A Stranger in the Night

The sound of china clattering around startled me out of my sleep. I had slept so deeply and peacefully that I had even momentarily forgotten where I was. As I sat up and rubbed my eyes, allowing them to adjust to the sun's light filtering in through the gap in the long, dark curtains, I noticed a short lady carrying in a platter. She was pretty, had dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and a knee length black dress. She approached the bedside table next to where I sat and placed the tray down gently. "I am sorry Miss Luna", she whispered. "I did not mean to wake you. I believe Master Alex must have been in a rush this morning and dropped some items on his way out. Please forgive my clumsiness, I did not mean to trip and wake you.". I felt bad that she seemed so concerned about waking me up, but I wasn't bothered. "It's ok. Sorry that he left a mess that caused you to trip. I will pick it up in a moment". She giggled. "Miss Luna, you are too sweet, but there is no need to pick it up or apologise for Master Alex. He does it all the time. He knows better though.". She seemed sweet and I liked her. "I have brought you breakfast. Master Alex had advised me of your favourites, so I arranged for the chef to make these for you. I do hope they are ok.". I smiled at her. "I am sure they will be perfect" I replied.

The thought of Alex knowing my favourite foods made me smile and let out a soft sigh. "Sorry, I don't even know your name" realising how rude I had been. "I am Nerine. The Head Maid on the Masters Level. I believe you met Claude already. He runs the entire House, mostly with my help. If there is anything you need, we will be glad to assist you. Also, before I leave, I know Master Alex was not sure of your intentions for today, so shall I be arranging a car to take you home, or do you wish to stay longer?". I had been in such a euphoric state and enjoying myself here, that I had forgotten that Alex had left me here. Left me by myself in a House, well not really a House, more like a castle, without knowing a single person. I felt my anxiety begin to rise, my heart was pounding so hard that I thought it would completely stop at any moment. "Breathe Miss Luna!". Nerine jolted me as she laid her hands down on top of my hands. I had gripped the night dress that tightly, that my nails cut straight through it. Nerine held my hands and the most strangest sensation began to flow from her hands to mine. I noticed a soft blue glow flowing from her hands, slowly creeping up my hand to my arms then over my body. I began to feel a cool sensation and began to feel calm. I don't know what she was doing but my anxiety dissipated and I felt myself slink back into the comfort of the pillows on the bed. "It is ok Miss Luna just relax for a few moments. I will sort out the mess from Master Alex and will attend to you presently.". I laid on the bed, enjoying the serene feeling that had just come over me. I had not felt this peaceful in a long time. Nerine bustled around, picking up some bits of paper and a book before placing them on the desk opposite the bed. She came back over to the bed and sat on the edge of it. "How are you feeling now Miss Luna? I am sorry to make you so anxious. That was not my intention. Please rest assured that whilst you are here, there is no need to fear anything. As Master Alex's guest, you are to be treated with the utmost care and respect. I know my Masters' temper and I highly doubt anyone would risk pushing his buttons, especially in regards to you.". She smiled, placing her hand on top of mine. It was nice to have someone so sweet and so kind taking care of me. "There is no pressure to stay here Miss Luna. If your wish is to return home, then I will make the arrangements, if your wish is to stay a little longer and perhaps wait for Master Alex to return, I would be happy to stay with you and even show you around the House.".

Although my anxiety was nipping at my feet, I decided to stay a little longer. Nerine left me to eat my breakfast before it got cold. They had prepared me some fresh fruit, eggs benedict, fresh coffee and juice. I wasn't used to such a lavish breakfast but was starving and ate everything. I ruffled through the basket that Alex had arranged for me and found a fresh set of clothes, including designer denim jeans and a black flowy top. I grabbed the little toiletries kit and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower and to get dressed. Not long after I was dressed and ready, Nerine arrived back in my room, like it was right on cue for her to be there. "Do you want me to send your clothes from last night to the laundry service dear?". I smiled, not wanting to be a bother, "No thanks. I'll just take them home.". She nodded, smiling at me. "So what what you like to do today Miss Luna? I can escort your around the grounds, I can show you through the House, or if you have something else in mind, I am happy to escort you.". So many options..."I would love to see the rest of the House and the gardens.". A smile came across her face. She was so sweet and caring, I could understand why she was Head Servant. "Perfect. Please let me know when you are ready to go.". I nodded, excited for what awaits. "Ready as I'll ever be".

