General Sterling

Twenty-Five

    The sun is a lot warmer out here. The smell of the sunflowers is even better during the day. The garden absolutely glistens in the sunlight. Everything is so beautiful out here. Very ephemeral. It's almost as if they shine brighter because they know they're not going to last forever. Everything seems so magical. 

    "Will the master be joining you for breakfast, my lady?" Louis asked as he placed what he called on om let in front of me. 

    "I'm afraid not. He was up late last night working on some paperwork," I lied. That's not what we were doing at all and I think he knows that. 

    "Hell, I asked him not to worry too much about it. He's always been this way. He's a bit of a night owl," 

    "Don't worry yourself. He's like that at home as well," I waved it off. 

    "How is his mother doing?" 

    The General explained to me that they believe that he travels back and forth because his mother is sickly and because he has a baby sister he has to take care of as well. There's truth in his lies and it makes it easy for him to get away with things. These people see him as their leader and as long as he comes back, they don't mind him being gone. 

    "She's doing well for now. Eats better, takes in more fluids but she has her good days and her bad ones," 

    "I see. It must be very hard for him," he looked up in the direction of the master bedroom worriedly. 

    "You have no idea," I agreed. 

    "And you, my lady. Is your mum still with us?" 

    "No, I lost both my parents. My father first and then my mother. I do, however, have three sisters," 

    "Forgive me for bringing up such a grave topic," he bowed politely. 

    "It's alright, it was a long time ago," I waved him off. 

    "Your sisters are they little ones?" 

    "No, younger than I? Yes. The youngest one is a bit of a handful. I wanted to bring her with me but the other ones begged for her to stay. Ar-Alexander indulges them in everything so I let them have their way this time. Surely, they're all getting into trouble right about now," 

    "Perhaps, he wanted the alone time he'd get with you here," he offered, I smiled at his kind words. 

    "Perhaps," I nodded. "It's difficult to get some time alone back home," 

    "There you have it," he mused. "If you need anything else, let me know?" 

    "One last thing, does he have a library?" 

    "Yes, when you are finished. I will have Noelle take you there," he bowed and excused himself. 

    I listened to the frantic banter of the servants. They're all really excited that I'm here. They're so happy about the lord of the manor finding a suitable partner. I got a lot of silent praising and compliments and they went into detail about the noises we were making last night. This isn't Darkness. The walls are paper-thin. We're going to have to be quieter when we bite one another. They heard the growling. His specifically, that brute. 

    After reading some human literature, I asked them to make me some tea and I took it up to the room. I placed it on his nightstand and crawled into the bed next to him. Humans run on their emotions. They live inside their heads thinking about the way others perceive them. Some fully give in to the thoughts that voice their emotions and become the very embodiment of the darkness their own imaginations create. Their literature is an ode to their hopes and dreams. To the hopes and dreams that some people never get to experience what they want. They're very codependent on one another the way mates are. Except, they're all linked by these experiences and not the will of the creator and his wife. It must be terrifying not knowing why they're here or if their existence means anything. 

    "Good evening," the General woke up after a few hours of my reading on the bed next to him. "Ada, have you f*****g slept at all," 

    "Yes,  got a few hours of sleep this morning. I don't really need much," I didn't look up from my books. 

    "Are you reading human customs?" 

    "Have you never? Did you know they have a weird faith thing for both the Creator and Lucifer?" I asked. "They're both highly praised in this region," 

    "I do. Lucifer spread the Creator's crap a few centuries ago in an attempt to get more souls damned. Lucidiel tried to counter by trying to warn people from Satan and they ended up creating different religions. It used to be funny but now that humans believe in both things, they go to war for it," 

    "Really? That's fun," I laughed. "They both got what they wanted, I guess," 

    "Are you done with the whole hunger outside of the barrier craziness?" he asked getting out of bed. 

    "Yes, I am," I called after him. For a brief moment, I thought the marks on his back sparked. I jumped out of bed and went over to him pressing my fingers on his back. He tried to turn to face me. "Stay still," 

    "What?" he asked defensively. 

