens to play. She waited for nightfall to speak to Destaan. This was a night she dreaded but yet longed for as well.
The howling of the wolves awakened Destaan. His eyes opened and he arose from his coffin. He sighed thinking of Ara and how he was to explain all of this to her. He knew Caterina had done her best but it was he that had to face his child. The child that now looked upon him in horror and hate. He made his way upstairs from his haven on his way to see his child. Caterina was waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs that led up to hers and Ara's rooms.
Her arms were folded as he approached her. "She does not wish to see you Destaan."
"I thought as much but I need to talk to her Caterina. Move from my way please."
"No Destaan, she told me to keep you from her. She hates you and she fears you." Caterina refused to move even though her heart was beating rapidly and she knew Destaan would sense that. Even so, she stood her ground.
"She will learn to accept me Caterina. She has no other choice." He narrowed his eyes at her.
"Destaan, you must understand she is ten years old. She had no idea what a vampire was until I had to tell her. I had to explain why you drank blood and how your body was different than mine and hers."
Nodding, "I know this Caterina. I heard you in my sleep. You explained it quite well. She must hear from me."
"Destaan, give her time. This is too soon. It only happened last eve."
"Caterina, I am going to talk to her of this now." He stepped to his left to go around Caterina.
Caterina stepped in his way. "Not until we talk of the tavern you took her to." Her eyes stared deeply into his.
Destaan leaned back against the railing of the banister. He folded his arms over his broad chest. "She told you, all of it I am assuming."
She nodded. "That she did and I cannot believe that you took her to a place where drinking was going on."
"Caterina, she was with me. She was safe and you know this."
"Destaan, that tavern is a place not for children."
He nodded. "Caterina, I know this. She enjoyed herself."
"I am sure she did, drinking...what was it, ale?"
He laughed softly. "And didn't spit it out I might add."
"Oh, this is amusing to you I see. Well it did not amuse me in the slightest." She folded her arms and sneered.
"I am not here to amuse you my dear." He snarled.
"Were you amused when she overheard those people?" She narrowed her eyes.
He grinned. "That I was. Ara possesses the power of immeasurable hearing."
"This is not a good thing Destaan. This means that she could turn out to be like you. What a hideous thought that is."
He chuckled. "Hideous you say? Ara could never be such as I. She also has your traits in kindness. That is what upsets me so."
She rolled her eyes at him. "You have your emotions screwed up Destaan."
He shrugged. "That is your opinion my dear. Are we through here?" He tried to pass her on the staircase.
"No Destaan we are not through." She stepped in front of him again.
"Caterina, move out of my way or I will move you and you would be better off doing this on your own." His eyes darkened.
"So you are going to traumatize her even more because you are a stubborn bastard?"
"Caterina, my child will see me. She will listen and she will learn from this."
"Learn what?! Are you going to teach her to drink blood now?!"
He pushed her out of his way. "Caterina, you are so dramatic."
Calling to him as he ascended the stairs, "She won't see you Destaan. She hates you more than anything now. Going to her now will only cause her more pain."
He ignored her and made his way up the stairs and down the hallway that led to Ara's room. He tapped lightly on the door. "Ara, it is your father. I wish to talk to you. I am not going away until this happens."
He heard her call from beyond the door, "Then you may stay there forever father. I do not want to see you. I hate you!"
Shaking his head he tried to open the door but it was locked. "Ara, unlock this door now and let me inside the room."
"Go away!" she yelled from inside the room.
"Ara, you must understand that I possess many powers. There is really no way that you can stop me from coming inside the room. I wish you to allow me willingly however."
Caterina was listening just down the hallway. "That's so fatherly of you Destaan. Force your way inside her room when she does not want you there."
"Caterina," he sneered looking down to her, "go inside your room and shut your mouth. This is between Ara and I. Don't make me angry."
Ara screamed hearing him speak to her mother that way. She flung open the door and kicked Destaan hard in the right knee. "You won't hurt my mother! I will kill you first!" She stood looking up at him furiously.
