Sapphire Princess

III

HOPE

Finally arriving at my destination, I'm shocked when I see the house waiting in front of me. The house where I was turned.

I park the car in the driveway and pull the slip of paper from my pocket. 417 Millbury. I stare at the number on the front of the house, making sure that it matches. Part of me wishes this was the wrong house. Memories of Alexander's dead body in the back of the car flood my mind, making me sick.

Pulling myself from my thoughts, I unbuckle and get out, walking back to the trunk. I decide to feed before entering, in case there's someone waiting for me.

The blood is refreshing as it flows down my throat, replenishing any lost energy. Once I'm confident I'm at my full strength, I close the trunk and move towards the front of the house. The sun is beginning to set and soon it will be dark out.

There are no other cars here and the house looks to be empty, but I'm not taking any chances. Before entering, I press my face to the front windows, peering inside.

The living room where I woke up as a vampire is dark and deserted. My eyes catch a glass sitting empty on the table, but thanks to my vampire sight, I can see the dust starting to collect on it. No one has been here in a while.

When I try to turn the doorknob, I realize it's locked. What kind of vampire locks their front door? It's way too easy to kick it down. Which I do.

I grimace at the crash it makes. If anyone is here, they'll know they aren't alone. No one rushes to the noise, though, and I finally enter the house.

Chills course through my body, causing goosebumps to rise on my skin. The fall air has seeped into the house, making the darkness even more taunting.

I stride through the living room, trying to push it's memories to the back of my mind. Now isn't the time for dead brothers and lost lovers.

The kitchen is just as empty as the room before. A few wooden cabinets have been left open, but dust covers the counter tops and table accompanied by a musky smell. No one would want to live in a place like this, especially John.

My next stop is up the stairs. There's four rooms up here, all with the doors open. The floor creaks below me, the sound echoing through the hall. I jump at every small noise, worried that someone is sneaking up. Come on, Hope. Pull yourself together.

The first room holds a bathroom, and the second is completely empty, the paint even beginning to chip. Whatever John used this place for, it's obvious he didn't keep up with the maintenance.

It's only when I reach the third room that I find something worth my time. It looks to be an office. A desk is pushed against the only window in the room, piled high with books and loose paper. The couch and coffee table hold similar appearances, cluttered with research. I stop in the doorway, not even beginning to know where to start. Finally, I decide to head to the desk.

Looking through everything ends up being easier than I thought. Most of it is useless- things I already knew, like treaties with the Appleton's or plans on how to lure me out. Halfway through the stack on papers on the coffee table, something catches my attention.

Nathan's things must be littered in all of John's. I pull the single piece of paper from the stack, looking over it.

Contract with the Royal Palace of Roris:

Nathaniel Casper, here after known as Nathan, is to be offered a position of palace guard. The royal family acknowledges that Nathan has no connection to his father's crime. He has been orphaned, and the palace offers to take him in. Under his new position, Nathan will vow to protect Roris, and it's leaders, with his life. By taking this role, Nathan is aware that the position negates his right to wed or bare children. From here on, his life will be dedicated to the sole purpose of Roris. If Nathan agrees to these terms, both parties will sign below, validating this contract.