Page 19 of Elegy of Twilight
9
LUCIA
Pale orbs of yellow streaked across the sky as Titus guided me out of the caverns. He paused at the entrance, standing in the shadows as his fingers threaded through mine, pulling me closer for one last kiss. I clutched him, inhaling his essence, enjoying his kiss. What we’d done last night…What I’d allowed him to do to me didn’t feel real in the shadows of night. But as the light crept over the horizon, I knew I’d have to face reality. Last night hadn’t been a dream at all, but a choice.
“I’m sorry I can’t walk you home,” he breathed, “but the sun rises. You’ll be safe.”
“I’ll return one week from tonight,” I promised.
“Meet me in the glade.”
He stepped back into the shadows, and I was free.
The entrance to the cavern was hidden, shaded by thick trees and bushes. As I fought my way through the underbrush and into a knoll, I glanced back, but it was all but invisible. I waited for a shiver to come up my spine and for the realization of what I’d done to fill me with shame. Instead, a giddiness filled me. I felt young, wanted, desired, and with a purpose. Seven days was too long to wait to see him again.
I strode through the forest, collecting flowers as I went, and then, on a whim, decided to stroll through the village. A stroll during sunrise was a rare pleasure, and I hummed, my body still glowing with the after-effects of pleasure.
A footpath led out of the forested area and dipped into the village. The nearest home had been abandoned due to its proximity to the forest and the tunnels where the vampires dwelled. At least where we assumed the vampires to dwell. I hadn’t seen nor heard any during my time with Titus, but the reminder of shadows roaming the night made goosebumps pebble on my skin.
I walked through the overgrown grass, the pasture lands, and the gardens that were being reclaimed by nature. Shame to see such a place go towaste, but I did not blame the family who had left. The garrison was trying their best but hadn’t overcome the blight of the vampires.
On reaching the open street of the village, I made my way uphill, waving as doors opened and children spilled out. The scent of freshly baked goods floated to my nose. My stomach rumbled in hunger, and then I came to a stop as a family loaded up a wagon.
“Mistress Palmer,” I called, waving to the lady who made cheese. “Where are you going?”
She poked her head over the side of the wagon and then waved at her husband. “I’ll be right there.”
As she neared, I saw her face was pale and peaked, and her eyes were dark. She took my arm, keeping her voice low. “We are getting out of here, and you should do the same. It’s not safe, dwelling here where the creatures come in the night and attack. We can’t live in fear that something will happen.”
My heart squeezed, and I clenched her arm. “Did something happen last night? The vampires attacked, didn’t they? Who did they take?”
Mistress Palmer pressed her lips together and shook her head, eyes swimming. “They slaughtered all of our animals, the cows, the pigs, the goats, the sheep. We were lucky they left thehorses alone.” She swiped at her eyes impatiently. “There’s no reason to stay here. We’ll take what we have left and start over.”
“It’s almost mid-summer,” I protested. “Come to the abbey. We’ll take care of you.”
Mistress Palmer shook her head adamantly. “No offense to you and your vows, but trapped behind the walls of that abbey is no life for me and my husband. We’re going to the lowlands, and I know I’ll miss the eerie beauty of this place, but. . .I refuse to live in fear of what might happen next. You should do the same, flee this life. Some things are not worth fighting for.”
“Good luck then.” I embraced her. “I’m sorry to see you go. If you change your mind and return, there will be a place for you here.”
She nodded, her face tight as her husband slapped the reins. He tipped his hat to me as the horses broke into a trot, kicking up dust on the road as they headed south. They’d have to push the horses hard to reach the next village before nightfall, and if they were fortunate, the vampires would stay away.
I wondered, though, at what she’d said. The vampires had attacked after all, but they’d only killed farm animals. I’d have to speak with Titus again. Iturned, half tempted to find my way back, but it would likely end up with me lost in the foothills while the priestesses wondered what had become of me.
Lifting my skirts, I hastened back to the abbey.
By the time I arrived, the bell had already rung, and morning meditation and breakfast were already over. A few of the sisters waved at me as I entered, no doubt not looking my best. I hastened to my room to wash and change, sure the scent of Titus still lingered on me.
After refreshing myself and changing, I opened the door only to find the High Priestess Merci in the hall, pacing. Worry lined her eyes. “There you are, Lucia. I wasn’t sure where you’d gone this morning.”
I had no answer for her, the truth was too damning, and I certainly did not want to lie to her. I let my eyes drift to the floor.
“Do you have questions about what was written in the scroll?”
“I. . .” in truth, I’d forgotten about it, distracted by the idea of magic. “Not yet, I need. . .I need more time to think.”
High Priestess Merci nodded. “Come to me when you are ready. Know I will not pass judgment on you because you have questions. It is a natural processin life to have doubts, to voice your thoughts and to ask questions. Understanding helps to confirm your faith and make you secure in your choices.”
I nodded, not in the mood for one of her wise lectures. I pointed down the hall. “I missed breakfast, and I’d like to ask Faith if she has any requests.”