Caterina smiled and walked towards them but Destaan shook his head at her. "You stay away Caterina."
Ara kicked him again, this time in his left knee. "Leave her alone!"
He frowned darkly looking down to his daughter. "Don't kick me again child or I will..."
"You'll what father?! Drink my blood?! Kill me?!" Tears streamed down her face.
"Or I will thrash your behind young lady." He snarled at her.
Caterina wanted to rush to Ara and hold her but Destaan forced her distance.
Ara looked into his eyes. "I hate you! You are a monster! I hope the sun gets you and you die!" She ran past him to Caterina and hugged her legs tightly.
Destaan sighed deeply. "Ara, you have no idea what you speak of. I want to tell you of my world."
"Mother told me. Leave me alone!" She cried as Caterina stooped to hug her tightly.
"Ara, one day you will become as I am. You must know what you will be and how to protect yourself." He walked slowly towards them.
"Destaan please, can you not see what you are doing to her?" Caterina pleaded.
"Caterina, remain silent." His voice had grown cold and dark. Looking to Ara, "Child you have to listen to me. Your mother does not know everything about my kind. Only I can tell you what you need to know. You have to be able to adjust and protect yourself properly."
"I don't want to be like you." She cried shaking her head.
Destaan knelt and touched her head in which she quickly moved away. "Ara you have no choice. Your hearing is developing rapidly. You heard those people in the tavern from across the room with others around and music playing loudly."
Caterina closed her eyes as the teardrops fell. She could feel Ara shaking against her soaking her dress with her tears. "Destaan, this is enough for one day. I implore you to wait until another time." She looked into his eyes.
He nodded and rose back up. "Perhaps that is for the best. However, I want both of you to know that soon we will all sit down and talk about this. Caterina, she must know the ways of the dark."
Caterina took Ara into her room and closed the door not speaking to Destaan anymore.
He shook his head and headed off downstairs. The night had just begun and he was most hungry. The city beckoned him and he was answering its call.
Weeks passed, Caterina and Ara heard nothing from Destaan. He would come and go in the castle but would not attempt to speak to either of them. It was as if he lived his life and they lived theirs, separately. Caterina liked it this way but was not fooled by Destaan. She knew that he was merely giving Ara time to heal. He would be calling upon them soon enough.
And that day did come, or should I say that night came. I remember it all too well when my father called for me and mother to come to the den. It forever burns in my mind.
Destaan was sitting in the den when Caterina and Ara came into the room. Neither wanting to be there but both knowing that it would be best this time to hear him out. Caterina promised Ara to remain by her side and not allow Destaan near her.
He looked to them both. "Thank you for joining me. I have allowed much time for your wounds to heal. It is time that we talk of this."
Caterina and Ara both nodded but remained silent. They sat upon the sofa, keeping a distance from him.
"I shall begin." He turned to Ara. "My child, you know that I am a vampire. That I must drink of human blood to survive. You also know that you perhaps will someday have this overwhelming need to feed as well."
Ara cringed hearing his words and slid close to her mother on the sofa.
"Ara listen to me. I do not wish you afraid. This is why I am telling you this." He looked into her blue eyes. "Long ago, as your mother told you, I was killed. A man and I fought and he stabbed me. I died that day and was to stay that way but someone else had something in mind. There was a vampire by the name of Stefan that had watched my battle. When I fell from the sword, he came to my side. The victor of the match left me for dead. Stefan whispered to me not to be afraid. To embrace death. I was confused and scared, as you are now Ara."
Ara bit her lower lip listening to him. She held onto her mother tightly.
"Everything went dark and all I could feel was a sense of weightlessness. Stefan's voice was calling to me. He kept saying join me, join me. I had not a clue what he meant. Then I felt a tugging upon my throat as if the cords were being ripped out."
Ara shivered, Caterina hugged her to her. "It's okay baby. I am here."
