Continuing down the finely packed gravel road on an elevated slope from the village, it curved occasionally in the shape of a serpent until straightening out the rest of the way. Tall five foot cobblestone pillars lined the road, with large iron braziers placed atop. There was a 12 foot gap between each, and along the stretch, were small pillar markers. They were rough cut with runic symbols chiseled into the stone, highlighted by a faded red pigment. What they represented, who could guess, but they were ancient Viking. The pillars that held the braziers either marked miles or were just for decorative purposes, but it was obvious to anyone smart enough to know, they were used to illuminate the road at night. Open landscaping made the presence with tall trees scattered in clusters in the distance, admirable. This island was just so indescribable.
Lady D, looking through her window, spotted small clusters of rocks that once passing by, revealed ruins of a wall that once stood.
Suddenly, the Jeep came to a slow stop.
“Bobby, what’s wrong?” my eyes grew wide, as I let out a soft gasp, “Mommy, look!” I tapped her arm, pointing ahead through the dashboard window, watching as four men herded Stallions, Friesians and Clydesdales across the road, after roaming the island, “Oh my god, they’re gorgeous!” I looked at my mom who smiled widely, watching as their long manes blew in the wind as they galloped freely.
We were in complete awe, our fear slowly subsided. Glancing at the sky, Ravens flew in a thick flock returning to the perch wherever they may have been on the island.
Moving the Jeep forward once more, Bobby announced over his shoulder that they were reaching the heart of the island, so the women were to keep their attention focused forward, it wasn’t something they wanted to miss. Gesturing ahead, the Isle’s housing community of around fifty homes, each distinct in size and structure, lining both sides of the road, were separated by fences. They were beautiful, each sitting on a quarter acre of land with individual walkways connecting them to the road in a tree-like pattern.
The homeowners emerged, watching as the Jeep passed.
At the last house on the right toward the end, stood a dark aurburn-haired woman with a tall young man with bright red hair, and two smaller boys, standing next to her.
The drive seemed to never end, until another fog appeared. It began engulfing the Jeep, as if examining the vehicle and the passengers inside. It crept through the gaps in the windows for fresh air, eerily squirming around as it was alive, having a mind of its own. Enveloping the driver and his passengers, each felt something different.
Closing my eyes, feeling something far more intense within the fog’s natural existence, it was magic more powerful than anything I have ever sensed or encountered. Every nerve in my body stung like thousands of needles and pins, as the fog quickened its pace.
Lady D remained silent, holding out her hands, watching as it encircled her fingers. She felt a tickle run down her spine but smiled, admiring the magic. She glanced at her daughter, then behind their seats toward her wolf, studying the fog’s reaction to them.
I moaned, feeling nauseous, knowing somehow it detected my half-demon blood, then heard Zanzabarr’s deep growls as he tried snapping his jaws through the muzzle.
Suddenly, the unsettling sensation ended when the fog was sucked out of the Jeep, beginning to thin itself out, as it was put in reverse through the windows.
“What the f*ck was that?!” I groaned, holding onto the seats.
“That, dear girl, was magic of the purest kind. It scanned you, as a precautionary measure the Master put in place for all who venture onto the island.” Bobby answered, “Relax, it will do no harm to you, unless provoked. And yes, before either of you ask, it is the same magic that surrounds the island.”
I didn’t say anything more to that, because he was right. I sat back, reaching for my bottle of water. Taking a long sip, it was then I glanced ahead, dropping the bottle. Thankfully the cap was snapped closed before it hit the floor.
“Yza, sweetheart, what’s the matter?” Lady D worried.
Saying nothing, I pointed ahead between the front seats.
Lady D followed her daughter’s point of direction, and her mouth gaped slightly in wonder as she gazed forward out the windshield, seeing a black slate mass stretching across the land up ahead down the road. It disappeared upward into to the fog, seeming to go on for an eternity. However, the fog that seemed almost alive, parted a clear path and I swear, it was as if we were in Middle Earth, approaching the BLACK GATE OF MORDOR, you know what I’m saying, right?I’m just curious to know if there are orcs waiting behind its walls. I was expecting maybe something more along the lines of a castle wall or something, you know?
