Two for tragedy. Volume 2

Grayson got up from the bed and held out his hand to me, smiling pleasantly.

I put mine into the vampire's palm, and we left the room and headed forward down the long corridor. I was so nervous-the unknown terrified me: Grayson was a great actor, and his words about needing to talk could mean anything.

Finally, the vampire led me to the end of the corridor, opened the door of the room in front of me, pushed me in, walked in, and closed the door behind him. Grayson walked over to the window.

– Amazing day, isn't it? A storm of emotions! – he said cheerfully, looking out the window. – Come to me.

I immediately obeyed his order.

– Do you want to talk about it? – I asked incredulously, standing next to him.

Grayson looked at me. His face was terribly stern.

– Of course not, silly. – He grabbed my hair and pulled me to him, forcing me to look into his face. – So what did you promise? – He asked sternly.

I dazedly grabbed his hand he used to pull my hair.

– You're hurting me! – I shouted.

Tears streamed from my eyes: he was hurting me so badly that I thought I could feel the skin on my head tearing.

– What did you promise me? – he repeated, raising his voice.

My mind began to frantically recall what this sadistic man had asked me to do, and what I could promise him.

– I promised to… Clean the scratches?" I asked uncertainly, hoping that was what he wanted me to say.

– Did you do it?

– I didn't have time…" A cry of pain escaped my throat as the vampire yanked my hair so hard I felt like he'd ripped half of it out.

– You didn't. That's a shame. Too bad, Viper, too bad!

– I'll do it right now! – I begged.

– You disappointed me. I gave you a gift, and you spit in my face! Should we take these girls back to their cosy cells?

– Please, Brandon, no! I'm begging you!

– Stupid girl, you think I'd want you with dirty blood? They could have infected you with something, and I asked you to wash your scratches. – Grayson's deep voice was even scarier than his actions.

– I beg you… I didn't have time… But if you want me to, I'll do it right now....

– Yes, Viper, I do! And let's agree to keep our promises: next time I won't be so kind!

– Yeah, sure! Whatever you say!

The vampire let go of my hair, and I immediately ran my palms through it to make sure he hadn't ripped it out. Luckily, they were still there. But his outburst of anger had really scared me, and now I was terrified that he was going to lock Lourdes and Susan in the cells again.

– Clean your damn scratches! – Grayson ordered me sternly, nodding his head at the table where I could see the medication.

I silently worked on my scratches.

– Carefully! And stop crying!

I clenched my teeth, and finally, after I had thoroughly cleaned my scratches, I looked fearfully at the vampire, not knowing what to do next.

He'd been watching me all this time, and now, taking a bandage and grabbing my arm, he began to bandage the scratched area tightly.

Grayson was so worried about my blood! He was even bandaging my arm with his own hand! How thoughtful he was about what he needed from me-the purity of my blood!

– Have you calmed down? – Grayson asked grimly, finishing his work.

– Yes. I was just scared," I told him quietly.

– I hope you've learnt your lesson.

– Yes. But you're going to let them go, aren't you?

– Unlike you, I always keep my promises," he said, smiling as sweetly as if nothing had happened, as if he hadn't taken his anger out on me.

We headed back to the room where Lourdes and Susan were waiting for us. As soon as we entered, the girls huddled fearfully against the windowsill. I approached them, wanting to reassure them.

– Were you crying? What did he do to you? – Lourdes whispered, and Susan wrinkled her nose at my tear-stained face.

– It's okay, you'll be home soon," I told them, and then turned, in Czech, to Grayson. – Will you let them go now?

– What did you ask? – Susan whispered to me, but I decided not to answer her.

Brandon's words about always keeping his promises cheered me up.

– They swore they wouldn't say anything about you," I reminded the vampire.

– Of course not," he grinned. – But do you really want me to let them go? Do you dislike their company?

– Please, Brandon! Be merciful! – I burst out.

Grayson suddenly smiled broadly.

– Merciful. That's a beautiful word. But if that's what you want, I'll do it. Are you sure you won't regret it?

– Never! – I answered firmly.

– Then please, everybody out! I'll meet you on the porch," Grayson grinned and quickly left the room.

Susan, Lourdes and I quickly followed him.

Suddenly he was gone; all I could see was his shadow slipping down the stairs.

Holding hands, the girls and I stepped out onto the porch.

Grayson stood with his back to us, staring out at the park.

It was raining-it had turned into a torrential downpour, and I couldn't help but think about why the vampire had insisted that the girls leave right now. Yeah, and how are they going to leave? What way was he going to get them into town?

– Viper, come here," I heard Grayson's voice.

I timidly followed his order.

– Beautiful weather, don't you think? – He asked, not turning to look at me or the girls.

– I love the rain, but I think it's better to stay inside and drink hot tea with lemon," I told him honestly. – Brandon, I was thinking… Maybe they could leave later when the rain has passed? Look at this downpour! How will they get to town?

– No, Viper, you wanted me to let them go right away. And that's exactly what I'm going to do now. – The vampire said it in such a tone that I immediately understood the meaning of his phrase: "Don't be clever, otherwise, I won't let them go at all. It's now or never." – You know, Cedric came to visit me once," he said, glaring at me.

– Cedric? Here? – I couldn't believe it.

What could Cedric and this ruthless sadist have in common?

– I see it surprises you, but I'll tell you: he took part in one entertainment, my favourite, and though, no, he left at once. But his brother often indulges in it with me. Do you want to know what?