《The Red Thread》


 1- The beginning of the end

    I was running, running faster and faster. I had to run if I wanted to save my life. The creditors had been chasing me for several minutes now, I was beginning to run out of breath, tripping or falling were things I could not afford. I clutched the heavy skirt in my hands to ease my movements but it did little good. Those men caught up with me, and just when I thought it was over for me, someone pulled me to one side hiding me.


    The alleys of my neighborhood were narrow and dark, the hallways of the buildings were not closed by doors or gates and were certainly an excellent hiding place. Whoever had grabbed me knew how to hide, his dark clothes and dark door allowed us to blend in perfectly.


    He put his hand over my mouth to silence me despite the fact that my gaze begged him not to hurt me. I couldn''t risk being seen having those attitudes with a man who wasn''t someone in my family, it was enough that our mother already had a bad reputation because of her work, I didn''t need to be put in the middle of it.


    The creditors passed by without noticing us and I could start breathing normally again, on instinct though and without saying anything I moved that mysterious man''s hand and slapped him. How could he dare to touch me without my consent? He let go of my arm and I left the same way I had come. I had to go home, my brothers had been waiting for me for a long time now and they would be worried. They knew well that I was a strong person, but I was still a woman and in that society I still counted for less than nothing.


    My mother worked as a sex worker. It was not the most glamorous job in the world, but it was the only one she could afford to do. She became a mother at a young age and her children were born in quick succession. Our father died during the war and we didn''t have enough money to live on, so my brothers and I started doing any kind of job we could find.


    Even though we worked as tailors and factory workers, we still didn''t make enough money. Our father borrowed a lot of money from creditors, but he couldn''t pay them back, so it was our turn. It was his fault alone that we were forced to live so miserably, our mother was never home and I, as the oldest, had to take care of all kinds of things.


    Chores, rent, fixing up the house and even working all fell on my shoulders despite the fact that Jonathan, Micheal and Paul were always ready to help me. I would have liked to find a rich man for myself and settle down leaving that misery behind but an eighteen-year-old girl living in one of the poorest neighborhoods certainly could not afford to show up at one of the high society salons or the theater.


    The only opportunities I had were when I had to deliver some freshly made clothes to some luxurious mansion and hope to win over the owner or his son with my charm. My blue eyes and raven hair were definitely a strong point for me, I knew I could charm anyone and was the reason we could still afford a roof over our heads.


    In spite of my beauty, however, I had an absolutely insufferable temperament, having to fend for myself I had not become the classic little girl who wanted to be waited on hand and foot but, if I wanted something, I got it on my own through my own efforts.


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    I went to the tailor shop where I worked to pick up a beautiful men''s suit freshly made. Lady Bipot had been kind enough to let me handle that wonderful project. I was to deliver it to a wealthy gentleman who had just arrived in town, there was a rumor going around that he never went out and when he did, he hid his face under a hat. Did he not want to be recognized? Little did I care, the main issue was that I was heading to that mansion alone and had no idea what to expect.


    I got out of the carriage with my perfectly wrapped package under my arm, walked down the small driveway and knocked. An elderly maid opened the door and asked me who I was.


    ?Forgive me, I am only here to deliver your lord''s suit? I explained, showing her the package.


    ?Please have a seat, Mr. Sonil will be right with you? she invited, leading the way into the spacious abode. The entrance hall was spacious, finely decorated with vases and fresh flowers, the sitting room finely furnished, whoever owned that mansion must have invested a lot of money to make it like that. Yet something seemed to be missing, it was full and at the same time empty as if no one actually lived there.


    I entered the room shyly, I had never seen so much wealth in one place. The maid motioned for me to take a seat but I preferred to stay where I was, it would be unprofessional of me and besides I was afraid of ruining something.


    ?Miss please take a seat, there is no problem ? said a deep voice behind me.


    I turned around with my heart in my throat, no one had ever seen the face of the owner of that house and I was terrified that I would be the first.


    My gaze crossed his, two eyes as black as night were staring at me from behind a metal mask. It covered half his face but the thing I noticed right away was that one eye was actually black while the other seemed to be emerald green. At the moment I thought it was my mistake, the mask might have misled me because of the reflections with the lights in the room.


    ?It''s no problem don''t worry I''m fine like this, I''m just passing through, Lady Bipot sent me? I explained trying to avoid his gaze ?I just have to deliver this package to you then I''ll take it off? I said extending the wrapped dress.


