[hider=Previous posts]Sophia's eyes were locked on the painting of rolling green hills on the wall opposite her. It was beautiful, probably the work of a famous artist and worth an obscene amount of money for something that few people would ever see, situated as it was in one of the smallest and least used bedrooms in the country manor. None of that crossed Sophia's mind however, as it was currently busy replaying scenes from the previous day. Her hands gripped the side of the bed she was sitting on, the frame of which was getting dangerously close to snapping under the force of her grip.
	
She had been overjoyed when Carmen had told her there was a way for her to live without the constant need to take life from others. Granted, she had been drinking blood from a cup instead of a vein but the memory of the first time she had fed combined with thoughts she could not completely suppress as to how Carmen had obtained the blood in the first place plagued her constantly. Her joy had evaporated quickly though as it was explained to her what she would have to do. In order to obtain a soul and regain control over her own body she must enter into a contract with a human, to obey their every command until their task was completed, at which point she would take the human's soul for herself and they would die. She had thought that being subject to the whims of a stranger and then having to take their life was horrific, until Carmen had introduced her to the human she was to bond to, Anthony, and he had told her what he would require of her. Her first instinct had been to run and hide, and it was only the gentle reassurances of Carmen, who she had come to trust, the only person left who she trusted, that had stopped her from bolting. The rest of the night was a blur and she still couldn't quite believe that she had agreed, that she had spoken the words that bound her to the human's will.
	
If she wasn't so terrified she would laugh. The idea that she, the 18 year old weakling who had barely ever left the house she grew up in, never mind the village, the vampire who had almost had a complete mental breakdown the first time she had fed and killed, could murder and manipulate her way to freeing a young noblewoman from an arranged marriage was... she couldn't think of adequate words to describe it. Anthony had obviously been thinking along the same lines, she didn't blame him for wondering whether her help would be worth the price of his soul. He too had listened to Carmen though and so here they were. Or at least, here she was, struggling to find the courage and self-control to make herself go downstairs to meet him.

How could Carmen put me through this? How could she think I was capable of this? Was I wrong to trust her? Her thoughts ran in panicked circles. Carmen had found her after she was turned, taken care of her. When Sophia had begun to trust her, Carmen had told Sophia that it was she who turned her. She claimed she had been asked to by Sophia's father, who was a rogue angel being hunted by other angels, because her half-angel blood made her weak and becoming a demon was the only way to save her life. It all made her head spin. Part of her wished she had been allowed to die naturally rather than being turned into a monster. But despite the fact that Carmen was a monster herself, one who didn't hide the fact that she killed humans, despite the unbelievable things Carmen had told her and the apparently impossible situation she had put her in, Sophia still trusted her. Maybe it was just because she couldn't face this world without someone to trust, but Carmen was all she had to hold onto so for now she wasn't going to question it too much.

Her new hearing picked up Carmen's voice from below, catching her attention from among the many she had blocked out. She was telling the others of a move to London. Sophia frowned, drawn out of her panicked thoughts for a moment. Carmen was moving to London, why? Would she leave Sophia behind? No, Sophia was going to have to go wherever Anthony went from now on. Hadn't he said his sister was in London though? Was that why Carmen was moving? She took a deep breath, she needed to find out what was going on and the thought of staying in this room alone for any longer was almost as bad as facing her fears downstairs.

She forced her hands to release their hold on the bed and stood up. She walked slowly to the door, feeling like the air had turned thick and was resisting movement. After a few moments pause she opened the door and stepped out into the corridor, looking around quickly to make sure there was no one else there. There were more people around as she made her way down to the ground floor towards where she had last heard Carmen's voice, most of them with bright red eyes matching her own identifying them as vampires. She flinched every time one of them greeted or even looked at her, seeming to shrink in on herself the further she got. She speed up, wanting to reach Carmen as soon as possible, rounded a corner and slammed straight into someone. She recoiled and stumbled, still not used to the capabilities of her new body.

“I... I'm sor...” She stuttered then cut off as she recognised the man, it was Anthony. She froze, wanting to run but not quite in control of her limbs anymore.

Sophia was worried that he would be angry with her, after all it would be reasonable to expect a vampire, renowned for their agility and reflexes, to show slightly more elegance than she just had. However he reacted with the same detached politeness he had shown yesterday, a sigh the only sign of emotion he gave. She watched him warily, as a human she had very rarely met new people due to her illness. Since her change she had met what seemed to her to be many members of Carmen's coven, most of whom had seemed to like her, in many cases getting rather protective, and the others avoided contact with her, perhaps too intimidated by Carmen to risk upsetting her. She didn't know what to expect from him and that scared her even more. He could command her to do anything and she would have to obey, she didn't know how he was going to use that power. Surely Carmen wouldn't have arranged the contract with him if she didn't think he was trustworthy? I already know he is going to tell me to kill for him. She felt a small flash of emotion at that thought and it shocked her; anger was not something she was used to feeling. Becoming a vampire had changed more than her body.