The Jeep ceased, and in the silence aside from the engine, the passengers heard metal grinding against stone.
The fog cleared away up ahead, revealing an outer Portcullis gate forged from solid iron, melded in a lattice pattern, each bar was connected by large, heavy iron rivets and bolts.
“JUST GREAT, MORE IRON.” I thought, closing my eyes, “KILL ME ALREADY, WHY DON’T YOU.” I opened my eyes, looking at Bobby, who tightened his grip on the wheel, feeling the effect of the iron himself because this was stronger than the iron sheets that plated his Sedan, “Are you okay?” I inquired softly.
“We’re al-almost there.” his voice stuttered, catching her gaze.
Noticing the glances between the older Englishman and her daughter, Lady D placed her arm around her shoulders in a comforting gesture, then reached out her left hand, offering a gentle squeeze to the man’s shoulder.
In her gentle touch, I sensed her fear in her trembling hands.
Entering through the outer gate that faced East, the Jeep had slowly advanced through a passageway-tunnel smoothly cut and carved out. It was wide enough to fit at least two school buses and deep enough from gate-to-gate to park one in front of the other. The fog vanished as the Jeep drove through the outer barricade and approaching the inner barrier, steel doors were pulled open quickly, allowing the vehicle to pass.
Turning in our seats, both my mom and I watched as the doors were pushed closed by two vigorous men, securing it from the inside with a massive metal barrel-bolt that slid in place. Hearing the loud clanking and scraping, they were locked and there was no way anything could break through. However, once the doors were closed, the two men stood in front of them, holding out their glowing hands, sealing them with invisible threads of arcane magic only my dark, wide, half-breed eyes could see.
Glancing upward, it left us breathless as we caught a clear glimpse of the wall’s inner appearance, it was at least 60 feet high, creating an awe-struck reaction mixed with utter fear. I wondered where they could have found so much slate to have built such a structure.
“What is this place?” I mumbled.
“And if everything is fortified with iron, what are they trying to keep out? Or in?” Lady D added bluntly.
“Comforting Mommy, very comforting, but what do you think they’ll do once they find out what I am?” my voice sounded worried telepathically.
“Let’s just take one step at a time.” she gripped her hand.
“Didn’t Billy tell you there were Demons and quite a few of our kind, half-breeds, living here?” Bobby spoke quickly over his shoulder.
“Yes, but…”
“Have no fear, girl. You won’t be judged, and if it makes you feel a wee bit better, there are half-breeds that possess what you have, Pyrokinesis I believe it’s called yes?” he smiled at her reflection in the mirror.
“That’s the problem. It’s not Pyrokinesis.” I leered at him.
Bobby shook his head, continuing to drive across the inner grounds of the estate, following gravel tire tracks that were visible across the bright green, shortly cropped grass. The rain had ceased, becoming nothing less than a mild drizzle and rolling down the front and backseat windows, the cool breeze and lingering scent of rain in the air, was refreshing to the passengers and the large wolf who peeked over the seat, licking through the gaps of his muzzle.
Leaning in on the open frame of the window, both my mom and I were dumbfounded because the estate within the wall couldn’t be measured and scattered figures walked about the grounds, while others gathered in groups practicing their arcane spells, I could see the sparking blasts between them in bright colors. I felt like I was in a WARCRAFT game, all of the sigils and chanting, but this was real, not some fictional world and magic. Practicing defense and offense magic, some were thrown back as their protective barriers and shields had shattered upon impact, I watched with a smile as faint bursts and sparks spat into the air, sensing the magic with every fiber of my being and it was intoxicating.
Lady D smiled, admiring the beauty of the grounds with trees that were scattered about across the estate and buildings she guessed were housing dwellings. Glancing at the clouded sky, she watched as Ravens swarmed before landing somewhere atop the grand wall.
“All right, ladies.” Bobby interrupted their fascination, “We’re finally here.”
“Here?” Lady D’s voice quivered, “And where is that exactly?”
“The manor is just up ahead, you’ll find out soon enough and have all of your questions answered.” he smiled at her, “You’ll have everything you need, and once you’re safe and settled, I can finally get off this bloody island and go home.” he let out a muffled cough, trying to conceal a sigh.
