It took almost two days before she reached Adeluna. Victoria sighed as she jumped off the horse and walked into the nearest inn. The wolf demon didn’t care that it wasn’t high end like she liked staying in. It was something for now. Walking up to the barkeep, she flashed him a smile. “Hello good sir. I need your best room for the night please and a hearty meal.” She asked as she took a seat at the bar.
The gentlemen eyed her for a moment. He took in her fancy clothes and jewels. “Folk like you don’t venture in here that often.” Kyle, the barkeep, said as he cleaned a mug. “I hope it’s all to your liking, ma’am.” He said with a smirk as he handed her a set of keys. “Honeymoon sweet.”
Victoria nodded as she pocketed the keys. “It will. Don’t worry. And I’ll pay handsomely.” She threw coins down on the wooden bar. It was at least fifty silver. The man’s eyes widen as he took the silver and thanked her. “I’ll get your food right away.” Before he ran off, he set a mug of ale before her then turned and walked to the back of the bar.
A sigh of relief left her, she wasn’t sure how she would be treated. Victoria really didn’t care, she had the money. She didn’t want any trouble. If the guard found out what she was, she would be thrown in a jail cell. They didn’t like her kind in this town; normal folk is what they liked around. Victoria leaned back in her chair and looked out the window. The people that crowded the streets were nothing liked her. Yes, many monsters were hidden behind their fake faces, but most were human.
Hearing the sound of laughter, she looked down into her mug; it was a child’s laugh. One thing she could never have. She had grown used to that fact, but it would get under her skin sometimes. Losing a child would always hurt.
Downing the mug in her hands, she gasped for air as she slammed it down. “Whoa missy, would you like another round?” Kyle returned with the food and sat her down in front of her; corn on the cob, mash potatoes, and beef. “Yes, and thank you for your hospitality.” She said with a smile and began to eat.
The crowded streets soon died down with the sun and as the moon came out, the bar became more busy.
It wasn’t long before the men of the tavern noticed her. The silk and velvet she wore drew them to her. One by one, she turned them down. She didn’t want a man to be that drunk. One after another, they all walked away defeated; that’s if they could walk.
Taking another sip of her ale, her eyes caught sight of someone. A man at the end of the bar was eyeing her; a cigarette at his lips. When her brown eyes caught his green, he down his drink then made his way to her. Sitting down next to her, he waved his hand towards the barkeep; signaling two with his fingers. The barkeep nodded and poured two small cups with liquor.
“What is a lass like you doing in a place like this?” He asked as the barkeep set down the shots. His striking blue eyes looked at her, making her wonder about him. “It was the first place I could stop and rest.” That was the simplest answer Victoria could give. “I’m Calder.” He said as he grabbed his glass. Grabbing the glass, she held up her hand. “Victoria…Cheers, to meeting new people.” She said with a smile. Their classes clinked as they smiled at each other.
As the night went on, the two ended up in her room. Their lips didn’t leave each other’s as they made their way through the door. Calder’s hands roamed her body as he kicked the door shut. Before he knew it, the wolf demon pushed him onto the bed and crawled on top of him. They’re clothes were soon off and they were rolling around in the sheets….
The morning came early, and Victoria winced at the sunlight pouring through the window. A sigh left her as she stood from the bed. She expected the man to still be there, but he was gone. “Good.” She was relieved; Victoria didn’t do well with morning afters.
Having a maid draw a bath for her, Victoria sat down in the warm water. She had to pay a pretty penny for the flower petals in her bath; Jasmine, orange flower, orchids and rose petals. This was why it took the maid longer to draw her bath, for she had to run to the markets to get them. The maid did receive a great tip for the trouble.
An hour passed before she got out of the bath and dressed in the clean pressed clothes laid on her bed. She left her hair down this time and her curls fell around her shoulders. She pinned her black hat to her hair, that had black jems around the brine and a soft note of glitter. She slipped on her black leather pants and black four inch heels. Slipping over her naked shoulders was a black silk shirt that was tucked in. On top of that was her purple overcoat with black velvet leaves scattered all over it besides the black collar. Next was her makeup, black shadow with black eyeliner and lipstick; the shade a dark shade of purple.
Finally finishing getting dressed, she grabbed her bag and threw it over her shoulder. It was time to pick up the little girl. Heading down the hallway towards the stairs. A scent hit her nose she hadn't smelt in a long time. The sound of her heels stopped at the top of the stairs. “Alastair…” She whispered aloud before straightening her shoulders, and heading down.
Her posture was perfect as she reached the bottom of the stairs. She didn’t look at Caler who was sitting at the bar once more. His eyes did come up to look her up and down.
There he was, her brother, sitting by the lit fireplace. He didn’t move to look at her as she made her way towards him. Victoria was silent as she took her seat in the opposite chair and dropped her bag beside her. “It's been too long, brother.” She said as her eyes moved to meet his.
It had been centuries since she had seen him. He seemed to aged a bit more since the last time she saw him. He looked as if he was in his forties, while she stayed around her thirties. “You grew your beard out? It suits you.” She smiled at him this time. For a moment she didn’t think he would, but he surprised her. Like he always did.