The Bloodseed: Book I of Gothic Renaissance

By James Peddicord

What if you lived your entire life as a goth, only to find out you really were what you pretended to be, Vampyre. You found that not only your vampyre race came first, but the human world you are such a part of, was established only as a safe haven to protect them from a war torn feeding frenzy.
A unexpected death, a package, and a group of strangers guide Evea to this discovery. She soon learns, if change does not come, her vampyre world will die, but not alone. If one race dies, the other is sure to follow. Now she may be the only being that can save both the human and vampyre races. If she, is of the Royal Order, can out wit the powerful Cult, and discover The Bloodseed legend's secrets.
Take a journey into the three worlds of Evea's life. Just how much would you endure to save two races from extinction.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Peddicord
• Release date: Jul 13, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452452883

Book preview

The Bloodseed

Book One

of

Gothic

Renaissance

James L. Peddicord

Cover Design by

Dee Dee Snook

Edited by

Shirley Heintz

James L. Peddicord at Smashwords

Watch for the Bloodseed in paperback soon.

Copyright 2010 by

James L. Peddicord

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

The copying or reproduction of this book, in whole or part in any form

without prior written permission of the publisher or author

is violation of copyright law.

Please purchase this book electronically, or in printed form and

show your support for the author and art of the written word.

All characters within these pages are creatures of fiction

They are written from the author's imagination.

Any resemblances living, dead, or undead are strictly coincidental.

(If you are undead please contact me soon as possible.

Because that could be a whole other book!)

I dedicate my first book to

Jamie Rene’

Who with love drove me to finish what I started.

Special thanks to Steve Archer and Donna Lynch,

for allowing a few words of their musical talents, to be used within.

Time Line

Written records begin, The 13 Shadowlords

The House of Lilith, Pre- Middia

Establishment of Middia

The Vampyre’s Gift,-Battle for Power - Gargoyle and Succubus

Birth of Faerianna

Warning from one of thirteen

The Legend of the One of Three Worlds

Birth of Crystina

The Fall of Middia

Vampyres hunted escape

Sealing of Middia

The Rise of Gothia

First Governments Established

Gothian Plague

Legend of the Bloodseed

The Establishment of the High Council

First High Teair

Humans Create Cities

The Passage Created

Second High Teair- Sir Garth

Humans Appoint Nations

Passage to New World Sealed

Fenile Discovered

Rise of the Cults

The Guardians Established:

Third High Teair- The Lady Crystina Boudenvech

Evea Born

Birth of Alissa

Fall of the House of Boudenvech

Fourth High Teair: Reigning Proxy- Sarah

A New Stronger House Rises from Disorder

The Passage to Middia Discovered

The Journey

The Return

The Bloodseed

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Prologue

Six dark cloaked figures moved in a blur across the large, well kept-lawn. They stopped in front of two tall black iron gates. Beyond which stood a huge Gothic building. The gates opened and they instantly disappeared through them. In an instant the small group stood in front of a very large wooden door. It opened almost the moment they arrived. See, I told you all was ready and they were expecting us.

Two young men stood at each side of the door, with crossbows. As fur of them proceeded inside, the doors immediately slammed shut. Two of the travelers and the two young men stood outside, vigilantly watching.

The four stood in a large, dimly lit hallway. At the end were two more wood doors. One of the figures stepped forward as they opened and two more approached. One carried a small bundle. The two entering stopped suddenly, dropping to one knee. The one with the bundle outstretched her arms upward, presenting it to the lone figure.

She pushed back the hood of the cloak to reveal her face. Looking inside the bundle for only a moment, she kissed the forehead of the baby within. One of her companions dropped to one knee in front of her and reached to her with both arms. She looked to him, Are you sure you want this task?

An expression of sadness filled his face as tears of blood formed from each eye. I would be honored, my lady.

She reached, handing him the child, and in an instant he was and it were gone.

Chapter 1

Evea stood in the darkness of her room, staring into the reflection of her eyes in the mirror, as if hypnotized. The two wooden swords she held in her hands moved so fast, she could not see them in its reflection. In fact, sometimes, if she stared long enough, it seemed that even her own reflection would fade and disappear, the music thumping in the background being the only thing around her of which she was even the slightest bit aware. Lost once again in the blackness as her own eyes drew her into them, she shut out the entire world as her swords kept pace to the music, unaware that someone had been knocking at her door for the past five minutes.