Passing through another elaborate iron gate surrounding the manor ahead, there was a grand rectangular pond greeting you upon entry. It was kept well, and in its center stood what looked like a massive gargoyle statue, looking as if it once was a living creature trapped in stone. Large lily pads and lotus blossoms in full bloom floated along the clean waters. As the Jeep veered closely around the pond, we could see rare Koi fish of different sizes and colors swimming close to the surface, with occasional frogs jumping off of a few of the lily pads, disappearing into the water. On the opposite side of the pond, a man threw food for the fish and frogs. He raised his gaze, watching as the Jeep drove by, offering a brief wave before throwing another handful of food into the water.
The Jeep came to another halt, ceasing completely, as Bobby parked in front of the estate’s manor in a courtyard-like entry.
Reaching for the door, unlocking it and pushing it open, the mid-afternoon daylight shone in my eyes brightly, blinding me momentarily. Blinking quickly, holding my hands against the light, they adjusted. Veering around the Jeep close to the trunk, I opened the other door, helping my mom off her seat. I looked at her, watching as her eyes adjusted to the bright light as well.
Taking in deep breaths, the air smelled so clean and sweet.
Glancing around, huddled close to the Jeep, we turned taking notice we stood in a massive courtyard that was elegantly framed with the black wrought iron fence. Smiling, we turned and looking up we were in awe once more of the beauty. An elegant English manor stood tall in its Gothic magnificence, built of gray stone, giving off that bold structure. Creeping halfway up the front were vines of which landscapers, one on each tower, stood on very taller ladders, trimming them away from the grand Cathedral windows gracing all sides of the manor, looking like enormous eyes keeping watch. Both clear and stained glass panels were set in gorgeous patterns, taking in the rays of the afternoon light. The entrance itself, greeted with four narrow steps leading to the front doors of dark Oak double doors with ornamental iron hinges and bracers. There were elaborately crafted door handles in swirled patterns but glancing upward, there was no way I could describe the size of this manor, I didn’t think there’s a known measurement this grand. Turning around, in addition to the grounds within the wall and that surrounding it outside, there was Ravenswood, the vast Oak forest which Bobby had explained briefly; there were several clusters that were seen within the wall. Returning our attentions to the manor before us, it appeared two stories high, with an attic of some sort giving off an unnatural shimmer through its dark windows, not including the two towers, giving it that extra menacing height.
As my mom and I turned, glancing back the way we came, this place was massive, the distance between the manor and the inner doors of the wall was at least two, maybe three, football fields. We couldn’t believe any of this, much less the size of this island to have such a village and harbor, and now this grand manor? What else was there that we haven’t seen?
Bobby stood next to the women, taking in the beauty, with his hands clasped behind his back, and a faint grin creeping along the corners of his mouth.
“I forgot just how beautiful this place was.” he proudly stated.
“How long has it been?” Lady D asked, hearing it in his voice that he had once been part of all of this magnificence.
“Many years, dear woman, many years. I left young and I had almost returned but then I realized that I was, uh, needed out there, doing what I do.” he looked at her with a smile, then he turned, casually unpacking their belongings.
Lady D retreated to the backseat, releasing Freya from her carrier, allowing the feline to walk around. She hissed, taking in all the fresh scents and after getting her small paws wet, she swiftly crawled back inside, hiding beneath her blanket. Zanzabarr, too, caught many unfamiliar scents after I had removed his muzzle. Snorting, he whined in between deep, low growls, but stayed close, keeping his tail between his legs and ears perked, listening to all of the sounds around him.
Suddenly, I looked toward the manor, hearing voices arguing inside but paid no attention to the words or how many there were.
Inside, peeking through one of the colored glass panels near the front doors, stood a 25-year old young man, Nathan Brye. He was a pureblood Lycynian, curiously watching the two women that recently arrived. His blue eyes intensely stared, and his perfectly shaped, plucked eyebrows raised. Chewing on a toothpick, leaning against the window, his right hand was tucked in the pocket of his fitted black jeans. Breaking his gaze, hearing a disturbance in the lounge to his right, his sister, Sarah of 20-years in age, and half-breed of Lycynian and mortal, erupted through the lounge’s entryway. Her light blonde, shoulder length hair and blue eyes, gave their sibling-hood away.
