The Crimson Rose || Nicolae Bartholy X OC || [COMPLETE]

Chapter XXI.

Blood Moon.

Claire was reading again the text Nicolae had sent her.

Viktor was home. He had eventually come back.

She didn't know how she felt about it. She wasn't scared, but still she was a little nervous, especially after all that Nicolae had told her about him.

She didn't like the idea of not knowing what was happening at the Mansion. That was why Nicolae had asked River to spend some extra time with Claire, so she wouldn't be alone and get brave ideas.

Claire knew it, of course, and although she loved her friend, she wasn't stupid. She knew why she was extending her stay with her.

River didn't like to keep things from Claire anyway, and simply tried to keep her busy.

It wasn't that simple...

*

--- 3 days before Viktor's arrival. ---

"So. What did you have in mind? He will probably show up soon." Sebastian asked him, trying to get Nicolae to stop walking back and forth.

"I don't have anything planned yet. He is unpredictable." He replied, still pacing.

Sebastian took off his glasses and closed the book he had in his hands. His old friend was nervous, he could smell it.

"Are you worried?" He asked him.

Nicolae finally stopped and looked up at him. "Not really. No. Not worried about me or my brothers. I just want to keep Claire safe. I want her far fom him."

Sebastian nodded. He took the bottle of scotch behind his desk and filled the two glasses again.

"Have another drink. We will figure this out." He smiled kindly and drank some of the amber liquid.

Nicolae took a deep breath, agreeing with Jones. He sat back down and took a long sip. The strong flavor of the alcohol hit him and made his nerves relax.

"I am going to kill him." He simply stated, glass in his hand. It was the only way.

Sebastian stopped. "How are you gonna do it?" He asked curiously.
Nicolae drank his scotch down, then sat the glass on the desk.
He smiled. A hint of sadness in his eyes.

*
--- Present ---

"I am extremely happy to hear everything is so wonderful." Viktor wasn't very good at pretending. He tried to sound cheerful but it didn't sound like him. "Maybe you can help me out with something boys."

Nicolae and Peter sat across from him, while Drogo was standing by the window.

"What is it, Father?" Peter was the first to ask.

Viktor smiled. "Why is The Baron dead?"

Silence fell upon the room.

Drogo snorted, Peter looked at him.

Nicolae put his foot down.
"Cornelius had crossed the council, Father. There was a common agreement before his death."

Peter nodded, Drogo stayed quiet.

"Crossed the council? What happened?  I am so curious. " 
He rested his elbows on the desk and his chin on the top of his hands. "Come on, tell me."