Destaan arose from his seat and paced the floor as he spoke, "When I awoke I was in a dungeon. It was cold and dark. I thought this to be hell. A hell that was not as I had heard. This was far worse. I would have loved the warmth. Stefan appeared to me and told me what he had done. I was confused. He chained me to the wall and left me for days alone. I screamed but no one heard me."
He stopped for a moment looking to them both, he knelt before them. "When he returned Ara he fed me of his blood. I was so hungry and thirsty that it tasted good to me. That hunger has grown over the years. That is all I crave."
Ara peered into his eyes. "You don't eat father?"
"Not in the way that you do." He shook his head.
"Blood alone makes you live?"
He shook his head. "Not anymore Ara. It takes more than just blood."
"What more father?" She sat up a little looking to him.
"It was blood alone that kept me alive but when you were born it was you. The love I feel for you and the love you had for me keeps me alive Ara. Blood alone no longer feeds my hunger. But now that you love me no more, I hunger." He lowered his head.
Caterina wondered if this was a ploy to get Ara to return to him. She hoped he was not using this to get to his own daughter.
Ara looked to her mother. "He is hurting, isn't he?"
Before Caterina could answer Destaan looked up. "I am hurting my sweet. I have a hunger that only you can feed. I am a starving man without your love."
Ara sighed a bit. "I don't wish to hurt you father. I don't wish you to starve."
"Love me again my child and I shall rejoice forever. Nevermore will I hunger." He smiled slightly to her.
Ara looked to her mother again. "Should I love him mother?"
Caterina wanted so badly to say no, but how could she deny her daughter a father? She nodded slowly. "Yes Ara, you should love him. He is your father."
Ara smiled to Destaan and slid from her mother's arms to face him as he knelt. She opened her arms. "Will a hug feed you father?"
Destaan laughed softly. "Yes my precious, a hug will feed me plenty." He hugged her tightly to him. "I have missed you so much Ara."
Ara hugged her father tightly as Caterina cried softly. She wanted to be happy but could not. She knew that Destaan would win her over again and this time teach her about his kind. Destaan looked to Caterina as she cried and winked to her. Caterina shook her head. He did all of this just to win their child back over. She could see it in his eyes. He never did anything for anyone unless he was getting something from it.
Destaan took Ara under his wing teaching her. He taught her slowly of the vampiric ways. Caterina was helpless and could only watch what he was doing to their child. It pained her to see how much Ara adored her father, how much she admired him. It was obvious that Ara was her father's child. She had grown cold towards her mother and had very little to do with the servants. She had loved to play but now her days were filled with studying what Destaan had taught her the previous night.
The evening came and Destaan had risen. He went to Ara's room as he always had done. Knocking upon the door she called out, "Come in father."
Destaan smiled opening his child's door. "How did you know that it was I?"
She grinned. "Because you always come each night at this very time."
He laughed softly walking towards her. "Ah yes, you are a very bright child."
She giggled. "I am twelve now father. I am growing up; I won't be a child much longer."
He nodded as he knelt before her. "Yes you are my sweet. But even when you blossom into a woman you are still my little girl." He brought her to him and hugged her tightly.
She hugged him in return. "Perhaps father. What is my lesson this eve?"
He smiled pulling away from her. "Ara, you are most eager. I fear this eve that I am going to disappoint you. I need to venture into town this eve."
Her eyes lit up. "Oh please father, take me."
He shook his head. "I am sorry my precious. This night your father must feed and you cannot be with me."
She pouted. "Oh please father, I promise not to be seen."
He tapped her pouted lips. "I cannot take you. And that adorable pout won't work for you this time." He stood up looking down at her.
She placed her hands upon her hips and gave him her most pitiful look. "Just this once father?"
He grinned and shook his head. "That is a rather good look for you my sweet. I do pity the young men that must look upon that face and tell you no."
She stomped her foot. "Father, you are so cruel."
He laughed. "I suppose I am. I shall see you tomorrow eve and we shall pick up on your lessons." He winked to her and left her room.
Ara was not happy that her father had told her no. That was a word she was unaccustomed to and did not take to it well when she was on the receiving end of it. She sat down at her window and watched the carriage leave taking her father.