Close behind her, was another young man, the pureblood, Jonathan Saxon of 24 years of age. His fiery red hair shone like fire in beams of sunlight shining through the windows. Seeing Nathan standing ahead, he leered at him with big blue eyes that compliments his red hair and faint freckles.
Disliking the Demons’ presence, Nathan turned away.
Deciding she’d prank her brother, Sarah snuck up behind him, quietly tiptoeing behind him and close enough, she jumped on his shoulders, blurting loudly in an English accent,
“Boo, you bloke!”
Nathan didn’t budge, because he heard her steps, seeing her in the corner of his eye.
“Oh, look at that, you got me.” he muttered sarcastically. He looked at his sister with a dull expressions, “I’m surprised.”
Jonathan remained silent, keeping his distance from Nathan.
“Gee.” Sarah frowned, roughly slapping his arm in a sisterly way, “I just wanted to give you a scare, don’t be such a bloody twat.” she put her hands on her slender hips, watching as he turned his gaze, focusing back out the window once more, “What’s so bloody interesting out that window, anyway?”
“Newcomers, looks like. Arrived moments ago.” Nathan let out a deep sigh, then turned away, “And they’re women, just what this bloody island needs are more women. And witches too.” he shook his head.
“Why are you complaining?” Jonathan mocked with an elegant, but mild Australian accent, “I thought you liked pursuing women like an excited dog in heat, but unlike you, I’m going to be sociable and go say hello.” he groaned, eyeing the Lycynian up and down with such dislike.
“Blow me, Saxon.” Nathan growled.
Jonathan raised an eyebrow, growing tempted to use his level 3 demonic ability, crushing the young man from within using Biokinesis. Tightening his fists that were beginning to take on a red hue sigils creating the magic, he was ready.
“Stop it, both of you!” Sarah blurted, interrupting as she stood between them, “Nathan, if you don’t want to greet them fine, but I’m going to. And you…” she turned, leering at Jonathan, “why do you always have to start things with your magic?!”
Jonathan nodded, biting his lower lip.
“It’s good to know it bothers you so much. Perhaps then, you should’ve live here anymore.” he complained in a huff, then turned, approaching the front doors, “Besides, you knew I was a Demon when you chased after me, so what’s changed between then and now?” he held out his arms.
Sarah felt caught between her brother and Jonathan, of whom she crushed on for the longest time, before they began seeing each other off and on. There were far too many complications involved.
“Go.” Nathan urged his sister with a smirk, “I’ll catch you later and you can tell me all about it.” he nudged her forward, then turned, walking away entering the dining hall left of the entry foyer (or right, if you’re entering the manor).
Sarah sighed, watching as he disappeared, then turned.
Laying the luggage at the women’s feet, Bobby watched as they continued studying the manor with awe.“What is this place?” Lady D asked in amazement.
“Heaven, because it definitely isn’t Dracula’s castle.” I smiled.
“And if it is, Dracula has good taste.” Lady D finished.
Looking at her, I laughed.
“This isn’t Heaven, and it’s not Dracula’s castle.” a male voice answered in a Spanish accent.
Turning around, hearing the accent was all too familiar, there he stood, Marxus Castillion and the man I had encountered in Whitehaven’s bookshop, with his hands clasped behind his back. His style of dress was the same, minus the name tag.
“You?!” I exclaimed in surprise.
“Excuse me?” he wondered, looking at her, “Have we met?!”
“Yes, in Whitehaven!” I proclaimed.
“Ladies, this Marxus Castillion.” Bobby proclaimed, “This is the Master of the Isle.” he gestured at the man behind him.
“Master?” I looked at Bobby, then back at Marxus, “So, what’s your answer to my question…Master?” I frowned, for those words sounded weird coming out of my mouth.
Marxus glanced at his feet, as if trying to think of a reply.
I watched as he lowered his hands down to his sides, before clenching them into tight fists then looked into his Hazel eyes as he answered clearly, trying to hide the fact that he was never there.
“Ah, the bookshop. Yes, now I remember. I apologize, but I have been to many places in Whitehaven, it’s just been a long day for me. Truly, I apologize.” he held his right hand over his heart.
