Of Blood and Downfall

Chapter 5.

Karden's POV:

I swish the alcoholic drink in my mouth before swallowing. As a servant walks by, I place the empty glass on the tray they're resting over their shoulder. Leaning back on the high round table, I watch as people I've known for decades walk around and talk with the same goddamn people.

Aria is talking with our friends about our possible trip to France soon. I haven't thought about it, but I know she wants to go and wants me to plan it. She's beautiful—her black hair compliments the champagne dress she chose out months ago.

I grab another glass of wine from a servant walking past me. Taking a swig, I swallow and stare at the yellow color.

I'm bored. Extremely bored.

Drinking is something I find entertaining at these events until I am back in my bedroom either having drunk sex or sleeping the night away.

Straightening my shoulders, I make my round through the party room. In the center of the dance floor are some couples dancing to the small orchestra playing. There is a buffet against the other wall but no one has touched it. They all are holding glasses of blood that was donated by some very sweet local humans—people. Fuck.

"Can you at least smile?" My baby sister, Isabelle chimes in with a budge of her shoulder. I give her a deadpan look and she snorts at my silent response. "Come' on Karden, you're scaring people away."

"No one is even paying attention. They're too busy lavishing in fame, wealth and who has the nicest dress." I eye a couple of women who are clearly judging by their looks.

"True but why don't you join us?" She points towards Aria, Damien, Aiden, our other brother—also younger than me and his girlfriend Emilie. Mate, I mean—she's Aiden's mate. It's different than what I have with Aria. We never found ours but started dating a few years ago. There's another few friends circling the group while Issy and I watch them.

"Eh, and hear what? Same shit." I tell her dryly, taking another mouthful of wine.

"Someone is grumpy." She pouts and brushes her brown hair to the side. "What's wrong?"

I shake my head, "Nothing."

"This event is for dad's birthday. Can't you just ease up for..." She glances at her expensive diamond beaded watch. "At least another four hours?"

"Oh so dreadful." I answer and she smiles, shaking her head. "How many more years do we have to do this? Ten, fifty—"

"More. Hundred at least." Issy finishes and I think about it long and hard. I glance at my father who is standing on the other side with my mother. They're talking to relatives and laughing at something my aunt just said. I'm too far and it's too loud to hear what she said.

I doubt it's even funny.

"Hm," I grunt and Issy sighs.

"Where is the brother who used to dance alone and take the mic from the band and sing?" She questions and I chuckle. Stuffing a hand in my pants pocket, I clear my throat.

"Issy, that was 1982." I state and her eyes widen.

"It's been that long?" Her voice is in complete shock.

"Mhm," A rumble echoes from my throat and she gawks.

Grasping the top of her hair, she begins walking away as she says, "I'm going to lose my mind." 

She joins the group again and Aria glances over her shoulder and looks at me. I jut my chin out as a greeting and she grins in return. As she begins talking to a friend, I finish my wine and leave it on the table I'm leaning against.