earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

No; He wasn’t fun at all, now was he? It wasn’t as if she was looking for any redeeming qualities, but hell - the man didn’t give a damn! And why the hell should she care anyway? At the end of the day she was determined to stick to her initial plan, even if it would mean the death of her. She’d spent too many years wanting revenge - she couldn’t just jump ship now. Still, Kieran was not helping himself in any way, and the more she watched Ryanair cling to him, the more it pissed her off. She tried desperately to squash that sudden jealousy, knowing it was irrational; knowing she could give two shits about Kieran, but to see her sire treat someone else the way she should have been treated - it was as if he’d open new wounds and splashed a bit of lemon in them.

Her jaw was set as she watched the two walk away, dismissing her without too much of a thought. “Well fuck you than!” She shouted out after them, a little huff falling from her lips in return. “And you’re welcome, you piece of shit." Clara glanced back down to the body once more with that same frown and she readjusted the bags in her hands. Son of a bitch - he knew full well how to get under her skin; something she wasn’t quite used to. Christian knew how to piss her off, that was true, but he’d never gotten under her skin.

She needed to get her frustration out one way or another. But first, she needed to get herself away from that body before some other stupid human came wandering about. Rolling her shoulders she’d stepped over the male and headed back into town, her steps falling heavier than she intended to. Perhaps she wasn’t hiding her anger very well either, considering no one wanted to end up in her way.

She’d tried not to pay attention to the bond that continued to buzz, ignoring it with as much willpower as she could while she wove in and out of the crowds in town. She needed to get away - she needed to run. It wasn’t long at all before she’d ended up at the end of town, headed straight for Christian’s estate once more. Hopefully the male wouldn’t be home.

Of course - she wouldn’t be that lucky.

“Clara - I was just looking for--”

“Fuck off, Christian.” She suddenly bit out, stomping her way back upstairs. All he could hear was the audible slam of her door moments later, and the male let out a slow sigh. “Pleasure to see you too, darling... As always.” He murmured, slowly shutting the door behind him again before heading off to the study.

It wouldn’t be until sundown that Clara had left her room again, silently slipping out of the front door to head straight towards the shoreline once more. This time, however, she dropped herself into the sand close to the ocean’s edge, drawing her knees up to her chest as the breeze played around her. She needed to get her mind clear; she needed to get her head back on her shoulders once more. She couldn’t allow herself to get wrapped up in all of this silly emotion and drawn into that god awful pull - No, she needed to think about things and remember her initial plan...

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

As soon as she had the male in her grasp, she was quite pleased that she’d found a new plaything for the moment. She wondered what his next move would be, even though he didn’t stand a chance in the least. She listened to the racing of his heart, knowing his mind must have been racing just as fast. However, Kieran’s movement had caught her attention and she frowned immediately, releasing the male as Kieran ripped through him. Looking down at the body she continued to frown, pocketing her daggar carefully again before crossing her arms, almost a pout upon her lips.

“Well now, clearly you’re no fun...” Clara murmured, tapping the now dead body with her toe along with a little huff.

She hadn’t paid much attention to the two deciding to feed either, brushing past them again as she rolled her eyes at the show of affection between them. Again, she couldn’t help but feel that little twinge of jealousy that she brushed off immediately. Who was Ryanair to Kieran? She was already beginning to suspect that he’d been another one whom Kieran sired. And if that was the case, he obviously stayed with that one. What was the difference between them? How was it he had received the treatment that she once deserved?

Clara moved back over to her discarded bags, crouching down to lift them once more. “I’m beginning to learn it’s all business with you, isn’t it?” She asked, looking over her shoulder at Kieran. No matter, there had to be a moment that she could get the male by himself and then she could be done with the turmoil of emotions that continued to flood her thoughts. Perhaps it was easier when he was gone; all she had to do was brood and plot and plan on how to make him suffer as much as he had made her. Now - well, now things were different, weren’t they? He had a companion who entirely spoiled her plans, and Kieran himself wasn’t making it fun for her either.