“I call that a bullsh*t answer, it’s been a long day for us too!” I stepped toward, taking notice he wasn’t a Demon like the man I encountered before, but an Immortal, “How are you an Immortal, when you were a Demon in the bookshop?!” I took a step back, “Do you have a twin?”
“I beg your pardon?” he straightened his posture.
“You must have a twin!” Lady D announced, standing next to her daughter, “Because I saw you, or him, with my own eyes.”
Raising an eyebrow, Marxus looked at Bobby for answers but the man shrugged, turning away, reaching into the front seat for something. Clearing his throat, Marxus spoke in a blunt, but calm, manner, continuing to stare with the shade of his piercing Hazel-brown eyes.
“No, I do not have a twin, and since you’re a half-breed, you more than those standing present here, should know there are Demons that shape-shift. Perhaps it was all a trick.”
“Right, sure. A random Demon just so happened to want to look like you just for the sake of causing trouble.” I squinted, then felt Zanzabarr tug on his leash.
“Look, Mr. Castillion.” Lady D proclaimed, “I saw you there too, or more likely the impersonation of you, so if you are calling my daughter a liar, that wouldn’t be very polite.” she affirmed, “Now, please tell us, what is this place?” her eyes glanced at Bobby, “I thought we were being taken to some sort of a housing community, not an island, and definitely not one that’s so extravagant. I don’t think we can afford this.” she shifted her balance, needing to sit, “Now, may I use your restroom?”
Studying the woman, Marxus seemed disgruntled.
“Ah, another magical practitioner.”
“Witch.” Lady D argued.
“Whatever.” he intensely stared into her eyes, sending a chill down her spine, “And yes, you may use the restroom, but allow me to answer your questions first?” he received reluctant nods in reply, “This is Ravenstone Manor on the Isla de Castillón.” Marxus revealed proudly, “Or for English speaking individuals, Isle of Castillion. And there is no need for finances, you will be well cared for.” he studied the women.
“Because that says so much.” I remarked sarcastically.
“Yzavela!” Lady D scolded, turning to her daughter, “That is enough now, ENOUGH!”
“What!?” I objected, “Marxus doesn’t say a whole lot, does it?! And come on, what does WELL CARED FOR even mean?!” I waited for her answer, but she remained silent as she too, had a moment to wonder, “That’s what I thought so don’t judge me for being cautious!”
Both Bobby and Lady D watched as a flame danced in her dark eyes, even through her glasses, brought to light by the stress, anxiety and her natural Latina temperament that was fiery on its own. Approaching her, Lady D gently placed her hand on her shoulder, alerting her that she stood in steam, ready to reveal her Aura which wouldn’t have been the best first impression. It started with the eyes, then the steam, and what followed after that, was a disaster waiting to happen.
I might’ve been half-Demon, but unlike other Demons and Shayds practicing Pyrokinesis, manipulating and creating fire with their mind, I’m more than that because I found out that Demons and Shayds who are Pyrokinetic, can’t withstand being in fire without being burned. If you’ve noticed, those that practice Pyrokinesis, never really touch the flames, just manipulate it within inches of their hands. I can touch it, use it, create it without any living flame. Glancing at my feet, I closed my eyes, breathing deeply, trying to control it.
Zanzabarr, sitting beside her, looked at her attentively. He stood, nudging her hands with his wet nose, offering a moment of his support and comfort.
Marxus stared at her then glanced in Bobby’s direction; the man shook his head, before breaking his gaze. Before Marxus could respond, the front doors swung open behind him, loudly creaking from the force. Gazing over his shoulder, he grinned faintly watching as a fiery red haired young man and a blonde young woman walked toward him, with large smiles in a friendly greeting. They stood alongside him, continuing to blend in with the style of dress with their steampunk attire.
“Perfect timing.” Marxus declared, wanting the unpleasant and unprepared encounter with the women, to end, “Ladies, this is Sarah Brye and Jonathan Saxon, two of the Isle’s long time residents.” he gestured at the young man and woman.
Opening my eyes, hearing Marxus’ declaration, I looked.
Sarah stood an inch taller than me, she was 5’3 and pretty, with a round face and big blue eyes. Her wide smile revealed a bubbly personality as she released a slight giggle after a quick wave. Her attire, however, was on the tomboy side but she wore her blonde, wavy hair, braided up the right side while the rest hung down the left side. The somewhat touch of feminine earrings finished her look.
