59: 59 In His Eternal Shadow (AVOT)

59 In His Eternal Shadow (AVOT)

Umbra Aeternum.

The very utterance of the name sparked an icy chill down Daisy's spine.

"What does it mean?" she had queried.

"Eternal Shadow."

Indeed, 'eternal shadow' seemed an apt description. As Rhain guided her deeper into the place, it appeared as if this place had been perpetually veiled in darkness. The air held a chill, the metallic scent now heavier, intermingled with an unidentifiable aroma. Music, unlike anything she had heard before, danced around them, bouncing off surfaces and reverberating through the large expanse.

Every fiber of her being tingled with unease, her instincts screaming a warning that she didn't belong here. At every sound of footsteps in the darkness, she would flinch, pressing herself closer to Rhain and clutching his arm with a vice-like grip.

The music amplified as they neared a grand entrance, leading into a vast hall, where the metallic scent reigned supreme. But beyond the scent and the music that vibrated within her chest, the sight that greeted her was entirely disconcerting.

The hall was swathed in darkness, interrupted sporadically by the ominous red and blue light filtering in through large, stained-glass windows. Tables and sofas lined the walls, offering secluded corners for those indulging in drinks and other… activities. Those perched on stools by the bar were served an assortment of beverages and at the center was a massive dancefloor, where activities transcended beyond mere dancing.

Countless pairs of glowing red eyes flickered in the darkness, fangs shimmered as bodies swayed rhythmically, sometimes under the spotlight, then fading into the shadows. 

Daisy found herself incapable of tearing her gaze away from the hypnotic yet disturbing dance, gripping Rhain's arm even tighter. When she accidentally caught sight of a male figure sinking his fangs into a woman's neck, a shriek escaped her. 

"Rhain put his arm protectively around her and led her to one of the more secluded sections at the back, settling them onto a semi-circular couch encircling a table. She shot him a puzzled look.

"Watch," he urged softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "You might discover answers here, or perhaps more questions."

With a gulp, Daisy redirected her gaze toward the thrumming crowd. Her attention was immediately caught by a pair in the midst of the dancing sea of bodies, locked in an intimate embrace. 

The man's arms were draped firmly around the woman's waist and her hands gracefully rested around his neck. The haunting yet sensuous music permeated the atmosphere, filled with an ominous allure that was chilling yet captivating. The melodic undertones were paradoxically menacing and enticing, sending waves of apprehension and anticipation coursing through her. Her heartbeat seemed to match the rhythm of the music, reverberating powerfully within her chest, as the couple danced in perfect synchrony.

The fluidity of their movement, the provocative sway of their hips, would have been scandalous in another setting, but here, it seemed natural, even celebrated. 

Gradually, the woman arched her neck, a silent invitation etched in the exposed line of her throat. In an instant, they were swallowed by the encompassing darkness, vanishing from sight. Daisy's gaze darted around anxiously, her heart pounding with a thrill of unease and anticipation.

When they reappeared under the dim light, the man's eyes burned an incandescent red. He traced his tongue along the length of her throat, his sharp fangs glinting ominously. The woman, in response, clung tighter to him, her body language pleading for more. Without any warning, he plunged his fangs into her exposed flesh. Daisy stiffened in her seat, her body coiling in empathetic tension for the woman, who, paradoxically, seemed to melt further into his embrace, surrendering completely as they continued to sway in time with the music.

Out of the corner of her eye, another scene of crimson-eyed seduction caught her attention. This time, a female vampire was indulging in a man's neck. Her eyes slowly closed in ecstasy, her face contorting in apparent pleasure as she reveled in the act.

Around them, other couples danced, lost in their passion, their lips locked in fervent kisses. They moved as one, their touches mirroring the sensual rhythm of the music.

Daisy could feel her initial fear slowly being replaced by a growing curiosity, her senses intoxicated by the sighed and sound. She felt as if she was watching something forbidden, her eyes only noticing more and more details, hands roaming where they shouldn't, bodies pressed, rubbing, kissing, sucking. 

Blood! 