[Lather the blood on your hands] 18+ UPDATED [Ignore Post Count]

Hello there!@demonmiyu
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[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Her purchases were mindless – a little bit of jewelry here, a couple of new corsets there – a few trinkets and whatnots. Christian would surely not approve of her spending so carelessly, but she was certain he wouldn't chide her for it. Anything to keep her distracted was enough to keep him happy. If she wanted to go on frivolous spending sprees, then so be it. The girl hummed quietly to herself as she sorted through different fabrics, having been able to ignore the feeling of her sire up until that point. He must have been close, if not within the same little town that she'd be in. The thought frustrated her and her brows furrowed in an attempt to push it all away. Judging by the way that other male was around him, she doubted he would be alone…

Still, as she weaved her way in and out of shops, she couldn't quite ignore that feeling much longer, and her curiosity had gotten the best of her. A couple of bags in tow, she continued throughout the town, following that little feeling in the back of her mind; following the need to know just where he was at – and furthermore, if he was alone, how wonderful would that be? She'd have such wonderful luck that day!

Her steps eventually carried her closer to the edge of town where the groups of people had thinned and ebbed away. She'd almost expected to see him wandering, but eventually she'd approached a side street. Brow raised, the girl lingered behind a little further before peering into the alleyway.

Damn; of course that little nitwit would be there with him again – did the man ever leave the other alone?! Still, she peered into the alleyway and all at once an amused look fell on her features. Well, well… No one was going to maim her sire without her permission; she would make that very clear.

With a little roll of her shoulders, Clara left the few bags on the side of the alleyway, strolling along silently behind the human, who quite frankly had been twice her size. Still, with her heels and a quick step up on her toes, she'd retrieved a dagger from her coat and wrapped her arm around the human's shoulders, the blade just teasing against his neck.

"G'afternoon, love…" Clara murmured against his ear. "Now, if I were you, I'd take that little pistol of yours and put it away." Her gaze did not stray towards the other two, focused solely on her prey.

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Clara hadn't gone too far into town, allowing the carriage to drop her off in the middle of its busy streets. She knew Kieran was still far off – she hadn't wanted to make herself known just yet nor look too eager over the whole ordeal. She would soon realize that he was on the move again, and it almost frustrated her that she now understood what that sensation actually was. There was no hiding from it; he was on her mind now more so than ever before and it had gotten under her skin.

Her gaze mindlessly trailed the townspeople, milling about – purchasing goods from each passing cart; each tiny little store; going along with their short little lives without a care in the world. Oh, if only hers had been that simple. On more than one occasion she found herself wondering what it would have been like. She wondered if she'd just listened to her father and complied, how would her life have been? Sure, it would probably have been silent for the most part, but at least it would have been a secure life, and she would have grown old and happy enough. But of course, she wanted more than that- and lord, did she receive much more.

Her lips curled into a frown once more as she brushed each person by, occasionally mulling around to eye a piece of jewelry or fabric. She needed something to get this off of her mind - Since it was still early, she doubted Christian would come looking for her – no, he only grew concerned through the late hours of the night. The nights that she didn’t even bother to come home always sent him in a flurry of worry, and she was always chided the next morning. Lord, she wasn't a child – she was a woman who could come and go as she pleased, and he needed to understand that.

With a small sigh, Clara continued through the town, trying to ignore that nagging feeling; trying to keep him from her mind at least for a moment. She needed to come up with a plan to isolate him, and yet, she knew nothing more of him other than what she'd learned that first night, long, long ago. Back then, he didn't have that other one following his every move. No; back then, it was just the two of them, she was certain.

Steps idly carried her throughout the town, almost with boredom. The morning was never as interesting as the night, that was for certain. During the day, the townspeople were simply people, getting through another day in their lives. However, at night time – the real demons came out to play. The ones who roamed the darkness were always the fun playthings, she'd learned. Perhaps that was another reason Christian wanted her in. He knew of her rage, and he knew how she enjoyed taking it out on those who would not be missed come morning.

The thought alone caused a small smirk to cross her lips as she took careful steps deeper into town, brushing off the pull of Kieran at least momentarily.

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

The rest of the night and well into morning had brought Clara another restless sleep. She’d tossed and turned, her pillows all strewn about come morning, and she awoke with a small frown. Yet again, not enough sleep- riddled with dreams and nightmares that she couldn’t escape. Clara had reached over and grabbed a pillow, hugging it to her chest momentarily as she stared across the room at the closest wall. No; there was no time for brooding this morning; no time to feel sorry for herself. She needed to straighten up and take the day on yet again. After all, she had someone to find, and this time, she needed him by himself.