Jonathan was adorable, standing a little below 6 foot, but he looked taller because of his medium build. His fiery red hair with highlights of gold, framed his face perfectly, styled over his shirt collar with parted bangs, and layered over the tips of his ears. There was something charismatic in his big blue eyes, even alluring and charming. And from the magic that surged throug his veins, he was a pureblood Demon, but of what rank, was unknown until the question was addressed.
“Hi.” Sarah greeted, “You’re the newbies, huh?”
“Welcome to the Isle, and to Ravenstone Manor.” Jonathan added, flashing a wide grin that lit up his whole face.
“Thank you.” Lady D replied.
Jonathan smiled, nodding in reply.
“Yes, thank you for the welcome, but I swear if someone mention Ravenstone Manor or the Isle one more time, I’m going to steam.” I complained sarcastically, then caught myself with a cough, “I meant scream, I’m going to scream.” I looked at my mom.
“Feisty half-breed.” Jonathan commented, sensing her nature quickly.
“You have no idea and I’m sorry for the outbursts.” I sighed.
Marxus said nothing. Clapping his hands together, breaking up the moment that grew a little tiresome, he announced.
“Let’s get you to your rooms that are waiting for you.” he stared at Lady D, “Each with their own private restroom.” he grinned, then broke his gaze after she looked away, feeling a bit embarrassed, “Jonathan, would you mind making a call to the garage, and have one of the shuttles take them to their dwelling?”
“Sure.” Jonathan nodded, then turned away, removing a radio from his pocket. Making a call that lasted only a few seconds, he turned, alerting Marxus that the shuttle would arrive in a few minutes.
Marxus nodded, then stepped aside with Bobby, while Sarah and Jonathan stepped off the steps, offering to help carry the luggage, but when reaching out their hands, Zanzabarr had lashed out, slathering his jaws, warning them not to venture any closer. Jumping back in surprise and cautious, Marxus turned, raising his eyebrows, seeing the wolf’s deadly and extremely protective nature. Knowing and encountering all sorts of familiars during his time, he was most impressive. He turned, looking at Bobby.
“Oh yes, Sir…” the man nodded, “he’s quite magnificent.”
“Magnificent isn’t the word I would use, but interesting.” the Immortal moaned, “Wolves are extinct, did she say how she came to having one?” he studied Bobby’s older face.
“No. I tried, but despite all of her chatter and sarcasm, she is protective of him, and kept tight-lipped on the subject. By the way, here’s the folder you asked for.” he turned over the dark brown leather folder that he retrieved from the front seat.
“Thank you.” Marxus tucked it under his arm, then watched.
“Whoa, easy, boy.” Jonathan backed away, holding his hands up, “Easy there, mate.” he stared into the wolf’s yellow eyes, and attempted communicating with the beast but as he continued eye contact, it only riled him up more, “Hmm…” he groaned, “WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL IS THAT, IF I COULDN’T COMMUNICATE WITH HIM?” he wondered.
“Zanzabarr, stop it!” I ordered, grabbing onto his harness, pulling him back, “No!” I tapped his nose then glanced toward Jonathan and Sarah, “I’m sorry, he’s just very protective. I’ve never seen him like this, but I think coming to this place where there are Demons or whatever else living here, is setting him off.” I petted him between the ears then reached out, entering Jonathan’s mind with my own,“And by the way, he’s a wolf, there have been other Demons that have tried to communicate with him but they’ve never been able to. Except me, so since you’re a pureblood, no disrespect, I wouldn’t try it again since I hear Demons and Shayds, purebloods and yes, half-breeds alike, aren’t immune to a wolf’s bite.” I grinned, then watched as his blue eyes grew wide, “Yeah?” I finished. Receiving a nod of understanding, I nodded, “Thank you.” I muttered, then continued verbally, “Anyway, I’m Yzavela but you can call me Yza, and this is my mom Lady D, and that’s her cat, Freya.” I looked down at the carrier.
Marxus remained silent, watching how the scene played out.
