EDITOR WARNING: THIS CHAPTER HAS NOT BEEN EDITED SINCE FIRST DRAFT (2017). MAJOR PLOTHOLES OR INCONSISTENCIES
Erebus's POV
Later that night
Knock Knock!
"Come in" I answered. "King Erebus, this basket was found in the forest along with one of your capes" One of my soldiers informed me.
"Let's see" I motioned for him to bring the basket to me as I straightened on my chaise. The soldier handed me my cloak and the basket before bowing, then leaving. I flung the cloak on my bed and lifted open the cover of the basket. Inside was a red messily knitted scarf and a note.
Taking the piece of paper in my hand, I tore the seal.
To my angel,
Thank you for helping me the other night. I was so lost in the huge forest, yet you helped me. As my way of saying thank you, I knitted you this scarf. I really hope you like it. There was a vendor on town selling this wool and as soon as I saw it, I thought of you. I hope you like red. I think so because your beautiful cloak is red and black. It is too beautiful to give to someone like me so I've returned it. I hope you recieve this and thank you again.
Love, Adrienne
The little girl returned to the forest, to give me this!? "Adrienne" I murmured quietly to myself, liking the sound of the name on my tongue. "Something tells me little Adrienne will keep returning to the forest" I thought bemused. Holding up the scarf Adrienne made, I smiled at the loopy uneven knitting. No human had ever given me a present before.
Scarf in hand, I walked over to my bed. Laying the scarf beside the cloak, I headed to my office, a small smile on my face. Perhaps I would give little Adrienne a present as well.
The Next Morning
Adrienne's POV
"ARGHHH" I groaned, clutching my head as the rays of sunlight snuck in through the window. Groaning as I dragged myself out of bed, I hobbled over to my wardrobe. Pulling on one of my day dresses, I walked downstairs to find I was actually early this morning. I hated this yellow day dress, it was so uncomfortable especially so early in the morning.
"It's nice to see you not late for once Adrienne" my mother retorted apon seeing me. "Hello Mother" I answered back somewhat politely. "Please carry this into the dining room, and please be careful" my mother asked me, handing me a crystal bowl filled with fruit."Okay" I answered, walking into the dining room as carefully as I could. Elizabeth and Marie rushed past me, shoving me causing the crystal to wobble in my hands.
CRASH!
I
t almost happened in slow motion, the bowl tipping out of my hands and falling slowly to the floor, fruit tumbling everywhere."ADRIENNE"! I heard my mother's furious voice combined with my sister's smothered giggles. I heard my fathers clunky footsteps echo down the stairs and inhaled quickly. I was in for it now.
"YOUR MOTHER ASKED YOU TO DO ONE THING! CAN'T YOU DO ANYTHING RIGHT" My father bellowed, a livid expression on his face. I bent to begin picking the fruit up but was interrupted by my mother. "I think you've done enough damage this morning Adrienne. Just leave!" my mother ordered, her voice dripping with raw anger.
I hurried from the room, as my eyesight blurred by silent tears. I ran from my house to the only place in Asteaia where I sought comfort (other than the forest on the outskirts). Entering the library, I marveled at the smell of books and the comfy worn sofas and chairs.
Walking into the unused section, I found the unusual book I had been reading a few days ago. Flipping the page, I gazed at the ripped and scorched page that followed.
Gafire
Gafire is the only known way to kill a vampire. It is a very rare stone that can be forged into daggers, armor or swords. It has no advanced effects on humans, but is lethal to a vampire. It has only been found deep in the Emerness Mountains. If the stone is really gafire, It will glow blue around all vampiric peoples.I was fascinated by this stone.
Touching the page, I saw a small drawing of a sword. I can my finger over the drawing, just as a voice startled me."HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THE RESTRICTED SECTION"!
I shoved the book back in its place startled just as the grouchy librarian's janitor rounded the corner. "The restricted section is off limits girlie, only the mayor can come back here" his raspy voice growled.
"Sorry sir, I didn't know" I answered meekly. "Git on your way then" he rasped and I scurried away.Settling on one of the couches near the doors, I let out a heaving sigh."I didn't know that section was restricted. Why?" I thought to myself. "The book that I found back there was more interesting than all the other books in this library" I murmured quietly to myself, looking for another book about Greek Mythology.
