Bloodlines: Alexus Dracula

Growth

Alexus:

Soon after waking Rosetta burst into the room and walked over to the window. "Please don't open the....." said Alexus as Rosetta flew open the curtains and let the sun stream in as the light invaded her room.  "Today is a new day and yesterday is gone.  Time to get moving. Lady Amelia would like to meet with you after breakfast." said Rosetta. "In the meantime, you get out of bed, find some clothes and have a shower while I make your bed.  I asked the chef to send up a full cooked breakfast to your room today as you are exhausted from the trip and events of yesterday," explained Rosetta.  Alexus walked over to Rosetta and stopped her in her tracks, "Thank you" said Alexus as she pulled her into a warm hug. "Now, now, no time for that, go have a shower," said Rosetta with a warm smile as Alexus walked into the wardrobe to choose an outfit for the day.  Alexus was rummaging through her clothes and picked out a grey singlet and black workout tights before jumping into a hot shower.  As the water ran down her face and her muscles began to relax, Alexus gave a deep sigh then turned off the shower and dressed for the day and ate her breakfast before going to meet with Lady Amelia in her study.

As Alexus entered the hallway she heard yelling coming from the study before the door slammed open and an angry Jacob stormed out of the room.  He looked at Alexus and said "One day, like it or not you will be mine!" before he stormed off in the opposite direction.  Alexus still wanted to rip his head off but she knew he wasn't worth her time and even though it stung she also knew that one day she would be his and there was nothing she could do about it.  "Alexus, you can come in," said Lady Amelia.  Alexus turned her attention back to the study and walked in.  As Alexus entered the room, Lady Amelia started to speak, "As you can tell Jacob will be sent to stay with Jeremy and Elizabeth Beauregard.  I cannot apologies enough for Jacob's behaviour, the irrational side comes from his father.  Romanoff was not a patient man and always got whatever he wanted.  I often think that is the reason why he died because he was being impatient," said Lady Amelia.  "From where I am standing, Jacob has committed two offences against my family and more personal me," said Amelia with a stern, slightly elevated voice.  "And he has been dealt with accordingly.  Do not forget that you are a guest at my coven, sent here by your grandfather.  Your betrothal to Jacob was set before you were born.  I am not my husband and I have patience but just remember one day my patience may run out with you so I suggest you marry my son and unite our covens before that time," explained Lady Amelia. "And let me be very clear when I say this because I won't repeat myself again.  One day I will honour my commitment to your son, not because I want to but because it is expected of me and I will decide when that is.  Meanwhile, I suggest you get your house in line because if your son steps out of line one more time and tries to hurt myself, my family or anyone close to me.  I will end him and then your legacy and line will be dead and gone," replied Alexus before she turned and left the study.  

Alexus could feel her anger rising in her veins and she stopped and leaned her back against the hallway wall and tried to breathe and keep her anger down.  Black veins started to appear from her palms and worked their way up her forearms towards her eyes.  Alexus stood in the hallway paralyzed and trying to calm herself.  She started to think of Roman and her parents as her breath began to even out and become steady. It was at this time that Alexus began to realise how dangerous her emotions were and that she needed to keep them in check otherwise she may go too far and never come back from the bloodlust.  

Once Alexus caught her breath she decided to go for a walk outside and explore the compound.  The fresh air seemed to make her forget that she was feeling like a prisoner in a foreign country. She roamed the compound and came across a massive vegetable garden.  Alexus was anything but a gardener, she couldn't keep any type of flower alive but she seemed to be able to make vegetable plants flourish.  Alexus's father on the other hand was an amazing gardener and every time she was in the garden she felt like she was closer to her father.  Alexus stood at the entrance to the vegetable garden she marvelled at how big it was and the variety of food growing.  "Excuse me, Miss Alexus.  May I help you?" asked a lady as she walked over to the entrance.  "Sorry,  I was just exploring the compound.  My father loved to garden," replied Alexus.  "Sorry, I didn't get your name," asked Alexus, " Sophia," she replied as she put her hand out.  Alexus grabbed Sophia's hand and gently shook it.  "Well, we are prepping a few new garden beds if you would like to give us a hand," said Sophia.  "That would be great and will give me something to do," said Alexus as she followed Sophia into the garden.

