Lethal Beauty

XIII - The Felidae Clan

Most hotel museum was a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrated iconic stories. The personality of the interior was enhanced by the classical furnishings and the warmth of the wood. Statues, murals, and sought-after details enriched the environment and characterized the refined style of the said hotel.

"Never seen anything like it, have you?" Lexus whispered beside him.

Abel turned to see where the other two had gone and saw them napping in the guest lobby. "I guess a few minutes of walking could tire the old dogs out," he murmured.

Lex giggled. "Milo doesn't like museums and Stein doesn't like walking unless it's a hunt."

"Do you guys frequent this place? The people at the reception know you."

"Because we owned this place. This hotel belongs to the Elders."

No wonder. Abel thought. That explains the onsite museum, filled with contemporary arts, vehicles, and even food museum.

"How do you manage something like this?"

Lex found the question amusing. "This is one of the largest hotel art museums to open since 1970 and was the project of an heiress before. Of course, no one knew about her identity but she spent a number of years amassing a collection of fine arts and arranging them into a museum. This is among her favorite places."

Abel glanced at the portrait that Lexus presented to him. It was among the many murals hanging on every wall. He studied her face, her countenance, and her still expression. She was gorgeous. Extremely beautiful. Every inch of her face presaged perfection. From the tall nose to the intense eyes and protruding lips. It reminds him of...

"Alexandria Mika Nova-Laiho," Lexus uttered before he could broach the subject of her name. "And yes, she is Iris' mother. But the rest of us call her Queen Mother. One of the ancestors of the vampires and among the first of the Elders."

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Given the reputation of his companions, neither one of the hotel clerks would dare approach them and remind them that the hotel lobby wasn't the place to take a nap. Lexus was understandably worn out as well and would like to take a short break, but Abel still wanted to explore.

It was strange that he thought by now he should at least get some information regarding their coat of arms. But aside from the one that belongs to Saint Constantine, he couldn't find the coat of arms that represents the specific families that make up the House of Elders.

Abel had taken notice of this before but didn't voice it out. He didn't even contradict Judy and was confident that he could get the information since the existence of the Elders wasn't a secret even to the human government. The thing about these ancient vampires was that they weren't hiding anything but they weren't telling the exact truth about them either. This made them enigmatic. Unfathomable. Dangerous.

Even these three undead companions he had with him were still a mystery to him. Who knows which one of them was giving facts and which one was just saying things they knew he wanted to hear? Maybe Sven was right about them. Humans shouldn't be too complacent.

The place wasn't only lavish, it was huge, bigger than any hotel he had seen in his life. Probably because it was a museum too. He also rarely encountered any guests strolling like lost lambs and the employees were all accommodating and friendly. More human-like excluding the crimson eyes. The garden easily became his favorite part of the place. Lush meadow, wide assortments of blooming flowers, locked away behind tall walls and hedges. He played with the butterflies and let them rest on his fingers, or even his nose. Abel was delighted with the minibeasts. They were friendly and sweet. Yet without their wings, they could appear creepy.