Nerine was the perfect tour guide. We started with a leisurely stroll through the gardens that surrounded the House. There was a very large and high concrete wall that surrounded the House, with guards scattered all across the perimeter. There was a beautiful courtyard in the front gardens of the house, which was adorned with more roses than I have ever seen in my life. There was also a small fire pit there and a couple of garden seats scattered around. Hidden around the back of the House was a large open plan garden patio, with seating scattered all over the place and some small gazebos scattered around. Nerine explained that they do alot of entertaining throughout the year. We made our way back into the house, Nerine introducing me to some of the other servants as we proceeded. Nerine showed me the banquet hall, the wine cellar, the kitchen and introduced me to the chefs, showed me the servants quarters, which were most luxurious than I could have imagined for servants and then the rest of the Masters level. Again I was warned not to venture out by myself, not only at night time but also during big events. Nerine explained to me that there is another area of the House were the humans live (she didn't like the term bloodbags or pets as she used to be one a long time ago). I was not allowed to go there until she had sought approval from Alex, which left many thoughts to cross my mind. The last place she showed me was the grand library. I was blown away by the sheer size of it. The grand library would have easily been at least 10 times the size of my apartment, and filled with bookcases, full of books from the roof to the floor. There was lots of little nooks and hideaway places, where someone could get lost in books forever. I could get lost forever. If I ever get a chance, I will definitely be spending some time in here.

Nerine and I began making our way back towards Alex's room, when an ear splitting shriek sounded off behind me. "Luna! What the hell are you doing here???". They pounced on me like a lion taking down a gazelle. Once I could see them clearly, I realised it was Jess. "I thought you went home! What the hell are you doing here? You know where you are don't you?????". I nodded at her. "Ummm...Ventrue House...". Her eyes widened at me, she went to open her mouth to begin speaking. "Ahhh here you are Jess, I thought you were going to the kitchen. Oh well, hello Miss Luna. How are you this morning? Have a good night with my brother did you?". Draven winked at me slyly before Jess elbowed him hard in the ribs. "She shouldn't be here Draven. Oh my god Luna, what the hell have you gotten yourself into! And wait...what! Your brother! You didn't tell me Alex was your brother!". It was all too much. I was shocked. Shock at the revelation that Jess was standing here infront of me. Shocked that she was here with Draven and that Draven was Alex's brother! Why did he not tell me that! He said he didn't really know Jess that well, but now I wasn't sure. "Chill out Luna. It's all good. He doesn't really know her in the way you're thinking. He's only seen her at the club, trust me I know. Yes I am his brother, I am the youngest of the 5 brothers. The most handsome and charming one.". Both Jess and I looked at each other before losing it and cracking up in hysterical laughter. "Gosh you girls are mean!" he began pouting. "Sorry...we are only kidding". Jess placed her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. Draven smirked and huffed at her. During all the commotion I forgot about Nerine. She was standing back and watching us, as well as watching the hallways. "Sorry Nerine. I didn't mean to.." she held a hand up to cut me off. "It's ok Miss Luna, but I do believe I need to get you back to Master Alex's room. He shall be returning soon and I know other guests will be arriving soon". I nodded. "Awww Nerine, you always know how to spoil the fun". Draven teased Nerine, leaning against the wall, waiting for a retort from her. "Master Draven, I see you have yet again missed another meeting with your brothers. Master Alex will not let you off lightly I dare presume". Draven laughed loudly, "Presume away. He doesn't scare me.". Brushing her off. "Either way, there are guests arriving soon Master Draven and I know Master Alex would be disappointed if he returned and Miss Luna was out here". Draven seemed to accept that and nodded. He grabbed Jess' hand and looked at me. "I'm sure we will see you later. Either way, if you two want to go home later, I can take you or I can bring Jess to see you later if you are still here Luna". "Okay. Sounds like a good plan to me.". Jess smiled and hugged me before turning and walking away with Draven down a corridor, waving to me quickly as she left. "This way Miss Luna". Nerine wrapped her arm around mine and escorted me to Alex's room.

As the heavy wooden door opened, we were both greeted by Alex pacing the room quickly, a worried look that melted away as he turned and caught the sight of us. In a flash he was infront of us. "Thank God! I was worried that you may have actually left already.". He picked up my hands and squeezed them hard, almost as if he was double checking that I was real and not his imagination playing tricks on him. "Thank you Nerine, for caring for her today.". She nodded before turning and taking her leave, with Alex shutting the door behind her. "What's wrong?". The look on his face seemed far more concerned than just worrying if I had left or not. "It's not important. I'm just glad you're here. How was your day? What did you get up to?". We sat on the lounge and discussed my adventures with Nerine. I told him how beautiful the gardens were and how much I loved the library, which made him smile. He said they were his favourite places too. All of a sudden, as if the wind change, he jumped up off the couch and stood up straight, his eyes turning from emerald green to a glowing red, and what appeared to be steam or smoke starting to escape from his coat. "Why have you been near Draven!".