Page 68 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver
“I don’t have any money. I’m not even sure if I have proper identification or a passport to travel with. What would I do for work to support myself? Logistically, I don’t know how I could pull it off.”
Lowering my chin, I stare at the ivy-covered window across from the bed. The leaves flutter in the nighttime breeze like black slips of paper. Occasionally they reveal the glimmering, moonlit lake just beyond the glass.
“I could help you, Oliver. You wouldn’t have to do it alone.”
Surprised, I turn my head and our eyes meet. His offer is genuine.
The entire scenario of him helping me flashes across my mind like a tumultuous movie reel. I’d leave here, only to fling myself into his arms and be totally reliant on him. Depending on his money and resources like a spoiled pet. I’d go from poodle to poodle. Only the location would change.
I would hatemyself for that. It’s not the future that I would want with him.
“I appreciate your offer,” I say sincerely. “But if I left here, I’d want to do it of my own accord—by my own will and effort. Then, I’d like to work, study photography and maybe travel?”
I’d perfect my craft until I was worthy enough to stand in front of Aries again. Not as an isolated and naïve vampire with no experiences, but as his equal.
“Those are brilliant aspirations,” Aries says. “Truly, I hope they come to pass. But know that there’s nothing wrong with accepting help along the way. We all need help, sometimes.”
I’m listening, but his words trigger a recurring memory. “My brother, Thomas, ran away once,” I offer. As a rule, I’m not allowed to talk about Thomas. With Aries, though, the rules don’t seem to matter.
Aries blinks in surprise. “Really? I didn’t see any stories about that when I researched your family.”
“That one didn’t make it to the papers. It lasted for about three days, but it was kept secret. He went missing at university—just vanished from his dorm room. He’d evaded his security guards, packed his things and was gone. Long story short, they found him. He’d tried to elope with a purebred girl he’d met in one of his classes. I don’t know where they found him, but after they dragged him back home, he disappeared a second time.”
“A second time?” Aries asks. “What does that mean?”
“We didn’t see him around the estate for months. Lord Blakeley carried on as if nothing was amiss. The viscount was very anxious and tight-lipped. Everyone was eerily silent, and me and Sash were too afraid to ask what had happened. Then one day, Thomas just reappeared at breakfast. He was as pale as a ghost, his skin had scabs and he was rail thin but well dressed. The only words he spoke were ‘Yes, sir’ or ‘No, sir.’
“Even now, he won’t come to the estate unless he’s formally mandated to do so. This pomp and circumstance for the wedding—the garden parties, banquets and village tours? He refuses to take part. But if Lord Blakeley specifically requests his presence, he shows up.”
“Good God. What did your father do to him?”
I shrug. “I don’t know, but my brother changed after that. Thomas and I were never close like me and Sash, but we used to talk at least, sometimes. He likes nature the same way that I do, so we’d trade books or go on walks together through the woods. But he’s a stranger now. He only offers the bare minimum communication, then goes back to Upper Avalon until he’s summoned again.”
“He’s traumatized.” Aries sits back, exhaling another heavy sigh and running his free hand through his hair. “They broke his spirit.”
“Maybe. I think the reason Sasha and me weren’t allowed to formally attend university is because of Thomas. Things got harder after he ran away. I’ve never been anywhere outside of the estate without an escort or guard, like a prisoner.”
“You are, in some alarmingly tangible ways,” Aries says. “If you change your mind, know that I’m more than happy to help you. It would be my honor.”
Hearing him say this is more than enough. A deep comfort to my mind and heart. “I know. Thank you. What are you reading?”
“Ah.” Aries perks up, touching the thick book resting atop his lap. “This is Auguste Racinet’sLe Costume Historique. I’m researching for my next assignment. Some light reading.” He wiggles his eyebrows. The book is anything but light.
“For the production ofA Midsummer Night’s Dream?” I ask.
“Yes, you remembered,” he says with his eyes sparkling. “I am embarrassingly excited. The elements I’ll have at my disposal—vibrant silks, elaborately draped fabrics and heavy brocades. Gauzy wings, floor-length capes, prosthetics and horns. The sheer drama. It’ll be a Shakespearean paradise.”
“This is your passion,” I recognize. I’ve never seen him so animated or enthused. “Not boring suits for outdated vampire ceremonies.”
Aries winks. “We all have to start somewhere, and this event is far from boring—thanks to you.”
“Hm.” Leaning forward, I kiss him, just a quick touch of my lips to his. “I should go back to my room.”
“Or you could stay?”
“I’ve interrupted your reading. I don’t want to be a burden.” I’m still embarrassed from earlier today. The ridiculous display between me, Lord Blakeley and Alexander weighs heavily on my shoulders.
Aries grips my hand a little tighter. “Reading was a diversion. Truly, I wanted to know if you were alright, but I couldn’t decide if I should come to you. Please stay, my young master.”