Oddly enough as she lie there, she had noticed that pull did not seem as close; No; it had drifted further and further out, creating much more distance between the two. Part of her despised the sudden sensation of needing to close that space. Now that she knew what it was, it both helped her and hurt her all in the same. Yes, she wanted to find him to destroy him all on her own and yet there was something else there - the primal need to be at his side. Idly, she wondered if she killed him - would that leave her with more of an emptiness that she’d already felt?

Perhaps he did not remember that night as she had; Every moment of it had played out over and over again nearly every day since it had happened. What had she done wrong? Was she just a pawn; a plaything? Had she been so foolish to think that that night could have meant anything else? Or was she just a stupid girl that had been a quick meal and a quick mistake?

Ah yes; she was almost certain she’d been a mistake, and that thought haunted her for years to come.

With a huff, Clara had pushed herself from her mount of pillows and sheets and headed towards the shower. Through her normal routine, she’d gotten dressed - back in her usual corset and skirts, before sitting down to work through her curls into another messy up-do. A hint o f makeup came later before she surveyed herself in the mirror with a frown.

Another day...

She turned on her heel to slip on a set of heels to match her black skirts before grabbing a coat to cover up throughout the day. Christian was probably still in bed.

It wasn’t long before her steps led her to a carriage and she was mindlessly following the pull that called for her - no, she didn’t quite have a plan or excuse this time. She just needed an opportunity to seize.

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

“Hn. You’d be quite surprised at that girl’s tenacity, quite honestly. If it’s important enough, I’m sure she’ll come find you.” Christian responded with a short sigh, glancing back to where the girl was headed off of the beach. She was quite the firecracker, and that night had been no exception. Whomever the men were before him - it seemed their very presence had set Clara off. Either way, he would get to the bottom of it.

“Well, it was nice to meet you both, but I’d better be going as well. G’evening.” He nodded and turned away from the two before quickening his pace to meet up with Clara who had covered much more ground with her long strides. She’d all at once slipped on her shoes once she’d reached the steps that led back into town, and her heels could be heard echoing throughout the alleyways.

“Clara - wait up!”

“Go away, Christian. I’m going home - aren’t you fucking happy about that?” Clara snapped, pausing only momentarily to grab at some of her skirts to walk a little faster. Her knuckles were white and she was drowning in the irritation that was all around her. Now that she knew what it was, the pull of that man was aggravating, and it took quite a bit to keep herself from running right back there. Asshole - that’s what he was. How dare he suddenly show up after all of this time - wanting to give that damn thing back - wanting to just be done with it all? No, it wasn’t that easy and Clara wasn’t about to allow it to be that easy either. She just needed to get him alone- away from that other man who was practically hanging onto him.

“Cut it out.” Christian suddenly bit as he caught up to her and grabbed her suddenly by the elbow. The girl paused only for a moment before she yanked her arm back with another glare, her lips pursed in that all too familiar anger. “What’s your problem tonight? I knew it was a mistake to bring you here...”

“Oh stuff it, Christian. I’m in a mood; deal with it.”

“You’re always in a mood, Clara. Who was that guy anyway, Kieran- what’s his name?” Christian asked as he shoved his hands in his pockets. The girl was waking briskly enough and he could see his estate just ahead at the end of town.

“He’s nobody. Just drop it.” The girl huffed in response, not daring to look back at Christian. A part of him had to have known.

They both approached the manor quickly and Clara was the first to throw open the door and head straight to the staircase. “I’ll be in my room.” Was all that was heard before she was gone, a door slamming in her wake.

Christian sighed as he stepped inside and shut the front door soundly behind him. He watched the stairs for a long moment before he turned to head to another room in the meantime. “I know, Clara... Like always.” He murmured, dropping himself down onto one of the armchairs. If he knew Clara well enough, he knew this mood was bound to last.... especially if his suspicions were correct...

