Damien

Chapter 8

Albert and I retreated home after a long time. Damien, seeing that I was in good hands, bowed and disappeared into the darkness. Once I was inside my house, I kicked off my shoes and yawned.

“I’m exhausted,” I groaned. “Listening to you two banter back and forth was like watching a badminton game.”

He chuckled and hung up his coat. “Were we that bad?”

“To put it in Tristiana’s words, I was ‘gagging on the testosterones.’”

He chuckled. “That sounds like Tristiana to me.”

I ducked into the bathroom. As I changed into my nightgown, I called out to Albert, “Damien never truly answered my question.”

“What question?” I could tell Albert was struggling to remove his shirt.

“If he killed the man.”

“Oh,” Albert said. I emerged from the bathroom in my comfortable, light nightgown. His breath caught in his throat.

“What?” I asked.

“Vivienne Rousseau, you’d look beautiful in a potato sack.”

I blushed. “I’ll take that as a compliment, I guess.”

He laid his hand on my cheek and smiled. “You are beautiful.”

I leaned up and pecked him on the lips. “Albert, you’re so kind to me.”

He smiled. I climbed into bed and pulled the covers up. After a moment, he hesitated before getting in after me. He pulled my back against his chest and wrapped his arm around me. I couldn’t help it. I snuggled closer to his warmth.

“I love you, Vivienne,” He murmured, his lips brushing the nape of my neck.

“I love you too, Albert,” I replied.

Emile listened and watched. Vivienne couldn’t see him from outside her window. She did seem happier with Albert. Another tear dropped from his eyes.

“If you make her unhappy,” He vowed silently, “even for a moment, I will hunt you down and kill you.” Emile stepped closer to the window, his eyes locked on Albert. “The only reason I haven’t killed you yet is because you make her happy.”

Emile was startled when Albert sat up and looked at the window. Albert kissed the side of Vivienne’s neck and got up. Albert walked over to the window and opened the shutters.

“I saw you,” He called quietly. “Come out.”

Emile stepped out of the shadows. “Is something wrong, Albert?”

“Yes,” Albert said. “I must speak with you privately.”

Emile cracked a small half-smile from behind the mask’s lips. “This is private enough. Is Vivienne asleep?”

“Yes,” He replied. “I will come out. Wait one moment—and don’t even think about running away.”

Emile chuckled. Albert was ridiculous sometimes. “I will wait.”

After a moment, Albert came outside. Emile crossed his arms and waited. The boy cleared his throat.

“I know she told you about the murder,” He said. “I want to know. Did you do it?”

“Yes,” Emile replied.

“Why do you watch her?” Albert asked. “Why do you care about her so much?”

“Why do you think, foolish boy?” Emile snapped. “I love her.”

Recognition flickered in the boy’s eyes, and he looked shocked. “I don’t believe it,” He said softly. “Emile…is that you?”

Emile turned away from him. “Why would I be Emile?”

“You’re not denying it.”

“No. I’m not. I am Damien. I am Emile.” Emile looked at the ground. “My annoyed tone just now gave me away, correct?”

“Yes.”

Emile chuckled but immediately turned serious. “She must not find out.”

Albert protested. “Why not?”

“Because I don’t want her to be torn!” Emile snapped, grabbing the boy’s collar. “I don’t want to hurt her! It pained me when she said she loved me as a brother. I want her to love me as she loves you.”

“You’re a killer,” Albert spat. “She would never love you for that.”

“I know,” Emile sighed, releasing the boy. “You must not tell her anything.”

“I have one more question…maybe two,” Albert said. “The first is this: why do you love her?”

That surprised Emile. “I love her because she is herself. I love everything about her, especially her kindness.”

Albert nodded. “She is a spectacular woman. Her beauty is unmatched, too.”

“What is your second question?”

“Oh… Who are you? Are you Emile, or are you Damien?”

“My name, by birthright, is Damien Emile Blanc.”

“So you are the killer,” Albert nodded.

“Don’t patronize me,” Damien snapped. “You would’ve done the same thing, would you?” Damien grinned from behind his mask. “If you say no, you’d better be prepared to leave her behind.”

“I would kill for her,” Albert promised. “I would die for her.”

“Good.” Damien tilted his head. “If you hurt her in any way, or make her unhappy, I will surely kill you.”

“If I hurt her, I will accept your punishment,” Albert said.

“Prove it,” Damien said, extending his hand. Albert shook it, accepting whatever fate brought them.

I listened to them. I wasn’t asleep. Not really. I thought about what they had said. Damien is Emile. That is how he watches over me. Damien loves me. I didn’t even see it.

Emile—no, Damien—turned towards the window, looking at me. The mask’s stoic faced finally looked a bit sad. “Vivienne.”

I sat up and looked at him. “I’m awake.”

“I’m sorry,” He whispered.

“Take off your mask, Damien,” I said gently. He raised his hands to his face and pulled the mask away. Emile stared back at me, his eyes sad. I rested my hand on his cheek. “Oh, Damien,” I said softly, my eyes filling with tears. “I’m…I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” He said, smiling. He kissed my palm and then let my hand drop. “I will leave now. Albert,” he turned to him, “take care of her. And the store since no one will watch over it now. Vivienne,” He kissed my hand again. “You have only to call me, and I will come. I will always be here for you.”

“Damien,” I protested. He stopped me and pressed a kiss to my forehead. There were tears in his eyes. He pulled a whip from his cloak and cracked it at the sky. It caught on something, and he flew away. I whirled around, staring after him. All I saw was empty space.

Albert laid his hands on my shoulder. “Are you all right, Vivienne?”

I sniffed. “I’ll be fine.” I placed my hand over his. He pulled me to him in a tight embrace. I hugged him close. “I hope I will see him again.”

“You will,” Albert whispered to me. “You will.”