After Hours (VAMPIRES PART 1)

Chapter 20

ROSEANNE

When the partnering ceremony is over, we leave the ballroom swiftly. The hunters exit first, scrambling out in a less than orderly fashion. The vampires speed out even faster in a rush of pissed off mutters. Though from what I could discern, all of their comments were directed at the hunters, no doubt to save themselves from being ashed like Lord Berkeley.

Jennie gestures for the ten of us chosen ones to follow her along with the Chief. None of us move, each giving the other surreptitious glances. We might be standing next to our partners, but our partners are still the enemy.

No one wants to make the first move.

The air is as tight as our bodies are stiff.

"Now," Jennie says sticking her head back through the door.

Lisa glances at me and nods, we move first, united in a way the others are not.

We make our way through the imposing castle. It's cold; the evening chill outside seeps through the cobbles and thick stone walls. The moon shines bright tonight, showering the halls with beams of dust motes and shafts of pale, glistening light.

The corridors are peppered with wall lanterns interspersed between the numerous portraits. She takes us to one of the wings and up into her office turret.

Lisa makes a huffing sound.

"What?" I ask under my breath.

"The Chief's office is in a turret remarkably similar to this one. It must be a leadership thing. Wanting to be at the top of the castle."

"I've no doubt. There's a reason Castle St Laure is situated on top of the highest mountain in the city. Mother likes to be above everyone."

"You sound bitter."

"I sound right, and maybe a little tired," I say.

"Tired of...?"

I consider not telling her, keeping my shame and secrets locked away. But it's Lisa, and she's always known how to nestle into my heart. "I'm tired of being hated because I was born this way and everyone else was turned."

"Have you ever thought that maybe instead of isolating you and making you different that it sets you apart because you're special? Because you're meant for something more? Because you are unique in the best way possible?"

I'm silent as I blink at her, digesting her words.

"I didn't think so. Not everyone hates you, Roseanne."

"You do."

"I dislike your actions because you took my sister's life. You as a person? I'm not sure what I think anymore."

I desperately want to correct her. To tell her I didn't kill her sister. I want to explain what really happened that night, but it's not my position to get between sisters. I know how much hurt she carries over her family, and I don't want to step in the way of that. Even if it means playing her villain a little while longer...

After all, I did actually turn her sister, she witnessed it. So even if I do try and explain, she wouldn't believe me anyway.

I wipe a hand over my face, frustrated that I can't convince her otherwise, that she needs to have a conversation I can't be part of. But I respect it for what it is and tell her the same thing I've always said.

"She would have died."

"Maybe she was meant to." Her eyes are soft, distant, watery.

"You don't mean that. You need to talk to her. She spends much of her time either in the Whisper Club or Castle Park. I will happily arrange a dinner—at my expense—for you both. I know she would love the chance to talk to you properly."