Caterina peeked into Ara's room. "I see your father left you this eve."
Ara looked to her and nodded. "Yes he did. He said he needed to feed and would not allow me to go."
Caterina walked into the room. "Ara that is not something for a child to witness."
"Why must you still call me a child mother? I am twelve now."
She smiled sitting on Ara's bed. "That you are my dear. But you are still a child."
"I don't like being treated like a baby. I could have watched father drink from someone."
Caterina shivered hearing Ara speak such. "Ara, why do you wish to see such a heinous act?"
Ara walked to her mother, her little ice blue eyes glowing. "Mother, I will one day become a vampire. Don't I need to see what I must do?"
Caterina sighed deeply. "Ara, I hope that you never become what your father is. I hope that you never taste blood. Don't you see that vampires are evil?"
Ara sneered darkly at her mother. "Don't you call my father evil. He loves me and is the kindest person alive."
Caterina shook her head. "There is where you are wrong, your father is not alive."
"I don't understand you mother. If you hate my father so much, why don't you leave?"
Caterina stood up and walked to Ara's door, she looked to her daughter. "If I could have left him I would have. I would have left before you were born Ara. Your father will not allow me to leave. I am a prisoner in this castle." Caterina closed the door behind her.
Ara growled lowly as she picked up a book to read. She was waiting for her father to return. She vowed not to sleep until he returned.
Ara had dozed off but was awakened by the sound of the carriage coming back through the castle gates. She rubbed her eyes and smiled knowing her father was home. She straightened her dress and made her way out of her room. She crept quietly to the stairs and sat down on the top stair. She peered through the banister watching her father led a young woman into his study. She could see through the doorway. He did not close the door behind him.
Ara watched her father and this woman. He moved with her slowly as if he was dancing. She laughed as he whispered things into her ear. Ara smiled as she looked to her father closely. She knew that she had the power to hear what was being said. He had warned her never to eavesdrop on him but this was far too fascinating not to. She listened closely as she carefully made her way down the stairs. She watched from the shadows.
Destaan stroked the woman's cheek. "You look so divine tonight my dear."
The woman smiled blushing. "You are quite the charmer Destaan."
He unlaced her top letting his nails graze her soft flesh. "You are very soft."
She moaned softly, "Oh Destaan, you ignite fires in me I had thought died."
He laughed softly. "Allow me to ignite you more my sweet." He cupped and lifted her left breast to his mouth. His tongue flickered across the silky flesh. He smiled watching her body respond to his.
Ara looked closely; she had never seen such things before.
The woman moaned and pulled Destaan closer to her. "Take me Destaan. My blood boils inside my very veins for you."
He grinned evilly hearing her words. He sniffed up her neck. "Mmm, you smell incredible. I bet you taste even better." His fangs came out. He let them graze her slightly, teasing her.
She grasped his arms not knowing what he was doing, not knowing his intentions to kill her. "Then taste me, taste of my body."
"My pleasure." He smirked as he dipped his fangs into her neck deeply. A trickle of blood curled its way down her neck to her shoulder.
She grabbed his arms tighter, her eyes grew wider. She gasped but ecstasy took over, easing the pain.
Destaan fed from her, holding her body to his until it grew limp in his arms. He smiled lowering her corpse to the ground. He stroked her blonde tresses. "I was correct my sweet, you do taste like the sweetest wine."
Ara kept watching him as he picked up the woman's body and tossed her to the wolves that howled outside the door. He strolled over and knelt to get the woman's shoes. As he did a shadow was cast upon him, he looked up and noticed Ara standing there looking at him.
"Ara, what are you doing awake at this hour?"
She smiled. "Watching you feed off of that woman."
He looked to her curiously. "What did you see?"
She smiled as she stood before him. "I saw you dance and kiss her. I saw you undress her. I saw you drink from her. I watched you kill her."
He nodded slowly, "I see. How are you feeling about all of this?"
