Page 42 of Hound

“Who are you planning on electing?”

An additional question I sought to deflect, though time was slipping from my grasp. While Davina and Catalina craved to entrap Alek and Kaleb, such pairs were the unlikeliest. On the other hand, Noah and Bethany seemed to be the pinnacle option with their amicable relationship that teetered on affinity. However, Noah’s instability was one too severe for the highest standing position of vampires. In truth, the remaining course of action was one I couldn’t bear.

I gave no response as Alek exited and Sonia took his place in my chamber.

“What are you doing here so soon?” I snapped. “I told you to visit later?—”

“Anabella has contacted.” The frailness in her tone froze my limbs.

“Is she alright?”

“Her mother has discovered her acquaintanceship with Sylvester.” Her nostrils flared as she exhaled, large mirrored-shades reflecting the bleeding expression that tore through my mask.

Distress carved darkness underneath my eyes. Fear contoured my cheekbones and jaw, clinched by an impending doom that caved my shoulders and chest.

Though not a soul was aware of his ownership, vampires who visited Le Maudit shared words with him, some out of pity, others out of curiosity. Every interaction we shared with the man was calculated, simplistic to the prying eye in the parlor.

“How?”

“Because Anabella has been handling his parlor ever since his vanishment.”

Anabella had a history of assisting Sylvester in times of desperation. In turn, it granted access to Le Maudit in ways no regular patron would attain in their lifetime. This was the manner in how I was able to review the video feed of Lorenzo’s attack on Sylvester and claim my evidence before it was erased.

Yet, never once had she hinted at such a thing to me. A cold wave thrashed my body. “What?—”

“Christopher, that should be the least of your worries. If you are discovered, too, and they decide to take it to the Ministry, you will be questioned for his disappearance and connection to the Mubaraks.”

“There’s no solid evidence.” When she didn’t respond, I hurriedly added, “Sylvester is nothing more than a dipsomaniac, incapable of lifting a finger to do such a thing. Anyone who has visited Le Maudit can attest to that.”

However, the memories in my mind noted otherwise.

“By you believing so it becomes a liability. Sylvester Reynard-Mallory isn’t known as a renowned artist turned newsmonger anymore. He’s the main suspect behind the Mubaraks’ disappearance. Anyone who shares a semblance of a relationship with him will be equally drilled.” Her shoulders rose as she deeply exhaled. “Whispers are saying the Human Bureau knows of their disappearance. They plan to strike down the Two-Species Treaty during the next assembly, and if this leaks, it will add more fuel to the growing fire. Your title as Premier’s son will not exempt you, nor Anabella as the Secretary’s daughter. The Ministry will not help and instead, due to their close ties, she will receive a decree to strip her Regal name.”

A question formed on my tongue. “How did you uncover all of this?”

“It is my role to do so.” She didn’t expand on her response as she cleared her throat. “It’s also my role to know how to exit this situation safely. How to save her.”

An overwhelming sensation crushed my flesh and bones, sinking its teeth until every breath ached to draw, each second ticking away into an abyss, enshrouding the distant trace of intuition.

“Tell me.”

“The marriage arrangement. If she is next in line, her mother will not speak. Anabella noted it, but this is what I expected.”

The weight of the situation burrowed and twisted, what little control I believed to harbor slipping from my grasp. If this was taken further, and the History of Vampires was discovered, a stripping title would signify nothing when death would be inevitable.

But Lorenzo.

Anabella had protected me time and time again, the greatest burden she continued to carry in moments it crushed her. It was my turn to do the same. The simplest favors possessed the heftiest dues, and payment was necessary—even if it tore me apart.

We will find a way.

“Then tell her I’ve made my decision.”

That night, and the ones following, Lorenzo never came.

A week later, Sonia’s heard whispers proved true, and my agreement cemented—even as I continued to ignore its existence in hopes it foiled.

Chapter 13

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