    "Turning around," I demanded. I knelt down in front of him when the scales on his hips glow on both sides. 

    "Lady-" the door was opened. We both looked up to see Noelle standing there while I'm kneeling in front of a very naked General Sterling. "Sorry," she let out a loud ear-piercing giggle. "I am so sorry," 

    "Oops," I looked up at him. He laughed. 

    "Get up. What are you doing?" 

    "Look," I pressed my finger into his hip. He looked down. When I stood up his bend down to get a closer look. His forehead knocked the top of my head, hard. I dropped down to my knees again. Rubbing the top of my head. The two of us laughed. 

    "Are you okay?" he asked. 

    "Yes, I'm fine," I stood up. "Get dressed. I'm going to see if I can locate the Northern Journals," 

    "How?" he asked. 

    "I'm going to ask Nymph," 

    "Nymph is here?" he lit up like liquid fire. 

    "No, but she's on her way. She said she would join us after she was finished with some witch business," 

    "You're my best friend, Ada," he grinned and began to get dressed. 

    "Thank you?" I laughed. 

    "Why was it glowing?" he asked as he buttoned his shirt up. 

    "Mine glow when I'm happy, when I'm angry, when I'm hungry," I began to list things. 

    "When we're having fun," he added. 

    "I glow a lot but it's because I know what this is. It's already bonded with my physical body. Maybe yours is lacking the bond because you didn't know. We'll figure it out. Let's not tell Nymph about this. As far as anyone is concerned, you're a dual element wielder," 

    "You're siding with my mother on this?" he asked. 

    "Yes, I am. I know how difficult it is to be one of these things. You ever been attacked in your own home for what you are? No? Then shut the hell up," 

    "Awe, under all those pretty layers of clothes, she cares," 

    "I knew you liked my clothes. I know you like the leather the most," 

    "I didn't say that," he shook his head. His scales are glowing on his chest. 

    "You're glowing," I laughed pointing at his chest. 

    "No," he tried to cover them up by turning around but the ones on his back are just as bright. 

    "Are you embarrassed?" I teased. 

    "I swear to my nuts, I'll f*****g kill you, Darius," he growled only making me laugh more. He growled dominantly and I settled down. The last thing I want is for us to fight and scare the humans here. 

    "You need to control your growling. The kitchen ladies were talking about it this morning," I bit back my laughter. 

    "I forget when you're around. I never have to hide it with you. How do you think they're going to react to Nymph?" he laughed. 

    "I don't know but I'm excited to hear what they have to say. Humans are adorable. Like nosy little children trying to see who the killer of the week is," 

    "You're a strange girl," he shook his head. He went over to the cup of tea I had made for him. He looked back at me and held it out for me to warm. 

    "Admit you like the leather and I'll do it," I shrugged. 

    "I like the leather. It outlines your ass amazingly. You are incredibly strong to be moving around in that s**t the way you do," 

    "It's not actually leather. I don't know what the lady uses to make it look like leather. It's flexible. I imagine actual leather would c***k," 

    "Oh," he nodded. 

    "It also melts faster. I really hold back the heat in those," 

    "I will never understand you," he sighed. "Put those back. The ones in the library are my favorite," 

    "These are actually yours? You read all of these?" 

    "Yes, the people here don't know how to read or write. I teach them sometimes when I'm bored," 

    I didn't say a word and now that I know that they don't know how to read and write, I want to teach them too. How do these things survive on their own? I went for something a little more modest since they're already whispering scandalous things among one another. Our horses were brought out and the General led us into the city. Reports of bodies drained of blood are going around. He looked back at me when he heard the count. Nine. 

    "They need to find three more," I whispered going past him. 

    "Ada," he tried to scold but ended up laughing. "Alright, obviously we can't look for what we need in the same place. Since you are new to this. Start with a small group. Three or four. Any more than that and you will be overwhelmed by their emotions. Got it?" 

    "Will you be going off on your own then?" I asked. 

