[Color=silver] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/oPM8J9M.png[/img][/center] [Color=gold][b]Time:[/b][/color] Sola 23, Night [Color=gold][b]Location:[/b][/color] Castle Stable --> Deacon Home[hr] Pushing the door open, a chilling breeze whispered through, sending shivers down Violet's spine. The air outside was heavy with an unsettling silence, and as she emerged, her crimson eyes met the sight of a strategically positioned carriage, as if intentionally cloaking her from prying eyes. Her gaze lifted to the stars. The once comforting lights in the sky, distant and beautiful, caused the weight of her emotions as they bore down on her like a searing hot poker. A haunting wail escaped from Violet's lips, a guttural cry that seemed to emerge from the very depths of her belly. Memories of the previous night, intertwine with the present, causing tears to stream down her face. Her body crumbled under the weight of her grief, and she sank to her knees upon the gravel road. Fingers dug into the earth as if seeking solace in the very ground that supported her. The image of the young stable boy, his face etched with innocence and longing, seared itself into her consciousness. [color=firebrick][i]“You did it…You became the monster they wanted you to be…[/i][/color] Her wailing was just loud enough for Alexander to hear inside. With a sigh, he carried the sword that had been stowed toward Darryn's lifeless body. He kicked the body a few times until it was lying flat on its stomach. [Color=gold]“Try not to haunt me, Darryn. None of this was personal. Just need to send a message…”[/color] He took a second to ponder what he just said. [Color=gold]Well, technically two.”[/color] His face kept stoic as he swung down, cutting about an inch from the base of the boy's skull. Acting quickly, Alexander dropped the sword and scooped up the headless corpse. He heaved it up into a shoulder carry and briskly proceeded out of the stable door. [Color=gold]“Get inside. Don't you realize we're within the castle walls? We cannot linger here.”[/color] They were lucky many were attending the masquerade party or searching for… [I]her[/I]. Picking herself up off the ground Violet fumbled her way into the carriage, sitting across from Alexander’s seat. Her body collapsed into the wall of the carriage as she didn’t have the energy to act her station, she was far past that now. Emotionally drained, Violet's red and swollen eyes complimented the blood that had now dried on her face. Her empty and eerie expression kept fixated on whatever was outside of the carriage. The carriage driver kept his eyes forward, knowing his job tonight was to serve but a single purpose. A few seconds went by as a creaking, a thud, and shutting of a trunk from the rear of the carriage was sounded. Alexander was even quick to enter the carriage but surprisingly refrained from slamming the door behind him in his haste. Once seated, his gaze fell upon Violet and her quietness. [color=firebrick][i]Murderer…Monster…you disgust me…[/i][/color] Her mind raced with ill thoughts of ending everything. If her mother and father saw her now, covered in blood, having to face the truth of their decisions, would they feel any remorse? Her body felt stronger than ever. She had her vision back and her mind felt less clouded than before. Feeling as if she could defeat an army single-handed, yet her mind held her back. The constant whispers in her ear, Murderer…Monster… She really had become the thing everyone painted her to be, she had become the thing she feared. Breaking the silence between them she finally spoke [color=firebrick]“Will it ever get easier?”[/color] Her voice trailed off in a soft monotone whisper as she continued to look out the window expressionless. [Color=gold]“Move from the window, Scarlet.”[/color] He wagged his hand for her to shift toward the center of the bench on her side. [color=firebrick]“My name is Violet, [i]not[/i] Scarlet.”[/color] She said sternly, her body shifting towards the center of the carriage. Her eyes moved to fixate on the stranger that was Alexander, her crimson orbs searched his appearance. He was clever, she’d give him that. He appeared to be such a simple man, nothing special at all. [Color=gold]“And it depends on what you think is difficult. You'll get used to feeding, though it is a lot like grieving a loved one. The denial, the anger… sometimes you bargain, and then there's the crippling depression… but eventually you accept it. You accept that what you were is lost.”[/color] And then he scoffed. [Color=gold]“I guess it gets easier then… but then you start to notice the craving coming on more frequently and that it takes a little more and a little more to satiate you each time… But even that's not so bad if you're smart. The worst part is when you slowly stop caring about the things you once loved.”