Clara had locked her door behind her and headed straight for the four-post bed, tossing herself back onto a sea of pillows. Her gaze lie only on the ceiling, trying to drown out her thoughts; drown out the sudden feelings that overcame her. It was as if that night played over and over again in her mind; the betrayal suddenly felt fresh; the wounds felt open and oozing. Her hand mindlessly came up to graze her own neck, fingertips causing shivers to run down her spine. Son of a bitch - she would find him tomorrow and she would put a goddamn end to it all...

Her eyes slid shut but all she could think about was that night long, long ago. No matter what she had done, she couldn’t hide from those feelings - not with him that close... She needed to sever that tie -- she didn’t want to feel him; didn’t want to know he was in town; didn’t want to know that he was reachable - and had no inkling to want to see her either.

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Christian offered a smile as each male took his hand, although the suspicion still lingered. What Clara was doing with these two was beyond him, although he never quite understood why the girl did half of the things she did. A lot of her actions were solely to piss him off by the end of the night, that he learned. She was definitely a female that tested his patience beyond the limits that he knew of. She knew how to push nearly everyone’s buttons if only for her own amusement. Still, Christian understood the root of her behavior and although he did not let all of it slide, he was able to ignore most of her antics.

“Kieran; Ryanair - “ Christian repeated politely before the older male spoke again. His brow raised as he caught sight of the necklace before he looked back to Clara. There was a ridiculous amount of tension in the air, and he could not deny that Clara wanted him long gone and far away from any interaction. Yet, he couldn’t leave her be this time. No; not with the possibility that this male could very well be...

“Oh?” Christian began as his gaze shifted to Clara. “Clara, darling - Don’t be so rude. This gentleman is kindly returning something of yours - you should be thankful.” He chided, waiting for the onslaught of verbal abuse that was bound to fly from her lips. He’d seen the twitch of her eye, the hard glare that she was shooting his way. Honestly, part of him basked in it, amused that he could irritate her so despite the fact that it probably was not the time, nor the place.

“Just keep the damn thing. I don’t want it.” Clara suddenly hissed out, pushing past the younger male, and only brushing past Kieran to get to Christian. “It was a waste of your time coming out here.” She assured him, turning to glance over her shoulder. As she’d moved away from him, though, she felt that odd sensation pulling at the back of her skull - almost luring her right to his side even though she fought it. Christian hadn’t quite touched up on what it might be, probably because he hadn’t wanted her to go looking for Kieran at the end of the day...

“Now Clara-”

“What, Christian? Isn’t it time for you to be going home anyway?” Her glare was hard as she brushed past him as well. Her heels dug into the cold sand beneath her, skirts kicking up bits here and there as she headed straight for her heels that she’d left behind. All the while she felt that pull tugging and tugging, almost begging her to go right back to where she was. Fuck that. She’d find him again - alone - even if she had to wait until the time was right. Now that she knew what that damn feeling was... It was only a matter of time.

Christian watched her go before he had let out a long sigh, looking back to the two ahead of him. “I’m very sorry, gentlemen. Clara can be... quite the handful, as you can see. I regret that you had to see her like that.” He spoke quietly, “I trust that you two reside in town? Perhaps there may be a better time... If that is as important as you say...”

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Ryanair’s response was only met with a blank stare in return. Really, this was who Kieran had chose to keep company with? Not only was she annoyed by him, she was eager to rip into that one just the same as Kieran - if not only for sport. They clearly had a bond, and if she could get her hands on that one and make him suffer in front of Kieran - well, that may just add to the fun that she’d had in store. Still, she would not entertain him with a response as Kieran finally spoke, her gaze shifting to the taller man once more. Her hands lifted to cross her chest as she did not allow emotion to pass her features over his comments; no, she wouldn’t give him that pleasure either.

“Well, fuck you too.” Clara murmured, her form still tense as she knew Christian would be upon them in a matter of moments. She’d noticed how Kieran constantly placed himself in front of the other male and she couldn’t stand the sudden feeling that washed over her. Was it a twinge of jealously? Hah - she wanted nothing of the male in front of her, other than his blood on her hands. Her nails bit into her arms as they remained crossed, her jaw set firmly as she grit her teeth, fighting the urge to simply lash out in the rage that she felt. “I’m not taking it.” She added quietly.

