Midnight Surrender-Chapter 53 The Vessel (AVOT)

"Adoptive father?"

The words rang in Daisy’s head, a discordant bell that filled her with unpreparedness. For a moment, her mind fumbled to make sense of it all before she began subconsciously tidying her hair and adjusting the folds of her dress. Her heart hammered in her chest. Was he also a Vampire?

"What should I do?" Daisy asked, her voice barely more than a whisper as Rhain methodically washed the meat off his hands.

"Just be yourself."

Herself. Right now, she was a cauldron of fury, bubbling and brewing within her. That temperament wouldn’t serve well in front of in-laws.

"What is he like?" She asked, curiosity bleeding into her tone as they walked towards the main hall.

"Unique. Intimidating," Rhain’s response was as simple as it was unsettling.

As they reached the entrance, Rhain stepped forward to open the main door, and Daisy instinctively followed him outside. At the far end of the terrace, a man stood with his back to them. His long, dark hair cascaded down to his lower back, almost glistening as if wet. As they neared him, a chill skittered down her spine, akin to icy fingers tracing her back. The air pulsated with a strange energy, heightening her senses.

Her breath hitched in her throat as the man slowly pivoted to face them. He was terrifyingly beautiful, a mystifying figure that ensnared her gaze. His features were as cold and sharp as a marble statue, his pallor a deathly white and his eyes like two coins of gold. There was a primal allure to him - mesmerizing, but dangerous.

"Rhain," his voice was smooth yet chilling, eyes narrowing and lips curling up in a smile that sent shivers across her skin.

"Lysander." Rhain left her side to greet his adoptive father.

The sudden distance between them left Daisy feeling exposed, her instinctual desire to reach out and grasp him, to hold him as her shield against this unnerving stranger, held at bay.

Her bones felt rigid with trepidation, her body on high alert as she stood there, vulnerable and open. She felt akin to a lone lamb left in the company of wolves.

As Rhain approached his father, the older man reached out, placing a gloved hand on Rhain’s shoulder. "It has been a while," Lysander acknowledged.

Rhain merely responded with a faint smile, their gazes exchanging unspoken words. After a moment, he turned and extended a hand toward Daisy, inviting her to join them.

"This is my wife, Daisy," he announced.

Lysander shifted his golden gaze to her. Eyes, so similar to Rhain’s, yet there was a chilling emptiness in them that was spine-tingling. Come to think of it, she had noticed a hint of that very same hollowness in Rhain’s eyes as well.

"So I have heard," Lysander replied, his voice a haunting melody that sent a ripple of goosebumps across her skin. He extended a gloved hand, and she laid hers in his. He raised it gently, pressing a soft kiss to his own thumb. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Daisy."

"The pleasure is mine," she responded, forcing a smile.

They seated themselves at the table on the terrace. The air, still ripe with the scent of damp earth after the rain, filled her lungs as she took a deep breath.

"I must say I’m pleasantly surprised," Lysander began, his gaze flitting between Rhain and Daisy before it settled on Rhain. "I didn’t expect you to settle down."

Rhain nodded in acknowledgment. "Neither did I."

A smile graced Lysander’s lips, cryptic and unsettling. His eyes found Daisy’s. "I’m curious as to how he fares as a husband."

Caught off guard by the unexpected query, Daisy turned to Rhain, searching his expression for guidance. He revealed nothing. "He is very caring, My Lord," she replied, her words calculated to both taunt Rhain and observe his reaction.

Lysander’s eyebrows rose in surprise at Rhain. "Caring?"

Rhain merely met his gaze, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.

"Hmm... then I understand this marriage," Lysander concluded, leaving Daisy to wonder what he meant.

He then turned his attention back to Daisy, his expression taking on a grave air. "Rhain is not one to care... easily," he informed her.

"That’s surprising, My Lord. After all, Rhain has even taken care of my mother to ensure her comfort. He didn’t ask for any dowry for the marriage either. I find him incredibly affectionate," she countered, still gauging for a reaction.

Lysander chuckled lightly. "Indeed," he responded, but revealed no more.

Were all vampires this secretive?

"I shall make some tea or coffee," Daisy suggested, rising to her feet before the realization hit her.

They were vampires. The color drained from her face as she glanced awkwardly between the two men.

"Perhaps you can bring some wine," Rhain proposed, rescuing her from the uncomfortable situation she had inadvertently found herself in.

"Of course," Daisy responded, swiftly making her escape from the terrace.

Rhain kept his eyes on her retreating form until she disappeared from sight. He then refocused his attention on Lysander, knowing full well that his visit held a purpose beyond a casual check-in.

