Scarlet Rose

Chapter 11 - Unexpected Guests

When the last turned vampires finally fell, Shiro and Wayne threw their bodies on a huge pile in the center of the courtyard, then set it all on fire. Everyone cheered, only Shiro stood still, staring at the flames, his arms folded across his chest. His thoughts were on Katherine again. Most of all, he was very angry with her for disobeying and leaving the mansion during the fight and putting herself in danger. How could lady Katherine want to help Marie if she was only human? It was known that her fight with these wild creatures was lost in advance. Since he, as a powerful pure-blooded vampire, had a problem sometimes in the fight against turned vampires, she couldn't win even more. But despite everything, Katherine chose to leave the mansion and distract those vampires from Marie. Shiro knew that lady O'Sullivan had become friends with his maid, but he did not think Kath had become so close to Marie that she would risk her own death for this girl.

Yes, Katherine O'Sullivan was certainly an extraordinary woman. She must have been scared, after all, lady Katherine probably still hasn't forgot how the wild turned vampires attacked her carriage, but still she didn't back away, seeing that her friend was in need. When Shiro heard about it from Wayne, who had been informed by the half-alive Marie, he rushed without thinking towards the garden, the more so because he was close. Fortunately, Shiro managed to save Katherine and put her in a safe place, however, he was concerned about the way she looked at him as they stood close to each other in the library. The worst part was that Shiro probably felt the same as she did, especially the almost physical pain as he moved away from her. It was definitely not a good sign, but Shiro didn't want to think about it right now.

- Shiro! Cheer up! We won after all.- Wayne's voice broke him out of his thoughts and the touch of his hand on Shiro's back.

- Of course I'm glad. I'm just tired.- Shiro replied, trying to smile.

- Okay, I understand.- said Wayne.- But one thing was amazing, more specifically what lady Katherine did.- he continued, but seeing his cousin frown, smiled slightly.- Yes, I know, I know, it was very unwise, but still amazing, right?- asked Wayne, tilting the head slightly to the side.

- Well, maybe you're right.- Shiro admitted, sighing a little.- I must admit that only a few humans can do such an act. Especially since lady Katherine is not even a vampire hunter, and only the chosen ones of humankind can become one, since they are not afraid of fighting vampires.- he added with a little admiration.

- Exactly.- Wayne nodded.- Lady Katherine has no idea about fighting vampires, but somehow she neutralized one by hitting it right in the jaw, one of the weak points of the turned vampires. Perhaps lady O'Sullivan should become a vampire hunter?- he added with mild amusement.

- She was just lucky. There is no need to get so excited about it. It's not enough to be able to hit a vampire in the jaw, you also need the strength or the right equipment to tear off his head so that he won't get up anymore.- Shiro pointed out.- Let's go home, I really need a bath.- he urged his cousin, and went with him to the mansion, followed by the rest of the group.

- What about Marie, John and Lillian?- Shiro asked as they got inside and the servants put three bodies wrapped in sheets on the floor.

- They can't be saved.- the vampire butler answered in a pained voice, peering down at the floor.

- What a pity...- Wayne spoke up.- Lady Katherine will be in despair... She put her life at risk for Marie.- he added with obvious sadness.

- She would have to survive this somehow. That's the price of our safety.- Shiro summed up, heading upstairs, but then suddenly stopped and turned.- Prepare a funeral for our friends.- he instructed, then continued walking up.

The servants took care of the three bodies, and Wayne followed Shiro upstairs.

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When the sounds of the fighting had died down completely, and a moment later the fiery glow could be seen, Margareth and Katherine almost simultaneously sprang from their chair, running to the window.

- We won.- said Margareth, smiling broadly.- It couldn't be otherwise.- she pointed out, looking at Katherine.

- Now what?- she asked, really not knowing what to do next.

- We will prepare for the late breakfast.- answered Margareth.- Today I will help you get dressed, my lady. You got your dress dirty during your escapade in the garden.- she pointed out.

- Ah, yes, it's true.- Katherine whispered, looking down at the fabric of her dress. It was so dirty and torn the dress should be thrown away, which was a pity since Kath liked it very much.