    ?I see you are as elusive as last time, Miss?? the mysterious host asked me.


    Had we met before? Impossible! I would surely have remembered him, eyes like his would have been impossible to forget.


    ?My name is Coral, Mr.?? I asked, sending the question back to him.


    ?You offend me Coral, I think if it wasn''t for me you wouldn''t be here now? revealed the mysterious man ?Anyway the pleasure is mine. I am Mr. Sonil but you can call me Bastian? he said extending his hand toward mine. He was wearing black and red velvet gloves, it was a highly prized fabric and could be seen from a distance, not like mine in plain midnight blue cotton with lace embroidery on top.


    He took my hand and gently rested his lips on it as any gentleman would do but without going to touch the glove, he stopped at an imperceptible distance. A gentleman surely though the energy he exuded had something strange and there I remembered. It was he who had taken me by the arm saving me from the creditors who were chasing me. He was right, I literally owed him my life.


    The mask he was wearing now he didn''t have it the previous night. Why was he wearing it right now? I didn''t think there was anything wrong with his look but I could be wrong. I was totally captivated by his charm, so elegant and mysterious at the same time.


    To avoid further talk and thus risk getting to know the man more thoroughly I decided to leave. I looked at the cuckoo clock in the room and said that it was getting late and I should have be back before sunset. I said a quick goodbye and left, not waiting for the carriage to arrive, I preferred to walk a bit to clear my head.

 2- Mr. Bastian

    I walked home, that meeting had put me in such awe that I never imagined it. That mysterious attitude of Bastian combined with the fact that he had rescued me without knowing me put me in an uncomfortable position. I knew I would have to at least pay him back but how was I going to do that? Such a rich man who lacks nothing would never accept a gift from someone of my social class.


    There was nothing else to do, I would wait for the next delivery to apologize to him and thank him again, that way we would be even.


    I thought back to those eyes for all the people, the way he looked at me was different from what I was used to. All the other customers looked at me with disdain, as if I meant less than nothing to them. Bastian, on the other hand, looked at me as if he saw something more in me, looked at me as if he had a person in front of him.


    I know it may sound strange however it was normal for us poor class people to be seen as objects.


    Over the next few days I continued to think about that enigmatic, mysterious and strangely fascinating figure.


    I continued to work for Lady Bipot and my life returned to normal, the usual alternating rhythm between home and work. I could not allow myself distractions, my brothers needed me also because the little money we earned was used to repay debts.


    We saw our mother less and less, she seemed to have taken on new clients but we were not allowed to go to the dating house where she worked.


    Summer was approaching and the heavy, humid city air was becoming stifling. I would have given anything to be able to take a trip to the countryside like the ladies of high society but, of course, I couldn''t afford it.


    One evening I was on my way home, it was very late, I had been late at the tailor''s shop working on a suit I had to deliver. I noticed I was being followed but I didn''t run, my legs ached from standing too much and I didn''t have the energy to pick up the pace.


    I would have been doomed, I knew that the drunks in the area were not friendly to women walking around alone at night. I hoped with all my heart to get away and make it home safely but my pursuers were now only a few steps away from me.


    A mysterious figure dressed in dark clothes appeared before me. I immediately recognized those eyes, one black that seemed to absorb the light itself and the other emerald green that seemed to reflect the moonlight.


    "Bastian" I thought excitedly. I quickly covered the distance between us, hoping that at least he would be able to keep me safe. It would be another favor I would have to repay him but at that moment I didn''t care.


    ?Miss good evening, do you need help?? he said alluding to the men who were still following me.


    ?Please Mr. Bastian, I don''t know who they are and I won''t be able to outrun them alone? I begged.


    ?Close your eyes Miss, it will all be over in a moment? he murmured. His rough voice rang like a sweet melody to my ears so I obeyed. I turned and put my hands over my eyes but not before noticing that he was removing the mask from his face.


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    A few seconds later a hand rested on my shoulder, I gasped in fright but took courage and removed my hands from my eyes. Bastian was there, his mask still on his face but of those who were following me there was no sign.


    ?Don''t worry, I think they won''t bother you anymore? he said in a calm and quiet voice. It seemed as if he had made no effort, his clothes had not creased and the hat he was wearing seemed to have remained in place.