She realised that he was waiting for a response from her and she blushed and struggled to think of an appropriate answer, “Yes... I... I mean... um.” At this rate he was going to think she was an idiot as well as clumsy and a coward! “Please do.” She finished awkwardly, and tried not to show her embarrassment and fear on her face.

Anthony led Sophia to a window seat overlooking the gardens, the moon shone through the window and lit the girl in a celestial glow. In better times Anthony would have appreciated the beauty of the scene, not now though, now his life and thoughts were purely for his sister.

"You know as well as I that I will have to command you to do many atrocities. I can see that you are an innocent and gentle thing, and it both saddens and worries me that you will be the instrument for my game. But I trust the Lady Carmen, I have not met her likeness before and I believe I never will again. I believe she is wise and knows more than she says and I trust her judgement that you are right for me, but do you?"

He had a serious, intense gaze fixed upon Sophia. It was a genuine look, one of understanding and willingness.

Sophia was taken aback by his honesty and the kindness in what he said. She returned his gaze for a moment before looking down and replying quietly, “I trust Carmen.” She took a deep breath and sat down on the window seat, looking out to the gardens. “You said before that you needed me to help prevent your sister's marriage. I... what exactly do you think I can do?”

Anthony sighed sadly. 

"I believe you can move silently and quickly without being noticed, I believe you can charm men and women alike into doing as you say... and I believe you can kill a man silently without leaving any trace of you behind. But this is something I will try to avoid, I want no more blood on my conscience than necessary." 

Sophia's breathing sped and she tried to control it. She couldn't do any of that! Even if by some miracle she could, would it be worth it? Killing so she could avoid killing in the future? She sighed and glanced at Anthony. He seemed like a good person, and he was willing to give his soul to protect his sister. If he was willing to do that, the least she could do was to do her best to help him. “I will do everything I can to help you. I hope it is enough.”

He gave her a brief nod and a smile that didn't reach his eyes, he was glad though, she seemed a little more resigned to their task. He was about to change the subject when a shadow passed behind him, turning he saw Carmen drift into their midst.

Carmen
----------------------------

Carmen had been tending to many things, considering her plans, readying those she had chosen to accompany her. But she did need to find her little bird and ensure everything was working well. She knew it had been the right decision, Sophia would benefit from Anthony's company and Anthony himself might find some respite before his time came. It was important to Carmen that all Contractors be treated with the highest respect and Anthony was a good and gentle man. He deserved better.

So she dismissed her staff to go and do their duty, leaving the kitchens herself to go and discover Sophia. She knew where she was already, she knew where every one of her children were in her estate just by sense alone, not smell or sound, more touch, she felt them. She quickly came to the main hall and found the window seat where her little bird and her Contractor sat. She smiled to them both, glad to see that they were getting along.

"Anthony I myself am returning to London for business of my own, if you wish you can travel with us?"

Anthony looked confused but glad for Carmen's presence and nodded gratefully. "That would be very fine, thank you Madame."

Carmen smiled graciously and then turned to Sophia. "I'm afraid I must steal Sophia from you for a while, I shall return her soon." She held out her hand to Sophia gently. 

Sophia took Carmen's hand and stood, turning back to give Anthony a small smile. She followed Carmen as she led her to a small study, curious but content to wait for Carmen to start the conversation.

"Sophia I hope you will go with Anthony carrying an open mind, there are many people in this world and not all of them deserve the things they have. I also hope you come to understand how capable you truly are, Anthony is a good person, I trust he will be a good influence on you."

Sophia nodded, unsure if she believed Carmen was right but comforted by the words anyway. Carmen sighed and gently brushed Sophia's golden hair back from her face, smiling at her with sad eyes.

"I am sorry that you have to do this thing my pajarito, your father wanted you safe from all heartache... but he had an innocent and pure heart, he could not understand what you would face. But I will be near, if you should need me, though sometimes I may not be free to aid you as I would like. There are dangerous things I must deal with in the city."

The mention of her father unsettled Sophia but she smiled as she replied, “Thank you, Carmen.”

Carmen was silent for a moment and then sighed.

"Come, you must prepare for the journey and choose your dresses that you wish to take with you."

She went to the door and held it open for Sophia. 

Sophia walked up to her room alone and started to pack. Not sure what she would need she tried to choose as wide a variety as she could, trying not to think too much about what she would be using them for.