Not long after Katherine changed her clothes and Margareth adjusted her hastily thrown on dress, the servants began calling everyone for breakfast. It was almost 11 o'clock so it was a really late breakfast. After breakfast eaten in peace, without much conversation, Margareth, Katherine, Shiro, and Wayne sat down in the living room to talk, more precisely, it was Shiro and Wayne who wanted to talk to both of them.

- It's about yesterday's battle with turned vampires.- Wayne explained when they sat on the sofas, seeing Margareth's questioning gaze. Katherine sat next to Margareth, eyes fixed on her own hands, resting on the fabric of the dress.

- We won this battle so I don't know if there is anything to talk about.- dr Stone replied.

- Well, that's kind of true.- Shiro confirmed, but the guilty expression returned to his face.- However, it was not without victims on our side. Three servants did not make it.- he informed, looking down at the carpet.

- Who exactly?- Margareth asked immediately, very touched by the news.

Katherine didn't look up, but her entire body muscles tightened when she heard Shiro's words. Kath had a bad feeling, especially since Margareth was helping her change today. From then on, in the side courtyard, when had distracted those vampires, she had never seen Marie again. Of course, the maid could rest in her room now, she was seriously injured after all... But Katherine's thoughts were telling her a worst-case scenario. And as it turned out, her intuition was right.

- John, Lillian...- Shiro spoke up, pausing for a moment, then took a deep breath.- And Marie.- he added at the end with obvious difficulty.

Margareth said nothing, but her expression clearly showed shock and anguish. She put her right hand to the chest, in the place where the heart is supposed to be, closing her eyes for a moment.

Only hearing Shiro's words did Katherine finally look up, and her eyes were already filled with tears. Kath's face was so full of pain it was hard to look at. Seeing this, Wayne inadvertently got up from the couch, walked over to her and knelt on one knee beside, handing lady O'Sullivan his handkerchief. Then he grabbed her free hand and squeezed it a little.

- Lady Katherine... I know it must be very difficult, losing someone dear to you.- Wayne began to speak in a very soft voice, with a serious expression on his face, and Shiro looked at him first in shock, because he had no idea his cousin could be so serious.- I know that you and Marie became a very good friends, after all you was able to risk your own life to help her. The more it must be painful, since Marie could not be saved in the end, so you probably feel the nonsense of your act. But I want you to know one thing, my lady.- continued Wayne, looking at her tearful face.- Maybe Marie's wounds were already too severe to save her, but by distracting those vampires from her, you gave Marie several minutes of life, during which she witnessed dear friend sacrifice life to save her. Marie later told me that at that point she was very worried about you, lady Katherine, but at the same time felt happy that she meant so much to someone. Marie also added that thanks to her acquaintance with you, my lady, for the first time since becoming a vampire, she felt the real happiness.- Wayne added at the end, then reached out and stroked her head lightly.

- Thank you, count Williams.- Katherine finally replied, and her face lit up a little. She wiped the tears with his handkerchief, then smiled at Wayne gratefully because she really felt better hearing his words.

- You're welcome, lady Katherine. And I think it's about time you calling me by my name.- Wayne replied, smiling as well.- I even think you could call us both like that.- saying that, he turned head towards his cousin, who was still sitting on the couch.- Right, Shiro...- Wayne broke off suddenly, seeing his clearly angry expression.

- I think that's enough.- Shiro said in such a stern and cold tone that even Margareth finally woke up from her despair and looked at him with no less surprise than Wayne and Katherine.

- Shiro, what's wrong with you...- Wayne tried to cut in, getting to his feet, looking pleadingly at his cousin.

- Enough of this, I said!- count Akira's voice rumbled like thunder.- We shouldn't become more familiar or friendly with each other, Wayne.- he continued, a bit calmer, but his voice was still cold and eyes almost pierced his cousin.- Have you forgotten that these two women are human beings and we're pure-blood vampires? What would the clan elders say if they even knew about how you addresses Margareth?- Shiro asked accusingly, getting up from the couch.- And now you want to get closer with lady O'Sullivan... I think we have enough problems. I don't know about you, but I don't want to bring the clans elders to my head.- he added.

- I understand your point of view and I agree, Shiro.- Wayne replied calmly, not taking eyes off his cousin.- But don't you think you're exaggerating a bit? I'm only doing this so Maggie...- he paused as saw Shiro frown.- I mean Margareth, and lady O'Sullivan, could feel a little better here. After all, we don't know how long they'll be staying in our mansion, do we? - he asked, looking at him meaningfully.

