Page 42 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

The container was heavy, weighed down with water from the fountain, and she made her way back to her room, a smile spreading across her face. It was taking some time, but perhaps she could enjoy the simple things, let herself relax instead of expecting an order at any moment.

As she rounded the corner, she bumped into someone and the vase clattered to the floor in a loud crash, pink and red petals strewn across the hall.

Her heart dropped. All that meticulous work for nothing.

She looked up at the auburn-haired thrall—whose name she’d learned was Gaius—towering over her, a grimace on his face.

“My apologies, Domina Vita,” he said, as they both crouched down to pick up the scattered pieces of clay.

“It’s alright,” she replied, then winced as she clumsily slashed her hand with a shard.

Stupid, a stupid mistake.

The pain was sharp, a smooth cut across her palm, matching the old scar on her cheek. Metallic blood scented the air, Gaius’ nostrils flaring as his eyes went wide.

Oh, no. This was not good.

Vita stood, backing away from the vampire thrall as he rose slowly, dilated pupils directed at her. He bared his fangs, an utterly different person from just a moment ago.

“Gaius, please, don’t…” she said, not sure what to do to break him from his daze.

He stalked towards her as if in a trance, fangs and claws displayed like a rabid animal. Her back pressed against the stone wall and she glanced around the empty corridor, heart beating fast.

“You smell delectable, Domina,” Gaius growled as he closed the distance, pressing his body against hers and burying his face in her neck.

A cold sweat broke out on her forehead and she slammed her eyes shut, fear pulsing through her.

One heartbeat, two heartbeats, three heartbeats.

When a bite didn’t come, she fluttered her eyes open to see Gaius’ head turned towards the end of the hallway, pointed ears pricked with interest.

Or fear.

Renatus approached slowly, casually, taking his time as he meandered over to them. He glanced at the destroyed vase and scattered roses, then back to Vita and Gaius.

“Thrall.On your knees.”

In an instant, Gaius was on the ground, bowing before his maker as Vita trembled against the wall. Renatus stepped forward, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I’ve told all of you, hands off my guests. No biting anyone who is unwilling.”

With that same surprising speed from the tavern, he gripped Gaius’ neck, lifting him and slamming him against the wall next to Vita. The thrall whimpered as Renatus squeezed, a vicious glower on his face.

“Youknowthe punishment for disobeying me.”

Gaius’ eyes went even wider, the large man quivering before the High Consul. His fangs and claws retracted, the once fearsome vampire reduced to a trembling wretch.

Vita’s stomach soured. It was just an accident. Though he’d frightened her, it was only because she’d stupidly cut herself. She should have known better, especially in a palace crawling with vampires.

“Don’t hurt him,” she whispered.

Renatus turned to look at her, an eyebrow quirked. “Oh? Are you telling me how to discipline my thralls?”

“It was an accident. I cut myself. It really wasn’t his fault.”

She clasped her hands together, trying to staunch the smell and flow of the blood dripping from her palm.

He narrowed his eyes, a growl in his throat. “Accident or not, Gaius failed to obey. And he will be punished.”

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