Eternal (#1 in the Soulmate Series)

Two

Tori paced back and forth across her bedroom floor. Her sleeve was rolled up and she couldn't help but nervously run her hands through her hair. She was brandished. She had just been brandished by a man with glowing red eyes. She had no clue who he was, what he wanted, why he had done this. How could she even begin to find answers? Was this dangerous? Had she been marked for slave trading? How had he even gotten into their house? 

There were a million possibilities, a million outcomes and no telling which one was the right one. The anxiousness in Tori's heart was consuming and she wasn't sure what to do. Who could she tell? Of course she could tell her father but what if he didn't believe her. She had to take that chance. Her father, Lord Galileo Iadale, was a good natured man and would humor her if only for a chance of familial bonding. He was an intelligent man who often solved problems without even thinking them up first. Even if he couldn't help, something he said might spark an idea in her to help herself. 

Tori ran to the door and flung it open, tripping over her skirts into the hallway and slamming into the dresser that stood against the opposite wall. She tugged her sleeve down, trying to settle her heart from the panic that ruled her mind. She stood straight, took a deep breath and calmed herself. She kept her head high and walked down the hall to her father's study. She could hear low voices inside. Her father, a distinctly warm voice and another voice, low and unfamiliar. 

Tori leaned in close to listen. 

"I know that you would never do anything like this but I am begging you, please. I just want her safe," Tori heard her father plead. 

There was silence in reply. The silence was too long and Tori decided to open the door. She came face to face with a strange man. His one hand was outstretched as if he had been going to open the door himself. One dark eyebrow was raised, the rest of his face completely devoid of expression. He wore rich clothes, lush fabrics and intricate stitching. His black hair was slicked back away from his face and his jaw was cleanly shaven, the closest shave she had ever seen on a man. There was a strange sort of elegance about him, a beautiful grace hanging upon his features that made Tori uneasy and fascinated at the same time. 

After a few moments of looking at him, Tori peered around him to see her father sitting at his desk. 

"Father?" She asked. Her voice was quiet and unsure. 

"Oh, Tori! Meet my new business partner, Count Perseus." Lord Galileo smiled. Tori glanced from her father back to Count Perseus who still stood before her, straight faced. His eyes were too guarded. Too scrutinous. His presence was uncomfortable to say the least. 

"Pleasure," Tori said dryly before slipping past him. 

"Father, I need to talk to you...immediately," She said. It was rude to so easily disregard a guest but Tori had never been known for her dignifying manners towards other noblemen. 

"I suppose I shall take my leave and begin my work," Count Perseus said, his tone matching Tori's. She turned to give him a disinterested glance but frowned when she noticed his eyes were still on her. He was studying her. 

"Oh," Lord Galileo seemed surprised,"Thank you so much. The maids will direct you should you ever need it. If you need anything please do not hesitate to come ask me. I really appreciate this." 

Count Perseus bowed before disappearing from the room. Tori immediately crossed the distance to her father. 

"Father, something strange happened. I was chasing Jordan and this man appeared and left a mark on my arm-" 

"You and your brother were fighting again? Tori...you two must learn to act like lords and ladies," Her father shook his head, though love still shown in his eyes.