A Different Path

Chapter Two

Felicity ran back to the main square, her heart pounding in her chest with a combination of excitement and trepidation. The bell still pealed with a deep, chest thudding, heart pumping timbre that resonated in the centre of her being as doors opened and footsteps approached. She stopped in the middle of the square and looked around.

People filled the square, all of them looking uncertain and ill at ease. Streetlamps had been lit, casting an orange glow over the cobblestones. Somewhere a door banged, and a woman called out to a child.

With a rush of wind, a group of young male vampires descended. Dressed in embroidered waistcoats and flowing white shirts, they exuded dark elegance. One of the young female vampires giggled and the others tossed their hair and slid sultry, sideways glances at the young men.

One of them walked towards her and she had to grudgingly admit he was a striking figure, tall, his blond hair tied back in a ponytail and features that looked cut from marble —pure and cold.

"Greetings, Gerhardt," Felicity sighed under her breath. Her brother always seemed to push boundaries.

He gave her an unpleasant smile. There was something about his manner that made her fists itch.

Despite his charm and imposing figure, she knew his true nature all too well. He tended to provoke and torment others, especially her. She could only hope that he wouldn't cause trouble tonight.

The older vampires arrived; Felicity's parents, the Count and Countess von der Höhen, among them.

He looked away; there was a strange set to his beautiful mouth tonight. A determination –

Oh, please don't pick another fight with Father.

The Count, an ancient and powerful vampire strode toward them, her mother following in his wake. "Hello, Gerhardt."

"What do you want?" Gerhardt spat.

"I want you to follow me and take your place," the Count replied quietly yet firmly.

Gerhardt's response was flat, almost dismissive. "No," he said defiantly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Her brother's refusal hung in the air like an unspoken challenge. The crowd watched nervously, hoping that Gerhardt wouldn't push things further. Felicity silently pleaded for her brother to see reason but knew better than to intervene—she'd only be met with derision or worse, violence.

The Count regarded his son with silent displeasure before turning away and walking off without another word. He didn't look back, allowing her brother the illusion that he had won this round.

The tension in the square eased, the crowd relieved that no further escalation had occurred. But Felicity knew that this was just a temporary respite. Gerhardt's reckless behavior would undoubtedly lead them down a dangerous path if he didn't find sense soon.

With a smug grin, Gerhardt glanced at Felicity before disappearing into the shadows like a predator on the prowl. She shook her head in disbelief, he was wrecking their family name and their bond.

She sighed and followed her father, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders.

The townspeople had caught the tension between the two vampires and there was a flurry of coughing, and shuffling, their heat auras flickering in the night breeze. The sharp tang of fear drenched sweat filled the air.

The bell stopped.

The townspeople formed lines, preparing for the Covenant ritual and Felicity pushed her way to the front to support Anna. It was her first time since her twelfth birthday that Anna had been eligible to participate in the Covenant and Felicity wanted to make it as easy for the child as possible. As Felicity jostled into position, the young girl's fear was palpable, radiating off her in waves.