She was only a few days from being nineteen, and from the time she was six, her parents had gone, with no success, out of their way to dress her in something other then black. She even took the three hundred-dollar, pale blue prom dress they had bought for her and had it dyed black. Her straight coal black hair, never cut, fell far below the back of her knees. Her skin was so pale that her parents took her to the doctor to see if she had some kind of rare illness, and the color of blue in her eyes was in fact so light that they almost appeared clear. When she was young, while the other kids spent their money on candy, she bought sun block, black nail polish, black eye shadow, and black lipstick. Her elementary school had sent her home on three different occasions, because the way she dressed scared the other children. Once in art class she colored around her eyes black with magic marker. It took her mother a month to remove all of it completely. As she got older, her dress became more and more bizarre and erotic. Her parents, hard as they tried, could not change her. So as a last resort, they made a deal with her: the minute her grade average dropped below 90 she would dress like a normal person. They were very optimistic, but as badly as they hoped for it, it never happened.

Her mind was like a sponge, and in a second if she read it, she knew it. Her photographic memory allowed nothing to escape. She would write the wrong answers sometimes intentionally and graduated with a 96.3 average. Nevertheless, the largest back step to her parents came when she started her first real job. Even before she got out of school, she became a DJ fill-in for one of the local gothic industrial clubs.

After finally loosing patience with her, her father proceeded to open her door slowly calling her name, yet she was still unaware that he had even opened the door.

Evea, Evea, his tone grew louder and louder as he entered the room, approaching her slowly as he yelled and reached to tap her on the shoulder.

Her eyes remained locked on her image as the sword in each hand, still moving almost to fast to see as they encircled his head and came to an immediate halt crossed at his throat like a giant pair of scissors. She stood staring into his eyes. Jesus Christ, dad, you almost scared me to death. Are you trying to give me a heart attack? She yelled, as her arms remained poised.

You… He reached up sliding two fingers between the wood blades and his throat allowing just enough passage for air Are you kidding, you have a heart attack? He gasped as he stood trembling, For the sake of love and money Evea, you nearly took off my head. Her father walked towards the stereo, turning it off as he scolded her, You, he continued as he shook his head, You're already dead in this private little freak dream world. I don’t know how you expect me to have any respect for your privacy if you have that jungle noise you call music on so loud the freaks that live across the street come out and dance to it. Shaking his head he continued, If I live to be a hundred years old, I will never understand why you, your brother, and those three idiots, continue to dress and act the way you do. He put his arm around her giving her a hug. All this knowing that all the other people you meet stair and make comments about you. I love and worry about you, doesn’t that bother you in the least bit?

I could care less what other people think. At least you can't say I don't get any attention, She paused for a second turning towards him with a teasing smile. By the way its Goth-Industrial music, pausing for a brief second then continuing, Jungle music is something completely different. I assume there is a purpose for this visit? she inquired as she placed the wooden swords back into a hanger on the wall with five or six other real sets. Besides, they are only wood. She started running a brush through her hair, which had laid on her vanity.

As he walked towards the door he turned, Thank god for that…Christ! You almost made me forget why the hell I even bothered coming up here. If he is still at the door, there is a courier downstairs; I assume he has a letter or package for you. He said he could only deliver it if he puts it in your hand and you sign for it.

She busted past him and through her doorway almost knocking her father down; then bolting down the steps skipping most of them and to the front door. I’m Evea Gaither, she spoke with excitement as she outstretched her hand.

A frown overtook his face. The letter is for an Evea Boudenvech, he replied as he studied the large brown wrapped package.

Evea stood for a moment with a kind of blank expression, Boudenvech? as her mind racing with both excitement and confusion.

She is Evea Boudenvech, her father interjected as he stepped from the last step and again put his arms around her. He rubbed his hands up and down her arms to the shoulder gently to add some comfort to her. Her mother, after opening a fire resistant safe in the hall closet, handed the courier some rather old looking papers. The courier flipped quickly through them and then handed them to her.

