• “My intentions were harmless, nothing more than a midnight walk.” I tried to explain.
    “I have been searching every niche and trap door in the castle for you. I thought the worst Lucretia! Least I know you are safe now. You are well acquainted with my policy. After the attack on my father, who like you enjoyed these haunting woods, no one can leave the castle without a guard or me. Must I speak that again? I worry Lucretia.” He tried to sound caring, however I knew underneath it all he was angered with me for disobeying him, my husband, which is the greatest sin in our culture.
    My spirit crashed to the ground in bright green pieces. I watched them fall in my subconscious. “No Viktor.”
    “Promise me you will not pull a trick like this one again.” He demanded.
    “I promise you Viktor.”
    “Good, now come with us.” He spoke and turned away.
    “Wait! This boy here, he is hurt badly from a bite wound in his side. He needs medical attention.” I told him.
    “Drago take the boy. Amelia you can go with Leithan so you do not have to walk. Lucretia come with me.” I watched Drago pick up the limp boy as I slowly walked over to Viktor’s horse. I did not want to go with Viktor. However what choice had I? He helped me get up. I could feel the anger and coldness radiate off from him and slip through my skin. I disliked it when he was mad at me. It is not of my best wishes to have him angered with me, for he is the type that never lets anything go. I could just imagine the lecture to come.
    The ride back to the castle seemed like hours. Once back in its protective walls I dashed for my chambers that I shared with Viktor. In hopes to beat him at who falls asleep first and avoid an argument.
    It was when I was brushing my hair that the door opened. I guess I was just not quick enough and lost the game. It was no other than Viktor. He completely ignored my existence and went off into the closets. His actions bothered me, yet they always somehow do. Upon finishing my hair I drowned in the blankets of my large king sized bed and abruptly shut my eyes as tight as I could. Least I could look asleep. However I do not think that could fool him anymore. He soon returned and lay next to me.
    “Lucretia I know you are awake. That is too old of a joke; no longer can it fool me.” I could feel despair in his voice. Moved by his tone I reluctantly turned to face him. Angry did not cover his face anymore; it was again warm and of condolence. For once out of this whole week he smiled. It brought me back to the days of old before we were joined together. How different they were compared to now, but why? Even the gods could not find the answer.
    “I am not mad at you. Your safety just concerns me greatly, like it should. If something dreadful were to happen to you I would not know what to do with myself. I love you dearly Lucretia.” His warm hand brushed my face.
    “I am sorry for disregarding your rule. It is just in my nature to escape into the dark enchanting lands. It is hard to break heart habits.” I could finally breathe. The pressure lifted from my mind. “I shall be more cautious next time.”
    “Thank you.” He turned and now faced the ceiling. “That boy you found today is being attended to. He is in bad shape; however he will make it through. He might even be well enough to leave tomorrow. It was pure luck that we caught him in time.”
    “Yes very fortunate. However it deeply bothers me, that bite mark. It is of ours is it not?” I began to worry.
    Viktor sighed. “Yes it is, but who’s we have not yet figured out. The poison cannot be matched, which is strange.”
    Something dawned on me. “He has not begun transformation yet has he?”
    “No, we gave him the antidote.”
    “I thought that it was not yet tested on humans, just lab mice.” Now I was really worried.
    “It is not. So I guess we will just have to see how his body reacts.”
    “What if it kills him or does not stop the transformation. What will we do if he turns into one of us?” I questioned.
    “If he perishes, he perishes just another human causality. If he turns into one of us maybe he can stay if not he must leave and find another cult.” He spoke without emotion.
    I was not shocked by his pessimism, though his words did upset me. Something in me felt for the boy. I longed to see him again, just to make sure he was okay. Maybe even spend the night with him incase something happens. I almost got out of bed but I stop myself. An odd connection pushed me to go and be with him. I hushed the thoughts away. I was married now; I could not be with him.
    Viktor was well asleep. I myself was not even a bit tired. To smother the urge to roam the castle I forced myself to sleep. Within several minutes I too was in a slumber deep.
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