Sophia glanced around the room just to check it was still empty. Even with her new senses she had been startled more than a few times by vampires suddenly appearing next to her with no sound to warn of their approach. She didn't think they did it on purpose, it was second nature to most vampires to move stealthily. However she couldn't quite shake the feeling that some of them enjoyed making her jump. It probably got boring sneaking up on humans, another vampire was more of a challenge. She had been hovering around the house since they arrived, trying to avoid people as much as possible. Carmen was busy planning... something, and Anthony seemed almost as disinclined to socialise as Sophia was, so she hadn't talked to anyone for days. That was probably why her throat was sore. She took a sip of water and started pacing around the room, trying to ignore the wave of light-headedness and nausea that came from moving. It had been a stressful few days that was all, no need to bother Carmen. She was fine.

She sped up until she was pacing faster than a human could walk in a straight line, but a knot of tension continued to build up in her stomach. The pain in her throat increased until it felt like someone had started a fire there. She gulped down the rest of the water though she knew it wouldn't do any good. She had forced herself to ignore the symptoms that had been building over the last two days but she couldn't do so any more, she knew what was happening to her though she had never felt this bad before. Carmen had explained to her that she would have to take her contractor's blood to survive from now on but the thought of going to Anthony made her feel sick.

Her hand brushed against something and she froze, startled to find herself in the hallway outside the room she had been in. A slight stirring of the air brought the faint scent of human and she started forward again without any conscious intent to do so. She forced herself to stop, locking her legs in place. No, no, no, no, no! Memories of the first time she had fed flooded through her and she started to shake. She tried to push them back, to focus on the present and controlling her rebellious body. Thud. Thud. Thud. She was back in the alley, all fear and guilt wiped out by the overwhelming desire to attack, to bite, to feed. She ran only on instinct, her new body knew what to do even as her human mind shut down.

Anthony had immediately fled anyone's company upon arriving at the house. He had sequestered himself in his designated room and slept off his weariness from the journey before cautiously going downstairs and finding the quietest place in the house. Away from the bustle of the servants, the library was peaceful with a heavy scent of books and ink. He had picked the most ponderous tome he could find and had delved deeply into it, not even truly caring what it was he was reading. Settled deep in his armchair, he was quite oblivious to the tiny sound of Sophia's footsteps coming down the hallway towards him.

Suddenly there was a slam as the door burst open and Sophia rushed inside. Anthony looked up to see her eyes wild and mad with some fearful emotion that he could not fathom. She looked at him, rushed at him then stopped. Confused, upset, completely panicked. Anthony stood quickly and grasped her shoulders, shaking them slightly. She seemed to lose purpose and immediately slumped in his arms, he barely caught her before she hit the floor. He lowered her down slowly so that she was resting against him. He had no idea what to do, a lady had never been so at his mercy before, what should he do? She was clearly in distress and now completely unresponsive. 

“Miss Brandon! What ails you? Can you hear me? Miss Brandon!”

She was silent, panting heavily and sweating slightly from some unknown illness. 

“Miss Brandon, wake up!”

Sophia started back into consciousness not knowing where she was or what was going on. She opened her eyes and her sight took a few moments to clear, showing Anthony's distraught face only a foot away. She tried to jerk away but only succeeded in banging her head against the floor. “No no no...” She mumbled. She couldn't remember why but she knew this was bad.

“No what? Tell me what's wrong!” Anthony demanded.

Sophia's mind focused and she was stuttering a response before she even had a chance to make a conscious decision to do so. “The blood... the... I need to feed.” 

Why did I say that? She turned her head away, overcome by shame. For him to see her like this, to see the monster, the abomination that she was, it was unbearable.

Anthony was shocked into silence. Briefly it was just simple shock that such a tiny thing could say something like that, then it gradually morphed into guilt. He had been told of this need, Carmen had explained it clearly to him, yet he had selfishly secluded himself away, forcing the young lady to either embarrass herself by asking, or starve. He felt thoroughly sick of himself, and he took a moment to let the self-loathing sink in before returning his attention to Sophia.

“Then take what you need my Lady. I sincerely apologise for neglecting you so shamefully to let you get into such a state.”

He undid his cufflink and bared his wrist to Sophia's lips, supporting her shoulders gently and trying to smile at her.

Sophia's first reaction was to refuse however her need and something else, which she realised must be the compulsion of a command from the holder of her contract, drove her forward. The sound of his pulse and the scent of his blood forced themselves to the front of her mind and then she couldn't think of anything else. She felt her canines lengthen into fangs and a second later she sank them into his wrist. Blood rushed into her mouth and any thought of restraint vanished in the mindlessness of the feed. Her delicate, almost frail looking hands grasped his arm with force and tried to pull it closer, anything to get more of the liquid her body so desperately needed. 

