Cordelia's smug expression soured instantly as the words left Akira's lips. Her uncle's hand grasped the hilt of his sword threateningly.
A firm hand clasped Akira's shoulder. "Now, now. This is no way to speak to your elders."
Cordelia's lips curved one more at the sight of Reiji behind her. "Reiji. It's been a long time."
"Indeed it has." Reiji's assuring hand slipped from her shoulder. "My, how you've grown. If it weren't for that stiff expression, you'd have looked just like Tougo when I first met him." Cordelia chuckled. Now that was Yui's laugh, but then again, Yui wouldn't laugh like that. Reiji seemed to understand the situation. "Please do not needlessly invoke our father's names. I find it seriously offensive."
Cordelia sighed. "Very well. Don't be so standoffish. Do come closer, you and you darling little sister."
Akira felt a hand at the small of her back. Since Reiji deemed it safe, she obeyed. "I'd never expected to see you here. It is apparent scheming comes to you as naturally as breathing."
"I'll take that as a compliment, because you know what I despise the most? Boredom. Surely, as fellow immortals, you understand? I want to stay vibrant for as long as I live," Cordelia told them, raising her arms and admiring the creamy, untouched flesh.
"I'm so glad you didn't touch her body," Cordelia trailed her fingers over the pale skin of her—Yui's—forearms, where the bluish, delicate webs of the veins stood out. She flickered her serpentine gaze over to Akira. "I suppose her blood must be more delicious, yes? I hope you boys won't fight over dear little Akira. It very much reminds me of how because of me, Tougo and Richter's brotherly bond deteriorated..." Reiji looked upon their father's first wife with contempt. "Their bond must not have been that strong if it could have been ruined by a woman by the likes of you."
Cordelia grinned venomously. Reiji had taken the bait. "You're very observant, for a son of Beatrix. You two are so similar. Always suppressing your true emotions."
Reiji's mouth tightened. Cordelia drew her hand to her mouth, presumably to hide her smile of triumph. "My, have I struck a nerve? I'd figured you wouldn't mind if I slandered that woman, especially since she preferred Shu over you."
"Shut up." Akira stepped in front of Reiji to hide his quivering hands. She knew he hated to appear weak in front of anyone. Cordelia's malicious smile was now aimed at Akira. "Ah, Akira. I don't suppose those vampire powers have come to any good use yet? You're no more useful than this human vessel."
Akira felt her cheeks redden. "I—"
Cordelia sipped more wine. "Please consider my offer. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity! These boys only keep you around for your blood. They don't really need you at all."
Setting the wineglass down, Cordelia gracefully rose from the lounge. The sound of her heels was muffled by the decadent caret as she advanced. "I tire of this conversation. Come, Reiji. I trust you'll show me a good time."
Akira stepped back as Cordelia pressed herself up against her older brother, trailing a salacious finger down his face. She slipped her other hand around his nape, fingering the dusky locks. "Your eyes look so much like your father's, you know?" Cordelia side-eyed Akira, watching them while boiling inside. The corner of her lips twitched. Boldly, she plucked off Reiji's spectacles and tossed them to the floor. "Out of respect for your eyes, I'll tell you my secret. I came back..." she gazed into Reiji's eyes. "To get revenge on my husband." Cordelia guided his head lower to have his lips meet her own. Her hold tightened on Reiji as she deepened the kiss. Though his hands never left his sides and his posture remained stiff, Akira felt irritated that Yui—Cordelia—was kissing her brother in such a manner.
