Page 16 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver
“Why bring attention to the living conditions of those vampires?” Aries asks, unblinking. “They’re ranked beneath you. They don’t matter—”
“Theydomatter.” I disagree, raising my voice. Heat flushes against my cheeks. “How can you say that? The way we treat ranked vampires here is… it’s horrendous. Disgusting. All of Eden’s wealth and prosperity is wrapped up in old, purebred families. There’s almost no trickle-down for our villages. We leech off of their hard work, and there are no opportunities aside from servitude for any vampire with an iota of human lineage. It’s like we refuse to acknowledge anyone we deem as ‘lesser’ or ‘not full-blooded.’”
I’ve worked myself up. I shouldn’t be saying these things out loud. This line of thinking is what always gets me in trouble. An unwelcome perspective among my family and peers.
Aries unfolds his arms and leans back against the bench with his palms. The corner of his mouth lifts in a grin. “You speak passionately for someone who benefits from the very system that you rebuke. For a vampire who holds the power.”
I shake my head. “I don’t have any power. I’m just an instrument. A spineless pawn on Lord Blakeley’s chess board.”
Blinking, I pause, because I’m suddenly having an out-of-body experience. Why am I being this straightforward with a total stranger? Saying things that I don’t even express with Sasha. Things that could lead to consequences I can’t even imagine… like whatever Lord Blakeley did to Thomas that forever changed him.
The tension between us is thick and the air feels too hot. I’m about to apologize for being so forthright and beg for confidentiality when his entire expression changes. His rich eyes brighten, his brow relaxes. He chuckles.
“My apologies, your grace,” he says. “All of this is just so… surprising.”
“W-why?” I ask, startled.
“Well, you are a purebred vampire rooted in one of the coldest, most rigid and archaic aristocracies in the world, and yet your opinions are so… empathetic and progressive. It’s unexpected.”
I scratch my head, frowning and feeling thrown off balance. “Um, thanks?”
“Please, I mean no offense,” he says, resting a hand against his chest, atop the beautiful dress shirt beneath his jacket. “It is a compliment. You should know that there has been some buzz about you in the greater international vampire community.”
Wait, what? Did I mishear him? “Aboutme?”
“Yes, about you. Between the critical essay you wrote and those moving photographs, some believe that there might be hope for Eden in joining the rest of the modern vampire community. That at least someone within these ancient walls has some semblance of the outside world. Congratulations.”
It is… unbelievable that anything I’ve done could matter to someone. To anyone. Me, stuffed inside this castle and with my mediocre photography skills.
“And anyway, I shouldn’t throw stones,” Aries continues in my marveled silence. “The vampires of Greece are a lot like yours here in Eden. The truth is, I am a product of a similar environment.”
“Are you?” I ask. Excitement bubbles inside my chest because this feels like a dream. Casually conversing with someone about something—anything—outside of treaties, bonding ceremonies and responsibilities. It’s so refreshing. Delightful. “Camille told me that you’re from Mykonos?”
“Yes, but I am always traveling. I never go back to my homeland.”
“Why not?”
There’s a slight pause where Aries considers. As if he isn’t sure that he wants to answer my question. He folds his arms and exhales a breath. “Because it’s an uncomfortable environment. Too oppressive and inflexible. I find it difficult to be myself there and… I’ve always felt wildly out of place—as if I don’t belong. When I travel to other places, I’m free.”
I stare at him in awe. “I understand. Perfectly.”
This moment and his words sink into my skin, deeply caressing my soul like a warm, luxuriant oil. It gives me goosebumps. Finally, someone who speaks my language. Someone who feels the same way that I do. Maybe I’m not just weird, wrong or a selfish brat?
“I wish that I could travel,” I say quietly. “I would give anything to leave here.”
“Hm, but you’re marrying the Prince of Eden in a month.”
It’s as if he’s thrown a cold wet blanket over my head. I’m jolted out of the short-lived and rosy trance of our conversation.
“Yes, I am.” Awkwardly, I step backward toward the door. “I’m very sorry for making you uncomfortable. That was never my intention.”
He stands from the bench and walks with me. “I accept your apology. And thank you for the candid discussion. I’m glad that we could be honest about this.” He opens the door and I step over the threshold.
In the hallway, I stop. My hands are shaking again because I’m nervous, but I want to take a chance. Cautiously, I turn to face him. “I don’t mind honest conversation. Really. It was nice talking to you. I-I would like to talk more—if you’re available. But it’s completely up to you! Whatever you want. No pressure at all.” I rub the back of my neck because I’m one hundred percent certain that I sound like an idiot.
Aries crinkles his brow in confusion. “Forgive me for possibly stating the obvious, but… you do realize that I’m first-generation, don’t you? Only my mother was purebred.”
“Yes, of course. Why?”