I suppose everything is in order, just sign here. He tapped the pen on the screen of the computerized pad he held out to her. As she wrote, her hands trembled and a single tear from her eye fell to the gray screen.

Please be sure to sign the last name as it is addressed. He spoke softly with some concern, trying to add a small amount of comfort as he noticed her expression.

How do I spell Boucheveck, Boulenvec, or whatever? Her voice cracked as she spoke and tried to hide her eyes.

Her mother glanced to the papers, B-O-U-D-E-N-V-E-C-H, she slowly pronounced each letter of her required proper last name.

The young man took back the pad, and handing her the large brown package, he opened the door and disappeared down the walkway.

She walked slowly to the sofa, thinking only about the mysterious package, and sat down carefully opening it. Inside it was a large envelope; it was black with red writing and had a large red wax seal. She broke the seal only to find two more sealed envelopes marked, DO NOT OPEN, and a stack of papers. Removing the small stack of papers, she untied the black ribbon around them as she slowly walked into the living room. Unfolding a very fancy piece of paper, she began to read:

My Dearest Evea,

I know that as you read this, your mind is filled with a thousand questions, all of which will be answered in due time. Within this packet, you will find an encoded DVD in a sealed case, these papers, and another sealed envelope. Be aware the others are not to have their seals broken except by my, who will now become your, attorney, Mr. Bartholamire Rosencroft. Even as you read these papers, it is being seen to that he make all the proper arrangements for the meeting with you. You may come alone or choose to have whatever family members you wish accompany you. Be informed though, this meet will take place three days from now.

The papers contained in the other envelopes include very explicit instructions as to how I wish my estate handled. You must not under any circumstances say anything of this or the meeting to anyone. Circumstances and time dictate that another meeting is not possible. It is therefore imperative that you keep this appointment. The information he has for you will change your entire future, and that of your family. I know you deserve and desire answers to the many questions, caused by first the addressing of this package, and secondly its secretive content. All the answers will be reveled to you soon.

All My Love

Lady Crystina Boudenvech

Evea raised her head slowly, I don't know about a thousand questions for her but I sure have quite a few I’d like to ask the two of you, she turned towards her parents with a puzzle look on her face and tears in her eyes. I know you had to adopt Derrick, but you never said anything about adopting me. She fought back tears as she struggled to put all the papers back into the package. Why?

We know you have more questions than we can answer now, dear. However, when we never had any contact from the persons who we adopted you from, we never thought any explanation would be necessary. You have to remember you were ours almost since birth. Her father spoke softly as he held her in his arms.

That's right; you see, your father and I tried for five years to have a child. We tried everything possible, sniffling, her mother fought to stay composed. She struggled just as hard to hold back her tears, We exhausted what money we had. We went to the courts with appeal after appeal for adoption but they said that your father worked for a new architect firm that had not proven itself and was not a reliable income. Then just when we thought we would have to give up this enchanting young woman came to us. When we signed the papers they made us sign a sworn deposition to tell no one where you came from, especially you. Looking sadly in her eyes, she continued. We were told that if we wanted you, we had to move here. They relocated us where no one knew anything about us. You were so beautiful and we were willing to do anything.

They made an extremely generous amount of cash available to us and the keys to this house; they even set up a better architectural firm for your father to work at and gave each of us a new car. We took you and all they gave us, followed their instruction implicitly, and never spoke of any of this to a soul...until now."

We didn't want to take the chance of you wanting to try to find your real parents, so after many discussions, it was decided that you would just remain believing you were ours, exactly as per our sworn instructions. After all we had you for nearly nineteen years.

Evea was very broken up but fought to compose herself. I guess I can understand, but still it's not easy. To find out that all you thought you were is a lie. I feel like I'm in some crazy movie. This kind of stuff isn‘t supposed to happen in real life.

That's not true, honey, her mother took her into her arms holding her tightly as she spoke, Your life is no lie, the way you live the life you are given determines what you are, not who you have as parents. No one chooses their parents and I don't approve of how you had to find out we weren't yours.

