Under the vampire Lord's protection-Chapter 114: The dreaded hour

Time ran by and dragged the dreaded hour along with it. On a balcony facing the front gate she stood, grasping at the railing so tightly in one hand, the thing would have, null doubt, crumbled under her touch had she been blessed with superhuman strength.

Her second hand clutched at her pendant for some much-needed consolation.

The young woman stared many yards ahead into the distance where all the lines on the ground joined. It was when the sun kissed the horizon that a darkened spot that hadn’t been there before faded into view.

It was nothing but a dot at first but grew bigger and bolder until the cloppering of hooves came with the distinguishable details of a horse drawn carriage.

And there he was... It took him longer than it should have to arrive, but he was there, drawing nearer by the second.

Arabella’s stomach clenched upon itself as every ounce of confidence and strength she’d gathered simply withered away.

Taking one last, deep breath in, the young woman spun on her heels and rushed back inside. There wasn’t any use in seeing him before she absolutely had to.

Ada had remained by the balcony door in order to allow her a moment alone. The maid knew Arabella enjoyed her company but was also well aware that constantly having someone on one’s tail could take a toll on a person’s psyche.

"Where should we go, Miss?" Ada ran after Arabella who’d zoomed past her without a word.

"Oh! I am really sorry, Ada. I was so deep into my contemplation, I hadn’t even considered you," halting in place, she had a frown that refused to let go of her features, "How rude of me!" she added.

"No! None of that, Miss. Please," Ada practically pleaded, "I merely assumed that doing something would keep your mind busy until the time comes," she simmered down.

"Yes, you are right," Arabella nodded, "What say you we go back to the library? We have a few hours until the meeting between Lady Persephone and my... Father," she struggled to utter the word, "It’ll take a few hours before their meeting reaches its end,"

"Oh yes! What a wonderful idea!" Ada leapt in her spot, "I spent some time repeating my alphabet yesterday before going to sleep!" she squeaked.

"Don’t strain yourself too much, but well, I’d like you to start reading a few small words and try to write them down,"

When dinner time came by, Ada did not press. In fact, she didn’t even mention it. Conscious of the weakness that must have befallen Arabella’s stomach. Surely, lunch had been tough enough to swallow.

The young woman did her very best to pour all of her attention into the task at hand, tracking the lines along with Ada’s finger on the page.

The maid did very well overall. The only thing dimming the brightness on Arabella’s demeanor was the recollection of the impending tragedy that flashed across her mind from time to time.

Reubon’s signature grin as well as his voice wouldn’t leave her alone, hounding her incessantly, so much so she couldn’t decide on whether to hope time would stretch or sprint to be done with it once and for all.

But the universe made that choice on her behalf when the door to the library cracked open for none other than Silas to appear.

Both women immediately stood off their chairs and curtsied before him.

After one nod of acknowledgement their way, the vampire addressed Ada, "You may take your leave,"

"Understood," the maid bowed, then offered an apologetic look towards Arabella and headed straight for the door.

Aside from the whooshing of books that dashed from one place to another, the silence that followed Ada’s departure was deafening as neither attempted to be heard.

Arabella’s tongue twisted into a knot and threatened to fold back in her throat.

On the other side, the first stop for Silas’ diamonds upon approaching her, had been the fully restored flesh and skin around her neck.

He only realized his gaze had lingered there for too long when one of her hands rose to hover over the area, effectively shielding it from sight.

An odd and also feeble wave of relief washed over Arabella when noting the frigid glare he offered her. It was every bit as cold as the first time he’d laid eyes on her, but a thousand times better than that grin he had on the previous night.

The young woman chalked his stiffness to bashfulness. Hunger or not, the memories of his actions must have haunted him the same way they did her.

Heavens knew you she fought a fierce battle just to lock them behind steel doors and toss the key away.

Nevertheless, that moment of comfort was short-lived. Indeed, the very first thing he had to utter chased it all away.

"Their meeting is nearing its end," his voice dry as ash.

"I see," she whispered while nodding, "Where will I be seeing him?"

The two of them faced each other like pillars rooted in their respective spots, never allowed to move lest all the weight they carried would come crashing down.

"He’ll be waiting for you on one of the balconies facing the gardens," he paused momentarily, "Mother thought you’d rather face him in front of a pleasant view. You do like the gardens, don’t you?"

"That is immensely kind of her," her lips painted a faint smile on her. It did reach her eyes, but only barely, "I love the gardens,"

The wooden outlook that stapled his features in place allowed none of his feelings to transpire.

"Well, then best of luck to you,"

Without another word, he turned around and started to move towards the doors.

Although, his feet cemented in place upon hearing her brittle voice, "Master?" she called for his attention. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

He’d stopped but remained mute and never glanced back around.

"Are you feeling alright today?" she muttered, her tone shaky.

It was then that he found the will to look at her, only slowly swaying his upper body, "Yes," was all he said at first, but then he added, "I see your colors have returned as well,"