Page 13 of The Duke’s Bloody Bargain

I was a tall, big, and strong vampire and a former street criminal. Very few things scared me, aside from my condition. But the gloomy atmosphere of the room and the whispers caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end.

I released a breath of relief when I shut the door behind me.

My butler would likely know where Cara was. He was always aware of the movements of the inhabitants of the mansion. As a low-level wizard, he mastered only a handful of spells, but I was sure that knowing where everyone was at all times was one of his powers.

I skidded to a stop along the corridor as retching noises came from a nook.

“I hate you…” That was Myrtha, sounding as if she’d swallowed a squirrel.

“Don’t talk. It’s better to stay silent. Trust me.” And that was Darius.

“What’s happening?” I winced at the sight.

Myrtha was crouched on the floor, face stuffed in a bucket. Her elegant, sophisticated white gown was a mess of creases and stains of different colours. That was the second time I’d seen her so dishevelled. Her appearance was usually impeccable.

Darius was elegant in a dark bottle-green suit, matching his eyes. Not a spot on his jacket. The two of them made for a stark contrast.

For a reason we hadn’t yet understood, Myrtha was losing her powers. The wilis she’d created last year had died quickly, and she lacked strength. I wondered if other aspects of her life were unravelling.

“Alex, good evening.” Darius waved, patting Myrtha’s back as she felt sick.

I frowned at the poor woman. “What have you done to her?”

“Excuse me? Why do you think it was me?” He scowled. “I didn’t do anything to Myrtha.”

She brushed her long dark hair from her flushed face. “He made me feel sick.”

“It wasn’t my fault. I often dissuaded her from reading De Mirabilibus Mundi.” Darius handed her a handkerchief. “I got distracted for a moment, and I’m not sure what happened, but she tried to read it.”

“Read it?” I grimaced at another retching noise. “You said no one, aside from a very powerful wizard, can read it without going mad or…” I glanced at Myrtha. “Or feeling sick.”

Myrtha sat on the floor, sweat glistening on her skin. “He did it on purpose.” She wiped her face with the handkerchief. “He wanted me to feel sick. He thought it would be hilarious.”

Darius looked hurt. “I understand that, as a wili, you distrust and loathe men, but I didn’t do it on purpose. And I’m quite frankly hurt that you might think so low of me.”

“I don’t believe Darius did it on purpose,” I said. “He isn’t cruel. He would never hurt you.”

She clamped a hand over her mouth.

“He might be easily distracted though.” I offered her my handkerchief as well.

She snatched it, turning green. “Of course you agree with your best mate.” She wasn’t joking. She was bloody serious, which was unusual.

“Maybe you should help Myrtha go to her room.” I gave a piercing stare to Darius.

“Of course.” He reached out to take her arm, but she scooted away.

“Don’t touch me!” Her tone was clipped and cold.

Myrtha’s and Darius’s favourite pastime was to argue, but they didn’t fight with venom. This time she was truly upset.

Darius stooped his shoulders. “I only wanted to help.”

“I don’t need a man’s help,” she whispered in a quivering voice.

She staggered to her feet and along the corridor, a hand on the wall.

“We aren’t all beasts!” Darius said to her retreating back. He pressed his lips hard, watching her leave. “Unbelievable.”