Once Alexus started working in the garden she didn't seem to notice how fast the time was passing her by. The sun was starting to set as everyone packed up and began to move over to the house. As I walked to the kitchen back entrance, I could hear a chopping sound, as I looked around I found an old man chopping wood in an old woodshed and decided to make my way over to him.  "Excuse me," said Alexus to capture the man's attention.  The old man looked up at me and then a look of shock covered his face, "Yes, Miss Alexus.  How may I help you?" he asked.  "I was just wondering if you were coming in for dinner, it's been a long day Mr....." replied Alexus as she gestured for his name.  "Sorry, my name is Bryan.  My job is to cut the wood to keep the house stocked and we burn through quite a bit.  I have these 5 crates to fill per day," explained Bryan as he pointed out the crates.  Alexus immediately noticed that there were only 3 out of the 5 crates full. "Have you had a break today, something to eat or drink," asked Alexus, "I am far too busy miss," replied Bryan.  "Follow me please," asked Alexus as she started to continue towards the back door.  Bryan hesitantly followed her into the kitchen. "Please have a seat," said Alexus as she gestured to a stool next to the workbench in the middle of the kitchen.  Bryan sat down unsure as Alexus walked into the pantry.  "I can't be long miss as I need to get my jobs done," said Bryan.  Alexus emerged from the pantry carrying some food that she placed on the counter.  "So Bryan, what are your hobbies or what do you like doing?" asked Alexus.  "Pardon me miss," asked Bryan confused.  "Tell me a little bit about yourself.  I can see that you are a potential changeling but I want to know your story, " asked Alexus as she began to prep and cook a meal.  "I was born in New Orleans and had a wife and daughter.  I came to the coven to help my family but when I returned they were both gone and I had nothing left so I returned in hopes of becoming a changeling and belonging somewhere.  I enjoy being outdoors and all types of gardening including hydro farming," explained Bryan.  "Interesting" replied Alexus as she turned and placed a plate of food and a glass of water in front of Bryan.  "Now, eat," said Alexus.  "I am sorry miss but I am not supposed to have dinner until all of my jobs are complete," explained Bryan.  "You have completed your jobs and now it is time for you to eat," said Alexus and she walked out of the back door to the woodshed.

Alexus began stacking and chopping wood.  She found that the physical work behind chopping the wood was helping her to work out some of her pent up anger.  With every swing of the axe, she feel a little more relaxed and a little more empowered.  She could feel every one of her muscles working as sweat beads began to roll down her face and back. Before long Alexus had cut enough wood and was filling up the crates.  She felt someone approaching from behind and quickly snapped, grabbing the axe and swinging it as she turned to face the person and stopping the axe just before hitting the person.  "Sorry, miss Alexus.  I didn't mean to disturb you," said Bryan as his voice quivered. Alexus quickly dropped the axe and apologised to Bryan. "Sorry Bryan.  I have been a bit on edge especially over past events," explained Alexus as she continued to fill the crates with the chopped wood.  Bryan began picking up wood and placing them in the crates and before they both knew it they had finished filling all 5 crates with wood.  

"Thank you for helping me miss Alexus," said Bryan.  "Please, just call me Alex," she replied.  As they walked back to the house.  "Bryan, can I ask you something?" asked Alexus and Bryan nodded. "You said earlier that you had a wife and daughter, why would you leave them to come here?" asked Alexus.  "My daughter was sick and we had tried everything to find a cure for her until I heard a tale of a family that may be able to help cure her but it would be dangerous and we risk losing her forever. My wife and I decided that it would be better for me to go first and then come back and let them know.  When I first arrived here I was to have no contact with anyone and Lady Amelia agreed that if I did my part and help the coven thrive that she would help my daughter.  What I didn't know is that my daughter has taken a turn for the worst and passed.  My wife tried to cope with everything on her own but it was too much and she eventually took her own life.  Like I said by the time I returned it was too late and I came back to the only place I knew as home now," explained Bryan as a tear escaped his eye.  As Alexus listened she couldn't help but feel for Bryan but also related to losing everything.  As they entered the kitchen Alexus stopped Bryan, "I want you to meet me here in the morning at 6 am," asked Alexus. Confused Bryan agreed. "Goodnight Miss Alexus,", "Goodnight Bryan" replied Alexus as Bryan left the kitchen.  

Alexus quickly made her a sandwich before making her way to her room. As she entered Rosetta was standing in the doorway waiting for her and tapping her foot on the ground.  Alexus walked straight past her and into the wardrobe to grab some pyjamas, "I can feel your eyes on me, Rosetta, what is it?" said Alexus.  "Do you know what time it is? Where have you been? Lady Amelia is not impressed that you missed dinner," said Rosetta.  "I was out working in the garden and then helped Bryan finish chopping the wood so that he could eat and rest too," explained Alexus.  "You are just like your mother, a true humanitarian," said Rosetta.  "Lady Amelia is going to want to speak with you tomorrow so do you have any plans I should be aware of," asked Rosetta.  "Well I was outside I noticed that there are a lot of older people working extremely hard with minimal food so starting with chopping wood at 6 am in the morning I will be helping coven members with their chores but I also want to get my fitness up so I will go for a run and workout before starting my day at 6.  If Lady Amelia would like a word then she can come to me," explained Alexus.  "And there is your father with your stubbornness," replied Rosetta.  "Well, I will let you bathe and rest and will see you at some stage tomorrow," said Rosetta. "Actually, Rosetta.  Meet me downstairs at 6 am.  I want to introduce you to someone.  I have a feeling that you two will get along, said Alexus as Rosetta exited the room.  

Alexus drew herself a hot relaxing bath and soaked her body, waiting for the ache to set in as she knew that her fitness had taken a dive over the past few months.  She also laid in the bath reminiscing over the past few months and how everything had changed but one thing still remind the same, she was still the next in line for the Dragon Heart coven, she was still betrothed to Jacob, she was still missing her brother and both of her parents were still gone but what had changed is that she was beginning to find herself again, she found a surrogate grandmother figure in Rosetta and made two new friends, Sophia and Bryan within the Wolves Bane coven but all of this in mind she still had a feeling that there was something not right about this coven and something that Lady Amelia was hiding from her and she was even more determined to find out what it was.