Anthony winced slightly but bore the pain admirably, it was more the embarrassment and honourable twinges that were getting to him. He had never dreamed of being so intimate with a woman who was not his wife, and even then this was going a little far. He felt his arm begin to bruise with the force of Sophia's hold on it and so he shifted slightly.

“Not so... hard if... if you please miss...”

This truly was the most awkward moment in his whole life, he wondered if he could ever look at Sophia's face again without shame. But she did immediately relent her vice grip, just holding on lightly. After a few moments Sophia began to slow, finally coming to a stop, releasing his wrist from her mouth. She pushed away from him and staggered to her feet. Her head swam for a moment then snapped into focus. Her senses, strengthened by the blood, inundated her with a rush of sounds and smells. As she adjusted she realised what she had just done. She raised a hand to wipe the blood from her face so quickly it would have blurred to the human sight. She stared at the blood on her hand for a few long moments, reeling. What have I done? What.... what I will be doing for the rest of my life. Or at least until I take his soul. She felt sick. She turned to look at Anthony and opened her mouth as if to speak. What on earth do you say after that?

Anthony stood quickly with her and graciously handed her his handkerchief. This was as far as his chivalrous training could take him in this situation, it gave him no more guidance. What should he say? Nothing? Something? He was completely unprepared and was frozen with the awkwardness of the situation. Stutteringly he turned towards Sophia, bowed quickly and shuffled his feet while he tried to think of something to say.

“I hope... uh... I would say... do... not... starve yourself Miss... it is bad for your health.”

That was all he could think of to say? Apparently it was so he stuck to it, bowing again before excusing himself from the room. 

Sophia stared after him silently, clutching the handkerchief he had handed her. Pull yourself together girl, you're going to have a lot more to deal with than that soon. She berated herself and used the handkerchief to wipe off the blood. After taking a little while to control her breathing she followed Anthony out of the room and into the hallway.

Sophia was only hovering in the hallway behind Anthony wondering what to do for a few moments before Carmen appeared. She breathed a sigh of relief and then realised she was still clutching a bloody handkerchief. In less than a second she had thrown it back through the door into the library, the fresh human blood doing wonders for her reflexes. She wondered at her own speed and prayed no one had noticed. That was something she really didn't want to have to explain. 

Something tugged at her mind and she looked up as a man she had never met before walked up behind Carmen. She stared at him, briefly forgetting to be embarrassed as she tried to figure out what it was about him that made her want to reach out and touch him. The shame and guilt she had been struggling to control a moment before had faded to the back of her mind. She felt... peaceful. Peace... She remembered a conversation with Carmen weeks ago. An angel, is he an angel? She gasped, then realised she had been staring and dropped her gaze, embarrassment returning in force. According to Carmen, Sophia was half-angel, or at least she was while she was human. She wasn't sure what she was now. She had seen her father a few times as she was growing up when he pretended to be a doctor in order to get close enough to heal her and keep her alive, but she hadn't known who or what he was then. Carmen had told her about angels when she explained why she had turned Sophia, however she hadn't gone into a lot of detail and Sophia had been too preoccupied with the fact that she was a vampire to ask questions. She had been struggling so much with the idea of being a monster that coming face-to-face with a representation of the purer side of her heritage was jarring. If she had any part of the purity she could feel from the angel how could she be completely evil? Did anything good in her remain after becoming a vampire?

Carmen's voice recaught Sophia's attention. She nodded and followed them silently upstairs, curious and anxious about what Carmen was going to tell them and trying to avoid looking directly at Asariel.

Sophia allowed herself to be sat at the table then made her best attempt at disappearing into her chair. She was surrounded by strangers, all of who exuded confidence and power and her vampire senses were feeling the combined effect of the two hunters. She couldn't have felt more out of place in this gathering and wished Carmen hadn't chosen to include her. She listened as Carmen talked, eyes firmly fixed on her clasped hands in her lap. She suppressed a shudder at the description of whole vampires' bloodlust however she couldn't hide her fear and disgust as Carmen told them about the killings in Valencia. Is that what I have to look forward to if I succeed in getting a soul?

She flicked quick glances at the others as they agreed to help. She shared their doubt about what this small group could do against such a powerful and influential vampire. But Carmen knew the situation best and Sophia didn't believe she would put these people in danger if she didn't think they had a chance. She was just glad she wouldn't be getting involved, not that what waited for her in London was much better.[/hider]