To shorten the time Violette decided to occupy herself with something more interesting than pondering about immortal beings. The book which belonged to the Queen was questionable in this meaning as she didn't understand what it was written about but she decided it'd be interesting to flip through it.
Her fingers ran over the old wrinkled brown cover, the whimsical curls and helices paler in shade danced under her touch. Her hand reached to the beautiful small gem in the center and she opened the book. There was no signature or initials, not inside, not on the back of the book. No date. Only a heraldic sign on the first page, which looked like a ?oat of arms. If this book was written by the Queen they met in the dream, the coat could belong to her family. But was it written by her truly or was she just an owner of thebook?
Next pages were covered in beautiful calligraphy accompanied by small inky drawings. Some of it looked like recipes as Violette recognized proportions and some ingredients in her own language, other descriptions were written in ancient letters and esoteric signs. She came across the page which Dante pointed out as the most important. A little drawing of a cage and a lock suggested his vampire nature. She flipped a paper.
The spell of emergence
Her eyes ran over the recipe: it wasn't a really difficult potion, although she'd never seen something like this before.
There's a spell that helped with emerging something that was hidden by magic, but this one looked unique…made. She flipped another page, her gaze found a crescent moon doodle and other ancient spells written in Heggas' language. She studied the book for some time until she realized that she could barely feel her legs. It was time to take a break. Arching her back, her eyes skimmed through the pages one more time before slamming the book.
Having straightened her skirt, Violette stood up. The book was once again in her bag. She didn't want to walk between graves, it was brazen and unpleasant so she paced to the forest. And as it was day, she'd no reason to be afraid of monsters or vampires, which actually could be considered synonyms.
The walk was a great chance to clear up her head as her mind was plagued with questions, however she'd lie saying she wanted to think aboutsomething more cheerful and happy: everything that happened for the last few days couldn't give peace to her curious mind, she was eager for the answers and reveals. But there was one thing that made her truly unsettled. Her hand reached in the bag for the dagger inlaid with jewels.
The blade flashed before her eyes. It was completely indistinguishable from the one Dante owned: same shape, stones and decor. Caidas' words were sitting in her head, digging with its claws – he wanted Dante dead. She wondered why, what horrible thing he did to wish for his death? Yes, Dante wasn't an angel indeed. She hadn't forgotten him blackmailing the poor young witch they met a few moons ago. But despite it, she wouldn't wish him death. Violette knew for sure he killed someone and he revealed it was not just one person, but she couldn't wrap her head around Caidas' words.
Once you unleash him – you will not be able to control it.
Maybe she didn't know him for a long time, but somehow she felt Dante is not a ruthless beast, thirsty for anguish and blood spilling. Despite him being so cold and somber sometimes, she hadn't felt frightened by his presence.
He loves causing pain to others,other words of the high vampire surfaced.
As much as Dante was driving her mad with all this teasing, he looked more like a shot-down bird doomed to eke out its existence alone on the ground. And regardless of the darkness in his eyes, she also saw wistfulness and despondency.He wanted to be free, it was understandable, she couldn't blame him for it. But not once she felt like it was for simple vampire instincts. She refused to believe that all of it was just for the purpose of insatiable hunting. Was she naive thinking like this?
Violette kicked a stone with her boot as a heavy sigh tumbled out her mouth. She didn't want to believe Caidas but she had no reason to believe Dante as well. All she knew was that she made a promise and she had to keep it. For her father.
A light wind caressed her back. Taking a deep breath, she raised her head to the sky and closed her eyes.
The peace and quietness of the surroundings lodged the looseness in her soul. Only a quiet breeze was breaking the silence, playing with the leaves of the trees.
All at once, she heard a strange sound coming from the bushes. Her eyes flashed open. Just a quiet sound but something was unnerving in it. Perhaps just an animal. She looked around and finally it struck her – it was already darkening. She hadn't noticed how time flew by. Just a few moments ago she was strolling under the cloudy sky and now, the stars have already started to lighten up instead.
Another rustle. Violette felt uneasy, just in case she took out her magic wand, gripping it tight. Maybe it was Dante who came for her? It's strange how one situation could make you wish for the presence of someone you don't trust. Perhaps she felt more calmer with him than she cared to admit.
The next rustling sound appeared too close and she'd have liked to ignore it, but a sudden burst of coolness made her turn around. There was nothing. And yet she had a strange feeling as if she was being watched.
“Who is there?” Violette let a question into the air.
Silence.
She spun back, maybe it was her imagination? She was probably already going crazy.
Again the strange chill struck her back, making her whirl around sharply. Nothing again. Only trees and bushes.
“I know you are here,” she let out firmly, narrowing her eyes. “Dante? I told you to not scare me.”
A deep sharp male voice entered the air from behind, “I wouldn't want to be confused with Dante. I find it disrespectful.”
Her head snapped at the side the sound came from.
Right in front of the tree was a stranger, leaning over its trunk with his back. The barn red color of his suit stood out against the dark bushes, his pale golden hair fell sloppily onto his forehead and his dark gray eyes looked at Violette with such entertainment like she was a little animal in a cage.
“So it's true, Dante got himself a girlfriend,” he said with a provoking smile.
“Who are you?” Violette’s shoulders tensed.
“Friend of your vampire.” The grin, arrogant and cruel, appeared on his face, the menace in his eyes was noticeable even far away.