That's true, sweetheart, and no matter what, we are still the same. I am still the same person I was yesterday, your mother is still the same and so are you. We are all the same people. Only the knowledge of your past has changed. Now why don't you go upstairs and lay down for a little while. He motioned her towards the steps and took the package from her hands. We'll just lock all this away for now so it stays safe.

She slowly walked to her room thinking about what could be in the other envelopes. She lay in bed but rest was not to come because too many questions raced through her head. Finally, after tossing and turning, she got back up and went down stairs. I think I'll go to the club after all, she said to her mother as she walked past the living room towards the door. Maybe I just need to be with some friends.

Her brother looked up forcing a smile, You want me to come with you E. You still look a bit upset

"I’ll be just fine; she spoke as she closed the door to the house. She noticed two young punks sitting on motorcycles across the street from it. She walked to her car inconspicuously trying to see them better, but as her eyes focused in the darkness, they turned away. She got into the car, giving little, if anymore, thought to the two of them. However, it did seem a bit strange that as she drove to the club they appeared to be following her. Then, just as she turned the last corner, the motorcycles continued straight. She looked around as she parked and than looked to see if there was any sign of the two cyclists as she walked from the parking lot to the club.

A bunch of her friends greeted Evea just outside the door. Anyone know who the DJ is tonight, she said as each one of them collected hugs and kisses from the other.

Anne answered, It's not you, and Spider-monkey's sick so who do you think? A kind of bored tone filled her voice.

After paying their cover, they stopped at the bar and walked back to their regular spot. They then sat at three tables they had pushed together. In front of each of them sat paper cups with juice and soda. The group sat and talked for some time but no one danced. Evea and Anne were watching the rather large man at the door taking the cover charge. He would select only specific people of his choosing to allow in, making snide sexual innuendos to all the females as they entered. Typical, Anne said as she looked at Evea, If I ever owned a place of my own, no jerk like Chuck would work for me, no matter how good a bouncer he was.

Well, they say Billy at the Church is the best in the business and I hear he is the same exact way all the time. I think it’s part of the job requirement. Evea leaned back in her chair.

Anne grinned at her, Yeah they must have an; I am a real asshole’ check box on the job application someplace.

They sat for some time in silence just watching the almost empty dance floor.

Finally, a song good enough to dance to, one of her companions said as most of them stood, starting for the dance floor. Are you coming to the dance floor? She inquired, as Evea remained sitting staring off into space. Evea, Evea, you ok? snapping her fingers in Evea’s face.

Oh, I'll be fine. I don't feel much like dancing tonight. Her tone rather depressed.

Anne and Evea sat at the table watching the dance floor as Anne spoke. What would you do if you met a real vampyre?

Evea looked up shaking her head as she smiled. Beg him to bite me and take me away from this mess called life.

Anne pondered a moment; Do you think that vampires exist?

Her friend smiled, I'd love to believe so, but I don't think that what you think of as a vampyre exists. A graceful creature of darkness, that strolls in the night and can't travel in the daylight. That romantic and erotic creature that lives forever and feed on the blood of humans. She shook her head as she continued. I know I'd surely give up all this in a moment if I thought for a second that the legend was true. She lifted a glass that one of her friends had set on the table to her lips. Taking a small drink, she looked at Anne as she returned it to the table. This vampyre kiss is as close I'll ever get to tasting real blood. She ran one of her fingers around the rim of the glass as she spoke, setting it back were she had gotten it.

Evea, if you were a real vampyre would you share a kiss with me? Her friend smiled as a serious tone overtook her voice.

Evea was loosing patience with her, That’s got to be one of the stupidest…you are serious aren't you? she replied as she took another drink. Sometimes I just don't understand you at all; I truly think you spend far too much time at the clubs. You must be a complete schizoid. Do you really believe in vampyres?

Her friend shook her head. I guess I don‘t, pausing for a moment, really believe. Anne responded disappointedly looking down at the table. Then after a brief pause, she looked back at Evea, But if there were and you were bitten, just for pretend, would you bite me?

Evea smiled looking into her eyes, Of course I would. She reached across the table and took her friends hands into hers. We've been together since pre-k, now can we get beyond this senseless conversation?