    ?I thank you infinitely, this is already the second time you have saved my life and I don''t know how I can ever repay you? I admitted sadly, it was true I didn''t know how I would do it but a m


    ?Allow me just to escort you home, Miss Coral. If I know you''re safe, my heart will be at peace? he declared taking my hand and, as if it were his own home, brushed it with his lips. My heart skipped and a shiver ran down my spine, no man had ever been so gallant towards me, I wasn''t used to it.


    I agreed, even though I didn''t want him to see the conditions I was living in. On the way he didn''t say a word, he walked with his arms behind his back, often looking around. I was really curious to know what he was thinking, he was smiling but that aura of mystery that surrounded him seemed to give him an almost evil air.


    We arrived at our destination shortly afterwards and, without further ado, he greeted me on the doorstep, I watched him walk away until he was completely camouflaged with the night. I couldn''t sleep a wink, the thought of that man so fascinating and mysterious at the same time tormented me.


    The next morning a letter arrived at our house, my brothers took it and then passed it on to me since I was the only one in the family who could read. Lady Bipot had taught me a few months ago and I was so excited about it that I was teaching Jonathan, Michael and Paul myself.


    That letter was addressed to me personally and was dated the day before, the sender must have paid really well to have it delivered in such a short time. I opened it and read it, almost breathless. It had been written by Mr. Bastian, and he was inviting me for tea that very afternoon. I stared at the letter without speaking despite the children''s constant questions.


    I rushed to get ready, I didn''t know what to expect but I still chose the best dress I had available. I had worn it only on one other occasion when, by some miracle, we were able to go to see the opera at the theater.


    I said goodbye to my brothers in a hurry and set off quickly. The dress I was wearing was dark green with midnight blue embroidery, the matching gloves and hat were really a touch of class. I stopped the first carriage I came across, but after checking the little money I had, I decided to continue on foot.


    Luckily I had left well in advance so when I arrived, I was right on time.


    The maid from the previous time opened the door for me and made me sit in the house. Bastian joined us shortly afterwards and was even more charming than usual. The midnight blue silk shirt matched perfectly with the jacket and trousers a few shades darker.


    ?Miss, welcome, I hope you don''t run away this time? he said, smiling.


    ?Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Bastian? I replied, trying not to look him in the eye. He offered me a walk in the garden that I gladly accepted, the day was clear and, despite the heat, there was a pleasant summer breeze.


    We walked for a long time and then reached a gazebo where a butler was waiting for us with the table set and tea ready to be served. Despite the pleasant company there was always that aura of mystery around Bastian, I couldn''t decipher his gaze because of the mask but I was intrigued by it.


    ?Forgive me, can I ask you why you always wear that mask?? I asked without thinking too much, curiosity was growing more and more and I knew that I would not rest until I found out.


    ?I can''t tell you Coral, at least not for now? he replied with a hint of a smile. I probably said something I shouldn''t have said as the atmosphere suddenly turned cold.


    He looked me straight in the eyes and there was a tired light in his gaze, it seemed as if he wanted to literally tear me apart at any moment. That exchange of glances lasted only a moment, but it was more than enough to terrify me.

 3- The Demons eyes

    I tried not to show how terrified I was, but it wasn''t that simple. That evil look and the light in his eyes didn''t portend anything good, I could only hope it was just a bad trick of my mind.


    We finished our tea and walked back to the mansion. Bastian posed as if nothing had happened, still smiling when he talked to me.


    ?Miss forgive me, I have to take care of an urgent matter in my study. I won''t be long, please wait for me in the living room if it''s not a problem for you? he told me after the maid had joined us at the front door.


    ?How could I possibly detain you sir, I will wait for you without any problem? I replied, smiling. Bastian left to the upper floor of the mansion and I took the opportunity to walk around the house, I always had that strange feeling.


    The house was occuopied and yet it seemed empty, I couldn''t put my finger on it. Wandering around the house I opened a door that led me to what appeared to be a huge library.


    Shelves upon shelves filled with books of all kinds, I was truly speechless. I ran my hand over some of those volumes, the embossed bindings and the leather of the covers flowed under my fingers. I stopped and randomly picked up one of those books, flipped through it and the intoxicating smell of the paper made me lose track of time.


    I looked toward the highest shelves and one volume among all caught my attention; it looked different from the others. Even from a distance I could see that it was much older despite the fine leather binding, it had inlays that went into a particular pattern.


    I was curious to read it and grabbed a stool to get to it, in spite of that however it was still too high so I stood up on my toes but lost my balance by leaning forward. I fell and hit my head on the shelf making a small wound, and just at that moment Bastian came in and rushed to make sure of my condition.