“Hey there, little Freya.” Jonathan knelt down, softly talking to her, but received hisses in reply, “Wow, it’s just not my day today.” he chuckled.
“Oh please.” Sarah rolled her eyes, then turned, hearing the front doors open, where another figured emerged, “Oh boy.” she complained, “Here we go.” she looked at Jonathan who stood, knowing the reputation of the man that exited the tall manor.
Drawing everyone’s attention to the doors, a 30-year old man with dark brown hair, warm eyes and handsome features, stood on the step near the door. At least 6 foot tall with a muscular build, he slowly approached the group gathered in straight, masculine strides. A trimmed goatee went well with his carved features, kept groomed just around his chin, not up the jawline or down the neck, with a groomed mustache above his upper lip. His bold leather pants fitted perfectly, his white shirt was tucked in and left open at the collar, and a chain hung around his neck with a cross dangling from it. He had his sleeves rolled up, showing off pewter bracelets and leather cuff watch.
Scanning the women up and down, he then glanced toward Marxus, speaking in Italian, words no one present could understand with a charming smile.
“Vedo che abbiamo nuovi resident.”
“Perfect timing Anthony.” Marxus greeted, “And yes, they’re the island’s new residents.”
Anthony smiled, returning his gaze upon the women. He laid out his Italian charm all the way, taking steps toward them.
Listening as he spoke, continuing his Italian string of words, his charm was working because both my mom and I could and would listen to him all day long! Mmm, he was definitely a Latin-lover type!
“Benvenuti all’Isola e al maniero di Ravenstone. Spero che ti piaccia ciò che questo posto ha da offrire.” he greeted them, welcoming them to the Isle and Ravenstone Manor, hoping they would enjoy what the island had to offer.
“Does that include him?” I teased telepathically, looking at my mom, because even though he spoke in his sexy Italian tongue, his mind spoke English first.
Lady D cleared her throat, then turned to the man, returning the greeting, remembering a few words she recalled from her time in Italy as a child.
“Speak English, man.” Jonathan barked impatiently.
Anthony looked at him, wondering why he had to be spoken to that way, he had never done anything to him to receive such dislike.
“Enough!” Marxus commanded, “But he’s right, Anthony. Do speak English, not everyone speaks your tongue, so don’t expect them to understand it. No matter…” he sighed, “how charming you might think it can be.” he shook his head.
Anthony was your typical tall, dark, and handsome type. He carried himself with strong posture and elegant demeanor, and presented a very flirtatious way about him.
Both my mom and I found it charming as we shared feminine smiles of flattery and admiration of God’s creation, the man! I’m sure though, if they could be heard, our rapid heartbeats would be a giveaway to our attraction to him.
“Wow!” my voice entered my mom’s mind.
“Exactly.” she replied, feeling flustered, then shifted her feet, still needing to find that restroom!
Suddenly, a shuttle pulled through the gate surrounding the manor, parking alongside the Jeep Bobby had driven.
“Look at that, everything is falling into place nicely and in perfect timing too.” Marxus declared, “Come ladies, rooms H4 and H19 are waiting for you at the designated dwelling.” he approached, “Anthony, would you mind driving them, making sure they’re settled in?” he received a nod in reply, “Excellent, thank you. Besides, I think Lady D still needs to use the restroom, yes?” he made eye contact with Lady D.
“ANNOUNCE IT TO THE WORLD, WHY DON’T YOU?” she thought, as her face turned a bright red.
I chuckled, catching her thought, as did Jonathan, who just couldn’t help but hone in, as he wanted to read the women.
Anthony smiled, then walked around the shuttle, opening the trunk for the women’s luggage.
I inconspicuously bit my lower lip, because oh was the view from the back so very good and appealing. Leaning in close to my mom, I looked at her as she admired Anthony’s muscular form that was accentuated by his leather pants. She was born loving men, having two husbands, and will die loving men. I too, couldn’t help but admire his form, because men were made to look at and appreciate!
“Hey, Mommy…you’ve got a little drool, hanging from your mouth there.” I teased, gently tapping her cheek.
“Oh, stop it!” she answered, slapping her hand away, “I might be older, but I’m not dead yet!” her words sharply stabbed her daughter’s mind, “And I certainly don’t see you looking away!”
