These Streaks of Blood

8

Nelye, having already refreshed her memory of Ryffin's mansion, is now sitting in a large, cozy armchair in front of the fire. She no longer feels heat, but she enjoys staring into the flames; she can almost picture them acting out dazzling scenes as they crackle and wave. 

She senses the newborn, Olivia, approaching her even before the girl sneaks into her peripheral vision. She doesn't acknowledge her, however; the flames had just begun a ballet, and embers are flying up each time one of the dancers' feet slap against the wood.

"Lady Nelye?"

She sighs. She'd like to continue ignoring the girl, but she has the distinct feeling that she would continue to be pestered regardless. "Yes, girl?"

Olivia settles herself on the red sofa, biting her lip. "I was just wondering... why you have the title of 'Lady,'" she admits timidly.

Nelye smiles, pleased despite herself. "In the old times, dear, there was a vampire monarchy, I guess you could say. After them came the upper class - much like the humans, if I'm not mistaken - and they were significantly more powerful than the rest of the race, whether it be due to wealth, standing, influence, or strength itself."

"So... you were part of this upper class?" Olivia wonders.

Nelye gives a tinkling laugh. "Dear me, no. Once you get to know me better, you will realize that is not my style."

Olivia squints her eyes in confusion, but is at least smart enough to beg pardon instead of ask more questions. "I'm sorry, Lady, I only assumed--"

Nelye waves her hand through the air. "Oh, pish-posh, I know what you assumed. And you're partially right, anyway," she explains, a pretentious smirk on her face. "I meant that being second best is not my style. I was not part of the upper class, but rather part of the monarchy."

Olivia's mouth drops into a little 'O'. After a moment, she stammers, "I-- I see."

Nelye's smile grows. "Yes, what great times those were. And now humans think they run the world. No offense," she adds, taunting the girl.

It doesn't seem to irk her in the slightest. "No offense taken, Lady. I'm much happier as a vampire."

Lady Nelye has always been adept at reading emotions, even at guessing where they originate. It's her nature to play games that will benefit her in some way, and the aforementioned talent helps in that regard; she never loses her games.

"Are you really, Olivia? Happier as a vampire?" she asks, the manipulative quality of her tone seamlessly blending into a semblance of sympathy, leaving the girl none the wiser.

Olivia squirms on the couch, looking uncomfortable. Clearly she hadn't anticipated her statement being questioned.

"Yeah," she replies, but her voice is soft and lacks its former conviction.

"Come now, dear, you can tell me the truth... I'm always here for young vampires who need me," Nelye purrs. Of course it's not true; the Lady isn't here for anyone but herself. She isn't a woman of favors and tenderness, she's a woman of incentive and personal gain. The few strong desires she holds close to her heart she would do anything to seize... one in particular. Everything else is just background noise and distraction.

Olivia stares at her for a moment, touching the tips of her teeth with her tongue. Nelye hardly remembers that time of adjustment, the things she felt as she was forced to grow accustomed to her new body and lifestyle. This is all she has known for a long time, and she would never go back to simple, pathetic humanity; even her mind spits the word out like it's poisonous.