- Do what you want, Wayne.- Shiro replied, much calmer, but his face was still full of anger.- But don't put me into it. I do not wish to become familiar with any human being and expose myself to the wrath of the elders. And I don't advise you to do it in front of my eyes, because I won't vouch for myself.- he added through gritted teeth, then turned and quickly walked down the hall to his room. He quickly disappeared into the darkness of the corridor, but a door slam was heard later.

- I'm so sorry for him.- Wayne turned to Margareth and Katherine, who were silent with a shocked expression on their faces.- But don't worry, he certainly wasn't one hundred percent honest. I believe that Shiro cares for you as much as I do. I don't know, however, what bit him today...- he sighed.

- Don't worry, count Williams.- Margareth spoke up, sending him a smile.- I don't mind how you call me, so you don't have to change anything, count.- she assured.

- I also. And I'd love to call you by your name... Wayne.- Katherine replied a bit shyly.

- I'm very happy about that.- replied count Williams, and his face brightened completely.- But for now, in the presence of Shiro, let's limit ourselves a bit. At least until his anger passes over.- he remarked, looking at both ladies.

- Of course.- Margareth agreed, and Katherine nodded her head affirmatively.

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Shiro regretted his outburst not long after the room door slammed behind him. He knew all too well why had reacted so. Shiro used the excuse of Wayne's behavior again to hide his own feelings, and felt very bad about it. In fact, though, count Akira felt a pang of jealousy when his cousin began comforting Katherine, especially when she smiled like that at him... The mere thought of it made Shiro angry again, but knew he had to control it. Feeling jealous was another bad sign. He should not be jealous of lady O'Sullivan, nor should feel anything towards her except perhaps the desire to free her from the "curse" of his blood and sending her home.

When Shiro had calmed down somewhat, along with the rest of the servants, Wayne, Margareth, and Katherine, he held a funeral for the three fallen in the battle. Of course, the atmosphere between Shiro, his cousin and ladies was still a bit awkward, but Wayne, just like always, tried to loosen it at all costs. It helped a bit, but not completely, also, Shiro did not want to completely relax the atmosphere, especially between him and lady Katherine, as that would make it easier for him to hold back those feelings he should not be feeling.

After lunch, Wayne went on an extra hunt as he wanted to recover from the fight and wanted to bring Shiro with him, but he declined, explaining that preferred to go to the forest in the evening. This time Wayne did not persuade him anymore, apparently still being gentle with his cousin, and resigned, he went to the forest himself.

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After coming back to lord Edwards' mansion and resting a little bit, lord Michael and Patrick O'Sullivan, knowing the directions to the Williams clan mansion, next day saddled their horses and set off. After a day's journey, they reached the Williams clan property and they were about to leave the forest to go directly to the mansion, but met someone who looked familiar on the road, returning from the depths of the forest along the same path they had taken towards the mansion.

- Excuse me, aren't you the count Wayne Williams?- Patrick asked him.

- Yes, that's right.- the man replied, wiping the traces of blood from his mouth with a handkerchief.- Sorry, but I was hunting animals in a nearby forest. I am telling you this because I recognize you are hunters.- he explained.- I presume you are lord Michael O'Sullivan? I recognized you right away.- he turned to the older O'Sullivan.

- That's right, count Williams.- Michael confirmed.- And this is my son Patrick.- he introduced him.

- Nice to meet you.- Wayne shook Patrick's hand.- What do we owe your visit to?- he asked after a moment, his eyes focused on the father again.

- My daughter, Katherine, was due to arrive in Cardiff a few days, at the residence of her fiance, lord Liam Edwards, however we found out that she never made it and some disturbing traces were found in a nearby forest. Her carriage was probably attacked by a horde of wild turned vampires.- Michael explained.- The traces of burned corpses also indicate that either some lone hunter, or you and your cousin, might have been there.- he pointed out, looking at him significantly.

- Let's go to the mansion.- Wayne replied, his expression turning very serious.

- Do you know anything about it? Have you been there? Do you know what happened to Katherine?- Patrick attacked him with questions.

- Young lord O'Sullivan, let's get to the mansion first. We'll talk peacefully over there.- Wayne replied, then started walking down the road.

Michael held back his son's further questions with a hand gesture, and they both signaled their horses to follow count Williams.