    He approached as I was trying to get up from the ground and told me not to move, the head injuries could cause serious problems so I sat on the ground. Bastian squatted down in front of me and his face was so close to mine that I could almost hear his breath.


    ?Coral are you all right ?? he asked worriedly, looked at my wound and again that almost evil look took possession of his eyes.


    He watched the blood come out of the small cut on my forehead, took off a glove and ran his fingers over the wound as if to wipe away the blood.


    Immediately afterwards he brought those same fingers to his mouth tasting the blood. His eyes went from their usual color to a vermilion red, I could not understand what the hell was going on at that moment but I was completely paralyzed.


    ?Don''t move Coral, I promise nothing will happen? he stated in a calm voice.


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    With his free hand he took off his mask, and I finally saw what was hidden behind it. A deep scar ran across his face starting above his eye and ending on his cheek. The eye had been caught in the full extent of that wound, and perhaps that was the reason it was a different color.


    At that moment, however, those red eyes were staring at me as if they were going to devour me at any moment. He came even closer to me and all I could do was try to keep my breathing calm. I had never been this close to a man but at that moment that was not what was bothering me.


    Bastian placed his lips on my wound and tasted the blood.


    ?Coral, know that I''m trying to hold myself back but I don''t know how long I can? he whispered.


    When he moved away from me I saw the long canines that had sprouted and I pushed him away, I was literally terrified and I didn''t hesitate for a second to run away. I grabbed my skirt with my hands, lifting it slightly, and ran out of that damn house.


    I ran at breakneck speed until I felt safe, I had hoped that for once luck would turn for me too but I was very wrong.


    What the hell was that man, why he had targeted me and above all why now I couldn''t get it out of my head.


    Those questions tormented me for days, I tried to maintain an apparent state of calm even if only so as not to agitate those close to me.


    I continued to work at Lady Bipot''s, and although Mr. Bastian still ordered garments from us, I was never the one to deliver them to him. I was very sure that if she saw me again something very unpleasant would happen, I was too fond of my life to allow it.


    Days and months passed, and I had no news and received no letters from Bastian. I thought that his almost obsession with me was now over. Every night, when I came home alone, I felt like a presence that followed me from afar. Never too close to see but enough to make me feel scared and protected at the same time.


    My siblings and I were literally breaking our backs day in and day out and were one step away from paying off our father''s debt. A few last days of work would have been enough to make it when tragedy struck. My younger brother Paul was the victim of an explosion in the factory where he worked.


    They were very common accidents and we had always been very lucky to come out unscathed, but not this time. We heard the explosion and quickly rushed to the scene, I saw Jonathan and Michael running out with tears in their eyes.


    I stopped them and asked them what had happened as I tried to console them. Apparently a malfunction, a simple accident had cost our brother his life. The next day our mother also came home, we wanted to have a funeral but it was too expensive.


    That same day, a bouquet of black roses with a note came to us. They were from Bastian, he was also offering us condolences like all our neighbors.I decided to ignore him, I couldn''t worry about him right now.


    The days became dark and sad, for a while we were unable to return to normal and our work also suffered. We slowed down our pace, and Lady Bipot had noticed it too.


    ?What''s troubling you?? he asked me one afternoon. I had been working on the same embroidery for hours now and it was strange of me.


    ?Forgive me, I still haven''t fully recovered? I admitted, almost on the verge of tears.


    ?Don''t worry, I know it''s hard but it will pass soon? she replied gently, trying to console me.


    I had been working with her for quite some time now and I saw her much more than my mother. I hugged Lady Bipot and burst into desperate tears, my life was already difficult before but now it was even more so. After consoling me, my boss let me go home earlier that day.


    I walked a long way past my house and arrived at the pier on the River Thames, the dark water was calm that evening. My mind was lost in the darkest thoughts and deepest sadness, so I jumped into the water.

 4- Rescue

    The dark and cold water enveloped me in a flash. That pier was not very busy, especially in the evening. It was almost impossible for anyone to see me. I let myself be lulled by the river as the weight of my dress carried me deeper and deeper.


    My brothers were my only reason for living. I was supposed to live for Jonathan and Michael but Paul''s sudden death was a blow to all of us. The older ones would surely have managed on their own and didn''t need me anymore.


    I closed my eyes and let myself be carried away. The air in my lungs was almost exhausted and my end was near, I was aware of it and it was okay. I had the feeling that someone or something was interrupting my peace.