"You’ve chosen a charming mortal for yourself," Lysander observed, his gaze lingering on the spot Daisy had just vacated. "And you’ve wed her."

Rhain offered a wistful smile. "I wanted her for myself."

Lysander echoed his smile, his eyes flickering with understanding. "So, that’s the modern method of possession."

"If one wishes to avoid complications," Rhain affirmed.

A low chuckle escaped from Lysander. "It seems to me, though, that you’re rather engrossed in the complications."

Rhain merely gave him a look. Of course, Lysander was perceptive enough to pick up on that.

"And you?" Rhain ventured, steering the conversation elsewhere. "Are you on the hunt for someone?"

Lysander pondered the question, tilting his head in contemplation. "No. With age, even the thrill of the hunt loses its luster. As you know, I seldom need to feed. But when I do... I ensure it’s an occasion to remember."

Rhain bristled at the unspoken implications. He knew what an occasion to remember would mean for a millennial-old vampire.

"Something more stimulating than a hunt," Lysander added, lapsing into a thoughtful silence. "But there are limits to what one can do. Mortals are delicate, while we become increasingly monstrous in our search for something - anything - that ignites a semblance of life within us, that makes our hearts beat." A hint of bitterness tinged his otherwise smooth voice. "It’s indeed a curse."

Rhain frowned, Lysander’s words writhing beneath his skin, as if they couldn’t decide whether to infiltrate his core or dissipate into the air.

Lysander caught a bee between his fingers, brutally crushing the tiny insect. "Everything feels... insignificant with time."

"Perhaps," Rhain retorted. "But it is better than starving and freezing to death, I assure you. Or dying slowly of some disease."

Lysander let out a soft chuckle. "Ah, Rhain. That’s precisely why I chose you. You’ve always despised not having control over your life. You’ve yearned to pave your own path and to possess the strength and power to do so." He paused, his head tilting to the side in a thoughtful gesture. "But therein lies the dilemma. When one wields such power, life seems... too predictable, devoid of the spontaneity, of adventure, and of the challenges that life usually throws at you." His gaze settled on the empty chair Daisy had occupied moments ago.

"We all strive to seek that missing element in our own ways. You provided that for me, Rhain. At least until I transformed you into my own kind." For the first time, a hint of regret shadowed his golden eyes.

"Anyway," Lysander’s tone shifted, becoming more assertive, "we need to discuss Roy and the Vessel."

Rhain maintained his neutral facade, carefully masking his emotions.

"Word is that the Vessel is here," Lysander declared, his gaze unwavering.

Rhain’s body tensed, a chill sweeping through him.

"In this very town. So, I returned. We must locate the Vessel soon, before the hunters find it. They are also here looking for it."

Rhain’s body remained tense.

"Otherwise, we might never get the chance to awaken Roy. If they get a hold of it, they will also undoubtedly exploit it for their own agenda, and the last thing we need is an ancient Vampire hunter resurrected." Lysander added. "I need Roy to find that hunter and kill him once and for all."

Slaine. The notorious Vampire hunter from the formidable Zornjäger family, the one who put his brother down. No one knew his face, and they were hoping Roy had seen him. He was from a lineage of innate hunters, renowned for their ruthless efficiency.

Rhain’s grip on the armrest tightened, an involuntary shudder rippling through him at the thought of them potentially discovering Daisy as the Vessel.

"Can they discern who the Vessel is?" Rhain was aware that, among their kind, only a few possessed the ability to detect the essence and true nature of others simply by touching them. It was one of the reasons he didn’t like to touch unless he had to.

"I suspect they have their methods," Lysander answered.

Rhain wrestled to keep his emotions in check.

"I should take my leave now," Lysander announced, rising from his seat. "I wouldn’t want to intrude on your domestic squabbles for too long but... find the Vessel, Rhain!"

Rhain offered him a terse nod. Lysander then vanished right before Daisy re-emerged, tray in hand and a puzzled expression on her face. "Where did he go?"

"He had urgent matters to attend to," Rhain answered, his tone strained.

He strode past her, heading inside the house. Daisy watched him go, a crease of concern etching itself onto her forehead. Had something happened between him and his father?

Following Rhain into the kitchen, she asked, "What’s wrong?" setting the tray on the counter.

He looked at her, his tense demeanor softening at the sight of her. "Nothing."

Oh, Lord! "Why not just lie to me instead?!" She said, hands grabbing each side of her waist.

"By heavens!" He chuckled. "You really don’t stop, do you? Have some wine." He grabbed the jar and poured wine into two goblets, handing one to her before sipping from his own.

"I thought you didn’t partake in human beverages," she remarked.

