began to fade and heal. The purple bruising lifted to an off-co

uards dropping off food. They replaced Lavin

e doing?”

time. I think he likes seeing how weak he can get his prey. Otherw

est of the family d

uch about the family, but on a few occasi

ste

er stock in the ro

“I’ve heard that most of

nia turned t

as res

st a sadistic bastard. He clearly do

y came the soun

of which,”

hat the brunette girl had given, she knew she was next. Sure enough, the pair of guards walked right to her. She squeezed Ro

ircase, winding up several flights, passing closed doors. Eventually, they produced a key and unlocked a wooden door.

between doors ahead Lavinia could see what looked like a family portrait. She could easily identify Isaac, with his angular face and haughty expression. He was stood behind a well-upholstered with the hand of an older woman r

it. Down at the end of the hall stood a set of double doors. At them, the guards knocked once. The doors unlatched and creaked open just enough for La

open doors. After a moment, she became impatient. Whatever was waiting for her would take her whether

ed. In the grate below a fire roared, the flames barely contained within the hearth. On the other side of the room stood a large fourposter bed

ed only in a silver-colored robe. From its open neckline, Lavinia could see his prominent collarbones and pristine skin. Without the high formal collar of what he

er eyes widened at the opulence of the room. As Lavinia’s eyes came

the table. Lavinia stepped towards it, pausing as Isaac pulled out her chair. Taking her seat, Lavinia watched Isaac settle opposite her. He t

unny?” Isaac

ught to ask why you hadn

pushed the glass towards her and leaned back in his cha

N

ing I’m sure you’ve heard f

for a second, th

ing up at Isaac. He reached down with one of his thin hands and lifted her chin, forcing her to sit up straighter in her chair. Delica

face back to the center and knelt in front of her. He took her left hand and pulled towards

, she caught the same burning smell, a smell that she was now able to connect to his fireplace. Her attention was pulled back to Isa

arm, fractaling though her chest and spilling into the rest of her limbs. Unconsciously, Lavinia raised her hand to the back of Is

hair and wrapping her legs around his waist. He walked her to the bed, staying standing as Lavinia steadied herself,

aac waited for Lavinia’s eyes to focus on him. His pale eyes swam in front of her, dizz

with as much animosity as she could muster, yet

both her wrists up above her head, the left still visibly bleeding. Isaac leaned down and bit hard into just below Lavi