Deaths Embrace

Chapter 21

It was eight in the morning when the letter arrived, from the ancients at the vampiric council.

It was written in bold, blood-like ink, my name, and only one sentence, that I, Charles Rowan Von Strauss have been summoned to appear in front of the council.

I always knew this day would eventually come, the day that they come to take me, to appoint me to some position of power within the vampire government, if I wanted it or not, the word 'no' was simply not an option.

Yet, given the timing I cannot help but question whether or not this is about what they want from me, or what I have that I had hidden from them.

Eloise, my human lover.

Impossible, I had been so careful and had told nobody of the importance of our relationship, and I highly question Eloise's father, William had told anyone of our relationship.

A knock at the door makes me scrunch up the letter in my hand and then arise from my seat to throw the letter and its contents into the fire of the fireplace.

"Enter."

Lenard opens the door and then bows down to me.

Ah good, perhaps some good news, after pondering all morning on what to do about this sudden summon.

"Did you find it?" I ask, as he straightens his back and then nods his head.

"Yes sir."

"Have the necessary preparations made, then take the rest of the day off Lenard." I tell him, as I look around my library for my mobile device.

I should let Eloise know that I cannot spend the night with her, something I have grown too addicted to since we became a couple.

"Sir?" Lenard was still standing in the doorway, looking troubled despite his poker-like stoic face.

"What is it?" I looked at him.

"This is not my place to say, as I am merely your servant... But I still wish to speak to you about this matter." He starts by saving, me as I stare at him.

How rare, I thought, Lenard with something to say on my matters, I couldn't recall a time when he had something to say about my personal life.

"Speak freely, I will listen to what you have to say." I tell him, crossing my arms as he starts to relax.

"Eloise Anderby." He spoke her name, making me look at him questionably.

"The council will find out about her, if not already, then tonight when they see into your mind, my hope, sir, is that you erase Lady Eloise's memory now, and save yourself any further punishment."

Erase her memories and purify myself, is that all?

First Camilla, now Lenard, what next, her damned cousin and father coming to tell me what to do on my personal, private matters?

"You're right." I glared at him. "It is not your place to say."

"Keep your thoughts to yourself from now on, I do not care for them."

I said nothing more and walked past Lenard as he bowed to me as I left the room.

I had already come to the conclusion that what Camilla said was right, and to ignore her advice on something as serious as keeping Eloise alive, I couldn't disagree with her, nor Lenard, as painful as it felt.

At times like this, I felt so human, so alive, I felt all the emotions I once had as a human, and it's all because of her.

I had to be careful, but the thought of losing Eloise left me stung, like a moth to a flame, keeping her hidden in the hope that nobody finding out about her existence would only endanger her more.