Razed by Magic

Chapter 8

The Ruby was the most luxurious and expensive spa and resort within a hundred miles of Seaset. On the outskirts of town, it nestled right up against the ocean, its sprawling grounds a case study in over indulgence. Only the richest, most well connected were even allowed inside the property, and even then they were sometimes turned away. It wasn't a secret that the place was run by a vampire, in fact it was one of the selling points. Just enough perceived danger to make the rich and stupid flock for bragging rights, while the more intelligent knew this was a place where important things happened.

Eli had never been inside. He doubted they would even find him qualified enough to be hired as a bagboy. He stood outside the black iron gates, the smooth stone wall rising up high above him, blocking his view into the spacious grounds. It was dark, the glow from the lanterns spaced evenly atop the wall, the only illumination around him. He had come here right after leaving Lupin, dropping Amon off at home on the way. Both had agreed that if he was going to do this it would be better to go alone. Eli could defend himself if he had to, but Amon had no way of protecting himself. Not anymore.

A pair of guards stood in front of the gate, motionless in an unnatural way that no truly living creature would be able to copy. Eli was internally debating how bad the consequences would really be if he were to just knock out these Rent-A-Cops, and break in.

"I am sorry sir, but if you are not a member, and you weren't invited, then we cannot allow you to enter." The guard on the left spoke in a dull, bored voice. Eli repressed the urge to slam his fist into the perfectly white teeth.

"And I told you that it doesn't matter if I'm invited, Damien Alard is expecting me. Just tell him that Eli Gram is here to talk. He'll let me in."

The guard on the right sighed, running a hand through his long blonde hair. They had been going back and forth like this for the last five minutes. "Sir, if Mr. Alard was expecting you we would have heard about it. You can either leave peacefully, or we can force you to. Take my advice and just leave."

Eli bit his tongue to stop the vitriol from flying from his mouth. His body was still bruised from last night, his brain felt seconds away from exploding, and he was finding it damn hard to remember why just beating these two into an unplanned nap wasn't a good idea. He took a deep breath, unclenched his hands, and absently scratched at his side where his scar was itching in a pulse in time with his headache. He had to remember why he was here.

These were clearly younger vampires, only those on the lowest rung got stuck with guard duty. They really seemed to have no idea who Eli was, which he was grateful for. He could easily overpower these two, the void would make short work of them, but that would be sending a message to Damien that he wasn't quite ready to make yet. This was a diplomatic mission, and he could make it through one evening without getting into a fight. Probably.

"Look, I work for Benjamin Waters, and I need to meet with Mr. Alard." Eli said, plastering on a fake smile. "I don't care who you call, but get someone more important on the line and let them make this decision. Pretty. Please."

Perfect Teeth and Goldilocks glanced at each other, uncertainty clouding their features for the first time. They might not know who he was, but the name Benjamin Waters was a different story. Eli could see the thoughts running through their heads. If he really was an emissary for Benjamin then it would be bad form to turn him away. Eli should have mentioned who he worked for the second he arrived, would have saved him ten minutes of arguing.

"I will call this in, but you had better not be lying." Perfect Teeth warned before walking over to the little guard hut right next to the front gate.

Eli rolled his eyes. "Scary. Hey, I've always wondered, is it as cramped inside those little huts as it looks? Because it looks like you'd have trouble turning around in there without bumping into something."