[/color] Alexander's face grew solemn as he spoke, especially the last part. [Color=gold][I]Not even I could bear that.[/I][/color] Silence crept in after his words, Violet sat contemplating everything he said but she already knew and he was simply confirming. The hollow shell that sat before him was nothing more than a living corpse. Doomed to walk in the shadows and feed on the living. [color=firebrick]“What exactly is your goal here…You choke me, pull me out of my home, drag me to a dying corpse, dangling his body in front of me like a carrot. [i]You must be very pleased with yourself[/i]”[/color] she hissed in a venomous tone that made Alexander raise one of his eyebrows. [color=firebrick]“Very bold of you to do so on the one night my father has planned a ball and expects my attendance.”[/color] She let out a laugh but it wasn’t filled with humor. [color=firebrick]“I bet you were the one who also put the ax in my face.”[/color] [Color=gold]“What's this? A bold man being pleased after taking you out and choking you just before dinner?”[/color] He grinned. [Color=gold]“It is courting season after all. I'd say I did well tonight.”[/color] Pressing her back against the carriage she stared at him for a moment surprised that even came from his mouth. "You're choice of courting a woman is rather interesting." She said unable to hide the small curve of her lip as she found his statement rather amusing. Like a switch, his grin dropped neutral. [Color=gold]“And you're the last person who should be betting on anything given your past few days.”[/color] "And why is that, it's not like I have much to lose at this point. Take my life…been there…done that. Clearly, it has upset someone that I'm still breathing considering the attack on me just a day prior so I am curious if you're not here to kill me…what is it that you want." She crossed her arms against her chest as her leg crossed over the other. [Color=gold]“You saw what I'm capable of. Killing someone isn't something I'd fail to do. I fed you for fu-”[/color] He almost let himself get frustrated but took a breath to help compose himself. [Color=gold]“If it makes you feel better, I'll speak plainly. I am not the ax murderer nor do I know who is. Everything I did was to keep you alive. You're welcome.”[/color] Looking at him with a confused expression, Violet cocked her head to the side, shaking it lightly. “But why? People do not do things for nothing so what do you gain from helping me?” As much as the situation dug at her there was a sense of gratefulness she held, She would never admit to it, however. She had never felt so good and gaining her sight back was an immeasurable gift. [Color=gold]“Because you reminded me of myself. When I changed, I only had one person to guide me through it. A blind cripple. I love her but that is what she is. She helped so much and I am grateful but if I had someone who could truly understand this affliction by my side… it might have been easier.”[/color] His voice fell as solemn along with his expression. Staring in disbelief at his words, Violet just listened. Strangely she understood what he meant. She should be furious with him, disgusted by his actions towards her but she was struggling to hold those emotions. Her stubborn nature towards who she was becoming had made her weak and sick, he showed her the hard truth, and strangely, she was grateful. [Color=gold]“I looked worse than you before I accepted what I had become. A monster. A demon. I just couldn't see that happen to another. My heart might not beat the same as everyone else, but it's still there,”[/color] he said, placing a hand over his chest still wet with blood. Relaxing her arms as they fell comfortably on her lap Violet shrugged her shoulders softly. It was as if she were looking into a reflection of herself. She couldn’t help but wonder if he too struggled with the feeling of rejection and solitude. However, her mind also wandered, making her question if he was playing on her emotions and how much of this was actually true. She could play her own game as well, a bit of chess never hurt anyone. Now it was her move. Keeping her eyes on him, Violet allowed his words to sink in. [color=firebrick]“I…”[/color] she stopped. She had truly been left speechless. She just kept her eyes on him, giving off a sense of understanding with her look. [color=firebrick]“I’m sorry.”[/color] She replied simply, the tone of her voice filled with genuine empathy. Even if this was a game for him, even if none of this was real, she understood the situation and felt pity not just for him but for her own condition. He waved away her apology, silently rejecting the pity. Alexander would have preferred silence. [color=firebrick]“What was it that gave me away to you?”[/color] [Color=gold]“I was informed of you but even if I had not been, I would have noticed you were afflicted. Frail, skin like porcelain, an [I]umbrella[/I].”