You sure are touchy tonight. Are you sure you're ok? Have you been taking your insulin? Anne reached up pressing her wrist against her forehead.

I'm fine. I just have a lot of things going on at home right now. I should have just stayed in tonight; I'm not very good company, Evea replied as she finished her drink.

Can we go to the Church now? The music here really sucks and Chucky the doorman is gross and disgusting, one of her other friends asked as she returned to the table.

No WE can't. Evea said as she looked at her and crumbled the empty cup from her drink. You know Billy is working the door tonight. He doesn't think we spend enough money and take up too much space when we sit around. That's the most popular club in the city and beside, he knows I DJ here.

That's not the real reason; you won't let him boink you. Her friend Anne replied as she smiled at her.

Yea, and if you hadn’t slapped him in the face a couple weeks ago… One of the males interjected only to be cut off.

Evea appeared most perturbed as she cut his words short. The pig walked up behind me and groped my breasts, what did you want me to do? Her voice was loud and drawing a lot of attention as she swung back slamming her arm into someone passing behind her. I'm sorry, She apologized as she pulled back her arm, looking at a small cut.

They’re only breasts for Christ sake, another of her young male friends responded.

That's true, but they are mine and I'll say who gropes and who don't. I'm just going to go home and hide in my cell. You guys staying here or any of you want a ride? Standing from the table, she pushed her chair back with her legs as a small drop of blood dripped onto it. For a moment, her thoughts returned to the men outside her house as she thought about going alone.

Anne smiled, We'll stay; we the have same boring life as you do at home. I'm sure we can catch the same rides that got us here. The young blond girl winked at her as she stood up next to her giving her a hug and small kiss on the lips. She wiped the blood from the table with her finger, touching it to her mouth as she watched her companion walk out the door.

Evea looked around as she went out but saw no one. As she turned the corner to the parking lot, she noticed a solitary dark figure running from her car. What the Hell? Hay! pausing for a split second, Hey! she yelled and without thinking, she ran after him, but it was as if he had disappeared into thin air. As she drew closer to the black PT Cruiser, she could see something on the windshield. She removed the envelope and got inside quickly locking her door. Her hands were shaking so bad that she could hardly open it. Removing a single piece of paper and unfolding it, she read the four words in large red letters...YOU GO! YOU DIE!

What the hell kind of joke is this, she thought to herself as she started the car. Then after a moment, she smiled, talking to herself, Oh, I see how it’s going to be, one sick joke after another, that's it. That twisted little bastard Derrick, this is one of his and his punk friends sick twisted practical jokes. Not giving a second thought, she had said nothing to anyone about the earlier events of that night. Can anything else possibly screw up today? she continued thinking.

The house was dark when she got home so she quietly made her way to her room. She undressed and climbed into bed only again to toss and turn restlessly. Eventually sleep came to her.

The few remaining days passed reasonably fast and without event, and she spoke to no one about the men or letter. The day of the meeting had arrived and none to soon for her. She awoke and dressed for it, not knowing whether to be scared or excited. Evea opened her door and started towards the steps.

Her father stood at the door to his room staring into the mirror as he adjusted his tie. After a quick glance in her direction as she skipped by he spoke, Young lady, you do realize we don’t know any of these people, and strange as it may seem you weren't even invited to this mystery woman's funeral. Pausing a moment as he looked her over. However, you've been invited to the reading of her will and I hope you aren't seriously planning to wear that ridiculous outfit out of this house and into an attorney’s office. He continued very seriously, as he noticed what she was wearing.

Evea stood in front of her door staring at him. What? The black 4-inch spike heels made her taller then him and added a perfect shape to her long thin legs. Her skirt she was almost wearing was shorter then her fishnet blouses, and underneath it she had on a leather and lace bra. Her usual pentagram necklace drew instant attention to her pushed up breasts. The strategically placed holes adorned the well-worn black fishnet thigh-hights. However, she wore them over a second pair of white satin thigh-highs with white feather trim. They exposed a small section of her pale skin between them and the skirt. A fishnet veil completely covered her face and fell down her back almost touching the floor. Each finger of the long fishnet gloves she wore had at least one ring on it and some fingers had as many as three. The paleness of her skin made the black makeup around her eyes and the black lipstick obvious, even through the veil.

