The witch canted her head to the side with an interest. “And you grew up around other magic people?”
Violette nodded. “I was lucky enough to be born in the biggest wizard city. Magic there is such a common thing. We have a lot of shops which sell potions, magic animals, spell recipes, enchanted inks and scrolls. We also have a wonderful library with a ton of enchantment books and, no offense, but the best blueberry cakes.”
Lamia's head raised to the ceiling in a ringing laugh. “It sounds truly nice.”
Violette smiled under her breath, fixating her sight at the bubbles on the potion surface. An awkward silence sealed between them before a sudden dull thud rang off – the cat, who was licking his paws until now, jumped off the windowsill, landed on all fours and then followed the stairs leading to the second floor.
Violette turned her attention back to the witch. “Can I ask you one question?” Her voice became awkwardly quiet.
“Yes, of course. I don't usually have many interesting visitors, so I am happy to answer anything,” Lamia’s eyes shone as she confessed.
The curiosity slinked to Violette’s mind as she tried to rewind their previous conversation in her head.
“You said that vampires can’t love. How is that?”
“Oh, this one,” the witch calmly sighed. “Vampires don't have a heart, not physically of course, but they indeed cannot feel love. They are selfish and think only about their supremacy. As you can see I experienced what a vampire's ‘love’ is, and I don’t recommend it.”
“I am sorry about that.” Violette’s lips pressed together.
“Oh, don’t worry. As I said, the wound is already healed. But my advice to you – be careful and do not let yourself make such a mistake like I did. It can end in ruins for you.”
“Oh, believe me, I don’t plan to fall for a vampire.” Violette chortled.
She was not that stupid. Yes, she kept making mistakes and getting trapped in bad situations, but she wasn’t dumb. Never in her life could she imagine herself falling in love with a night bloodsucking monster – it was illogical and absurd. And except the fact that they were talking about vampires, how could she feel some deep feelings toward someone who is so blatantly selfish and rude as Dante? Or those vampires she saw a few moons ago in the Vampire Kingdom? How could someone even find something attractive in their souls? They had nothing but a pretty face, and however it was everlasting, their love would never be real and their interest most likely would fade in a very short time, leaving you completely wretched as if you had never been a part of their immortal life. She felt sorry for Lamia, she didn’t know her story but it seemed like such a tragic turn of events. Nobody likes to be misled, especially by someone who they keep close to the heart.
“Great, because in one thing Dante is right. He indeed has a pretty face even if half of it is covered.” Lamia winkedat her. “Don’t tell him I said it. No need to feed his ego.”
Violette laughed. “Your secret will die with me.”
The seething liquid under her gaze changed its hue for the tenth time, now radiating a teal shade, when the menacing sound of the clock ricocheted in her mind.
“Nine o'clock, time to feed Acies.” Lamia clapped and immediately disappeared, leaving Violette with her own thoughts.
Her gaze drifted to the window.
Chapter 34
UNDER THE MOONLIGHT
Violette's eyes found Dante sitting by the pond – something dull and sad was in the way he bowed his head, the way his dark silhouette looked against the reflection of the moon in the water. It made her stop on the last step.
Alone. Obscured by darkness. It was so him. She's been wondering what his thoughts were occupied by.
Stepping on the wet ground, she walked forward. Dante’s eyes were lowered to his own reflection on the water surface – the only thing he could see himself in.
Violette cleared her throat and he slowly turned his head. His face – calm and loosened up, she didn't remember if she saw him like that before. He looked like there wasn't really something on his mind at the moment but Violette felt like something strange was lingering over him. Maybe, his mind was clear of the dark plans and his eyes were free of mischievous demons but she felt his thoughts were consumed by something else.
“The potion is nearly ready,” she announced, locking her palms together.
Dante angled his head to the side and leaned slightly back, pressing his hands to the ground. “Very well.” His voice was smooth as the water surface on the pond.
He wasn't in a hurry to get up. His eyes were staring in the darkness of the night beyond. Violette took a step, tucking a lock of hair behind herear and then she silently sat next to him.
“Well–” she tried to start a conversation but he cut her off too soon to continue her thought.
“You look happy when you make potions,” he said, not taking his eyes off the distance. “Why potion shop?”
She looked at him with a bewildered expression. His eyes finally met hers – so dreamy, two wanly twinkling sapphires, almost black as the night itself.
