Page 17 of Lore and Lust
The lake surrounding Hertsmonceux is frozen over, covered with a thin white layer of dusty snow. The slanted rooftops and cylindrical towers reaching up toward the overcast sky also wear a blanket of white. In summer, Haruka imagines the landscape to be beautiful—sweeping green forests, flowers and lively birdsong set against the idyllic brick castle. All of it perfectly reflected within the lake.
But now, the castle feels inhospitable and cold. Watching the imposing structure slowly appear before him makes Haruka wish for nothing more than to turn around and head back to the familiar warmth and comfort of his own home. He sighs. “Grande responsabilité est la suite inséparable d’un grand pouvoir.”
“What does that mean?” Asao says from the driver’s seat, slowly bringing the car to a stop.
“Where there is great power, there is great responsibility.”
Haruka glances out the window at the group of vampires huddled around the grand entrance to the castle.
Asao looks back at him, his brow furrowed. “Why are you quoting Spider-Man in French?”
“Who is ‘Spider-Man’?” Haruka asks, returning his scowl.
Asao slowly shakes his head as he steps out of the car. “You need to get out more—it’s like you do this on purpose. I’m going to find Emory’s manservant to ask if they have blood bags for you. Nino is parked behind us.”
Asao shuts the door. In the muffled silence of the car, Haruka sinks a little lower into his seat. “Nino…”
The pit of Haruka’s stomach had dropped when Nino confided in him about his abuse. The emotional transparency of it caught Haruka off guard.
Verbal consent is vital in order to feed from another adult vampire. One cannot use their incisors to pierce another vampire’s skin without first receiving permission.
Vampire children are still emergent in their unique natures until they reach the age of sixteen, which is when their skin fully hardens. Prior to that, their skin is soft and they are not capable of giving formal consent. Any adult committing this forbidden, gruesome act does so forcefully and purely for selfish, perverse gain.
Nino comes across as a charming, kind and optimistic male. Haruka would never have guessed that something so cruel and dark lies hidden within the complex fabric of his being. The thought of a young, bright Nino experiencing such abuse makes Haruka’s chest ache.
There is a tap on the glass beside Haruka’s head and he jumps, startled. When he looks, Nino is staring back at him with his bright eyes the color of amber stone. He’s wearing a stylish olive-green parka well suited for his tall frame—the color perfectly offsetting his creamy, honeyed skin tone. He smiles openly with his natural ease and affection as he pulls the door from the outside, gesturing for Haruka to step out of the car.
“You’re not having second thoughts about this, are you?” Nino asks. “Because if you are, I’ll drive the getaway car.”
* * *
* * *
“They literally havethe sex scheduled and written on a piece of paper.” Nino points, leaning into Haruka’s side as they stand together in the midst of old wealth and opulence.
Haruka’s body tenses from his woodsy, cinnamon scent and nearness. “Yes, I see that,” he says, distracted.
“I can’t imagine how much it cost to rent this entire castle out for the weekend. I looked this place up online and it’s not even supposed to be open to the public this time of year.”
“Vampire owned,” Haruka says simply. Within the modern framework of their ancient culture, exceptions are often made for vampires, by vampires. Several years ago, when he’d been living in Paris, Haruka had attended a centennial celebration at the Louvre for a purebred turning four hundred. The event was private and had begun at midnight.
“Hm, that makes sense,” Nino says. “Do you think it’ll take you an hour and a half to read through the contract?”
“That isnotmy plan.” Haruka straightens his posture, stretching his spine as he takes in his surroundings. Emory, Duke of Devonshire and father of one of the grooms, has truly outdone himself with this venue.
The ballroom they currently occupy is surprisingly cozy despite its grandiose nature. Beaded crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceiling, casting warm light against the milky-white marble of the floors and stone walls. The east wall has two stacked rows of stately, arched windows offering views of the snowy forest. The west wall is dominated by an oversized, burning fireplace.
Including himself and Nino, there are at least twenty high-level vampires in attendance. However, only the two purebreds will have the “honor” of overseeing the private confirmation.
“Is this normal?” Nino asks, his voice low. “For everyone to be subtly watching us like this? I feel like an animal at the zoo.”
“The vampires of the British aristocracy do seem a bit fervid in their behavior,” Haruka says, bringing his drink to his lips. They’re halfway through cocktail hour, having arrived early to settle and change clothes in preparation for the evening. Haruka casually glances at Nino beside him. He looks handsome in a pewter-gray suit well tailored to his frame. His shirt is starched white and his tie black satin. When Nino catches his eyes, he grins. “What is it?”
“How… are you feeling?” Haruka asks quietly. “You expressed much apprehension in coming to this event. Are you uncomfortable?”
“No, I’m okay. I think… us being here together helps.”
“I am glad.” Haruka sighs, glancing down at Nino’s suit once more. “You look very nice.”