"Indeed, but wine happens to be an exception," Rhain responded.

"And Lysander, he isn’t really your adoptive father, is he?" She couldn’t help but probe, those golden eyes, so similar to Rhain’s, had stirred up her curiosity.

Rhain paused momentarily, his lips thinning into a tight line. "No. He is much more."

She sat down, giving him her full attention. She understood that this wasn’t a subject he particularly wanted to discuss, but for a man who seemed to relish her fear, she felt entitled to push past his discomfort.

Rhain exhaled heavily before conceding to her unspoken request. "He is the one who turned me," he finally admitted.

"Turned you?"

"Into a Vampire."

The revelation struck her, raising more questions. "How?"

"He fed me his blood, killed me, and then resurrected me by giving me his blood again."

Daisy flinched at the brutal revelation. Killed? Resurrected?

"So no, he’s not my adoptive father. In a strange sense, he’s family by blood. I have his blood coursing through my veins," Rhain explained further.

His family by blood? The concept was difficult to wrap her mind around.

"He killed you?" She repeated herself, attempting to process this horrifying information.

"I wanted him to."

"Why?" Daisy probed.

Rhain studied her for a moment before answering, "I desired a different life."

"You weren’t happy with your previous life?"

"There wasn’t much to be happy about," he replied nonchalantly, taking another sip of his wine before standing up to resume his kitchen duties.

A headache began to brew at the base of Daisy’s skull, but she had more questions. "Why not?" She persisted.

"I’d rather not delve into it. It’s all in the past," Rhain stated firmly, putting an end to her line of questioning.

His past clearly troubled him. Daisy could see the tension in his usually relaxed demeanor.

Her thoughts wandered to the vacant estate, "What happened to all the servants?"

"I sent them away."

"Why?"

"I wanted you all to myself," Rhain replied, causing Daisy’s heart to flutter unexpectedly.

"To chase me around the mansion?"

"I have a few more activities in mind if you’re willing," he proposed casually.

Daisy bristled at his calm demeanor. "And why would I be?"

He paused and met her gaze, his eyes flickering with intensity. "Because you enjoy it," he stated confidently. "I’ve been chasing you since the moment I laid eyes on you and... you appreciate the chase."

"I don’t! Did I seem like I was enjoying myself last night?" Daisy shot back defensively.

"I can’t speak to what it looked like, but it certainly had the scent of enjoyment for a while," Rhain teased.

"What does that even mean?"

His chuckle only fanned the flames of her frustration. "Nothing."

"I want to go to my mother and stay with her!" Daisy blurted out impulsively.

She needed some distance from him, to regain her composure. The anger was now simmering beneath her skin, making her want to yell, to throw a fit like a child, which she hated. She had this irksome urge to keep poking him just for a reaction, and she feared she might do something regrettable. She also didn’t want to give him that satisfaction, as he seemed to enjoy himself.

"You can’t."

"Why not?"

"Because I said so," Rhain stated, his voice authoritative.

"Rhain!" Daisy snapped, rising abruptly from her seat, fists clenched at her sides. He had been so lenient before, why was he being so unyielding now? "I’m not going there to complain. I don’t even want my mother to know what you’ve become."

"What I am," he corrected her tersely.

"Just let me go," she pleaded, feeling the anger swell up within her. She needed to clear her head, to breathe. Her fiery temper had always been a double-edged sword, saving her at times and betraying her at others.

"Just go to your room, Daisy," he commanded dismissively, his focus shifting back to his kitchen duties.

"Well, I hope you burn yourself!" She spat before storming out.

God! The woman had such energy! Perhaps he shouldn’t feed her, Rhain thought.

Using his telekinesis, he ensured that every window and door was locked. He couldn’t afford to let Daisy leave the estate, not when there was a chance the hunters could be looking for her.

He marinated the meat before shoving it in the oven, then retreated to the cellar, a clandestine haven for his special weapons. As he rummaged through the collection, he found himself hesitating.

What are you doing, Rhain?

The safest course of action would be to resurrect his brother before the hunters could get their hands on Daisy. Once they did, he’d lose his chance to see his brother again. He should just do it now and be done with it, and yet... his gaze fell on the silver dagger he was holding. He couldn’t bring himself to do it.

If Lysander discovered Rhain was harboring the Vessel, he wouldn’t hesitate to exploit her, to prevent the hunters from securing her.

You can’t keep her, Rhain! He chastised himself. How long can you protect a mortal? One that everyone was looking for. Not long, he reckoned.

Don’t waste this opportunity! Awaken your brother and finish this!

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from outside. His vampire senses heightened instantly, and he quickly armed himself with another dagger to investigate the source of the disturbance.