A Foreboding Allure

Chapter 2 - Part II

--Notes from the Author--- Still Chapter two, so it's still from Lucca's point of view. I hope you enjoy this next section. If you like it, please comment and vote! =] xoxo!

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When I arrived at the servants quarters, a velvet dress was draped over the door handle. I picked it up, put it over my arm and opened the door. Liana was sitting on the edge of her cot, staring at the dull grey walls. She didn't look at me as I approached her. "You know," she said matter-of-factly, "it would be much better if there were a window in here." I opened my mouth to speak but then shut it again. Of course there wasn't a window. There weren't windows in many of the rooms the Santoro's used. Any windows were boarded up and sealed with pitch so that a single ray of light wouldn't pierce thorugh them. They preferred to dwell in the less-dangerous artificial lighting of lamps and candles.

"Here" I said, ignoring her comment. You'll need to change into this and wash up a bit. There's water there in the basin. Nadia's sons Antoine and Dante have returned from there stay in Rome and they wish you to be formally presented to them. I took a deep breath. You are to be a gift for Antoine. Her eyes darkened.

"What do you mean "a gift? What do they think I am, a teapot or a floor rug? I'm a person with a family and loved ones who I miss dearly."

I studyed her face. "Are you sure about that?"

There was a long silence as a single tear dripped down her face. "No." she said finally.

So I left it at that. I knew she was alone, all of the young people Nadia took in were. They had no one that would miss them if they never came back.

"I'll wait outside and let you dress." I said simply, walking out of the room and closing the door behind me.

I knew how she felt. I had been in her place, alone, afraid, confused. I felt connected to this lonely girl somehow and it was then I vowed that I would do whatever was in my power to keep her from any harm.

As I waited, I pondered if it would be wise of me to tell her of the Santoro's..."condition". I wasn't sure she would believe me if I told her without seeing the evidence or experiening proof for herself, but then again, I didn't know what happened in the cellar, so perhaps it would be easier for her to handle than I thought.

The door clicked and Liana emerged. She looked discouragingly down at the dress she was wearing. It was black and red, medieval style, with large flowing sleeves and gold leaf decor around the waist. She looked lovely, but slightly outdated, I couldn't help but chuckle. "They don't get out much for clothes shopping, you see." I explained with a slight smile. "Now madam, if you're ready" I said, offering my arm. She took it and silently, we walked to the Grand Hall.

The Grand Hall was a massive room with tall ceilings, elborately carved pillars, and a red, and slightly worn, carpet the led from the door to a set of two tall throne-like chairs. In the tallest chair, sat Lorenzo looking rather polished in a ruffled silk shirt and coat. His wife, Nadia, sat poised and perfect beside him in a black lace, rather gothic looking, gown. Standing beside her were Dante, in a tan breeches in and a black waist coat, and Antoine, similarly dressed. Their black eyes seemed to pierce through us as we stepped inside the room.

"I must wait here. Walk up to them, stop, and bow. Say nothing unless you are spoken too." I whispered urgently. Liana turned to me, a questioning, almost frightened look in her eyes. "Be brave, little one." I said squeezing her shoulder then giving her a gentle push on the back.

Liana inhaled deeply, and proceeded towards the throne as I watched from the back. She walked slowly, her steps filled with uncertainty.

"Come on dearest, we haven't got all day." Nadia announced pleasantly although I could see the fire in her eyes. She caught my gaze. "Lucca! What a pleasure to see you! Do hurry along your protoge!" she whined, as if it was less of a command and more of a favor. I wasn't to be fooled by her tone, I knew the difference. I strolled quickly to Liana's side and hooked her arm in mine as I escorted her, at a much faster pace, to the end of the carpet. I released her arm, bowed to the family and went to the right, standing in a shadowy corner of the hall.

Dante's eyes narrowed as he stared at Liana. Antoine, on the other hand, seemed to be trying to open them wider. He let his eyes slowly, delebritly travel up and down her body. The corners of his lips upturned in a menacing smirk. "Antoine, darling, this is Liana. She is a "welcome home" gift from your father and I" Nadia pleasantly commented, getting up from her chair and laying a hand on Antoine's shoulder. Antoine said nothing, his eyes were still locked on Liana. He stepped from behind the thrones and ascended the few stairs that separated he from Liana. He cricled around her slowly, taking his time to inspect every inch of her physique. Abruptly he stopped behind her, leaned down next to her neck, just above her shoulder, closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. As I watched from the shadows, I could see Liana stiffen, wanting to flee but terrified to move. I felt my own muscles quiver, ready to protect Liana if need be. I wasn't about to allow Antoine to destroy her so soon, but I knew that no matter how much I wanted too, I couldn't protect her forever

Antoine's eyelids fluttered and he moved in closer to Liana's neck, his nose touching her pale skin. The muscles in his neck twitched and I could no longer hold myself back. I pounced from the shadows and in a split second, I had positioned myself between Liana and Antoine, all of my muscles tense and ready to defend Liana and myself. "Don't" I sneered through gritted teeth. In one swift movement Antoine had me by the throat and pinned against the wall.

"You are nothing, foolish mundane." Antoine gruffly whispered.

"And you, are one to talk, flithly leech." I spat, unmoved. My fear of dying by vampires had long sense vanished so I wasn't worried about he consequences of speaking out, even though there were sure to be some.

"I'll not let you treat her like you have all the others, she's special and you're family has already ruined her life as she knows it. There is no need to completely take it away from her." I said, though I struggled as his grip on my throat hadn't eased and I was starting to feel the effects.

Antoine laughed and realsed his hold on me, causing me to slump to my knees against the wall. "Lucca, you are lucky my sister adores you so, or you would have been dead years ago. This attitude of yours has got to change, it really is unhealthy." he said with mock concern, no doubt something he'd learned from his mother. "And besides," Antoine continued, "you're much to rash. Acting on impulse will only get you and your pretty little friend killed sooner than planned. I was just getting a little mental preview, no harm done. Not that it should matter to you." he said with a knowing smirk.