She smiled and traced her finger over his lips. She then took her finger to her very own mouth. Destaan noticed blood on her finger. He must have had some on his lips from the woman. Ara grinned and placed her finger into her mouth. She sucked it slowly. "You are correct father, sweeter than wine." Her eyes gleamed.
He grinned evilly, his fangs still showing. "You naughty child. Have you been in my wine?"
She nodded slowly, "Yes father, please don't be mad at me."
He opened his arms to her. She went to him as he pulled her close. "I could never be mad at you for such. You are curious and you have the hunger. That makes me most proud."
She looked into his eyes and leaned closer. He tilted his head searching her eyes. She smiled and licked his lips. "Mmmm, it's so good father."
He narrowed his eyes and grinned. "Such a tease you are my darling."
She laughed softly and kissed him on the lips. "I want more."
"Your hunger has grown dear Ara. You will always want more."
Ara nodded slowly. "Always father."
Just as Destaan's hands moved up Ara's body, they both heard a scream, "What the hell are you doing?!"
Destaan and Ara saw Caterina standing there in horror looking upon them both. Her eyes were raging with a fire Destaan had only seen when he took her the first time. She was shaking all over, her fists clenched.
Destaan rose and shook his head. "It is not what you think Caterina."
"I saw you kissing our child! I saw your hands sliding over her body! Were you going to rape her like you did me?!"
Ara blinked hearing her mother's words. She backed away from Destaan.
"Caterina calm yourself now!" Destaan demanded.
"Go to hell you bastard!" she screamed running to Ara. "Tell me baby, what did father do to you?"
Ara shook her head. "Nothing mother. It was I, I tasted his lips. I wanted to taste the blood of that woman I watched him kill."
Caterina looked to Destaan with an anger that could have killed him and she was wishing she had the power to do so. "You allowed her to watch a kill?!"
Before Destaan could answer Ara spoke, "No mother, I crept down here. I stayed in the shadows and watched him. He had no idea."
She looked to Ara. "Your father knew you were here Ara. His senses could have picked up on your presence." She glared at Destaan looking up at him.
Destaan shook his head. "You are wrong Caterina. When I am in the stalking of my prey, I ignore most of my surroundings. Danger is the only sense that I pay attention to. Ara posed no danger."
"She is a child you fucking asshole!! You were going to touch her! I saw it in your eyes!" She held Ara close to her as the tears rained down her face.
"Caterina, I was not going to touch our child. I am not that heinous." he approached them.
Caterina stood up and backed away with Ara. "You stay away from her and me right now! If I see you near her again I will kill you!"
He chuckled. "You? Kill me? Oh Caterina, that is humorous."
Ara looked upon her parents in horror and started to cry. "Stop it! Please stop fighting! That's all you do anymore!" She pulled from her mother and rushed upstairs to her room slamming her bedroom door behind her.
Caterina sneered at Destaan. "You bastard, you keep your filthy hands off of her."
Destaan's eyes grew dark, his fangs extending as he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. "Listen to me you worthless bitch. I could kill you right now at this very moment. And if I wanted to I could go to Ara's room and have my way with her." He smirked evilly feeling Caterina go limp to his words.
"I was not going to touch that child Caterina. It was she that tasted my lips; she wanted to taste mortal blood. Blood of someone I killed. She is changing Caterina and there is nothing that you can do about it. It is out of your hands." He glared at her.
She struggled to get away from him. "I will stop it, you watch me." She slapped his face.
He rubbed his cheek where the slap had landed and slapped her face hard knocking her to the ground. "Touch me again like that dear Caterina and you shall die. That is your only warning."
She looked up at him holding her cheek where he hit her. This was the first time he had ever struck her this way. She held her face and cried as he left the room. His footsteps made their way to the door beside the study. The door that led to the haven in which he slept. Caterina stayed there on the floor crying.
Destaan and Ara grew closer as the years passed. Caterina was pushed further and further out of Ara's life. She lived mainly in her room watching the days pass through her window.