    The cold night air hit my wet skin, but my body was unwilling to respond.


    ?Coral, can you hear me?? someone was calling me, who was interrupting my peace?


    ?Damn it!? the voice continued.


    My semi-conscious state allowed me to hear what was going on around me, but I was unable to interfere. I felt the heavy fabric of my dress being torn and the laces of my bodice being loosened.


    My lungs suddenly filled with air and I opened my eyes. Bastian was there, also soaking wet, must have seen me and must have dived too.


    But why did he save me?


    Why hadn''t he left me alone with my pain?


    The man tried to hug me now that he had seen me open my eyes, but I dodged him.


    ?Why didn''t you leave me alone?? I asked. ?Why did you have to interfere?? I continued practically screaming. Tears mingled with the drops of water on my face.


    ?I couldn''t let you do it? Bastian said. ?I couldn''t allow you to commit this act. I''ve been watching you for days to make sure you were safe? he admitted.


    I realized only then that my dress had been practically torn apart and my bodice was almost completely unfastened. I turned, ignoring his words, and tried to cover myself with what was left of my dress.


    Bastian handed me his coat, he must have taken it off before throwing himself into the Thames as it was completely dry. I gladly accepted and wrapped myself in the soft and warm fabric.


    ?I know you''re scared of me, Miss Coral, but like I said, I don''t want to hurt you? Bastian said.


    ?Then tell me, what are you? Why are your eyes like this? Why is your face always covered by this mask?? I was basically subjecting him to an interrogation, it was just like that.


    I wanted answers, and I demanded them now. Bastian sighed, his gaze suggesting that he had realized he had no way out. I didn''t let my feet get on my head easily, and when I wanted something, I got it.


    ?I''ll tell you everything you want to know but not here, you need to dry off? he said in an almost apprehensive tone, he was still thinking about my well-being and safety. I had to accept, but the nearest house was mine and it was not the most suitable place.


    ?Don''t worry Coral, I won''t judge you for your house for sure. When I tell you you''ll understand what I mean? he hinted before helping me up.


    Still covered in his overcoat, we walked through the narrow alleys of the outskirts of London and reached my humble home. My siblings were at work so at least there was some privacy.


    Bastian lit a fire in the small fireplace to warm the room and placed two chairs in front of it. I sat on one of them while he sat on the other. I was waiting for him to start talking, but he was focused on watching the flames.


    He sighed loudly a couple of times, then began his story.


    (Bastian POV)


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    ?I think you''ve already figured something out about me, but I prefer to start from the real beginning of the story. Just promise me not to be too scared by what I''m about to tell you? I said, trying to reassure Coral.


    I started from day one.


    I was born too long ago, in 1625 here in London. That was also a very complex period characterized by multiple clashes. In that very year there was the change of the monarchy from the hands of James I Stuart to those of Charles I Stuart.


    My family wasn''t doing well. My parents were simple blacksmiths, and six mouths to feed excluding theirs were not an easy thing to manage. When the revolution broke out, I had just turned seventeen.


    Our social class was already oppressed by the taxes that the King had imposed, now we were being asked to pay more to finance yet another war. I wasn''t the youngest of my siblings, but I was certainly the one who was most eager to have a little freedom.


    So I joined the revolutionary movement led by Oliver Cromwell. We fought and we lost, we fought and we won. The days were practically identical to each other for those like me who were in the middle.


    Finally, after almost six years of constant struggle, we were beginning to see the end of this reign and the beginning of the new. At least that''s what we all hoped for. A few days before the coronation of the new King, I was attacked.


    None of us was armed anymore, the revolution had ceased and we had emerged victorious, but not everyone was of the same opinion. The sons of many of the great nobility did not agree with our victory and began to attack us by taking us individually. I was badly beaten, stabbed in the eye, and finally shot.


    The blow hit me in the chest and I knew my time had come. I felt my life slipping away from me, and so I gave in to that call. I closed my eyes, knowing that I would never open them again, but that I had fought and won.


    A few days later I woke up in a very luxurious villa, I had never seen so much wealth in one place. I tried to get up, but someone''s hand made me stretch out again.


    ?Son, you''re not fully healed yet? the dimly lit voice told me. ?There are many things I''ll have to explain to you, but the first is that you can''t contact your family at all, for any reason? he continued.


    ?I''ll take care of them and make sure they live well, in fact much better than they do now? he concluded. I was confused and shocked at the same time. I had a million questions in my head but I couldn''t utter a word at the time.