She couldn't understand her emotions as she watched. She shouldn't. This shouldn't make her feel the way she was beginning to feel and this music…why did it force itself into the pulsation of her heart?  It was as if the place was casting a spell on her, gradually drawing her into its seductive rhythm, making her a silent participant in the dance of eternal shadows.

Her gaze drifted towards Rhain, taking in the change in his eyes. They had darkened into a deep, lustrous gold, the color reminiscent of amber. Was he… hungry?

Then realization dawned on her. Is this how he feeds?

"You drink this way?" She questioned, her voice barely audible over the noise of the room.

"Yes. Sometimes."

An unpleasant, burning sensation ignited within her chest at the image of him weaving sensually through a dance with a woman locked in his arms.

"You… didn't do this while we were married, did you?" He had promised to be faithful, hadn't he?

A knowing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Earlier when she had questioned him about his food habits, he had detected a hint of jealousy in her voice. At least she recognized the potential eroticism associated with the act of consuming blood. It wasn't always that way, nor was it the part he enjoyed, but that aspect did exist.

"Drink blood?" He arched an eyebrow. 

Her face tightened, her suppressed anger showing through her features. "Yes."

He nodded. 

Hot fury burned through Daisy's veins. Yet another instance of deceit. All she wanted was to escape him now, but as she rose from her seat, he swiftly grasped her arm, pulling her back down and closer to him.

"Daisy," he murmured, his voice gentle "I promise I did not feed in this way. Since our marriage, I have touched no other woman."

Her heart skipped a beat as she turned towards him, his sincerity apparent in his gaze.

"I did consume blood. It was from a few men, not on a dancefloor." He added, his tone soft but firm. 

Gradually, her anger receded, but a hint of uncertainty remained. She couldn't be entirely sure he was telling the truth but then, he didn't have to lie about this. 

"I have no desire to touch any woman but you," he said, his hand gently tracing a path down her arm. "But Daisy, why does my feeding on others upset you so?"

She blinked.

"It's the way you feed… or rather, the way I thought you fed…"

A look crossed his face, one that she couldn't quite decipher. What did it mean?

"Then… you find that particular method of feeding, intimate?" His question was direct, almost a challenge.

Her lips parted in surprise, and she found her gaze inadvertently drawn towards the dancefloor. The couples there were entwined, their movements suggestive and intimate. The sight was somehow stirring something within her, a sensation she was hesitant to admit, even to herself. She avoided turning back to him. 

Rhain rose from his seat, and only then did she turn towards him. He discarded his coat with a careless toss and extended his hand to her. "Care to dance?"

Was he suggesting they dance in the same intimate manner? Was he intending to feed from her?

Against her better judgment, she placed her hand in his. He guided her towards the pulsating dance floor, where they melted into the throng of dancers, hidden by the dim lighting and the swirling crowd. 

The space was charged with an intimate and almost sinister atmosphere, the music vibrating against her skin, setting her senses alight even before Rhain drew her into his arms.

His now amber eyes held her captive as he pulled her flush against him. The solid feel of his chest against her body sent her heart fluttering. His hands secured her waist, his grip firm and unyielding. The revealing dress she had chosen caused her chest to feel tight, her breasts straining against the fabric as he pulled her closer.

She placed her hands hesitantly on his shoulders. He still carried the scent of roses - wild and intoxicating, a blend of nature and the essence of man.

Leaning in, he nestled his nose in the crook of her neck, his breath warm against her skin as he seemed to inhale her. Before she knew it, they were swaying to the beat of the music, lost in their own world.

His hands roamed her back, tracing a tantalizing path up and down her spine. Daisy struggled to keep her eyes open as his heated breath ghosted over her neck, the vibrations of the music reverberating against her skin, reaching hidden places, and eliciting a pleasant hum from her body. 

The entire thing was… strange, yet addictively intoxicating. A desire to remove her gloves and run her fingers through his hair, to touch his neck, to feel the contour of his shoulders surged within her, but she resisted.

