Tasteful Darkness

Chapter 28

Balendin - Now

I wake up to a pounding sound. Groggily, I open my eyes and realize it's coming from the front door. With a small groan, I pull myself out of bed and make my way towards the source of the noise.

"I'm coming," I say, too quietly for the person outside to hear. I yawn before grabbing the door handle and pulling it open.

Peter blinks at me as soon as I'm in sight. I narrow my eyes at him, confused by his weariness.

"Hello," he says, his voice strangely polite. "Is Vincent here?"

"Is Vincent—?"

Then I look down.

I am not, in fact, Vincent. My hair is long and blonde, cutting off just above my curved chest that is hidden by my loose clothes.

"I—" I start, then cut myself off. My face burns so much I worry that I'll catch on fire. "One moment." It slips out of me so weakly it sounds like a squeak.

The last thing I see is a flash of concern in Peter's eyes before I slam the door in his face.

I'm too frozen to move. It takes everything in me not to crumple to the ground in a heap of shame.

Idiot, I nearly shout at myself.

My hands curl into fists and I shake my head—shake away the thoughts that plague me. I drag myself back to the bedroom and throw on a new pair of clothes before making my way towards the mirror.

I admire the face of the woman who stands in front of me. If it weren't for Peter, I'm sure I would have stayed like this for weeks. But instead, I let the form fade away. My golden hair shrinks and my shoulders broaden as my new body fits comfortably within my clothes.

I keep my eye on my reflection for a moment longer to make sure it remains as Vincent. When I'm certain it will, I return to the front door.

Peter seems startled as I rip open the front door.

"Peter," I say in a bitter tone.

"Vincent," he responds, uncertain. "Good morning."

I don't say anything as I step out and close the door behind me. "Where to?" I ask, failing at hiding my embarrassment.

"I know a tailor close to here. He'll find you a proper suit."

"Great."

Peter finally starts moving, and I follow after him without a word. I keep squeezing my fists as a distraction that my nails are getting dangerously close to breaking the skin.

From the corner of my eye, I see Peter part his lips as if to say something. My shoulders tense subconsciously as I wait for him to ask about what happened.

He closes his mouth.

"What is it?" I ask, wanting to get this over with.

"Hm?" he says, looking at me. "Nothing."

"Liar."

He smirks. "I was just reminding myself that your life is none of my business. What you do with your time has nothing to do with me."

Oh, it has everything to do with you. "I won't be offended if you ask a question."

He raises a brow. "Really? I find that hard to believe."

"Honest."

He studies me for a moment, as if trying to figure out if I'm telling the truth or not.

"All right," he says. "I can't help but feel curious about that woman who answered the door. Does she live with you?"