Chapter 6 HYPNOTIZED

NARRATIVE POINT OF VIEW

The bustling sound of the streets proved the ever longing hectivity of Irvine. The roaring merchants, playing kids and begging beggars hustled around the corners, blocking anyone whose mindless enough to wander around the area. Oddly enough, a man in a fancy suit appeared, walking as if he knew the ins and outs of the slums by heart.

He entered several alleys, all occupied with peasants’ who’re in the brink of collapse. He however, paid no mind, he was frantic but he kept his cool until he reached a shabby inn. The chimes ringed catching everyone’s attention “Ezekiel…” a man sitting in a corner called him.

He walked towards the sketchy guy, sat upfront and eyed the surroundings. All clear, it is a place for felons after all, they give no damn about other people’s business. A perfect place to let his men know “So, how’s it?”

“I’m more than certain…” he said under his breath. “None of them made it back, Philip”

Philip clenched his fist, his eyes wandered around as he felt his chest tightening “are you certain?”

Ezekiel sighed, “Why would I jest a matter involving the missing accounts of 33 people?” he asked in vex, the more he thinks about it, the more he felt guilty. “John, Selena, Olivia, Corden…. all of them never made it back… and I could’ve done something to investigate further but no, I needed to flee and use them as my fucking live bait”

Philip remained silent, it’s the first time for him to see Ezekiel acting like this. For a man whose been stoic and emotionless his whole life, seeing him clench his jaw in guilt floored him. He was the one who obstructed that plan, but Ezekiel will be the one taking this iniquity to his grave.

“I’m sorry Ezekiel…” was all he could say. “But it’s a prize we have to pay for”

Ezekiel shook his head “I won’t let their death be in vain” he said seemingly confident but at the back of his mind, he felt their presence, gazing at him from the after-life.

Days after the banquet, he combed the background of the hired peasants present at the night of the noble dinner. Wishing that even one makes it out alive but to no avail. He wanted to let it out on public, but no journalist would take interest in this matter. Even the police are useless. He’s simply too powerful, no one would dare to cross the Viscount for the lives of mere peasants.

“I will be the one to kill him once we’re certain” Philip smiled, there it is, the strong-willed vampire hunter of Bridgeton. “have a drink first” he said as he poured a hefty amount of Cognac on his glass. As bad it already is, the missing peasants isn’t much of an evidence about the Viscount, it’s just what sets the motion, the next step for their plans.

“What about your end?” Ezekiel asked.

“Lord Castledow has been acting normal, maybe Lady Irene made it back?”

Ezekiel shook his head, “I doubt it…”

“then her servant must be…”

Ezekiel paused for a moment. He squints his eyes as he remembers her face. “I told her to not go out of the room, but she probably did…” he clicked his tongue as recalls her face. He cannot forget the moment he first saw her, a peasant with green eyes was absolutely confusing. It makes no sense, judging from the history of that luscious green orbs.

People with green orbs are descendants of royals, and only few of them live these days and all of them, are members of the monarch household of several nations.

‘Could it be—no… I don’t have time for that…’

He shook off that buggy thought. It couldn’t be her. It’s not possible.

The heavy sound of the closing door echoed throughout the empty mansion. Viscount Claude is home after spending his day meddling with the cunning nature of the wealthy blokes he’s been playing with. He went straight to the lounging room. Not even turning any lights on, he maneuvered his way to the gigantic divan. He threw himself on the couch and let out a hoarse breath, trying to calm himself down he closed his eyes.

“Ignorant fools” he rammed in between his heavy breathing. A smile formed in his lips. “I can’t wait to see you all crumble before my eyes” he said whilst chuckling weakly. The Viscount has been living for a while, he can feel himself weakening, kind of ironic for an immortal like him.

The solemnity of his mansion brought his inner thoughts together, he cannot help but to play every single detail he has in mind. It has been a thousand years, but the humankind never ceased to amaze him due to their rapacity. Just then, he remembered her, he straightened his back as the image of the young child emerged from the back of his head.

Eyeing the hall leading downstairs, he furrowed his brows. His eyes drawn red, showing a change in his mood. He wanted to see her, but that awful deed she made earlier made him discomfited. It was utterly repulsive to meet the lips of a frisky lady, but he also knows that she’s much more than that. One look and he was certain about her identity, but it seemed like she herself is not.

He tried to forget what she blabbered earlier, but every single word that came out of her mouth was spot on. He does not know if what she said was a mere ploy, but it sure caught his attention. So much so that he dropped his plan of killing her that instant.

Those flowery words reminded him of someone, and their similarities are uncanny.

‘I am a man of romance. Attending, reverencing and bedding women is something I do so with precise skill. I’ve been known as a Casanova, why would I be enthralled by her words? I need to get rid of her in a way I would find to be the most amusing. That woman, was the reason I’m the last one…’

He stood up, walking towards the hall leading to that dungeon. This time, he was sure, he ought to kill her whether she says something off beat or not. He took a lamp from one of the post, lighting it and heading down there with his utmost determination. He stopped by the door, opening it to be greeted by her with an amorous glow.

‘For fuck’s sake…’

There she was again, gleaming as if she saw the great beyond before her. “Viscount…” she softly called seemingly yearning for him. He stood by the door, looking at her with a pensive expression. It was a clear ruse, but what’s in it for her. Does she think her mere acting will get to him?

Agatha smiled weakly, “how’s your day?”

Surprised, he gaped lightly but didn’t make it seem obvious. Her questions, it was inviting the memories he had with her. He swallowed the lump forming in his throat, maybe it’s the fact that he’s not hungry but he suddenly doesn’t feel like killing her today.

He went inside, stepping closer hiding his beastly desire. He stopped in front of her and looked down with a repulsed frown. “Drop the act!” he commanded but she didn’t even flinch.

“I’m not an actor, Viscount. I’m only a maiden in love…”

In a swift movement Viscount Claude had her neck clenched, he held it with intensity but not enough to kill her instantly. “I am not in place to poke fun with you, so stop your nonsensical antics” he uttered with grinding teeth, looking at her eyes intently showing his true form slowly. This act is making him even more angry, it’s like she’s mocking him indirectly.

“Viscount…” she coughed, and with a feeble heave she said “if you were to kill me, please do it slowly so I can see your ethereal beauty…” she smiled warmly, as the cut of air got to her head. Viscount Claude stared in defeat. He can feel a warm sensation crawling up his sleeves, dominating his entirety upon hearing her words.

She’s the first person to act this way in front of him while he shows his true self. Monster, Demon, Satan himself are words he hears every time from his victims before he takes their lives.

Hearing her ask for death is a bizarre request, but Agatha expressing a yearning plea for his carnage enraptured him

In a few seconds, she had her head facing down. Viscount Claude loosened his grip. He was once again hypnotized by her beauty. So much so that he quickly remove the shackles to save her.