Page 121 of Of Shadows and Blood

“My lady.” She bows. “Dinner is about to be served.”

“Thank you, I will be down shortly.” I lightly curtsy back. The dress I am already wearing is quite formal so perhaps I can add a necklace or rings to distract myself. The box of jewelry Jett put together sits perfectly on the mantel as I sift through its contents. The mantel is far more ornate than the rest of the room and I pause to look it over, running my fingers across the spiral molding. The molding seems to break where it connects to the wall on the left. The gap is noticeable and does not appear to be from damage.

My fingernail catches on the lip and that piece of the wall slides down like a switch. The latch makes a clicking noise and the wall pops out an inch.

Checking over my shoulder, I open the hidden door more fully as some dust gets disturbed. I wave away the specks before leaning slightly into the opening. A cold, mildew smell lurks from the chamber below. Narrow stone stairs lead down to a gravel-covered floor and some openings appear but the whole place is too dark.

Everything in me wants to explore this hidden space but dinner has already been called and I do not want to show any disrespect to Sawyer’s kindness.

I will come back to this.

Chapter 33

It is just me and my companions to suffer this eternal punishment. We are starved for a largeness in this community, an inflated sense of belonging.

“Liv, I am terribly sorry I did not think to bring you down myself.” Sawyer crosses the room in a few strides. “You haven’t been properly shown around and I neglected that.”

I smile tersely and let him kiss my hand. “That’s all right, truly. The manor is beautiful.”

Sawyer motions to the table and pulls my chair for me. Servants begin to enter and fill our cups with wine and blood. The curtains are drawn tight but I can see the fading light from outside.

Sawyer catches me looking around the room. “Beautiful but with a dark history. Orvynn was here far before Lux acquired it, the continent used it as a prison. The land, I’m sure you’re aware, is historically contested. Alas, my ancestors couldn’t help themselves.” He drinks deeply, licking the blood from his lips. “Unfortunately.”

“But that’s changing,” I reply, admiring the chandelier as it twinkles above me.

“Indeed, it is,” he replies curtly. “Tell me, how are you? I wish to help you, if I can.”

I peel my eyes from the lights above and meet his stare. Casually, Sawyer crosses his feet on the mahogany table, switching chalices.

“The strangeness of my new life has been overwhelming, to be sure. I believe that is the best way to describe how I am feeling, now that I think about it. Strange.” I sip from my cup, letting the wine warm me. “But thank you for asking.”

“My brother won’t visit here. He will respect your wishes. This manor is well-guarded and in a short time, you will be far from here.” He raises his glass, looking away at his last word.

I raise mine as well from across the table. “Cheers to new beginnings.”

We drink heavily.

The sun eases itself over the Rhydian Range, penetrating through the cracks in the room’s curtains. My body is still recovering from the tension over the past few days. It is a miracle I was able to rest last night.

The parlor is lit with cess lights and candles, the shades drawn though I do wish to see the sun. It is as if Sawyer does not want anyone to see inside the manor. This morning, the table is filled with food. Human food. My heart jumps at that. I dash over to my chair and immediately pick up a fruit tart, examining the sugar crystals on the crust. My mouth waters.

“I thought you could do with some cheering up this morning.” Sawyer gestures to the spread as he enters from the other end of the room.

I bite down on the treat, relishing in the aromatic flavors. Blueberry and elys. My newest favorite combination.

“Thank you,” I mumble as crumbs spill out my mouth. Sawyer laughs and motions for me to sit. Servants enter and serve us from the spread. I request a little bit of everything.

“You rested well, I take it?” Sawyer picks up his fork and swirls greens around on his plate. I pause mid bite and nod, continuing to eat. The goblet next to me with blood doesn’t quench my hunger as much as I hoped so pairing it with semi-bland human food makes me satisfied.

“Very, thank you, and yourself?”

“As well as I could. I received a missive that an old friend of mine will be visiting.”

Setting down my fork, I pat my mouth. “Tyn, from Veda?”

“No.” He cracks his neck twice. “But don’t let us bother you during your stay. Just business mostly, which seems to be my life as of late.”

“Speaking of which. Has a carriage been called?” I change the subject.