A Taste You Can't Escape

~16~

You walked along the pier next to the ocean taking in the colors of the sunrise, Rose and Henry are doing the same, Amdis is at your side walking beside you. Elijah and James were in the far back talking about what they found out.

Elijah: I didn't think she went through all that, at such a young age too.

James: I'm surprised she grew up into the kind of woman she is today after being born at such a horrendous time. You'd think she would've grown up to be vengeful and colder then she is now, and you had the audacity to imply she was weak.

Elijah: Oh my lord, how long y'all gonna be stuck on that? I didn't know.

James: Neither did I, neither did anyone else, did you see nor hear us questioning her?

Elijah: Yes, I know, I fucked up. More than once. I'm sorry, no one is perfect.

James: I hope, you've learned something at least and don't make the mistake again.

Elijah: I'll try not too.

James: Try, meaning your pride gets in the way and makes you cocky as fuck making you think you can do anything.

Elijah: Ouch...

James: Am I wrong though?

Elijah: No...

Y/N: Y'all do know I can hear you right?

James: Yes.

Y/N: Good, anyways do y'all feel any vampire energy around here?

Henry: In the town.

Y/N: Thank you.

You turn at an entrance to the town, and for some reason, every citizen out in the early morning turn their attention to the 6 random visitors.

Rose: They're all looking at us...

She implies as anxiety fills her senses, Henry was the first to react and began walking next to her to comfort her. Rose looks up at him surprised, Henry just smiles at her sweetly.

Rose: Thank you.

Henry: You're welcome.

You secretly smile to yourself.

Y/N: So where is this person?

Henry: How am I the only one that feels the energy of them?

Y/N: Okay, sorry I asked. I'm gonna assume in the square. So we're gonna go there.

Henry: Works for me.

James: Same.

Elijah: Sounds like a plan.

You roll your eyes a little before you spot the fountain in the middle of the square.

Y/N: Found it.

A few seconds later the smell of flowing water fills your senses along with the sweet stench of another vampire.

Y/N: Aha, found you.

You lock eyes on this tall slender woman with dark red hair curled to perfection, beautifully lifeless blue eyes, and striking dewy skin. The woman directs her attention to you forgetting about the person she was holding a conversation with before interrupting them.

???: I-I'll catch you later, Morice.

This Morice character gets caught off guard before shrugging it off and walking away to join a random person's conversation. The woman walks up to you.

???: Welcome, to our humble village. Can I help you lovely people find something? We have this amazing visitor center right across the street.

You stop in front of her meeting her clearly forced smile and crossing your arms.

Y/N: How ya doing, Neeka?

Elijah and James freeze in their steps when they lay their eyes on Neeka and their jaws drop slightly. Henry notices.

Henry: It's not polite to stare you two.

He chuckles.

Neeka: How do you know my name?

You laugh a little.

Y/N: Remember Dillion and Nora?

Neeka gasps.

Neeka: Are you their daughter?

You nod.

Neeka: Oh shit where are my manners?

She curtsies getting odd looks from people around her.

Y/N: W-What?

Neeka: Are you here to find...

Y/N: Duke Cassius?

A few others behind you gasp and you notice their fearful expressions.

Neeka: Shhh!! Follow me. 

You give her a questioning look but comply anyways.

Y/N: Stay here.

You tell the others before continuing your journey to wherever Neeka was taking you. You end up in what you assumed was her house.

Y/N: Why couldn't we have talked out there?

Neeka: You've obviously never been here before. Here in Ireland, we are not supposed to talk about the Duke. He made sure it was a law that no one spoke of him. Vampires mainly and in both Ireland and Europe.

Y/N: Okay? That doesn't answer my question.

Neeka: I was getting there but hear me out. He only selected a few vampires that have a pass of the law as long as he's spoken about in private. 

Y/N: I'm just surprised you haven't asked why I want to find him.

Neeka: I'm not worried about that. I know the prophecy, I know your past, and I know you're one of the last in your hierarchy.

Y/N: Yet, you couldn't recognize me or sense me?

Neeka: You don't understand. Your breed masks their scent in new places to protect themselves, and subconsciously your face also changes, it's subtle but it's enough to confuse even the most modern and updated security. Plus, the last time I saw you was when you were itty bitty baby, a couple of years before that war. I'm surprised you remembered me though.

Y/N: A few weeks before the war broke out, and my memory was more mature they showed me a picture of you. Apparently they knew I was gonna find you some year.

Neeka: Everyone knew that, even Henry. I suppose he left out the part your parents paid him to watch over you and that he had to mask the fact he was half vampire to the rebels.

Y/N: Yes he did.

Neeka: Anyways. You want to know where the duke is.

Y/N: Yes, please.

Neeka: Well, he is...

(A.N: Hi loves!! I apologize if some of this isn't making much sense. It'll be explained and make sense eventually I promise. I've been thinking of making a sequel to this story after certain events, I ain't about to spoil shit. lol. Anyways, tell me if I should make a sequel. In the meantime enjoy these next chapters before this one ends)