[/color] He chuckled lightly. [Color=gold]“I hated even glancing at you. Those eyes you have though, Scarlet. Those are quite interesting. Did they change or were they always this way?”[/color] Shifting uncomfortably in her seat Violet felt a sense of frustration brewing. The first person to ever omit that her appearance was as traumatic to look at. She should thank him for his honesty, she always felt this to be the case however no one would openly omit it. [color=firebrick]“Apologies that my appearance wasn’t up to your standard.”[/color] Violet replied rather coldly. [color=firebrick]“It must be so difficult for you to have to look at it”.[/color] She rolled her eyes at just how silly the thought was. She made things so uncomfortable for people, yet she was the one who had an ax in her head. Once again sympathy was not something she was granted, nor did she want it, especially from him. Glancing out the window she tried to remember what her eyes were before, she knew they were red now from passing comments but she had a feeling they weren’t always that. [color=firebrick]“I believe so but I don't quite recall the color. I’m not entirely sure why they changed either, but I suppose it's one more thing to add to the growing list of unattractive features I possess now.”[/color] Violet’s scars had always been something she despised. Starting with the scar that traveled straight from her neck down her sternum. She still held no clue as to why she received it only knowing her father had some hand in it, and she wouldn’t be surprised if he too had a hand in her recent one as well. [color=firebrick]“My body has become a roadmap for my father's mistakes”[/color] Her voice dropped into a cold and emotionless tone. [Color=gold]“It wasn't about you being ugly.”[/color] Alexander muttered bitterly, though he was interested in her irises. A mutation perhaps or maybe another variant of the curse, he wondered. [Color=gold]“You were a tad unsightly but that's not what bothered me. You were just a grim reminder of what I had gone through. I will ensure I never have to see that again. Not of myself nor from you.”[/color]The crimson eyes that he was so interested in, laid upon him once again. Narrowing her attention Violet became curious as to his plans. What could he assist her with? He clearly had the same affliction and she wondered if he knew of a cure or even wanted one. [color=firebrick]“What exactly does that entail for me…for us?”[/color] She raised a brow uncertain of the answer to her question. [color=firebrick]“Where do I go from here?[/color] Her expression dropped to a saddened look. She had just murdered a man and Alexander had witnessed it. Not only was the man's blood on her hands but her life was now in the hands of the man across from her. She knew nothing of him, he was still more or less a stranger and yet they just shared one of the most intimate situations she could imagine. She was trapped in his web. [Color=gold]“We'll do what we must.”[/color] The lack of tone in his voice made his cryptic answer sound scripted. He let loose a tired sigh just in time for the carriage to stop behind a house on the west side of town. [Color=gold]“We'll get cleaned up. Redress you. Your mask…”[/color] Alexander reached down under his seat and tossed it up to her. Grabbing the mask she held it in her hands before setting it down to the side of her. She almost forgot the masquerade; her mind had been so preoccupied with everything that just happened she forgot she would need to attend the ball. [Color=gold]“Then the rest is up to you, I guess. If you seek me, then find me. Though I may ask for something in return. All I request from you now is to speak nothing of what occurred this night. You keep my secrets, and I'll keep yours. Understood?”[/color] Staring at Alexander while she contemplated his words she leaned back against the wall. Letting out a soft laugh Violet shook her head. Alexander found his interest piqued by the young woman's change in demeanor. [color=firebrick]“How is it that after being choked out, dragged to some desolate building, shoved into a bloody corpse, and now having you demand I keep your secrets …I find you and your company oddly comforting.”[/color] Alexander simply shrugged while wearing a smug look about him. Violet could only find herself laughing again after omitting her conflicting emotions. [color=firebrick]“I should have you killed…hell I’d jump in the fire beside you…yet all I want to do is draw out this carriage ride.”[/color] Her eyes looked him up and down, her crimson orbs slowly taking in the mystery of a man before her. [color=firebrick]“Your secrets are safe. Perhaps next time you enter my bed chambers it's under less hostile intentions.”