The ample room was sinking into semidarkness. Two cupboards placed on both sides were stuffed with the books in shabby ancient spines: the language of each different, including runes and wondrous signs.
The creaking sound under Violette's boot made her perk up. It felt like they were entering an ancient place, which was not far from the truth. The silence of this room made it feel sacred, as if any sound could wake up what has been sleeping here for centuries.
The wide oak table stretched out in the center of the room, the dark broad-shouldered figure sitting at it, the gold sparks flickered in two brown eyes.
“Hello, Dante. I haven't seen you in a long time.” Violette felt a shiver down her hands right to the fingertips, as she’d never heard such a majestic but sepulchral voice. A hundred years of wisdom was concentrated in it.
“I would be glad to not see you even longer.” Dante's tone was replete with gloom.
“You are very gallant as usual.” The figure stood up so the candlelight illuminated his face and Violette at once could get a better look at the man. The deep ash brown hair neatly lay back, a few strands falling on the prominent forehead almost not touched with time: he looked not much older than Dante, a few years difference.
“Tell me one thing, please.” Amber eyes gaped at Dante. “What were you thinking about bringing a human to a vampire's lair?”
“I thought your vampires aretrained dogs.” Dante carelessly looked away.
“Some of these vampires were your friends.”
“I don't actually remember such times,” he gruffed. “And don't pretend you wouldn't send someone to talk with her, I made it easier for you by bringing both of us.”
The Lord of Vampires bestowed Dante an intensive look, approaching Violette. Her eyes darted to Dante at a loss before they met Caidas’ again.
“Nice to meet you, Violette.” His hand reached for hers and his lips delicately pressed to her skin.
Dante rolled his eyes in silence.
Violette's gaze was glued to Caidas, she didn't feel fear like with other vampires, something different was in him: he didn't inspire a trust but he hadn't looked evil or vile, or…hungry. Furthermore, he definitely wasn't an old bag of bones as she could imagine. The man standing before her was tall, representative and gallant. Perhaps they shared a ten year age difference by look but centuries or even thousands by existence. And she could feel it. The ancientness was circling around his presence. The knowledge of centuries was living in his eyes, the sacred wisdom of many years. If she didn't feel Dante's vampirism when he was around, it was completely different with Caidas – she could sense something really powerful standing in front of her eyes. And yet, his features were much duller and the gaze seemed to be kinder and friendlier. There wasn't much mystery about him, until she looked into his eyes that close. He was mannerly and amiable, she'd never in her life could imagine the Lord of Vampires would be like this. But the thing to say – he definitely suited descriptions of vampires she read in the books. Courteous and charming. Not like Dante at all, with a somber flame darkness filled eyes.
“Can't say the same,” she said as politely as she could and then added to clear up things, “I mean, not like I was dreaming about meeting a bunch of vampires.”
The corners of Caidas' mouth curled in a soft smile but then it slowly faded away.
“Tell me, dear Violette, what connects you and this tremendous essence?”
“Nothing illicit. We are friends.” She fought a laugh at this thought. Her brows arched in conviction. If her eyes will not betray her, he might believe her words.
“Dante? Your friend?” He converted his gaze to the vampire and then laughed. “It's a hilarious joke, won't lie. But I would like to hear the truth.” His eyes flashed at the girl again, but this time his face was still and decisive.
Dante sighed by the wall, leaning towards one of the shelves. “I can really get offended, Caidas. Your low opinion of me truly hurts.” His hand dramatically fell on his chest, pretending to be deeply heartbroken. “Can't vampires and humans be friends now?”
“Vampires and humans, yes. But you and humans – no.”
Caidas' tone sent a tingle of goosebumps down Violette's spine.
“Well, he is improving his relationships with mortals,” she blurted sarcastically.
“Violette, look at me, please,” the old vampire asked softly.
“Don't. Look at him,” Dante said firmly, with an almost commanding tone. How different their voices sounded, the word placing. Caidas' voice wasn't as harsh and rough as Dante's, if choosing who to listen to, Violette would rather make a deal with Caidas. At least he gives the impression of an honorable gentleman.
She knew she probably shouldn't do it but she couldn't stand Dante's tone, as if she belonged to him, as if she'd listen to every word he'd say, so her pettiness made her raise her gaze to Caidas.
He looked carefully into her eyes, as if trying to read the hidden truth there. The silence settled in the room and then he let her. Violette turned her head to Dante, finding him with a satisfied smile on his lips. Of course this bloodsucking monster knew she wouldn't listen to him. That's why he said it to her – to prove to Caidas that she is completely sane. Her mind wasn't dazed by anyone's magic and wishes, all her actions were voluntary and now Caidas didn't have reason to think contrariwise.
“So, Dante didn't lure you,” Caidas stated and strolled back to the table but instead of sitting back in his chair, he leaned toward the table’s edges. “But it's even worse, it means you are doing whatever he wants of your own free will.”
“I do not do what Dante says to me,” she frowned.
“Oh right. I noticed.” He smiled. It seems as if he was polite with her but somehow Violette could feel that it wasn't sincere. He was trying to be nice to her so he could win her trust. He wanted answers. Little did he know that Violette swore to herself never to make such a mistake twice – to trust a vampire.
