Society Against Vampires

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Once Kellan had found her a satchel to put the neatly folded gown in, along with the weapon, she headed to her grandmother’s home instead of her own. It was past time she visited Isha. She’d been meaning to ever since she’d returned from the Arcton Mountains. Hurrying to the outskirts of town, she tried not to think about how late the day was growing. If she didn’t arrive home before her parents, she doubted even the thought of her attending one of Lady Eris’ events would convince them to let her go out this evening.

Isha opened her front door, smiling at the sight of Meikah. The smile faded as quickly as it had begun. “What’s wrong, Meikie? Come inside and tell me.”

She’d barely stepped inside before Isha’s arms were wrapped around her. She returned the hug. “I think I’m going to be in more trouble after tonight, Grandmother Isha.” She drew back. “And I need you to help me.”

“In trouble with who?”

“With Grandfather Harlen.”

Isha grinned. “Well, in that case, count me in. Come and tell me all about it.” She closed the door, drawing Meikah further inside the small house. “Did you want something to eat first?”

Meikah shook her head. “I can’t stay long. I need to be home before my parents. Kellan has an invitation for me to attend lady Eris’ dance tonight. Along with a family member to chaperone me. Apart from that, I really can’t tell you much about the mischief he’s planning.”

Isha chuckled. “Knowing that boy, it will keep the gossips’ tongues wagging for days to come.”

Meikah sighed. “That’s what I’m worried about.”

Isha examined her carefully. “Is there a reason why you feel compelled to join him in his latest mischief?”

“Some rumours are preferable to others.” She smiled wryly. “And he does seem to be a master at creating rumours.”

“That he does. I’d say you’ve involved an expert. What do you need me to do, Meikie?”

The childhood name calmed her, reminding her she wasn’t the same person she’d been only a week ago. A lot had happened in a very little time. “A carriage will arrive to pick you up at seven this evening. I need you to convince my parents I should go with you.”

“I don’t think that’s going to be a difficult task. The moment they hear Lady Eris, the pair of them will be wanting to join us.”

“I can only bring along one family member.”

Isha chuckled. “I’m sure by morning they’ll be relieved it was me, and not them, you took with you.”

Meikah winced. “I’ve got a feeling it will be tonight they feel that way.” She glanced at the door. “I should probably go so I can be home before they are.”

Isha opened the door. “You know you’re always welcome here. If things become too unbearable at home, there’ll always be a bed here for you. Maksim would say the same.”

Meikah threw her arms around Isha. “I know.”

Isha hugged her equally tight. “I’m proud of you, Meikie. Your grandfather would be too. You keep holding your head high and don’t let any of those rumours bother you. Or pay any heed to the rest of the family. What you’re doing is better than their idea of hiding you away in the hope that everyone forgets. Society’s memory is far longer than most people appreciate.”

All she could do was smile even though she wanted to thank her grandmother. There was a lump in her throat which seemed unusually tight. Nodding, she pulled away. With another smile, she hurried down the road. She glanced over her shoulder to see Isha watched her leave. She waved, smiling again when her grandmother waved back.

She barely managed to arrive home in time, clambering through the window and laying the gown out on the bed in the hope that the few creases it had gained would fall out. Rather than risk someone coming into her room and spot the dress, she headed downstairs to endure the disappointed looks and silence from her parents.

When she would have normally joined them at the table for dinner, she excused herself, saying she needed to use the bathroom. Instead, she made her way upstairs and changed into the gown, reaching the front door in time to let Isha in. Her hand brushed across the weapon in the thigh sheath, thankfully not noticeable through the material of the gown. She wasn’t accustomed to wearing such a weapon. Normally she had a sword at her side. And lately a dagger too. Neither were hidden when she wore them.

Isha entered the house. “I take it they’re sitting down to dinner?”

Meikah nodded, unaccustomed to seeing Isha in such fancy clothes.

“You can wait here if you want.” Isha patted Meikah on the arm before she strode through the house.

Meikah planned to remain by the door. When the expected raised voices couldn’t be heard, she hurried to the dining table to see the shocked expressions on her parents’ faces.

Ena rose from the table, pointing at Meikah. “Her. She’s been invited to the dance Lady Eris is holding tonight.”

Isha slipped an arm around Meikah’s shoulders. “Yes, we really should be going. I doubt she’d appreciate us arriving late.”

Meikah walked beside Isha, surprised her parents remained silent. Although she’d never seen such expressions on their faces before. Not even when they’d learned she was a necromancer. Once in the carriage, she began to relax. “Did they say anything?” Maybe they’d spoken too quietly for her to have heard from where she’d waited by the front door.

Isha chuckled. “Give them time to get over the shock and I’m sure they’ll have plenty to say.”

Meikah nodded. Once they heard the new rumours they’d have too much to say. She really wasn’t looking forward to another lecture from Harlen. Her grandfather was a master at giving lectures. Although her father was getting better at it with all the practice he’d had lately.

When the carriage drew to a stop in front of Lady Eris’ mansion, the door was opened and Kellan held out his hand to help first Isha and then Meikah exit. “You both look lovely this evening.”

Meikah looked Kellan up and down. He was dressed in evening wear and it certainly suited him. Movement behind him drew her attention and she noticed Rafe was also dressed in evening wear. Both of them wore dark trousers and long sleeve shirts with embroidery decorating the cuffs. They also wore swords at their sides in decorative scabbards. “The two of you look good.”

Rafe stepped forward and held out an arm. “Allow me to escort you inside.”

Meikah looked from Rafe to Kellan, placing a hand on Rafe’s arm. “Thank you.” Was this part of their plan? She glanced over her shoulder to see Kellan escorted Isha.

Inside Kellan introduced her to numerous people, including Lady Eris. The woman looked her up and down. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Meikah wasn’t sure if she wanted to know if that was good or bad. She smiled, nodded then moved along so the next guest could greet their host. Isha joined the rest of the chaperones gossiping around the edges of the ballroom and Meikah took turns dancing with Rafe and Kellan. After about an hour, Kellan and Rafe escorted the two of them to supper which was held in a room adjoining the ballroom.

Helping herself to the buffet, she began to relax. Maybe whatever Kellan had planned wouldn’t be so bad. After all, she’d already heard people talking about the fact she’d only danced with the two of them and no other partners. Finished eating she placed her hand on Kellan’s arm, that he offered, and started back to the ballroom.

As they approached the doorway, Cato stepped through it and into the supper room, freezing when he caught sight of her. “Meikah.”