“Clara? It’s getting late - what are you still doing out here?” Christian spoke as he quickly approached her, his attention solely on the two males that were with her. He knew the answer - but the new question was, just who were these two? One clearly was much older than the other, he could sense the sheer power about him. The other was nearly attached at his hip - his fledgling he supposed.

“Nothing, Christian.” Clara suddenly bit back, her voice laced with annoyance. Not again; he would not come dragging her home again. “Just go home.”

Christian eyed her carefully as he turned his attention to the other two males. “Gentleman - I apologize; Clara clearly had forgotten her manners this evening...” He reached out a hand to carefully shake whomever’s would offer in return. “Christian Nicolai -- And whom do I have the honor of meeting this evening?”

“...Fuck off, Christian...” Clara warned beneath her breath again and he didn’t bother to look at her, his hand still outstretched. No; He would get to the bottom of this one, although he had a sneaking suspicion...

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

She hadn’t moved an inch as Kieran headed towards her, her eyes studying both of them as they neared. Clara was on alert, unsure of what exactly was happening, consumed by both confusion and that same blinding anger over both the fact that she’d been abandoned and betrayed all at once. Everything was stolen from her in a careless instant - and he’d just vanished - left her for dead. And now he just suddenly decides to reveal himself with another in tow. No; none of this was how it was supposed to happen. She was supposed to hunt him down; take out her anger and frustration; give him every ounce of pain that he bestowed upon her and then she would walk off - happy and content and she could move on with her life.

No; that wasn’t how any of this was going.

As he approached her, it took every ounce of patience not to lift her arm and swing; not to lash out in that blind anger that bubbled within her. But then again, something about him just standing there, in front of her, close enough to reach out and touch had her feeling something else. Maybe it was a fleeting moment before it had all happened that she remembered; before he stole off never to be seen again.

Ryanair’s words were just what she needed to end that disastrous train of thought.

Her nose scrunched with a look of disdain as she eyed the other man and her arms came to cross once more. She would not look at what Kieran held out to her; she knew full well what it as. “And who the hell do you think you are?” Clara bit out, a bit of amusement on the tip of her tongue. “You better be careful, darling. You have no idea who you are dealing with... And I doubt this one-” She glanced back to Kieran. “-has even told you who I am.”

Her gaze slid momentarily to what was in his grasp, but she still refused to take it. “So what, is that it?” She asked sharply with a little shrug of her shoulders. “Want to get that out of your possession so you don’t have to deal with me again? Because, love, you could have simply stayed away just as you have after all of this time.”

--
It was late; later than usual and the woman hadn’t been back yet. Christian had tried to do his best to leave her to his own devices. The woman nearly begged for isolation no matter how many years he’d tried to fight against it. It wasn’t healthy, this obsession she held to find the one man who had slighted her years ago. No; he understood her anger, but he did not condone the need to hunt him down. What good would it do her? All of these years she’d spent writhing in her own anger; refusing to live. Some days he wondered if she even wanted to continue; if once she’d found him, she’d somehow manage to do what she wanted and kill him or be killed. And if she succeeded, would she feel empty after the fact?

No; Christian tried to distract her to no end. He constantly took her from country to country; tried to show her the best of things that he knew she’d once dreamed of - but she was always distracted. She never saw places for what they were; only saw them as another place to turn every stone in her search.

She was one hell of a frustrating woman, but he would never take back his choice to take her in so long ago.

It had just so happened that he was in town for the month to check on his estate. He’d been out for a walk when he’d smelled the blood first. It had drawn him straight to the beach where he’d seen the small, writhing figure. She was worse for wear, covered in sand and blinded to the pain of what she was going through. It was only hours until daylight, and whoever had done this to her had been nowhere in sight. Clearly she was someone of money; someone would be looking for her come morning...

He couldn’t just walk away.

What followed after that were centuries upon centuries of training; trying to deflect her from the entire memory of what had happened to her. As Christian looked at the clock knowing full well they were in the town where it all began, he knew his attempts were futile. She would search until her end.

With a huff, Christian ran his hand through his black hair and rose towards the door. He knew exactly where she would be...
He just didn’t expect the company with her.

“Clara?” He called out as he headed out onto the sand.


--
Clara did not look from Kieran as she awaited an answer, however, it took all of her composure not to turn her head to see Christian headed her way.
Fuck...