Ara was growing into a young woman. Her father was most proud of her and took her many nights with him on his hunts. Ara would watch from the shadows, as her father would take the lives of his victims. She never made a sound nor made herself seen to the ones that he preyed upon. She enjoyed so much watching her father make his kills. Stalking his prey delighted young Ara the most. Destaan would tell her every night as they returned to the castle that if she told Caterina of what she saw that he would not take her anymore with him. She had to keep everything she saw a secret. Ara always did as her father told her; she did not wish to stay at home with Caterina.
Each morning when Ara awoke she joined her mother for breakfast and as always questioned about the night before’s activities. Ara always smiled sweetly and told her that she and her father had went dancing. Caterina was no fool. She knew that Destaan would not spend his nights dancing with his daughter.
"Ara, I know that Destaan must allow you to watch his kills," she would say.
"No mother, he and I go dancing," Ara would smile sweetly in replying.
"Ara, don't lie to me. Your father must feed so I know that he does not take you dancing each and every night."
"Perhaps he feeds when he brings me home. I know not if he leaves when he tucks me in at night mother."
Caterina shook her head. "Your father would not spend each and every night dancing with you dear child. He wishes to make you like him. He is teaching you this I know. Does he tell you not to tell me of your nights?"
Ara shook her head, her ice blue eyes glowing. "Mother, you are wrong. Father enjoys being with me. He does not teach me anything but to dance."
"You lie to protect him. You lie so that you may go with him. Ara, you and I were close before the night you watched him drain that woman. I do not know you anymore. You are not the child you once were only a few years ago."
Ara smiled as sweetly as she could. "Mother, I have grown. I love you very much but I do wish to be with my father when I can. I have you in the daylight and him once nightfall arrives."
"You must sleep Ara. You look tired. You are a mere fourteen years old and you are beginning to look like that of a twenty year old."
Ara laughed softly. "Mother, I get my rest. Besides, I will turn as my father is. I will become as he, immortal. So age means nothing."
Caterina stood and glared at her. "Child, do not damn yourself to the hell that your father lives in. There is no guarantee that you will be like he is. You may never change, you may remain mortal."
Ara calmly looked at Caterina. "I hope not. I want to be a vampire."
Caterina shook her head and tossed her napkin onto her plate, "Ara, you are a foolish child. You see glamour in what your father does and is. There is nothing so great about killing people. Taking their lives from them. Taking them from the people that they love. Your father took me from my life, my home and my family. They all think I am dead. I may as well be, I live in hell."
"If this is hell then let it be my destiny." Ara smiled at her.
Caterina was disgusted and left the room to return to hers. Ara smiled and stayed at the table finishing her breakfast.
She studied the books that Destaan gave her about being immortal. Ara could not wait til nightfall to see her father. She read as much she could so that she would be prepared when he quizzed her. He liked giving her tests to see what she understood and what she needed to learn more of.
Nightfall came and Destaan knocked on Ara's door as he did each night. She smiled opening it to him. "I was waiting for you."
He scooped her into his arms. "I knew you would be my sweet. Tonight shall be a bit different Ara."
"How so?" She smiled as she kissed his cheek.
"Tonight dear Ara, you will make your first kill." He smiled to her.
Her eyes lit up and she squealed, "Really? Please say this isn't a joke father!"
He laughed as he nodded. "Really my sweet. I feel it is time for you to have another taste. I have watched you Ara; you have your fangs waiting to be used. They are there my dear." He put her down onto the floor.
Ara ran to her mirror and held her gums up looking. "Where?"
He smiled walking back to her. "They only show my precious after you have watched me drink of someone. Your instincts take over. You are hungry."
She looked up at him and smiled nodding. "I am father. I feel this need deep in my stomach, it growls for food. But not food that I am fed during the day."
"Yes my sweet, I know that feeling very well." He held open his hand to her. "Come my sweet Ara, the night calls to us."
She grinned running her tongue over her gums hoping to feel something as she took his hand. "I am ready father, I am very ready."
Destaan and Ara left the castle in his carriage on their way to feed upon the night.
