Razed by Magic

Chapter 9

Warmth enveloped Eli the second his feet crossed the threshold, and he immediately recognized the work of magic creating the perfect comforting temperature inside. Expensive, but for the price these overstuffed moneybags were paying to be here, it was likely just a drop in the bucket. A steady glow lit up the interior, bright enough to see comfortably by, but still dim enough to give an intimate and secretive quality to the various nooks and alcoves in the space. Mage torches, another unnecessary expense to make the guests feel important. The entrance sprawled out in front of Eli, all dark polished wood, engraved columns, and a massive chandelier that hung suspended in mid-air over the center of the room, its multiple sections slowly spinning, sending arcs of light dancing throughout the open space. Eli noted all of this with a quick glance, but his attention was quickly taken up by the inhabitants of the room.

Dozens of people milled about the entrance, standing in tight circles, lounging in the various uncomfortable looking chairs and couches, there was even one young man who was trying to climb up one of the columns without much success, to the boos and cheers of his friends below. All were dressed in perfectly fitted and muted clothes that spoke to obscene wealth. Eli glanced down at his torn jeans and simple gray shirt, maybe he should have borrowed some of Amon's clothes for this visit. A few heads turned at Caitlyn and his entrance, but most seemed to ignore the two of them, too engrossed in their conversation and frivolity to pay attention.

Eli wasn't fooled. He knew that everyone in the room had just noted their arrival, even if they ignored him, Caitlyn Beaulieu was far too important not to be noticed. He doubted anyone there would recognize him, but his eyes scanned the many faces just in case.

"The Ruby welcomes you Mr. Gram, please make yourself at home. I will let Mr. Alard know that you have arrived," Caitlyn loudly announced, giving a deep bow as she twirled gracefully around to face him. She continued quietly, just loud enough for Eli to hear. "Please try not to kill anyone while I'm gone. It's almost impossible to get blood out of the fabric."

Caitlyn gave Eli a wink before turning and gliding across the room towards the wide stairs on the opposite side, the groups of people seeming to melt out of her way. Leaving him alone in the den of House Alard.

All eyes turned on Eli, the questions hanging in the air weighing down on him. Not everyone here would be a vampire. There were also wealthy humans, some minor celebrities, and Eli wouldn't be surprised if there were a few sorcerers in the mix. All of them firmly in Damien's pocket. The only silver lining was that no one here should recognize him. These were people grasping at power and influence, not important enough to know the disgraced son of Gregory Lawson. He just wanted everyone to stop staring at him.

A server in his white uniform appeared out of nowhere at Eli's side, handsome face tilted down towards the floor. "Is there anything I can get you sir? As a guest of Mr. Alard, anything you want is on the house."

"No, thanks though." Eli was tempted to ask for a drink, he bet they had the real fancy stuff here, but he needed to keep a steady head for tonight.

The man turned to leave but Eli grabbed his arm, stepping in closer to keep from being overheard. "By the way, if you're here against your will just let me know. I can get you out, get you somewhere safe."

His eyes widened as he met Eli's gaze for the first time. He opened his mouth but it took several seconds before any words came out.

"Th...that won't be necessary, sir. I, and every other server, are here under our own volition. Serving Mr. Alard is an honor." With as polite a wrenching of his arm as Eli could imagine, the server freed himself and hustled away.

Huh, so the staff wasn't being compelled. Eli had expanded his void as he'd grabbed the man, enveloping him in his power. If he had been enspelled by any vampire it would have ended that. Vamps were able to slightly affect those they fed on, make them more compliant, agreeable, even willing to lay down their life if fed upon enough. It was technically illegal under the Four-Part Treaty, but difficult enough to detect that the Sages had given up on policing it long ago. Always the bigger picture with those assholes.