ALLURE OF THE NIGHT (C)

Chapters 421-430

Two days had passed, since the commotion related to Marceline that had taken place in the Moriartys mansion, and though things had quietened, the vampiress who had lost her leg had not stepped out of her room. Maids were not allowed to step in, and only the butler brought her meals to her room.

It was morning after having breakfast, Eve was back in the piano room with Allie, helping the little one study. She watched the small vampiress eagerly learn, while she was now writing in her book.

"Miss Eve, is this right?" Allie looked up at Eve.

Eve looked at what the small vampiress had written and gave a nod of approval, "That is correct, Allie. Very good," and the little girl beamed in happiness.

"If I get everything done by tomorrow, we'll be going to Lily's inn?" The little vampiress asked as she peered through her lashes.

"Just as we discussed," Eve stated. Allie once again dipped the quill in the ink, and when she brought it to her book, she paused.

"Miss Eve..."

"Yes, Allie?" Eve asked the little one, noticing Allie bite her lip.

"Did sister Marceline really lose her leg?" Allie asked in worry, and Eve didn't know what to say and she nodded. "Will she be alright?"

Eve placed her hand on Allie's shoulder and smiled, "I hope so. Let us both pray for her to get better," mentally, she added in her mind.

Allie nodded at Eve's words, quickly praying with her fingers linked, before she continued with her studies.

Last night, Viscount Eduard and his wife had gone to visit Marceline to let the young vampiress know that her wish to go to the South side mansion had been agreed upon. But they hadn't stayed in the room for more than five minutes.

Eve hoped that Marceline would turn to a new leaf in the House of Purgatory, but she doubted and wondered if her heart would ever come to like the vampiress the same as she had done when they first met.

Someone knocked on the door, and Alfie stepped inside the room, "Milady, your aunt has arrived. I have had her sit in the drawing room."

Hearing Lady Aubrey was finally here since she had last seen her, a smile appeared on her lips, and her eyes lit up. She turned to Allie and said, "I will be back in a few minutes, and in the meantime, keep studying, okay?"

Allie nodded and watched Eve leave with the butler before she returned her eyes to the book in front of her.

Eve's feet were quick as she walked through the corridors, with the back hem of her dress brushing the stairs as she climbed down. When she reached the drawing room, she pushed the door and found Lady Aubrey sitting on one of the chairs.

"Eve," Lady Aubrey smiled wide, and she stood up. Walking halfway, the two women hugged each other. "How are you? Even though you wrote letters to me, it feels like it has been years since I last saw you."

Eve felt the warmth coming from Lady Aubrey, and the smile on her lips continued to stay, happy to see the woman in front of her. When they pulled away, she replied,

"I am doing better, Aunt Aubrey. How was your journey? I hope everything was smooth?" Eve inquired as they walked to the long couch and took a seat while holding hands.

"It was smooth, just like any other day," Lady Aubrey responded and brought her hand to place it on Eve's cheek before dropping it on her lap. "It is good to know that you are doing better. Where is Eugene? Is he working?"

Eve turned to look at the closed drawing-room door and returned to receive Lady Aubrey's raised eyebrows. The older woman asked, "Is he alright?"

Eve told everything that had transpired until now since the time they had last met and things that she couldn't write in the letter. Lady Aubrey's lips were set in a thin line, feeling anger.