A Sealed Fate (Watty's 2017)

12.

The week passed by slowly, all of Tricia's classes assigning 'homework' so to speak. She sat in her window sill and looked up to the castle. Tomorrow was cleaning day again. And oddly enough she was excited to see Vlad again.

However, her mind traveled back to her mystery vampire again. It was odd how much Vlad looked like her mystery vamp. Though he was human. His skin a light tan, his eyes a blue in shade. And he was so kind.

The moonlight cascaded into her room, as she sat with her art book sitting in front of her. For the life of her she couldn't figure out what to draw, she was at a complete loss.

She looked over at her clock, it read: 10:45. She sighed and figured she should get some rest. Her dreams would usually provide pictures for her to draw.

-

The next morning, Tricia shot up like a rocket from her bed. Gasping for air and gripping at her neck. Her dreams had become a nightmare. They were rare thankfully. But this one had seemed so real.

She managed to catch her breath and look at the time: 6:39. She cursed softly, it wouldn't be for another two hours before anyone else was awake. She climbed out of her bed and decided she would get a nice long shower.

When she finally got out it was only 7:15. She huffed and got dressed, deciding to escape to the kitchen. Maybe the cooks would like some help.

She sighed and walked the halls. Coming to the kitchen entrance. There was only one cook in the kitchen. A very round, short woman, blond hair tied off into a braid. "Um... Is there anything I can do to help?" Tricia asked as the woman rushed around the kitchen.

The woman looked up from stirring grits and blinked. "You're a student, why would you wish to help? None of the other ungrateful brats wish to." Tricia shrugged her shoulders. "My mom taught me to be efficient and cook. I enjoy it actually." The woman looked shocked at the response. "Well sure, you know how to fix grits?" Tricia nodded walking over and looking into the pot. "They're far to watery to serve." Tricia began the task of fixing the very nasty looking grits. She dumped the cook's grits and started a new batch. This time it came out thicker and much more flavorful and tasty.

The cook look astounded that this student knew how to make grits. "Well... What did you do differently?" She asked, Tricia smile and shrugged. "Added less water. It's nothing special really." She smiled and the cook nodded "surly noted. Now it's best you go to the dining hall, child. Breakfast starts in ten minutes" the cook said and Tricia nodded rushing off to the dining hall.

She snuck to her seat beside Katie who wasn't paying attention, chatting to her friends. When she did finally notice, "it's about time sleeping beauty." She said and hugged Tricia close. "Actually, I woke up with a nightmare early. I've been in the kitchens with the cooks." Tricia admitted, Katie's friends all laughed but Katie shushed them. "Hey shut up. It's noble that Trish would help miss hargen out." "I bet it's poisoned now." One said acting choked on air. "Yeah I bet she put tainted water in it." Katie glared at the two for speaking, Tricia stood and left the dining hall. She still had a couple hours before she had to leave with the others to the castle.

After Tricia left, Katie snapped at the two. "She has guts to be nice to someone and you two gotta be rude?! If you are gonna bully her then I want no part of it! Stay away from me!" She snapped and left the dining hall to go find Tricia.

-

Katie had searched the school high and low. And almost gave up hope of finding her, until she happened to look under an old willow tree.

She could have sworn she was crying from the back. But as she got closer, peeking over Tricia's shoulder she noticed her drawing a guy. "Wow, that's amazing." Katie blurted out causing Tricia to jump in surprise.

"Shouldn't you be with your friends?" Tricia retorted, trying hard to hide her tear stained face. Katie slumped into the seat beside her friend. "Those girls are not friends... If they can't be nice to you, then I won't be nice to them. You've been more of a friend to me, than they have in three years." She sighed and Tricia looked up surprised. "Anyways it's already eight fourty-five. We should really get going. Today is cleaning day after-all." She seemed so bummed about it.

Tricia nodded packing her art supplies back into her bag and following Katie to the limo. "Miss Brennan. You can not bring a bag with you." Came the screechy voice of the head mistress. "I have something the butler specifically requested I bring." Tricia lied and the headmistress sighed. "Best bring it back!" And with that turned away.

-

The drive was smooth. Slightly weird considering only 5 girls were sent. But then again only 20 girls were left. And maybe three guys.

Tricia got the master suite again. Making her way eagerly there. However when she got there he wasn't in the room. She slumped into the edge of a chair. The room was spotless.

Vladimir was in the private bathroom. Not paying any mind to who might be in his room. He walked out with only a towel around his waist.

Tricia gasped at how toned and muscular his body was. Causing him to look shocked. "Oh. It's Saturday already? I didn't notice." He said and Tricia could have sworn she saw a slight blush appear on his face.

He straightened back up and watched her closely. "Would you mind waiting outside until I'm dressed?" Vladimir asked trying to contain a embarrassed emotion. Tricia only smiled. "If you don't mind, I wish to draw you... Just the way you are." Vladimir blinked at the odd request. "Can I at least put pants on?" She rolled her eyes and stood up. "Only pants." She repeated and stepped out the door to allow privacy.

She leaned against it and took a deep breath in. She hadn't ever had a half nude model to draw. "You done yet?" She'd ask through the door. He pulled the door open, before she could fall and land on her hind end, he caught her.

Her hands trembled as she landed against his bare chest. He could feel her heart racing against her chest. He could even hear her heart speeding up. His breathing labored as he fought all urges to sink his teeth into her neck.

You see. The faster a human's heart went. Not only did the blood taste sweeter, it could be smelled much easier too.

She noticed his sudden breathing pattern being off. And felt his arms wrap around her in a hug. She didn't move for fear of being hurt, which made her heart race more. "So sweet..." He mumbled, coming to his senses he shoved her out the door and slammed it shut. Confused and slightly hurt, Tricia stared at the door. Katie walked up and seen her "come on. We are going back early. The headmistress is sick." Tricia turned and ran past Katie down the halls and out the front door.

Katie stood frozen and confused. Her back to the door, she stared off down the hall. Vladimir exited his room and wrapped his arms around her, his hand over her mouth as she tried to scream.

"Make a sound and you will regret it." He growled low into her ear, getting an obeying mhmm out of her. Using a vampire ability can be used by pure bloods only. He decided he'd use this girl to watch over Tricia from afar. He suspected she wouldn't be back for a month or two.

"I've seen you in Tricia's art book, I suspect you are close to her. I will give you the chance to live, but you report to me anything." Katie seemed in a trance and nodded "yes sir." And with that she was released.

-

Tricia walked to the village and hugged herself close. She went to the bread shop and found herself a seat. The waitress took her order and walked off.

The bell rang on the door, and footsteps came toward her. Causing her to tense up.

-

Dun dun dun!!!! Cliff hanger!! Will return with the next chapter soon. Tootles