Emperor Vlastimir stands from his throne and steps down the dais. He walks to stand in front of Senator Bartz. He smiles a small menacing smile.
“I’m aware of your loyalty to me and my heirs. I would like you to search for some evidence and for you to provide the intel to me. You know what to do.”
Senator Bartz nods and looks into the Emperor’s Vlastimir eyes.
“I’m at your service, my Emperor. I’m going to follow them and search in their residence. Their betrayal will soon be exposed.”
Emperor Vlastimir smiles. His eyes close halfway, and he nods.
“Excellent.”
Sofia Rose walks down the small hallway in the old apartment complex, holding the bag of Chinese takeout in one hand. Her small black leather purse hangs from her right shoulder, and it’s swaying softly at her waist. She holds the key in her right hand.
Her long black hair swings around her shoulders. The faint light in the hallway shines on the dark purple strands that play peek a boo.
The hallway looks dark and the smell of mildew permeates the air. She looks around, shivering. She moves her right arm forward to slide the key into the door lock.
The sound of the rain softly taps on the windows as autumn starts to display her charms in the Blue Ridge Mountainside in Saint’s Grove, Virginia.
Sofia Rose walks into her small apartment and extends her right leg behind her to close the door. She twists around and drops her purse on the corn blue microfiber sofa. She leans in closer to place her dinner bag on the small dark wood coffee table. She sighs, and turns around to walk over to the door to lock it. She slides the dead bolts into place and locks the door knob, nodding.
Sophia Rose closes her eyes, shakes her head a few times, and extends her arms up in a long stretch. Slowly, she opens her eyes wide and looks out into the falling rain.
“I feel better having all of these locks because you never know. The nightmares are getting stronger and real. I can’t sleep. I’m so tired. It’s like I’ve been running from demons for decades.”
She walks over to the sofa and falls down onto the overstuffed sofa.
“Yes, I’m glad that I splurge on the sofa. I love it. It makes this dark apartment a little homier. I feel so lonely, especially since I don’t make friends. If I do, they disappear as soon as I get close to them. That includes men. They vanish before our relationship gets intimate.”
Sofia Rose frowns and looks out into the night at the full moon, pursing her soft red lips. She crosses her arms and runs her hands up her forearms, closing her eyes.
“It’s so odd, but it’s been like that my entire life. The only good thing is that they never learn that I don’t age, and that I’m immortal. It’s good that they leave because I wouldn’t be able to answer their questions. Auntie Annie never was able to answer my questions. She couldn’t tell me why or what I am. I’m never ill. What’s my reason of being? I can feel the power in my blood. I can feel other beings, but that’s it. Hell, I only know that I have to move every twenty years in case anyone notices.”
She frowns. Her eyes move rapidly below her soft pale eyelids. Her long black lashes rest on her soft flushed cheeks, as she moves her head to the side. Aunt Annie appears in her mind.
Annie’s gentle blue eyes gaze at her, smiling a small smile. She reaches out and strokes her furrowed forehead.
“Sweet one, don’t fret so. You know that I’m here watching over you. Thy heart’s desire is near, and thy destiny will be revealed. Thy shall be brave and strong to fight for thy reign.”
Annie smiles and disappears as Sofia Rose opens her eyes, searching for her. Her long black hair swings around her shoulders, gleaming. She sighs, and reaches for her dinner.
Sofia Rose takes the brown paper bag, opens it, and slides her slim feminine hand inside. She grabs the small white paper box and pulls it out, smiling. She closes her beautiful blue clear eyes, smiles, and inhales deeply.
Sofia Rose leans back into the sofa, moving her slim shapely long legs. She crosses her legs, and holds the box with one hand. She then opens the box, and grabs the plastic fork. She takes a noodle and twirls the fork around. Very slowly she eats her dinner, frowning. Her finely arched brows draw together.
“I don’t know what’s going on with some of the files that contain huge investments. I can’t figure it out. I know that the CEO will be calling soon. I can feel it. I will not run. I don’t have anything to hide. I’ve worked my ass off to achieve the huge profits, but…lately something is going wrong. I can’t fucking believe this because I’ve worked so hard the last years to excel and shine.”
The oil from the noodles glisten on her lower lip as she starts to chew her inner lip. Her clear blue eyes roam rapidly as she gazes out of the window into the dark night.
The beautiful full moon rays showcase the different autumn colors on the trees. The soft raindrops fall onto the leaves, glistening like gems.
Saint’s Grove is aquaintsmall town that is full of paranormal myths and legends.It’s also full of secrets, and friendly people enjoying evening strolls.
The small town square has vintage street lamps that cast a golden beam of light down on the sidewalks. The town center is well-kept and is a favorite meeting place for the townspeople. The seasonal concerts, art fairs, events, and weekly farmers market are anxiously awaited by the Saint’s Grove citizens.
Saint’s Grove’s town square has beautifully groomed grass and sits directly in the middle of town. The locally owned shops and municipal buildings, such as the post office, the bank, and town court border the town square.
The station at the head of the town square is the huge statue of the founder of Saint’s Grove, Peter Saint, who discovered the town in 1701.