    ?What the heck does it mean I can''t contact my family? They will definitely be worried about me? I said in an almost hysterical voice. My emotions were in turmoil by now, they seemed almost amplified somehow.


    The man identified himself as Mr. Sonil and it was he who saved me from certain death. He had found me in one of those alleys in the suburbs in a pool of blood. He had me loaded into his carriage and taken to his home where he had cared for me.


    I still didn''t know what he had treated me with, but it certainly had an effect.


    When I found out what had done me, a baleful anger got the better of me. He starts breaking things and yelling at those who tried to stop me. My strength was far greater than I remembered, and the wound on my chest had already healed.


    Mr. Sonil explained to me that he had cured me with his blood, the blood of a vampire. Now the choice was mine. I could become one too, or I could just let myself starve to death. I thought about it for a long time, I knew that if my choice fell on becoming a vampire it would no longer be possible for me to live as before and if I died my family would suffer.


    I chose the first option, but on one condition. I would adopt my savior''s surname and help my family live comfortably for as long as it needed. Mr. Sonil accepted my proposal, but made me promise to wear a mask so that I would not be recognized if I went out.


    I couldn''t spend too much time in the sunlight or there would be serious consequences. I had to cover up a lot every time I went out, and I wasn''t allowed to feed on human blood. The first few years were the most difficult, but as time went on, I began to control my impulses better.


    To quench my thirst I fell back on large animals, as my saviour''s villa was isolated, and there was no danger of being discovered. I lost control only on one occasion. At the end of about 1790 I saw a man attacking a young girl in the street at night, the guy was definitely drunk but that didn''t stop me.


    With swift and nimble movements I struck him and dragged him with me into the night. I dug my canines into his neck until he was left without a drop of blood in his body. To get rid of the body, I waited for the wagons to pass by they were picking up the sick and I put him among them, then I disappeared as soon as I had arrived.


    This is my story, I know you''re scared of it and I know you''ll probably want to stay away from me but, like I said, I''m not going to hurt you and I''m not going to let it happen to you.


    (Coral POV)


    I was completely speechless, I would never have imagined such a story. I couldn''t believe it, but surely now many of his behaviors were explained.


    ?Why the mask?? I asked first. I was too upset to think of anything else.


    ?Oh, do you mean that?? replied Bastian with a half-smile. ?It''s just to cover the scar and avoid scaring people? he explained, ?being born with different colored eyes, it''s normal for people to feel intimidated or scared when they look at me? he elaborated.


    We were silent until I fell asleep in the chair enveloped in the warmth of the fire and Bastian''s coat.

 5- The Illness

    I woke up a few hours later. The fire had been out for quite a while by then. I looked for Bastian beside me but without finding him, I imagined he had left long before. I took my coat off and carefully folded it on the chair, I did not want to crease it rather I should have returned it as soon as possible.


    By now it was daylight so I imagined that Bastian had returned to his house before dawn. Now that I knew his true identity I had begun to understand his behaviors better. I heard the front door open a short time later and saw my brothers returning from work.


    Paul''s death had been a very hard blow to them as well; they said goodbye to me and went to wash up as much as they could. I started to prepare something to eat for them but we consumed the meal in silence. None of us had the courage to be happy, as if we were wronging Paul if we smiled.


    Memories of the previous night traveled in my mind, however, I still wondered about Bastian''s motivations for rescuing me. I kept wondering why he had chosen to reveal his secret to me even though we had not known each other long.


    As the days passed, we began to get over our grief and returned almost to who we were before. I worked hard for Lady Bipot and went to the houses of the nobles for deliveries more and more often. Bastian hadn''t shown up for a long time now, so I didn''t know whether to worry or not but I didn''t have time to go and investigate.


    We were overwhelmed with work to be completed, clothes to be packed and delivered in a very short time. Ladies of high society were very pleased with our work and kept mentioning the name of our tailor shop to everyone.


    New customers were arriving every day and one of them was Mr. Blastor. He was part of high society and his mansion outside London was one of the most beautiful I had ever seen. I went to him to deliver the last of his orders and was totally fascinated by both him and his house.


    Mr. Blastor was a handsome, brown-haired, hazel-eyed man in his thirties. He showered me with compliments from the first time we met in the tailor''s shop, he liked both how I worked and the way I looked.


    I was flattered by his compliments but I didn''t give him much thought, I knew that someone like him wouldn''t consider someone of my social rank. However, I accepted all his compliments with pleasure, even if my mind often took me back to Bastian.