"Hades & Persephone" I read aloud.
Plunking back down on the sofa, I read to my hearts content.
Hours later, I had finally finished the thick book.
Leaving the library, I thought of Persephone's bravery and kindness.
"Maybe, I can be as brave as her" I thought to myself, smiling.
Wandering through the streets, I saw the same vendor selling the beautiful necklaces.
I stopped to gaze longingly at a sapphire blue one. It was very expensive though, because sapphires were extremely rare.
It was so beautiful, I'd always loved Sapphires.
"Like what you see, little lady" I heard the vendor ask me.
"Oh, they're beautiful sir. But I'm afraid I can't afford one" I said truthfully.
"Some other time then little lady" the vendor replied nicely and I smiled at him.
Another vendor was selling brightly coloured glass beads, to make jewelry.
I bought two packets, thinking of Persephone and her flower trails leading to where she was taken.
The beads would be better than the breadcrumbs.
Walking home, my stomach rumbled loudly in hunger. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.
I dreaded going home for dinner and receiving a long lecture.
Stepping into my home, the warm air from the hearth surrounded me.
"Adrienne! Get in here and help me with dinner" my mother ordered as I made my way into the kitchen.
~
"And that's why you need to be more careful like your sisters" my mother finished.
I nodded while stuffing the remains of my plate in my mouth.
It earned me a disgusted look from my sisters, but I didn't care.
"May I go to my room mother" I asked as politely as I could.
My mother agreed and I scurried up to my room.
~
About two hours later, the house was silent.
Everyone must be asleep by now.
Being very quiet, I snuck out to the forest, scattering the beads as I went along, using my lantern light to guide me.
Once I reached the clearing, I sat on my usual log.
"Angel"? I called out.
There was no answer, so I stood, ready to return home.
"Hello Adrienne" A deep, husky, very masculine voice answered.
"Angel!" I replied excited.
"Did you like your present?" I asked, hopeful.
"I did very much, thank you." My angel replied.
"Now, I have a surprise for you".
"Really!?" I squealed happily, "I love surprises!".
My angel just laughed. "Close your eyes, and hold out your hands".
I closed my eyes, feeling a heavy box placed in my hands.
"You can open your eyes Adrienne" the melodious voice hinted.
I opened my eyes to find a beautiful gold and black silk box in my hands.
I gasped, running my hand over the beautiful cover. It looked like something a pretty princess would have!
"It's beautiful" I said fondly.
"Open it".
I almost cried at what I saw.
The most beautiful sapphire necklace I had ever seen was in the box.
It looked incredibly expensive.
Tear began to run down my face in happiness.
"T-Thank y-youu" I cried softly in happiness.
A black gloved hand receded out of the darkness and gently wiped away my tears.
"This is so beautiful. I've never seen anything so...so perfect!" I cried happily.
"You deserve it" The voice rumbled with satisfaction.
Looking up, I couldn't see my angel at all.
I felt the arms move from around me.
"Angel, come out in the light" I pleaded.
"Little Adrienne, you mustn't see why in shadows I hide" He answered.
"Why not?" I asked curiously.
He simply laughed.
"A child's naïvety is like no-other" he whispered softly.
What was that supposed to mean?!
"Come. I'll take you home" he answered, holding out his hand.
I eagerly took it and followed my angel through the busy woods, chattering away.
"I'll come back tomorrow" I told my angel happily.
"Why?" He asked as he crossed a thickly wooded area.
"I left a trail like in Hansel and Gretel" I told him proudly.
He said nothing, but we continued to walk.
Reaching the end of the forest, he withdrew his hand.
"Keep it in a safe place" my angel told me as I quickly nodded.
"I will! Thank you angel" I told the forest as I couldn't see him.
Waving quickly, I hurried through the streets of Asteaia holding the box tightly against my chest.
Author's Note
There is NOTHING sexual or lustful going on between Adrienne and Erebus.
She is a CHILD and he is an adult.
He is seen as a mentor or protector (like an angel sent to protect her)
Thought I'd clear this up.
Anyways, I hope you have enjoyed this chapter.
XOXO
Aria Jade