The Vampire's Human Obsession

Chapter three

Emilia and Mrs Jenkins set out on their walk, strolling through the quiet streets of the city. The sun was shining, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone pavement. Emilia felt a sense of relief wash over her as they walked, enjoying the fresh air and the sound of birds singing in the trees.

But as they turned a corner, Emilia's sense of calm began to slip. She noticed a man standing in the corner, watching her. He was tall and dark-haired, he had on dark shades, but his eyes seemed to bore into her soul.

Emilia's heart began to beat faster as she felt a sense of unease wash over her. She glanced over at Mrs Jenkins, but the maid seemed oblivious to the man's presence.

"Mrs Jenkins, do you see that man?" Emilia whispered, trying to keep her voice steady.

Mrs Jenkins followed Emilia's gaze, but the man was gone. "What man, Dear?" she asked, looking concerned.

Emilia's eyes scanned the crowd, but there was no sign of the man. She felt a sense of paranoia creeping in, wondering if she was just imagining things.

But then, she saw him again. This time, he was standing across the street, watching her. Emilia's heart skipped a beat as she felt a sense of fear wash over her.

"Mrs Jenkins, I think we should go back home," Emilia said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Mrs Jenkins looked at her with concern. "What's wrong?" she asked.

Emilia hesitated, unsure of how to explain. "I just feel like we're being watched," she said finally.

Mrs Jenkins's expression turned serious. "Let's go back home, then," she said. "We can talk about this more when we get there."

As Emilia and Mrs. Jenkins walked back home. She glanced over her shoulder again, and this time, she caught a glimpse of the man watching them from across the street.

He was dressed in a long, black coat with a broad-brimmed hat pulled low over his face. He wore gloves and a scarf, covering every inch of his skin. Emilia couldn't help but wonder who he was and why he was dressed so strangely.

"Mrs Jenkins, wait," Emilia said, tugging on the maid's arm.

Mrs Jenkins stopped and turned to her. "What is it, Dear?"

Emilia hesitated, unsure of how to explain. "I think that man is watching us," she said finally, nodding towards the stranger.

Mrs Jenkins followed Emilia's gaze, and her expression turned serious. "Let's get you home," she said firmly.

As they quickened their pace, Emilia couldn't help but wonder who the stranger was and why he was watching her. She felt a sense of unease wash over her, and she was grateful to have Mrs. Jenkins by her side.

Meanwhile, the stranger watched them from across the street. He was none other than Claus, Alexander's older brother.

Claus adjusted his hat, making sure that every inch of his skin was covered. As a vampire, he was vulnerable to the sun's rays, and he had to take precautions to protect himself.

He watched as Emilia and Mrs Jenkins disappeared into the crowd, his eyes narrowing as he pondered his next move.

Soon after, Emilia and Mrs Jenkins arrived back at the house and walked in. Emilia felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was glad to be back in the safety of her own home, away from the prying eyes of the stranger.

Mrs Jenkins followed her into the foyer, shutting the door behind them. "Shall I take your cloak, Miss Emilia?" she asked, helping Emilia out of her outerwear.

Emilia nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Mrs Jenkins. "Thank you, Mrs Jenkins," she said, smiling. "I think I'll go up to my room and rest for a bit. I'm feeling a bit... overwhelmed."

Mrs Jenkins's expression turned to that of concern. "Of course, Dear," she said. "I'll bring you some tea and biscuits. Would you like that?"

Emilia nodded, feeling a sense of comfort at the thought of Mrs Jenkins's familiar ministrations. "Yes, please," she said. "That would be lovely."

“Mrs Jenkins,”... Emilia called as she was about to walk away.

“Yes dear”, Mrs Jenkins replied.

“You've been here for quite a long time now, right?”

“Yes dear, I practically raised you. Since my husband died, you and your father have been my only family”.

“Have you ever had a feeling that we're being watched before?”.

Mrs Jenkins looked at her sharply, her eyes narrowing. “What makes you say that dear?”, she asked.

Emilia shrugged.“I'm just asking”.

“I think you are just anxious dear, never mind what happened earlier today child”. Don't worry dear, you're safe here in this house”. “Your father will be back soon and everything will be alright”. She said as she patted Emilia's hand.

Emilia smiled weakly.

“I'll go get you that cup of tea and biscuit now child”… Mrs Jenkins said and hurried away.

As Mrs Jenkins bustled off to the kitchen, Emilia made her way up to her room and shut the door behind her, feeling safe and secure in her own little sanctuary.

But as she looked around her room, Emilia couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She felt a sense of unease, a sense that something was watching her from the shadows. She hadn’t offended anyone and wondered why her life was beginning to flash before her eyes.

She tried to shake off the feeling, telling herself she was just being silly. But as she sat down on her bed, she couldn't help but feel like she was being watched. And she knew that she wouldn't be able to shake off the feeling until she found out who the stranger was, and what he wanted from her.

Emilia tried to focus on a book she had picked up to read a while back, but her mind kept wandering back to the stranger. Who was he? What did he want from her? And why did she feel like he was still watching her, even though she was safely inside her own home?

As she sat there, lost in thought, Emilia heard a faint knock at the door. She looked up to see Mrs Jenkins standing in the doorway, a tray of tea and biscuits in her hands.

"I brought you some tea, Child" Mrs Jenkins said, setting the tray down on Emilia's bedside table.

Emilia smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Mrs Jenkins. "Thank you" she said. "You're always so thoughtful."

Mrs Jenkins smiled back, her eyes twinkling. "It's my pleasure, Dear, and besides, I love taking care of you," she said. "Now, I'll leave you to your tea. I’ll let you know when your father gets back, okay?"

Emilia nodded and watched as Mrs Jenkins left the room, shutting the door behind her. She lay on her bed and took a bite of the biscuit, savoring the sweet, buttery flavor and tried to distract her mind by reading.

As she chewed, she heard a sudden noise coming from the window. Emilia's eyes snapped open, and she froze, her heart skipping a beat.

She slowly set the biscuit down on the tray, her eyes fixed on the window. The noise grew louder, more urgent, and Emilia felt her heart racing with fear.

Suddenly, the stopped, and an oppressive silence fell over the room. Emilia held her breath, waiting to see what would happen next.