Suddenly, he spun her around, pressing her back against his chest. Before she could question his intentions, he brushed her hair aside, his lips finding the sensitive skin of her neck. The kiss was like hot iron, searing and leaving a mark on her flesh. 

She found herself leaning into him, her eyes sliding shut once more. They were in a public place - she should have been worried, yet the cloak of darkness surrounding them made her feel hidden, secure, and strangely lost in the moment. His feverish kiss chased away any concerns, and when his hand daringly moved to cup her breast, she found herself blushing deeply, her breath hitching in surprise.

She should protest, she thought, her eyes snapping open. But all she could see were couples lost in their own world, their intimate touch even more scandalous than what Rhain was currently doing. Her heart pounded as his mouth continued its loving assault on her neck, the sweet sting of his lips leaving a pleasant ache. His hands remained, boldly cupping her breast, teasing and frustrating in its stillness.

Then, she felt a sharp sensation against her skin - his fangs. A shudder coursed through her, but she made no move to pull away. His hand gently cradled the other side of her neck, his fingers tenderly grasping her throat.

Her heartbeat was erratic. "Do you want to?" He asked, his voice a mere whisper against her skin, causing her to shudder again.

She could vividly picture it - his teeth sinking into her flesh, this time without fear clouding her senses. Would she lean into him again, beg him for more?

She clenched her eyes shut, wrestling with herself. No! There were still things they needed to sort out. She needed to...

His hand tightened on her breast, effectively shattering her train of thought. She barely suppressed a moan.

"Not yet?" He seemed to read her thoughts. "I would be happy to keep you staggering on the edge, Daisy," he murmured into her ear.0

On the edge? 

"That throbbing beat between your thighs..." he murmured. Her breath hitched. "It grows more demanding, doesn't it? Yearning for something... something to ease it." His voice, a sultry whisper, danced along her earlobe. "Perhaps my hand... or my mouth."

His... mouth?

The thought sent her into a dizzying spiral of tension coiling within her despite not fully comprehending it.

"But not just yet," he said, the subtle finality in his voice resounding like a death knell to her. "When the hunger becomes unbearable, Daisy. Then..."

Then... what?

"Come now. We should leave." 

Before she could even form the words to ask, he had withdrawn - his hand, his breath, his intoxicating presence gone. The abrupt departure left her feeling frustrated and bereft, like a warm blanket cruelly pulled away just as she was about to drift off to sleep. 

Taking her gloved hand in his, he guided her away from the dance floor, donning his coat as they moved further away into the cold, desolate corridors.

She felt heated and unsteady, her grip on him tightening reflexively. He slowed, glancing over at her with an inscrutable expression. Her face flushed, and she resisted the urge to snap at him, what?

Rhain had to suppress a twinge of guilt. This was not a revenge scheme, not really. He desired to please her, to give her what she sought even before she voiced her need. Yet another part of him wanted her to experience that precipice of pleasure, the edge where one touch can shatter all semblance of control, leaving her breathless and shaken. He wanted her to know that exhilarating sensation, and a darker part of him enjoyed watching her struggle a little. 

They arrived at Tiberius' residence, where the guards let them in without a moment's hesitation. Tiberius was already awaiting their arrival in the grand parlor. Daisy did her best to maintain her composure but the elder vampire's senses would not miss anything. The faintest hint of flush, the slightest heat, or even the barest hint of arousal would be caught by his senses. 

Rhain turned to her. "Daisy, would you mind waiting here? I have some matters to attend to with Tiberius."

"Ah, yes... Please make yourself comfortable," Tiberius chimed in, gesturing towards the plush sofa. His servant appeared instantly. "Cater to Lady Blackthorne's every desire."

Despite Daisy's protests that she was perfectly fine, Tiberius had a knack for subtly steering the conversation and eventually persuaded her to accept some refreshments. Then they left her alone in the parlor.

Once they entered the adjacent room and the door clicked shut, Tiberius faced Rhain, his brows arched inquisitively. "You've told her," he stated, the question implicit in his words. He was probably curious about Rhain's plans, especially since he hadn't compelled Daisy to forget what he was. "Do you plan to turn her?" 

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A/N 

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