    One afternoon I was at Mr. Blastor''s house, and I heard some of the maids talking about Bastian. Apparently, the two had known each other for some time but they were certainly not friends, on the contrary, I think they hated each other to the core.


    They had very different political thoughts, but there was more to it than that. The questions discussed the fact that they had not seen Bastian Sonil at any of the political meetings or hunting trips.


    I honestly began to worry too. In fact, he hadn''t shown up for almost a month now, so to speak. He had not gone to the tailor''s shop, he had not sent me any letters or replied to mine. I decided that as soon as I had some free time, I would go to his house to check on his condition.


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    Under the pretext of running some errands for my family, I left Mr. Blastor''s house and made my way to Bastian''s house. By now my concern was skyrocketing and I had to make sure of his condition. By the time I arrived, it was already evening and I wasn''t sure if anyone would open the door for me. Fortunately, the usual maid was already at the doorstep.


    I greeted her and asked her about Bastian but she didn''t answer, she blocked my way and denied me access. This made me even more worried, but despite my best efforts, I couldn''t get over it.


    I reluctantly left, but the maid promised to tell Bastian of my visit. I moved away from Bastian''s house, but not by much. I would have waited until the maid had gone to sleep to try to get in. When I saw the lights go out, I sprang into action.


    I entered the garden trying to make as little noise as possible and entered through one of the side doors. The burgundy dress helped me to blend in at night but it got in the way of my movements. Inside the villa I tried to orient myself according to my memory.


    I hadn''t visited it completely but I imagined that, on the second floor, there were the rooms. So I went upstairs. I walked slowly up the steps to avoid creaks that would make me discover. A soft light came from one of the rooms at the end of the dark corridor and I made my way to it.


    The door was ajar and I didn''t hear any voices coming from inside, only a few indistinct moans. I pushed the door lightly and entered the room. Bastian was lying on the bed, his shirt untied and open revealing the scar on his chest.


    However, it was another wound that caught my attention, it was a cut on the side that was bleeding profusely.


    ?Bastian? I called softly.


    He turned to look at me, he wasn''t wearing his usual mask and his face was wonderful despite the deep scar on his eye.


    ?Bastian, what happened to you?? I asked trembling.


    He tried to get up but only ended up bleeding more.


    ?Don''t move, I''ll help you? I almost implored him with those words. I rolled up the sleeves of my dress and helped him lean against the headboard.


    You could tell he was struggling to stay in that position, but it was hard to change his mind.


    ?Miss Coral...? He said, his voice breaking with pain, ?Why are you here?? he asked with a whimper.


    ?I was worried about you, you''ve been gone for a long time? I admitted worriedly.


    I explained to him that I had broken into his house; it was my concern that made me act that way.


    ?You don''t have to worry Coral it''s nothing serious? he tried to downplay. I knew better and there had to be something else behind it.


    ?Aren''t you supposed to heal faster than normal people?? I asked both intrigued and worried.


    ?Theoretically, yes? Bastian admitted in pain, ?but not when you are injured with ash wood? he explained. As I understood it, that particular type of wood was capable of causing quite a few problems for vampires.


    ?What can I do to help you?? I asked. I wanted to help him, he had already saved me on several occasions so it was the least I could do.


    ?You know what I would need to heal? Bastian murmured, ?but in this condition I certainly cannot go out to feed myself? he continued, pointing to the wound that was bleeding despite the bandages.


    I took a deep breath and took courage before saying those words that I knew would change my life forever.


    ?Use me, I will be your cure for this time? I suggested without thinking of the consequences that might be involved.


    ?Are you sure about what you just said?? asked Bastian, taking my arm and pulling me to him.


    ?Yes I am sure? I said without allowing fear to take over. After my words I felt only Bastian''s teeth sinking into my flesh.

 6- The cure

    I felt Bastian''s teeth sink into my flesh, blood began to come out, and he drank some of it. Then again and again. I was beginning to feel weaker and weaker but seeing his wound heal I tried to resist. His vermilion-red eyes were fixed in mine, his breathing was getting heavy and he began to drink more and more.


    My strength deserted me and I collapsed on the bed, fainting without even realizing it. I could hear Bastian''s voice in the distance calling me, trying to bring me back. I reopened my eyes and was confronted by Bastian with a worried expression on his face. I pulled myself up to reassure him, I was fine in the back even though the bite mark on my arm was quite obvious.