It doesn't matter what I wear, father. The woman as you said is dead. We don't know anyone that's going to be there, and if I won't change my appearance to make my family happy, I'm not going to be something that I not, just to make some snotty attorney happy. She turned slamming her door and started walking down the stairs.

Pamela, can't you make her wear something that bespeaks of a little less doom and gloom? he inquired of his wife as he stepped into the foyer.

You want me to make her go naked; you know all her clothes are the same. Her mother inquired as she smiled at her.

If you could see anymore of her body she would be naked, let her borrow something of yours. He looked her up and down and walked over to his wife as he peered over the top of his glasses. Her fifties style dress covered almost her entire body.

Yeah, right, are you and the two truck drivers next door going to hold her down while I try to dress her? Just let her go, after all, after this we never have to see them again anyway. She reached adjusting his tie. What can it matter? Who cares what they think?

Just then Evea's brother Derrick jumped down the steps. His Mohawk had been done in six 8-inch spikes and dyed in an array of orange, blue, and green. His black leather shirt and pants, were cut up, and he looked like a survivor of the final nuclear holocaust.

Jesus, not another one, can't any of you kids dress like a normal person these days? What ever happened to jeans and a tee shirt? You sure we didn't get him from the same woman? he sternly said, as he proceeded to stick his face into his wife’s.

That’s not funny, Thomas, and it gets worse, his wife said as she tapped him on the shoulder. The police must have put a boot on your car during the night and we can't move it. She had raised her voice and was pointing out the window.

He rushed over to the window and looked at his car. So we'll have to use yours. He said as he closed the curtains.

Mine’s in the garage where you insisted I put it. Your car is parked tight against the door, as per your instructions so it wouldn't be stolen; we know how paranoid you are about things. She paused shaking her finger at him. If you would learn that a yellow light means caution and not slam the accelerator to the floor, we’d not have this problem. She glanced at him, We'll just have to take Evea’s' PT Cruiser. Once again, she smiled at her daughter.

All of a sudden he just started to yell. That damn thing looks like a little Hearse, The whole world’s going to shit today. We are going to look like a cheap knock-off of the Addams family when we pull up out front of the attorney’s office. Why she had to have white curtains put in all the windows is beyond me. Then the DEADGRL tags on it, in addition to everything else. Sometimes I feel like I live in a carnival freak show instead of a family. He waved his hands about frantically as he circled around his wife.

You keep that up and we'll be going to the heart specialist, she said as she poked him in the chest.

Oh…I wouldn't worry too much about transportation after all, Daddy. Evea replied as she opened the door and pointed outside taunting him. Parked at the curb in front of the house sat a car. At the door stood a young lady with a short, black leather skirt that allowed the clasps of her black lace garter belt to show. Her long legs were covered with sheer black hose, which had a perfect seam along the back that ended as it, entered her glossy black 4" spiked heels. Her bosom looked as if it was ready to explode from the see-through lace bra that an even thinner sheer top barely covered. The black lace veil she wore all but hid the darkness of her deep blue eyes. The veil stopped just under her eyes in the front, but fell almost to the ground in the back. The front door was open and she patiently stood at it awaiting their departure.

Well dad, as I said, the ride is here. And look at that cute little thing driving, Evea exited the front door and began to laugh as she started running towards the car, stopping to skip the last few feet before she got to the door.

The young lady smiled and winked at Evea. Dropping to one knee as she approached and then standing, she motioned for her to get in and stroked her hair gently as she climbed into the front seat. Closing the front door, she then walked almost as if she were gliding to the rear door opening it and stood waiting for her parents.

Her father walked over to the open door and stopped suddenly as he turned to Pamela, Is this another one of your weirdo daughter’s jokes? I thought her car was bad but I am not riding in a fifty-year-old Hearse. You won't get me in one of them things until I'm dead. He stood at the door glaring at the car. That's not a limousine, and look at her, a graduate from the Evea dressing school of the weird. His sarcastic attitude overtaking his voice, still he paused to get a better look at the young lady as he got closer.