“Hell no, I’m going to enjoy.” I joked.
Anthony turned to the women with another gorgeous smile, reaching for their luggage that he lifted with such ease as if they weighed nothing. He avoided the wolf that attempted to lunge forward but once he tucked the trunk inside, he guided the women to the shuttle that was more like a VW van that had been modified to fit in with the era. It was cute with its sleek black body paint, gold detailing and light cream leather upholstery on the interior.
As Lady D slid Freya’s carrier onto the seat, she watched as Zanzabarr grew nervous around the presences and no matter how much her daughter tried calming him down, nothing had worked.
Pulling tightly on his collar, kneeling in front of him, staring into his yellow eyes, I firmly spoke to him, ignoring those I knew stood by watching.
“You listen to me, Zanzabarr. I don’t know what’s up your a** but you get in the van and you get in there now, do you understand me?!” I continued staring deeply, knowing he saw the flicker of flame dancing in my dark eyes. I watched as he lowered his head, whining softly, in a moment of submission, “That’s my good boy, but here…” I quickly muzzled his nose, “sorry, but we don’t need you biting anyone, or anything off.” I whispered, then leaned inside the van, handing my mom the end of his leash, “Come on, inside!” I pushed his butt forward, while my mom pulled the leash and once his tail was inside, I let out a deep huff turning to Bobby behind us, “Thank you, for everything.”
“No need, but you’re welcome.” he smiled, then looked around her shoulder, hearing Lady D call out from the window, also offering her appreciation. Giving her a wave, he nodded, “I do wish you both the best of luck.”
“Thank you.” I nodded, “And good luck on the way home, stay safe and get as far away from the Great City as you can, take your family and go to Paris.” I shared a handshake, then turned to Jonathan and Sarah, “Are you two riding with us?”
“No, I uh, I’ll meet you there.” Jonathan smiled.
“I will.” Sarah accepted, climbing into the front seat.
Marxus signaled Anthony it was time to leave.
“Yza!” Lady D summoned her.
Quickly climbing into the van, Anthony swiftly drove away around the fountain and through the gate, heading around the manor to one of the dwellings on the property.
Jonathan watched as they disappeared around the corner then turned, excusing himself from Marxus and Bobby’s presence.
Watching as the young man disappeared behind the doors, Marxus turned to Bobby, inquiring if they were followed.
“No, Sir. I made sure we weren’t and we have help from the Wraiths and Demons in Penrith.” Bobby revealed, “If anyone dares come through searching for them, you know they will be handled accordingly, and you know how he handles things. It’s not pleasant.” he declared softly.
“Of course he will, and yes, I’m aware.” Marxus groaned, then placing his hand on the man’s shoulder, he offered, “You are more than welcome to stay the rest of the day, if you’d like.”
“As much as I’d love that, I have a family to return to and…” he glanced at the sky, “there’s plenty of time left, so I must get going if I’m to make it back. Besides, I’ve spent enough time around those birds to last me a lifetime so I wish you the best of luck with them, Sir. I really do. They’re chatty and when I mean chatty, once they start runnin’ at the mouth, they don’t bloody shut up.” Bobby complained with somewhat of an underlying humor, “Especially the young one, she is very opinionated. About everything. And then, of course, the uh…” he looked around nervously, “there’s the Boar-wolves. I can’t stand the sound of them screeching outside the wall, I can’t see how you and the Guardians can stand it on a nightly basis.” he shivered, “I’ve never seen them, but I can’t imagine being up there.” he turned, looking toward the wall.
“The Guardians are accustomed to them.” Marxus exhaled a deep, regretful sigh.
“Yes, but just the same, I’d like to return to the mainland.” Bobby nodded affirmatively, wanting to leave the Guardians and Marxus to tend to what they have dealt with for years, or more.
“Well, it’s been a pleasure Robert.” Marxus shook his hand, then stood back watching as Bobby climbed back into the Jeep, driving through the gate and across the estate. Raising his hand toward the Guardians, knowing they could see him from that distance, the inner doors were opened, allowing the Jeep passage through. Lowering his gaze, opening the folder, staring at the documents and photos that had been taken of the women, he frowned then quickly glanced at the sky before turning away, retreating to his study upstairs in the manor.
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