“Shush, Kalon. Don’t interrupt our guests now,” Petra hissed, silencing him.
It made Esme smile, as Tristan presented himself to Acheron and Danika. “I am Tristan Vaughn, vampire and anthropologist.”
“Not a lieutenant yourself, then,” Acheron replied, slightly amused.
Tristan shook his head. “My sister and I share many interests, but combat isn’t one of them.”
“And I’m Amal. My species is known as the Faulties. Our history is rather short, but my purpose here is as a scholar and scientist.”
Danika’s head tilted to the side, almost unnoticeably. “What fault would you possibly have? You are absolutely ravishing.”
Amal’s cheeks turned pink, and she lowered her gaze. “I often asked the same thing, Your Grace. Our maker is no longer alive to rectify that.”
“Your maker!” Acheron exclaimed. “Someone made you?”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Amal replied.
Acheron then looked at Nethissis. “And who might you be?”
“Nethissis Alexa. Lamia and swamp witch. At your service.”
He and Danika looked at each other and laughed lightly, downright enthusiastic about our presence. “What is a Lamia? A swamp witch? By the stars, you have a lot to tell us. Welcome, I say, welcome!” Acheron said.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” I replied, smiling. “We will gladly tell you whatever you wish to know.”
“Rest assured, I’m already making a list of questions in my mind,” Acheron breathed, his eyes wide with childlike wonder.
They struck me as very different characters. Acheron seemed young at heart, hungry for knowledge and new things, eager to learn and converse. Danika, despite her smile and crystalline laughter, was more reserved, chilling me down to my bones. She didn’t scare me, but I was willing to bet she had a powerful and imposing personality. Clearly the makings of a strong monarch.
“I suppose our chief councilor, our master commander, or our high priestess has already inquired regarding your purpose here, but do tell us yourselves. What brings you to our Visio?” Acheron asked.
Glancing at Petra and the others, I noticed they were in no way concerned or uncomfortable in their presence. Not fearful, either. It said a lot about how Acheron and Danika ruled over their people. A terrible king could easily be spotted through the eyes of his servants, after all.
“We’re exploring, Your Grace,” Derek said. “A few months ago, we became aware of your world’s existence. Our telescopes are constantly pointed at this galaxy and the many beyond. It’s in our nature to go out and see what other civilizations thrive in this universe.”
“Curiosity brought you here, then,” Danika concluded.
“You could say that, yes.”
“We’re truly impressed by Visio,” I said. “Its beauty is unparalleled, as is yours.”
Danika smiled. “You’re too kind, Sofia. I’ve never seen a creature as fascinating as you, either. Your beauty, your bravery in coming all the way here. Surely, I’m not the first one to say this, but Derek is a most fortunate man.”
The four in our welcoming party chuckled softly. She certainly wasn’t the first.
“I hope you’ll accept our invitation to stay here, on Visio, at least for a few days, or for as long as you’d like,” Acheron said.
“It would be our pleasure,” Derek replied, giving me a fleeting sideways glance.
This was our much-awaited entry point. The request to be around them, to get to know them better. For them to understand us, as well. From here on, the path to befriending the Aeternae seemed a bit smoother, raising our hopes for the moment we’d ask for their blood so we could cure the vampires’ sensitivity to sunlight. Until then, however, we needed to strengthen our bonds.
A young female stepped into the throne room from a side door. I’d thought nothing could surprise me anymore, but the mere sight of her temporarily wiped my brain, in its entirety. She was more beautiful than any other creature I’d ever seen, with pale, pearlescent skin and long, black hair flowing like silk down her back. Her irises were black, her lips the color of Red Delicious apples.
“Oh, wow…” I heard Nethissis mumble, equally impressed.
Corbin introduced the stunning Aeternae. “Valaine Crimson, my daughter.” Pride beamed from his voice, as he could tell she’d knocked us off our feet. Poor Tristan was the most affected, his lips slightly parted, his eyes wide and glimmering.
“It is an honor,” Valaine said, her voice sweet, flowing like honey.
“Valaine will take you all to your guest rooms,” Danika replied. “She and Kalon Visentis will be your guides throughout the city, as well.”
Kalon smiled upon hearing the lady supreme’s decree, giving Valaine a curious glance. Corbin’s daughter didn’t seem as pleased, but it was too early to try and find out why. There were many things left unexplained in this throne room, and I knew we’d start peeling away at the layers of mystery, eventually, until we got all the answers.
Until then, however, we were tourists, and Valaine and Kalon were our guides.
“I look forward to showing you all around,” Kalon said, intently staring at Esme. I figured he was doing it on purpose. I’d noticed the way she’d stolen glances at him along the way. He must’ve sensed it. He was like a tiger playing with his prey now. Only, he’d need to be careful. Esme was a superior predator, as well. Not someone he’d want to mess with. “You’ve only seen the scenic route on your way in.”
“Certainly, I can escort our guests to their chambers, but can we not make better use of my time afterward?” Valaine asked, looking at her father. “There are important matters I can assist you with.”
Corbin sighed and leaned in closer, whispering something in her ear. Whatever he said, it was enough to make Valaine put on a plastic smile and apologize.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “Let me see you to your rooms, and, once you’re settled in, we can have some afternoon blood and discuss a visiting itinerary in the garden.”
“Thank you, Valaine,” Derek said. “That would be wonderful.”
“And we shall see you all later,” Acheron replied. “We’ll be throwing a dinner in honor of your arrival.”
“You’re much too gracious… Your Grace,” I breathed, unsure about all the attention we were getting. I would rather have gone stealthily through the city, in order to observe the people and their customs. Dinners and parties were not my favorite part of any exploratory mission.
