Short Story Collection

North Star

    The Polaris Estate kept many things hidden within her walls, from the pistol beneath her Mistress' pillow, to the morphine injections within her Master's study. Secrets oozed from the manor's walls, just daring someone to spill them... However, it was common knowledge to everyone in England at that time: the Polaris' had built their empire on the blood and bones of thousands. What was one more person? One person who could have broken the glass house of cards that their thrones sat upon?

'The dinner party of the century' they called it. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Polaris Manor and dine with the esteemed Colonel Altair and Lady Polaris. Only the best and the brightest were invited; those of good social standing, of incredible achievements, of immeasurable intelligence.

"Sir Azrael Fidelis."

It could not have been with good conscience that they opened their house to strangers, what with the disappearance of Andromeda, their only child.

"Lord and Lady Abernathy."

It was widely believed that the disappearance of the Polaris heiress was simply one of a rebellious teenager; running off to only God knows where, then arriving back home safe and sound. It was also believed her fiance went with her, only for him to arrive back in England a month later after a hush-hush trip abroad to Singapore.

"Count Lucian."

It also came to light that Lucian had no idea where she was, if she had run away... It was not of any knowledge to him.

"Duchess Asteria of Aberdeen."

Her parents knew, deep down, that something else had happened to their daughter.

"Inspector Anton Sui."

The guests all turned to look at the newest arrival; a tall man with a head of shaggy dark hair and thin, inquisitive eyes. His mouth was perpetually turned down in a frown, disfiguring an otherwise handsome face. His eyes flitted across the room, halting on every single face, before he walked further into the parlor.

A footman quickly came and brought him a southside fizz. He sat down in one of the stray chairs and sipped at his drink, legs crossed; the perfect image of a gentleman.

His genteel exterior seemed only a front for darker motives at play, every one of the guests seemed to notice something slightly off about him. More to the point however, how could an inspector, one that none of those from the highest social circles have ever heard of, make it into the Polaris Manor?

Any further questions were disrupted by the arrival of Lady Polaris and Colonel Altair. Such a perfect couple. The love they held for one another was evident always, even in the way they walked. Their good will seemed to radiate out from them, no outsider could possibly guess the pain they were in.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! We welcome you to our home for a night of fine dining and fine wines!" Colonel Altair had already gotten into the so-called 'fine wines', judging by the redness in his cheeks and the way his words were slightly slurred from their usual military sharpness. "Please! Make yourselves at home!"

Despite their grisly reputation, the Master and Mistress of the house were incredibly gracious hosts, smiling their way through conversation and questions. Footmen and parlour maids scuttled in between the guests like rats through a maze, offering drinks and small hor d'oeuvres. One rather handsome footman seemed particularly eager to please Count Lucian.

"Please excuse me." The inspector stood up from the second course of the evening, drawing a lighter and a pipe from his pocket. "I'll hardly be missed."