    ?Forgive me Coral I couldn''t stop myself? he said regretfully almost on the verge of tears.


    ?Don''t worry about it. Bastian I''m fine? I tried to reassure him. I had to admit that the situation had scared me very much but at the same time it was the only way I could help him. I sat in the chair next to Bastian''s bed and took bandages to dress my wound.


    Animal attacks were commonplace so no one would suspect anything if I said a dog had bitten me.


    ?Please. Please forgive me? Bastian apologized again, his voice trembling, and I tried to console him. I finished bandaging my wound and took his hands in mine.


    ?That''s enough now? I said in a calm but gentle voice ?You don''t have to either apologize or worry, I''m fine and your wound is healed. Only this is important.? I explained, smiling. I imagined this must be difficult for him since he had never hurt people before.


    ?I really don''t know what came over me, I couldn''t stop myself? he admitted with guilt consuming him.


    I tried to calm him down as much as I could, I could tell he was very shaken by what had just happened and I couldn''t blame him. The wound caused by the bite stung n a little but I tried not to let it show so he wouldn''t worry more.


    ?I know how hard it was for you Bastian. but look at me I am fine.? I could not convince him with mere words so I mustered up courage, took his face in my hands and looked him straight in the eye.


    ?I''m fine Bastian. You are fine now, you don''t have to either apologize or worry? I emphasized in a confident tone. Bastian''s eyes had returned to their natural color but had lost that swaggering air that always accompanied him. He was vulnerable at that moment even though he tried to hide it from me.


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    His skin was cold and pale; I still had my hands on his cheeks when he put a hand on mine.


    ?Coral I...? he tried to say but I interrupted him.


    I reached out to him and kissed him to shush him. It was not common for a girl to make the first move but I was not going to put up with hearing any more excuses. I was not going to put up with being in the dark about whether he was sick or hurt. By now I was too connected to that man despite his inner darkness.


    Bastian seemed astonished by my action but only for a moment. The next moment he was pulling me to him in a passionate kiss, it was more than evident that we were now lost to each other.


    ?You are my cure Coral? whispered Bastian. ?I''m not just talking about the blood you offered me, I mean in every aspect of my life? he continued, moving a strand of hair behind my ear.


    The sound of footsteps coming closer and closer brought us back to reality. We couldn''t let that situation find us especially since I had snuck into the house. I hurriedly got up and hid inside Bastian''s closet, he still couldn''t move so he struggled to settle on the bed. A little later his maid came in to inquire about his condition.


    I could peek at something through the crack between the doors. The maid was furious with Bastian because he had put himself in danger, according to what I could tell Mr. Blastor was behind Bastian''s injury. In what way, however, he was guilty of it I still had no idea.


    When the maid came out of the room I slipped out of my hiding place.


    ?What do you mean Mr. Blastor is behind your wound?? I asked worriedly.


    ?How come you know him?? asked Bastian in curiosity. I explained that Thomas Blastor had been a customer of the tailor shop for a short time and that I had been to his house a few times for deliveries. I didn''t know him well however, I didn''t think he was capable of hurting anyone.


    ?You see Coral there is something different about Blastor too.? stated Bastian ?He is not a vampire like me but he is a sorcerer, he has been after me for years but this is the first time he has come to hurt me? he explained.


    ?What do you mean?? I asked even more puzzled than before.


    ?Between vampires and warlocks there has always been a huge rivalry and a deep hatred? Bastian admitted "That night after I rescued you from the river I was on my way home, it was almost dawn and I had to hurry but Blastor was watching me and hit me from behind" he told me.


    ?So it was from that day that that wound was in that condition?? I asked perhaps a little too loudly. The maid from before re-entered the room but without being heard this time and found us sitting next to each other. She said nothing but her look made it clear that she did not approve of that situation.


    ?Unfortunately, wounds caused by magic do not heal by themselves like others, you need human blood for that. Not wanting to hurt anyone, I continued to suffer alone? he concluded.


    ?So now what should we do?? asked Bastian worriedly.


    ?Nothing, I don''t want to cause further trouble and I don''t want others to get hurt? he replied calmly. ?I can heal more or less easily, but a mere human would not have survived such an attack? he continued.


    ?You know very well that I won''t be able to sit still without knowing why it attacked you, but if you say it''s too dangerous for me then I won''t do anything? I replied. It would have been very difficult for me not to act but I would respect Bastian''s wishes.