Lethal Beauty

XXII - Haunted

Humans were known to be naturally attracted to anything paranormal and inexplicable. Being the only human on the excursion, Abel found it odd how the other vampires reacted at the sight of the massive cathedral-looking building notorious for its dark history---the Gracebourne Manor.

Perhaps it was because they were fledglings and technicallyspeaking, they belonged to the same generation as Abel. Except that they won't be growing old from now on. They'd be stuck in that age for eternity. Regardless, they were all huddled in the corner like frightened hatchlings which amused Abel, since a few days ago, they all tried to attack him in his room.

"Gather around everyone!"

The chairman of Saint Constantine was visibly excited. Gavril stood in front with the rest of the teachers behind him trying their best to show a bit of emotion on their frozen faces. Abel noted how Gavril was so different from them, the chairman must've mastered the arts of acting human by socializing with his kind. Except for him, Raviel, Professor Varuca, and the others remained deadpan.

"A bit of a history in this place, Gracebourne Manor existed since the mid-12th century, owned by a beautiful perfidious woman with two failed marriages, and dozens of lovers. Murders, loads of murders."

"Sound promising," Abel murmured dryly.

One of the young vampires raised his hand and asked, "What about ghosts?"

Abel glanced at him and grimaced. "Dude, you're an undead. Why are you scared of ghosts?"

Everyone laughed. Since Iris marked him and he spent more time with Lexus, Milo and sometimes CC, everyone had gotten used to his presence. Although they did try to attack him, Abel couldn't help feeling more accepted by these bloodsucking monsters if he was to compare it to the classmates he had back in high school. Weird but it was the fact.

Gavril clapped his hands to claim their attention and said, "Here I tell you a little story. The castle was home to Countess Blanca Lisi. She married young but lost her husband in the early years of her marriage through sickness so she married another nobleman. However, their relationship was ill-fated as well and it was known that he committed suicide in one of the rooms. The countess was well-liked, very pretty, and famous to men. I know you might think her story was pretty boring, but you see, as a noblewoman during those times being unfaithful was frowned upon by society and she had a dozen lovers. In order to hide her escapades, she eliminated all of her lovers or anyone who had knowledge about her affairs by whatever means possible. She was an expert at luring her victims since others viewed her as harmless and helpless, when she was in fact, a ruthless serial killer."

"Wicked," Lixue grinned. "I love her already."

Milo glanced at her. "I bet you do."

"Well, she was found guilty of all the crimes naturally and was beheaded. They say her soul still roams the castle grounds, and she had been seen by many witnesses. They described her as beautiful, charming, always smiling and loved bestowing kisses to those more receptive to her presence. Boys, do not get too friendly with the lady."

Milo grunted, "Thanks for the warning, chief. Makes us feel a whole lot better."

Either Gavril missed the irony in his tone or he simply ignored it because he answered with a kind smile, "Welcome!"

⛧☾༺♰༻☽⛧

"Hey, where is your beau?"

"My beau?" Abel was understandably confused and frowned at Milo's query.

"Yes, your beau. Your sweetheart. Your daddy," the fox smiled maliciously and winked.