Vow of Blood and Starlight (a Pride and Prejudice retelling)

Chapter Seven

There are some parts of life that go fast. As if time is barreling you towards an event you may both dread and enjoy. Others are slow, as if time itself holds in your hand, a moment, a breath, pulled into the infinite nothing. That was the feeling that washed over Elizabeth Bennet as the dancing hall stilled to a quiet hum.

Their partners had been lovely for the two dances they had, and the girl, much pleased, found themselves back on the sidelines and in each other's company for conversation. They did not think the event could hold much more splendor than those moments of twirling, until the grand doors opened and the room hushed to a slight ringing sound as they beheld the three elegant newcomers.

Elizabeth leaned to Charlotte who unsuccessfully held in a series of giggles.

"So, which of the mysterious figures is our Mr. Bingley?" States she.

"On the left, and on the right is his sister, Mrs. Caroline Bingley."

They watch as the two in question begin their walk through the crowd that parts for them as they go. Bingley looks elated at the response he has received, his sister less so. making known her distaste with the elegant smirk on her face. 

"And the man with the quizzical brow?" Pondered Elizabeth.

"I believe that is his good friend Mr. Darcy. One of the Queens Enforcers." Stated Charlotte with a shiver.

"Enforcers?"

"Yes, I believe he maintains vampire law. Said to be horrifyingly good at his job." Mumbles Charlotte as the man in question begins his walk after Bingley.

"Oh, the poor fool looks miserable."

Charlotte chuckles under her breath, nearly coughing, "Miserable he may be, poor he is not. He is the head of a pureblood family of relation to the Queen. Probably the most powerful vampire in this room."

"Oh? How amusing." Mumbles Elizabeth as Darcy passes.

Upon her word, his eyes flash to her own, and for a moment she sees herself looking back at her. It passes like the brisk ending of a symphony as he makes his way past to join his friend. Both girls giggle lightly at their own foolishness as the music begins again.

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Darcy was amazed at his control during the initial walk, as the sound of heartbeat and blood pumping through fresh veins nearly drove his senses mad. Each heartbeat sounded like a new, frantic rhythm that made the hunter in him bulk for a challenge. All save one. One rang constant and unwavering, almost questioning as he passed and he felt drawn to its calm. When their eyes met it was like a bolt of lightning had struck his soul and fried his senses, as he gazed into the eyes of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. But it was just a moment, one just as fleeting as any other and he felt himself drawn to continue the walk as if he had not just felt the bond click into place.

He tried to forget it, tried to forget her as the party rose again with notes and dancing. As he excused himself to walk down vacant hallways and revel in their almost perfect silence. But not far enough, no matter how far he walked it was never far enough to drown out the constant cluster of thumping. He closes his eyes to the sound as he resigns himself to return to his companions.

He takes a shaky deep breath before opening the small door and stepping back out into the roar of the party. He finds Caroline and Bingley leaning in their corner. Caroline looks as if she might crawl out of her skin and a part of Darcy hopes she will. Bingley on the other hand, looks all but delighted to be here.