[/color] She offered him a genuine smile, her fangs making a rare appearance as she couldn’t help but still laugh to herself at how crazy she sounded. Her words this time caused him to react differently than previously. For a moment he fell speechless at such an invitation, his eyebrows raised from Violet's insinuating statement. [Color=gold]“Well…”[/color] He shut his eyes for a moment. Once opened, he spoke. [Color=gold]“Perhaps…”[/color] He let the word linger, tasting its meaning on his very lips before flashing a smile. Catching his smile Violet bit back hers, realizing that the carriage had stopped. [Color=gold]...we should go inside.”[/color] He gave her a nod before moving to open the door of the carriage. Peeking out the window she looked around unsure of where they were. Following behind him she stepped out of the carriage, her mask in hand. Stepping out onto the cobblestone she looked up at what she assumed was his home. Looking at him slightly confused [color=firebrick]“You’re wife won't mind that I’m…here?”[/color] She knew that they were meant to clean up but to be seen here and in her state, she worried who may see. [Color=gold]“Come.”[/color] He directed as he started walking toward the back door of the house. [Color=gold]“She is already aware of your arrival, so no need to worry. She's also been awaiting my return so we could attend your father's party.”[/color] As Alexander informed her of this, the carriage pulled off and went forth into the dimly lit streets. Watching the carriage, Violet turned back towards the front of the manor. Her playful side seemed to fade rather quickly at the mention of his wife waiting for her arrival. [Color=firebrick][i]So the games begin again.[/i][/color] She began to follow behind him, her crimson eyes practically glowing against the darkness that seemed to swallow them as they walked closer to the house. The two proceeded toward the manor's back door. It was locked as always but Alexander was quick in getting it open with his key. Upon entry, the home was dimly lit. Not dark. Not bright. Just dim and easy for the pair's eyes to adjust to. They walked through the pantry that led into the kitchen until finally reaching the most brightly lit room, the dining room. It was here where the lavender-purple accents of the room could clearly be seen. Lianna was seated in her wheelchair at the dining room table facing where the two entered. A book lay in front of her with braille pressed into the pages. One of her fingers was left where she stopped her reading with her face looking in their direction. It was hard to tell she was even blind by her appearance alone. Her eyes lacked the shade of cloudiness to them, and it always seemed like she knew exactly who and what she was looking at. [Color=gold]“Lianna,”[/color] he greeted rather formally. His tone was quite stark from the way he addressed her at the tea party, causing her brows to furrow slightly. [Color=palevioletred]“Welcome back my love and greetings… Violet, right? Hmm, so he didn't have to kill you tonight? I guess that's a good thing.”[/color] [color=firebrick]“Good evening Lady Deacon.”[/color] Violet responded, her tone cold and depleted of any warmth. [color=firebrick]“Yes, I suppose avoiding death would be a good thing.”[/color] Though Violet would disagree with that statement, she had already learned there were far worse punishments. [color=firebrick]“Apologies for the intrusion so late in the evening, I hope you are favoring well this evening.”[/color] Violet said to which Lianna sighed as she placed a bookmark into her book and shut it. [Color=palevioletred]“I was. But I had to wait longer than expected with the change of plans.”[/color] [Color=gold]“The girl needed to feed. She would ha-”[/color] Lianna nearly snapped. [Color=palevioletred]“I don't care. Her needs do not concern me. You promised you wouldn't be long. ‘End the boy and then return back’. That is what was told to me this morning.”[/color] [color=firebrick]“Lady Deacon, I don't mean to interrupt, however, I think it's important you should know that the blame is on me. You are correct that my needs do not concern you but your husband's tardiness certainly does.”[/color] She paused for a moment allowing the room to settle into a silence before speaking again. Even then there was an uncomfortable tenseness as Lianna didn't make any effort to turn to the sound of Violet's voice. [color=firebrick]“I was not in a condition fit to meet you, you may understand that I was in a bit of a state. Lord Deacon attempted to hurry me along however I didn’t want my first official meeting with the lovely Lady Deacon to be spoiled by my condition. I take full responsibility and assure you it will not happen again.”[/color] Her crimson eyes glanced over at Alexander before turning back towards his wife. He had hoped she would notice the warning of his intense state but a glance only permitted so much. [color=firebrick]“Your husband is too much of a gentleman to display my wrongdoings in the situation. I think it is important that I tell you about them myself. I hope you can forgive me.”