“You’re right. The jail was built to look unsuspecting to the average person. A traditional building would draw fear to visitors and future tourism. Behind the walls of that unsuspecting Victorian Home, the jail houses seventy-two inmates.”
“That’s a lot of prisoners.” I stare into the brick façade.
“Yes, it is. Both men and women are housed here.”
I step away from Cyrus. “You just complimented me, but I’m feeling a little slow at the moment. What is the purpose of showing me this?”
Cyrus smiles. “Not everything you see on the outside matches what’s going on inside.”
I shrug. “I understand.”
“As a vampire, you will meet people and things that will want to be your friend, your lover, or your donor. You can’t always trust what you see on the outside. You have to be able to see the prisoners behind the walls.”
Looking back at the unsuspecting building. “You’re telling me I’m too trusting, aren’t you?”
He scoffs. “Harrison Chamberlin picked you for a reason.”
My feelings are suddenly hurt, and my ego is bruised. “I was…”
“You were young, naïve, and flattered when the unsuspecting man made you his priority.” His lesson slaps me in the face. The facade that Harrison showed the world was the building we’re standing in front of. What he did to me is what’s living inside.
“How do I know?” I whisper my question.
“You just have to know.”
I look up, annoyed at his answer. “That’s not helpful.”
“Touch my cheek, Violet.” I sigh before lifting my hand to his face. “Close your eyes, and tell me what you feel.”
Following directions, I stand perfectly still, not moving, not breathing, just feeling. A rush of energy flows through me, literallyslapping me in the chest. The energy feels safe, trustworthy, and calm. I open my eyes.
“What did you feel?”
“You,” I answer.
“And how did I feel?”
I shift awkwardly from foot to foot. “Safe,” I whisper.
“Good.” He smiles, showing a mouth full of straight white teeth. “Test over.”
“I already knew I could trust you.”
“No, you didn’t. You came with me because you had no choice. I purchased you. You are my property. I didn’t give you the option of staying.” His words hurt. I realize I’ve allowed myself to think of him as a friend, not an owner. When did that happen?
Taking a step backward, I gather my thoughts. “Thank you, Cyrus. That was a helpful lesson.”
He stares at me, questioning my words. “Your energy shifted.”
“I’m fine,” I argue. Without prompt, I wrap my arm through his and lead him away from the jail. “I’m rather hungry.”
“Then we shall feed you, my dear.” We walk in silence back to the colonial-style home. Cyrus stops before entering the garden door. The warmth I’ve felt from him is replaced by something cold, something much darker. He closes his eyes before turning toward me. “What do you feel, Violet?”
“What do you mean?”
“The house.” He nods toward the structure. “What do you feel inside?”
I close my eyes, concentrating on the energy from inside. I take a needless breath, relaxing my body. I feel it in an instant. Opening my eyes, I stare into his. “Vampire,” I breathe.
