perfecting our home. Every guest room is a reflection of our philosophy of living.”
Danika smiled. “I still change things up, once in a while. So far, I’m happy with the styles we’ve managed to accomplish.”
“You are personally involved in the decorations, then,” I concluded, and the lady supreme nodded in return.
“Along with a team of artists and craftsmen, of course,” she replied. “I like to heed their advice, but sometimes I’m also a bit hard-headed. The end results have yet to disappoint, so I reckon I’ve done something good.”
“You most certainly have, Your Grace,” Sofia said. “And the gardens are equally breathtaking.”
“That would be the lord supreme’s doing.” Kalon chuckled, pulling a crystal glass closer to my side of the table. Acheron grinned.
“I am an aspiring gardener, at best. I enjoy the tranquility of nature, so I make sure we have as much of it beneath our windows as possible,” he said, watching as Kalon poured blood into my glass. It was a thick liquid, crimson red, with an irresistible scent. My mouth was practically watering, already.
“Try this one first,” Kalon said, glancing at me. “It’s Rimian, with a hint of hot spices.”
“New menu,” Danika clarified. “We always taste new varieties before we allow them to be served at our dinners, especially with new and special guests such as yourselves.”
The servants mobilized, coming closer to the table and pouring different bloods in multiple crystal glasses, from which we could easily choose. I was still staring at my glass, my tongue increasingly restless as it yearned for a taste. I could certainly understand why the Aeternae had chosen to consume the blood of humanoids like the Rimians and the Naloreans. Much like the earthlings’, it was bound to be delicious and far more nourishing than what we got out of animals.
Briefly glancing at Tristan, I braced myself for the tasting. I knew I’d love every drop, as my senses were already on high alert, preparing my body for the reward ahead. I took my glass and brought it to my lips, feeling Kalon’s gaze drilling into me. The first sip was like dipping my toes into a warm ocean of golden sunshine.
It was sublime. The taste lingered in my mouth for what felt like an eternity. I could almost feel the donor’s emotions coursing through me. I wondered if I’d experience more, if I drank the whole glass in one go. I took a chance and did not regret it. An avalanche of aromas paralyzed my tongue, my own blood rushing as I closed my eyes and allowed the experience to take a firm hold over me.
In that sweet and spicy darkness, I caught snippets of a past, enhanced reality. Sunshine through a window, bathing me in warmth when I was only a child. The smell of the forest after a summer rain. The sound of a musical instrument playing somewhere behind me. The feel of soft linen against my skin, the hard ground beneath my bare feet as I climbed up a redwood tree. I wasn’t myself anymore. For a few fleeting seconds, I was a child again. I ran along the sharp edges of a stony ridge, the ocean breeze combing through my hair…
“Esme.” My brother’s voice brought me back.
As soon as I opened my eyes, I realized I wasn’t the only one who’d been transported to another realm, baffled by my own experience. Tristan’s eyes were so big, they were bound to pop out of their sockets soon. Derek was speechless, and Sofia’s breathing was ragged and excited. Amal and Nethissis watched us with genuine curiosity, fascinated by whatever behavior we’d probably exhibited without even realizing it.
“Hmm. I think you like this blood type almost as much as I do,” Kalon said, his voice low and raspy. His cold blue eyes had darkened, and storms were gathering around the enhanced pupils. I could see a reflection of myself in them, my lips parted and my cheeks pink.
“What… What did we just experience?” I asked, barely hearing myself as I came down from something akin to a sweet, sweet dream.
“A Rimian’s blood,” Acheron said, obviously satisfied by the effect that the blood had had on us. Danika was smiling, as well, while Valaine watched us with a mixture of amusement and concern. I couldn’t even read Kalon’s expression, but I knew I couldn’t get enough of it. “It’s a powerful thing, and certainly a favorite among the Aeternae.”
“I could… I could see through my own, younger eyes,” I said,