    "I will. I prefer men who are already combat-ready. I know you like to start from scratch because of Charlie. Remember, no children. Blooded children cannot be controlled. Their bloodlust is stronger than anything you'll ever encounter. If you want one you're going to have to take it back with us and you have to wait until it's mature enough to be blooded," 

    "What?" I made a face uncomfortable with that. "Do others do that? The child has a mother and father. Wouldn't it be less of a hassle to let them grow up and come back for them later?" 

    "Yeah, that's the moral thing to do," he laughed, shaking his head. 

    "Screw you, General," I growled. What kind of vampires would we be if we had mortal morals? Stupid ones. 

    "Come back before dawn this time. There are hunters here," 

    "Hunters?" 

    "Vampire hunters," he confirmed. I smiled widely. "Oh, no. Don't. They're crafty. Don't go looking for them. Please. If you must, we'll go together when we've got what we need," 

    "You promise?" I asked. 

    "I promise," he sighed. 

    "Very well, then. I promise to wait," 

    "You promised. I swear-" 

    "On your nuts. Yes, yes. I know," I rolled my eyes. "About the currency here. Is it the same?" 

    "Yes, everyone deals in gold. It's actually worth more here than it back home. Tell the clerks to send whatever you buy to the Aghion household. Noelle will take them to your room," 

    "Really?" I asked. "I love it here," 

    "So do I. Please, don't f*****g kill anyone in public and ruin all of this for me," 

    "Best behavior. You have my word," I bowed. 

    "Good. Go on. Make friends," he tossed a small bag of unmarked gold coins at me. "Milly told me not to let you spend it all in one place," 

    "I have more in my satchel," I shrugged. 

    "Then you don't need more from me," he rolled his eyes and began to head towards the east side of the city.

    "I never even asked. What is she, my mother?" I scoffed. 

    Last night I saw a few shops in the center of the city. I headed in that direction. Now that I am completely thirst-free, I feel much better about being out here. I can really concentrate on the task at hand and have fun. As soon as I slid down the side of my horse, eyes were on me. I wonder if those who live out here have this problem or if they find a way to manage it. Maybe once people know who I'm supposed to be, they'll get used to seeing me around. I doubt it though, even in Darkness people stare. 

    The scents are very compromising here. They're pretty basic. Worries about their work and families don't really catch my attention. None of them have a predatory sense. I see why the General prefers to go straight for the soldiers. By the time I had walked the entire strip, the streets were almost empty. I was pulling my horse closer to the last shop I was in feeling disappointed with today's outcome when I found what I was looking for. 

    In the distance, I watched as a young man walked past one of the stands that are closing up and pocketed a bunch of homemade jewelry without a single person noticing. The savory scent coming off of him danced around me lovingly as he continued to take what he wanted. He's nothing to look at really. His clothes aren't extravagant, he looks like he hasn't showered in a while, his long hair is thick with dirt and grease. He hides it well with his hat.  

    The moment our eyes met his entire body froze, I'm not reaching for his mind but there is a defense around it. His instincts kicked in and he backed away from me. I smiled at him flashing him my fangs. His heart danced wildly in his chest and I knew. He's the one I need. He looked me over for a bit stunned before he spun around and stuck to the main roads to get away from the feeling he's getting off of me. He's intelligent. He has good instincts. 

    I went fed my horse a couple of carrots I had gotten him. The woman from the dress shop had given me a water bucket for him. He ate the carrots and hungrily lapped at the water. I caressed him as he replenished happily. I haven't named him yet. The General asked me to not get attached to him but how can I not? He's beautiful. Most Friesian horses are but this one is all black. He's majestic and quite large for a pony his age. He's eager to please and is content when I walk him but even more so when we're riding together. 

    "My lady, would you like someone to escort you home? It's late and there have been some brutal murders the past couple of days. The people are saying that gypsies have moved towards the outskirts of the city on the northern end where you live," 

    "Ada," I looked over in the direction his voice came from. The General is approaching on his horse with another man. I didn't expect him to be out this late. 

