She rose and got herself a drink of water, sitting at the tiny kitchen table, her mind racing.There was so much to think about that she couldn’t focus on anything.It might have been five minutes or hours, but eventually she knew she needed to get dressed.Chester would arrive soon to drive her to the funeral home.After showering, she slipped on the only somber piece of clothing she owned, which was a deep purple crushed-velvet dress.It looked like something to wear at a Renaissance fair, and after that day she never wanted to wear it again.It would be too harsh a reminder.
The thought of food made her want to vomit.Even water settled in her stomach like a heavy stone.By the time Chester arrived, all she wanted to do was crawl back in bed and forget about the day.Clutching a box of tissues, she locked up behind her before walking to the car.
“Hello, Miss Adalyn,” Chester greeted.
“Hello,” she said softly.“Thank you for picking me up.”
“Of course,” he replied.“I’ll be here for however long you need me.”
She tried to smile but failed.Instead, Chester opened the door and she slid into the passenger side.The back door opened and another male vampire settled.She half-turned in her seat and tilted her head.
“Are you the man Lord Huntley sent?”she asked.
“I am, Miss Adalyn.My name is Brennen.”
She stuck her hand out.“Nice to meet you.”
He looked at her hand in surprise and then shook it.
Moments later, they were on their way to the funeral home.The ride was a blur as her mind kept flashing back to that horrible night, unable to move past it.Things she could’ve done differently.Said things that convinced Marilisa to leave with her.If only she had another chance to do that day over.
All too soon, they arrived.Adalyn stared at the funeral home, not wanting to go inside.She didn’t want to see Marilisa’s still body, but knew she had to gather herself and be brave.Brennen exited the car and opened her door, holding out his hand for her to take.He helped her out of the car and then placed his hand on her lower back to escort her inside.The undertaker from yesterday greeted her with a soft, understanding smile and led her to one of the viewing rooms.Marilisa’s name was on a large placard propped up on an easel, and when she stepped inside, the first thing she saw was everyone from the chateau in attendance.
Lionel.Mrs.Brenda.Amy, Jessie, even the maid whose name she didn’t know.They all came to support her.Tears of gratitude welled up in her eyes, and she tried smiling through them.Just having them here eased some of the pain in her heart.
Then the open casket grabbed her attention.Dread filled her and she wanted to run away.Deny this.Hide her head in the sand.Brennen’s hand nudged her, and with his help she slowly made her way to the beautiful oak and metal coffin.
There she was, looking like she was asleep.The laugh lines around her eyes crinkled, as if she’d just found something amusing.A slight blush stained her cheeks.Hands folded demurely over her stomach.Nothing could hurt her now.Not life, not death, and not the cancer that had been eating away at the tissue it infected.She was at peace.She was safe.
Adalyn touched her unnaturally stiff hand.“Rest now.You were my best friend, and I will miss you terribly.”
She turned to the guests, beyond moved that they would come to a funeral of a woman they’d never met.
“We’re sorry for your loss,” Lionel said.
“Thank you so much for coming.I ...I didn’t expect this.”
Mrs.Brenda walked up and hugged her.“We wanted to support you.”
There was no end to her tears, but somehow, she managed to keep it together through the viewing.When the time came, pallbearers lowered and sealed the lid.Then they lifted the casket and took it out the side door to a white hearse.
“Where will she be buried?”Adalyn asked, looking at Lionel.
“Lord Huntley arranged for her to be placed in his family crypt.”
“What?But ...that makes no sense.He never knew her.She’s not his family.”
“She was family to you, so therefore, important to him.”
The conversation from last night rolled through Adalyn’s mind.“He, uh, asked me to be his thrall.”
“I know,” he replied.“He told me.”
“I don’t know what to say to him.”
Lionel tilted his head.“Do you want to be with him?”
“I...”
