A Violet Fire (Vampires in Avignon #1) - Kelsey Quick Page 0,25

be pitch black. A few corridors under our belts, and we emerge to a grandeur ballroom. The beautiful space, with seemingly no end to its height, is illuminated by the moon—soft, second-hand rays trickling in from tall paneled windows along the far wall. Many vampires, servants I gather, hurry about looking rather flushed, and spare only a moment to stare at us before resuming their affairs. In the center of the grand hall are two spiral staircases, each intertwining around one another, and reaching about five flights into the ceiling.

“This is the most direct route for us to take to Lord Anton Zein’s chambers.” Emi pipes up with a smile. “This route was designed for the supply units specifically so that our lord wouldn’t have to wait too long for his meals.”

Nothing can hide the disgust from my face, and Savvy notices.

“Heaven forbid he waits two whole seconds.” She nudges me, letting the words fall off her tongue uneasily. I laugh out loud by accident, relishing the rare moment of spunk from Sav.

Anaya’s eyes dart sideways to catch mine and I straighten. Her glare lasts long enough to warrant perturbed glances by the other supply units, forcing me look down at my feet. She resumes the tour, stating, “Normally we would take you up the staircases, but given that our noble lord is most likely entering the castle as we speak, we will head toward the seraglio. These twin-cases will be your most important destination, so forgetting their location, regardless of how often you are summoned, is inexcusable. If nothing else sinks in, at least remember this path.”

She makes a sharp turn back, cutting through our entire group with rough nudges from her shoulders. I manage to jerk back in time, which gathers me a particularly venomous scowl from her. It takes everything in me to not return the gesture.

Great, another Mettingskew.

Silence lingers across Savvy and me for a few moments as we let the atmosphere soak up the tension caused by Anaya, until Katarii draws in her breath.

“...Maybe she’s upset that she has a huge stick in her butt?” Katarii blurts, and the three of us erupt into laughter. Thank goodness Anaya is so far ahead, or we would have received an even testier glare.

We continue the trek through the maze of corridors and hallways, but I’m paying attention to everything. From the gold-encased scrolls that the scribes carry along the passages to the key rings dangling on the maid carts. They might be useful later.

After the three of us fall silent, the waist of my dress is tugged, and I look back to see Emi.

“Don’t worry about Anaya,” the petite woman reassures quietly. “She’s the head of the seraglio, and also our lord’s personal favorite. So, she starts off particularly territorial when new units arrive.”

Personal favorite?

“...Oh,” I reply, kind of saddened that Nightingale politics exist here, too. “That makes sense. Thanks.”

“Of course.” She smiles warmly, quickly adding, “Lord Zein should be home any minute now. All of the servants look so antsy. It would be good if we kept up.”

She pats my arm before rushing to catch Anaya and I consider the possibility that Emi might be a nice supply unit. I wonder if she’s like Savvy? Naturally warm-hearted and compassionate.

“...Sounds like it’s Lord Zein’s stick that she has stuck up her butt, then.” Katarii’s voice interrupts my thoughts as she corrects her previous statement, and I can’t help but snort. My view of Katarii is also changing—gradually lightening the more the real her surfaces.

Savvy’s eyes widen. “I suppose being Lord Anton Zein’s favorite requires an attitude?”

“Then the three of us have a good chance.” I casually retort and it surprises me. I never usually feel comfortable enough to be myself.

It takes a while before one especially long corridor starts into a decline, growing more and more steep until it almost becomes impossible for the rest of us to stand without sliding downward. Anaya and Emi, however, are seasoned professionals. We make it to a spacious landing, much to my relief, while Anaya turns and informs us.

“Ahead are the Seraglio Chambers. As soon as you enter you will be tagged with your respective numbers and summoning devices. These are essential for you to gain entrance.” She pauses to glance over us. “Afterward we will go over the rules and expectations of each supply unit, specific to Lord Anton Zein’s preferences. So, stay close and keep to the left.”

I follow behind the others as they all descend into darkness.