    "No need. My husband is here. Thank you for everything today," I smiled at her without showing her my fangs. She took the now empty water bucket and bowed before excusing herself. He got off and helped me on my horse playing his part. 

    "Did you find what you were looking for?" he asked as he got back on his. 

    "I did, very last minute," I adjusted my skirt over the saddle. "Did you?" 

    "Early on, yes," he nodded. 

    "Great, it was a productive evening," 

    I didn't question the man following beside him. He has a distinctive scent to him. Something is off. The way he's looking at the General and myself is very suspicious. Could he be what the General referred to as a hunter of vampires? Is that where he recruits from? How intriguing. How does that work for him or them? His formers are so obedient and recklessly devoted him. I am very interested in learning how he manages his former affairs. 

    Once we got back to the manor, the man rode off on his own. Maybe he was an escort like that woman from the shop had offered me. Whatever the case, there is something there and I will voice it to the General once we're in close quarters. 

    "You do know we have to ride back with all of this?" he groaned when he walked into the room to see all of my boxes. I did get carried away but humans are so utterly talented when it comes to what they wear. Especially the females. 

    "I have a transfer trinket Nymph made for me before we left. I have a few of them," 

    "Of course, she did," he laughed. I looked around for the dresses I bought for the women of the house. "Where are you going?" he asked when I put them all in one box so I wouldn't have to carry all of them. "You didn't," 

    "Didn't what?" I asked. 

    "You didn't buy the females here clothes did you?" 

    "Is there something wrong with that?" I asked worriedly. "Is it not custom here to be nice to them?"

    "You can do whatever you want," he smiled. "They might be overly happy for it," 

    "I see," I shrugged it off. I don't want to insult them. They do an amazing job for us and they're not even aware of the danger they can potentially be in. 

    He was right, they made a really big deal about the dresses. The men loved their new shoes. It was difficult picking things out for them. They don't really talk about what they wear or what they like. I fell asleep reading on one of the window nooks late in the afternoon after walking around the manor and when I woke up, I was on the bed and the General was gone. 

    "My lady, there is a woman at the front gate. She says her name is Mynth?" Noelle tapped on the door without opening it.

    "Do mean Nymph?" I asked from my bed. 

    "Yes, I believe that's what she said," 

    "Let her, Noelle. She's a friend," 

    "Right away, mistress," 

    It took Nymph little time to rush into my room and jump into bed with me. Noelle shut the door amused by Nymph's happiness. 

    "You're still in bed?" she laughed. 

    "I just woke up," 

    "That's not right. You're up and running by now," she took her gown off and crawled under the covers with me. Her skin is ice cold. She hummed happily cozying closer to me. "You're so warm. I love it," 

    "I binged when we arrived. My body had to process all of the blood I gorged on," 

    "I told Armad you would. Where is he?" 

    "Probably with the soldiers," 

    "Have you found your humans yet?" 

    "I have. I was told they reside in the outskirts of town nearby. I'll go see for myself later," I covered us with the comforter better. Her hands are all over me. My body is getting warmer. 

    "How is the scale treating you?" she tapped my chest.

    "I'm going to need to start looking for more as soon as we get back. It's not strong enough on its own," 

    "My love. All you have to do is ask," 

    "I don't like asking for anything unless it's extremely important," I pushed her hair out of her face to get a better look at her. Her eyes are a soft lavender today. Not the cold amethyst they usually are. 

    "You are in a surprisingly good mood. A lot better than I expected you to be in," 

    "I'm just excited to be in a different place," 

    "That's right you like exploring your surroundings. That explains the shopping boxes," she pushed me on my back and placed her head between my breasts. "I missed you," she whispered to them. "Did you miss me?" 

    "Shhh," I hushed her. 

    "You don't have to ask me to help. I am more than happy to, Ada. For your information, this counts as very important. Not just to you but to the rest of the world. You owe it to us to keep these gorgeous things as beautiful and round as they are," 

    "Nymph, you are a f*****g horny old man trapped in a beautiful woman's body," I laughed.