9. Shame On You

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     Being back in Lestat's agonizing presence had already been heart-stopping, but seeing Louis set my rattled emotions in flames

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     Being back in Lestat's agonizing presence had already been heart-stopping, but seeing Louis set my rattled emotions in flames.

     I raced across the room and into the old vampire's arms. He did not hesitate to squeeze me tight. I forgot how small I was compared to them both. I should start eating way more. I'm all bone and skin.

His scent was so familiar. A brother I thought to be long lost had returned the moment my life got back on track. I bet Jesse will be jealous that I have a full family. She better remember that she is my actual blood. Which is oddly strange to think about. 

I never thought I'd have a true family after Papa had died. 

     "To me, it was only yesterday that I lay dying in that hammock. But for you, it had been more than a century ago." A sharp inhale came from behind me. I shuffled away from Louis slightly to take in Lestat's harsh expression.

      "Too soon?" I am sure my new sense of humor won't make this adjustment any easier on them. Suddenly I wish I wasn't so awkward. 

     "Daphne. I'd never thought I would see you again. Especially not with Lestat." I can sense a lack of information. What have I missed during these times?

"Well, I think I will rather be called Jake," I say. Louis nods his head in understanding. I can feel Lestat do the same.

     "There is something missing here that neither of you is talking about." I take a few steps back. Trying to rack my brain for any possible answer.

     Though I may have been Daphne deep inside, I still need these ridiculous glasses to see. No wonder why my vision blurred as I tore off the plastic frame to rub my eyes.

     I twist back to find them both side by side. "My precious vampires have come together to welcome home their savior," I recalled that specific word Louis would call me. A name he dared to hide from Lestat.

     Lestat only shifted his cold stare over my entire being. Louis now refuses my own gaze.

     Wait. It is just Louis and Lestat grace this room. That's when I realize there is someone who is missing. 

     "Where is she?" Panic flooded my body. My blue eyes went wider. Of course, my life keeps getting worse and worse. 

     The new realization that my child, my Claudia, was not inside this room brought chills to trail down my spine.

     I gripped my sleeves tightly. My lips trembling from unreleased tears. A new fear has entered my heart. A gaping hole within my soul has made its presence known.

     It was Louis who spoke first. His deep voice cracked away. "Claudia died not long after you. Just a little while after we arrived in Paris." Those words destroyed me.

     "No!" I cried out in denial. "That cannot be!" I tried to reason. Lestat only looks at me with pity.

     "I left you both safe and sound. Why do you tell me this nonsense?" My endless shouting echoes throughout the gorgeous walls. I'm surprised that this mansion still stands.

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