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But even with all that I was to be confined here for who knew how long. If my parents were only hours away, how was I going to see them? Would they even be allowed here? Everything she said led me down these mental tangents like my life was no longer mine. From the carriage rides to the mysterious shadows that lurked in between it was all maddening. I couldn’t let it control me because like Lord Draco had said everything that happened now was up to me. There was no room for the wrong choice—or the wrong emotion.

Instead of letting the panic that creep in overtake me, a low chuckle broke from my throat. “That’s perfectly fine with me. I’d rather stay in bed today anyway.” It wasn’t even a lie. I would rather let myself rest than potentially be found out. I didn’t need any more deaths in my name than there already had been. Keeping a low profile seemed the safest for everyone around me.

“That does sound relaxing,” Val agreed, as she smoothed the blanket as she slid of the bed. “But first… You need to soak in the potion for a few hours to mask your scent.” She nodded toward the door closest to the balcony.

The mattress suddenly felt that much colder with her outside of it. It didn’t matter the hearth had a wood burning fire. The heat seeping through the cavern couldn’t compare to how warm she had been. My fingers twitched with unease, wanting to guide her back to me, but I resisted by pulling the covers closer around me. “I didn’t even thank you for that. You really went and got it?”

Without missing a beat, Val added, “Well of course, you think I’d let you be bare to the world? Really Alexander I thought I made a better impression than that.” She smiled as she slowly glided towards the door. Before she could reach it, she turned back and said, “My father wants a private dinner with you. I don’t know why, so don’t bother asking.”

“You’ve got everything planned out,” I said with a sly grin, “but I didn’t hear anything about cake. Or a sketchpad.” It was mostly a joke, but I wanted at least one thing today that still felt like a birthday. I also had a nagging want to sketch. There had been so much that transpired that my hands wanted to express what words just couldn’t grasp.

She giggled. “I’ll see what I can do about it.”

Valentina stood directly in front of the deep oak door, one hand on the knob, when she curtsied with practiced grace. “I’m going to let my father know you’re awake. I’ll also send Head Maiden Elaine to draw your bath. Feel free to look around or rest, Alexander.”

The way my name rolled off her tongue sent a chill through my core that I had to shake off. With two fingers, I playfully saluted her curtsey with a final, “Valentina.” It rolled off my tongue like the sweetest prayer as she turned the knob.

She left with a final glance over her shoulder, and she smiled, pulling the door shut behind her. Valentina’s warm caramel notes floated with her through it, the heaviness of it at least. It still lingered all throughout the room and my skin, leaving me something to hold on to.

I lingered, reluctant to move from the scent. There was just comfort linked to it that had me almost drifting back into sleep. I fought against it, though. Valentina had given me an order. There should have been more will in me to get my day started, but the idea of being trapped here made getting up seem unnecessary. When I finally rose, I half-expected stiffness after days on my back—but I stood with ease, no wobble.

There was no tension from lying in one position too long, and no sudden aches in the muscles. My legs moved even more fluidly than when I ran that first time with the new fever. I didn’t even have to pick up speed to feel it. My ankles rolled without strain. It was more than just in my feet, too; it was my entire frame. I felt heavier and lighter at the same time.

I had only stood to inspect the room, maybe even wander in the bathroom she had pointed out, but my reflection caught me first. Just at the sideview, I stopped cold at the reflection's profile Pivoting slowly, I faced the stranger before me. Who was this version of me? I still looked like me—just older. Sharper.

The robe that wrapped my body was the most expensive article of clothes ever laid against my bare skin. The garb pooled around my frame in deep silk indigo, almost like the one Victor wore in my vision. Instead of it being embroidered with gold filament, a violent burgundy threaded in the seams. If I didn’t know it was me, I’d think I was royalty in my own right.

My eyes glided from head to toe as I took in my form. The wild bloom of curls I once knew was weighted with length to my chest, the color even darker than I remembered. Only highlights of the original bright chestnut kissed the darkened chocolate. Shadows hollowed the caramel of my eyes, even the striking blue I knew clouded with a haze of gray. It looked like I hadn’t slept in days.

I shrugged the robe from my shoulders, as my focus drifted downward. Everything had changed. I’d always been tall, but now my body looked forged. There was strength that had been unearned layered on the base I’d already started etching out. The planes of my chest had broadened, leaning out my waist that seemed more sketched than genetic. In the center, my abs had been chiseled into stone, six distinct lines carved cleanly into place.

It was surreal, taking myself in for the first time. It was like my potential had manifested into reality. Honestly, I never would’ve imagined myself like this. Even with all the years of gym and practice, this was unreal.

It wasn’t even the growth that captivated me the most; it was the mark on my chest: a ridged red line, diagonal like a scar. It didn’t raise like scar tissue; it was pressed to my skin like a birthmark. It hadn’t been there before. My thoughts drifted back to the in-between space the mist had taken me. The thought sent a sharp pain through it, straight to my chest. Taking a deep breath, my hand shot to it, massaging the ache away.

No knock alerted me to her presence, or even the sound of the door clicking. She was so quiet I jumped when I heard, “I hope I’m not interrupting, Alexander.” It came from behind, soft but stern.

Adjusting the soft robe back around my shoulders, I turned fully to greet her. “You startled me,” I admitted nervously. I had forgotten all about Valentina’s request for her to come help with the bath. My transformation had my attention. I was still so captivated by it.

Without paying me any mind, she glided through the room with ease. “My apologies, sir. Lady Valentina asked me to draw your bath,” Head Maiden Elaine replied with a wave of her hand. She didn’t take notice of me at all, her attention squarely on her duty at hand.

I probably could have drawn my own bath, but I nodded. It would’ve been rude to refuse, since it was her job. There was no worse way to meet someone than to refuse their services. I'd rather not cross her. Head Maiden Elaine opened the door closest to the bed, revealing a bathroom, as she slipped inside.

Letting her be, I turned back toward the mirror, taking one last glimpse at myself. The changes were… drastic. I couldn’t put my finger on why Valentina wouldn’t tell me. The man she met was not the one who was staring before me now. No wonder she’d been all over me. It didn’t matter who had started it; she had every reason to continue. I’d gone from teen to man overnight.

Breaking through my thoughts again, Elaine called, “Sir,” from the bath.

“Yes, Elaine?”

Dusting her apron, Head Maiden Elaine appeared from the bathroom with a towel in hand. “Your bath is ready. You should stay submerged for at least an hour.” She approached me, placing the soft terry cloth in my hand. “Lady Valentina’s potion is mixed in. It works best when you’re fully immersed, head-to-toe.”

Taking the towel in hand, I smiled politely at her. “With all due respect,” I chuckled, “I don’t think I can hold my breath that long.”

“You’re a vampire. We can hold it for quite a while,” she replied crisply. “All you need is a single breath. Would you like me to assist you?” There was no shame in her tone, only professionalism. My brow shot up at the offer, heat threatening to claim my chest instantly.

No matter where I lay my head, no matter how much money I’d acquire, no one was going to bathe me. This would be my only hypocrisy because this was the job I was going to take from her. “Oh, no, I’m okay,” I replied with an awkward smile on my face. “I got it.”

Elaine smiled softly as she nodded. “I’ll only be here for a moment. I have duties to attend to, but I will be checking on you every other hour. Go ahead and bathe, I’ll tidy up before I go.” She moved to smooth the sheets, efficient and silent. Not one for small talk. I let the idea of conversation go and entered the bathroom, closing the door behind me.