Primous Rising [Book 1 of The Unravelling series]

6. Nikolus

Silence had tugged its talons into the thick tension settled in the living room. The members of the Anderson household dared one another and the Lord to break it.

High Lord Nikolus shifted uncomfortably as a housemaid placed a tray full of snacks on the table in front of him. The sweet pastry scent tickled his senses.

Althya and Oberon sat across from him. Althya's lavender coloured dress, her perfectly curled hair, few locks over each shoulder, reaching to the middle of her chest. Her tangled hands resting on her lap, the golden bracelets like branches of trees twirled around her forearm. Her appearance did justice to the title of Grand witch she had earned years prior.

Oberon on the other hand sat comfortably, his casual clothing, an arctic polo shirt with beige pants revealed nothing of his rank. Nikolus was cognisant understanding High Warlock Oberon was harder than defining the mechanics of magic to a magicless mortal.

Lord Nikolus settled his gaze on the wall behind them, on an ancient painting drawn by one of the famous artists of an era supernaturals had not yet come to light. It distracted him from the two pairs of eyes glued to him.

After five months of visiting them on a regular basis, he still wasn't used to being scrutinised by Althya and Oberon. At least Cassandra Anderson was not present, marking the only comforting factor at the moment.

Nikolus sensed Althya's power flowing, her magic cocooning, and prodding him. He held back a wicked grin. He had double-checked before stepping into their house, ensuring the magical shield set on his powers was still intact. An unpenetrable spell making it impossible for Althya to discover anything beyond the established fact that he is a vampire.

A privilege of knowing them too well, giving him the advantage of always being on guard and careful around them.

Arthur pushed himself off the wall and spoke, "I thought you were looking for my sister." His blue eyes observed the Lord's every movement as he pushed his hands into his navy pants' pocket.

"There are over hundred of teams searching for her," he replied, holding his gaze.

"And yet there's no news from her?" Oberon asked. The corners of his mouth tugging upwards.

Nikolus nonchalant asserted, "No sir."

"Interesting," The Oberon mused and squinted, as though he could see right through Nikolus' false words.

It wouldn't be out of mind if High warlock Oberon was cognisant of the circumstances. His swirling blue eyes, glinting each time Nikolus cooked up a lie, were only a confirmation stamp. He wondered if Oberon was already mindful of the little secret he was desperately trying to hide from them.

It was surprising Althya hadn't been able to put the pieces together. He had been notified she had contacted a few of the warlocks and witches from the Occult counsel.