[/color] [Color=palevioletred]“Really?”[/color] Lianna perked up with a smile gracing her full lips. She even nodded, appearing impressed by what was said of her husband. However, Alexander still held a troubled expression. [Color=palevioletred]“Oh dear Violet, I am already aware that much of my husband's wasted time was on you. And word of advice for the future.[I]Don't ever lie to my face like that again[/I]. 'Not in a condition fit to meet' me. Sure, I like seeing blood-covered mistakes. A mistake that Alexander wants as a pet. I may be blind but I'm not a fool.”[/color] Violet’s brows furrowed at the mention of a lie. Although she had certainly spun her words to make them sound more pleasant, she really was and still is in no condition to be meeting people let alone having to attend a ball. However, Life was never that easy. [color=firebrick]“No, of course not, I know you are no fool Lady Lianna just as I am no one's [i]pet.[/i]”[/color] Her eyes narrowed slightly as the word pet sat on her lips. Violet's eyes glanced back over at Alexander, whose intense expression was finally noticed but she ignored it. [color=firebrick]“Nore do I plan to become one,”[/color] her tone stern. [Color=palevioletred][I]We shall see who's right in the end.[/I][/color] Yet another uncomfortable silence filled the room. With both now silent Alexander took a step forth. [Color=gold]“Now that the pleasantries are over… as sour as they became, let us attempt to cooperate.”[/color] Had to be the cool head in the room. [Color=gold]“The first matter of business is Violet and what she plans to do now from here.”[/color] He turned to give Violet his full attention. [Color=gold]“Do you wish to return home tonight?”[/color] Violet raised a brow at Alexander. Where else would she go, she was a young lady of a count; there weren't many options available. [color=firebrick]“Unless you intend for me to stay in a brothel it is the only place I am able to return to. However, my gown is rather ruined from this evening so I'll need to find some new attire. There is the-.”[/color] [Color=gold]“Violet!”[/color] He didn't raise his voice much, however, he was stern. He placed his index finger to his lips. [Color=gold]“Shh. You're getting ahead of yourself. I asked but a simple question.”[/color] [Color=gold]“Simple answers are expected.”[/color] [Color=palevioletred]“.........................-are expected.”[/color] Lianna mocked knowing these words disgustingly too well for her own taste. [Color=palevioletred]“I absolutely hate it when you're this way. Put on the ring. Please.”[/color] A strange request by the woman. Watching the exchange between the husband and wife Violet couldn’t help but wonder about this ring. Alexander’s snap reaction and Lianna’s retort made a few things click for her. She certainly wasn’t going to become someone's pet, but it seemed Alexander had. [Color=gold]“I don't think it's necessary, Lianna. I'm fine.”[/color] Lianna furrowed her brows once more, this time she wheeled herself from the table and toward where she heard his voice. Her voice was almost pleading. [Color=palevioletred]“'Lianna.' You never address me like that… Can you please put it on? I can ensure Violet gets cleaned up and dressed.”[/color] Lianna couldn't see him but she knew this unsettling silence. It was the only thing that had ever put her on edge. Discomposed. Alexander's expression was that of a mid-winter night, uncomfortably cold and dark as he simply stood there unmoving. With her face finally turning towards Violet's direction, she spoke. [Color=palevioletred]“She can help me get ready as well, right Violet?”[/color] Violet offered a toothy grin towards Alexander then to Lianna [color=Firebrick]“Yes of course.”[/color] She nodded. Alexander looked between the two women, still silent before taking a a deep breath. [Color=gold]“Of course. I will… adjust. I will meet you both when I'm ready.”[/color] His words sent a wave of relief over Lianna. [Color=palevioletred]“Thank you, my love.”[/color] she said just before he started for the staircase. He climbed up without another word. [Color=palevioletred]“Thank you. You may not understand but… Never mind, we should get ready. There's a shower I use on this level. It should be to your liking. Follow me.”[/color] She turned her wheelchair so she could lead Violet to the first-floor restroom. Violet followed Lianna toward the shower room. She had to admit, their home certainly was made with care. Everything seemed to have its place and purpose and it didn’t go unnoticed. [color=firebrick]“Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Lianna.”[/color] Violet offered her a smile as she entered the room to begin getting ready. [/Color]