His wife smacked him lightly across the back of the head as she walked up behind him. Then I guess you'll just have to stay home and miss all the fun. Now put your eyes back in your head. You could hear the shortness of patience as she gave him a small shove.

He smiled at the young lady as she closed the door behind him. Fun, have you fallen off your happy rocker? Wake up and look around you, there is no possible place that could be stranger then this. Yet I am quite sure that your daughter is entirely happy in her own twisted little freak world. He folded his arms in his lap as his eyes followed the young woman around the car. He looked quickly at Evea then at his wife; he knew she was upset with his behavior.

The beautiful young female driver turned flashing a big grin tauntingly at him but remained silent.

The ride took about three hours and was a good distance out of the city. Evea noticed the young girl had no love of speed limits as the car flew down the road. Eventually they turned down an old gravel road and a few feet in front of them were a pair of tall black iron gates attached to two large stone columns, and a tall stone wall on both sides as far as they could see. Just as it appeared that the car was going to run into them, the gates swung open. The driver made no effort to slow down. Once through them the gates closed as Tom watched out the back window. The driver still said nothing but turned and smiled at Evea. She pressed her foot to the accelerator speeding up the vehicle, the road behind covered by dust so thick they could not see anything they had passed. After continuing on about fifteen minutes, a huge mansion appeared in the distance. The road ahead decorated with trees, shrubbery, and many-colored flower. The car proceeded across a sizeable stone bridge, and a garden outstretched on either side as far as one could see.

Is this where we are going? Evea questioned the young lady.

Still she did not speak; she only nodded her head in a positive response as she continued to drive.

As they pulled up to the residence, the car came to a slow stop. The massive Gothic Victorian mansion stood in pristine condition. It showed no sign of having any repairs for some time, this evident by all the original decorations. Even in that, the building and grounds appeared oddly beautifully well cared for. Its old gothic design was dark and gloomy and appeared almost abandoned. Thick green vines hid much of the overgrown walls of stone. In front of the house stood a large faerie fountain, no water filled it. It was heavily overgrown, just as the walls of the house. Colorful shrubs decorated both ends of it. From the driveway, they could see a huge garage with at least five other old cars parked inside.

A dark figure walked towards them. It was a young man of about twenty years of age. He was about six foot and very well built. His dark brown hair was long but pulled back in a neat ponytail. He opened the door where Evea sat first offering her help from the vehicle.

Thank you, she said as she smiled.

He made no reply but could see her smile through the veil and smiled back. The driver had assisted the others out and he started to lead them towards the house. Before he left the vehicle, she leaned to him, said a few words and then drove off.

The four of them followed the gentleman up to a set of huge doors. They appeared to be very old and the craftsmanship quite unique. Each of the uniquely carved dark wood doors held half a brightly colored stained glass round window. Evea had notice the same design on the iron gates; it appeared to be a family crest of some kind. The thing she noticed first was the absence any kind of knob or latch.

Just as he stepped up to them, the doors opened. Yet another scantly dressed young lady in black invited them inside. As Evea walked in, she overheard her whisper to the gentleman that she believed that another car had been following them. He replied he was going to check it out. For a brief moment, she pondered to herself if she should speak of the events of the day she received her letter but remained silent. After all, she knew her brother’s practical jokes far to well.

As they looked around, the house appeared just as uncared for on the inside as it was on the outside. All of its contents sat covered by white sheets, dust and cobwebs. It was evident the house had sat vacant for some time. The foyer was about thirty feet deep by forty feet wide and it was open to a twenty-five foot ceiling. Empty fountains sat at both sides, evident that they had not operated for some time by the amount of cobwebs covering the intricate fairies within. A large black and silver crest in the center of a pentagram decorated the huge white marble floor. Directly in front of them was a set of ten-foot tall by six-foot wide wooden pocket doors. They were hand carved and sat beneath a grand staircase with marble steps on both sides leading up to a rather large balcony. To each side of them were another set of pocket doors and two very fancy coat racks.

From the left stairway, her father watched as a young woman walked slowly to the bottom of them. He stepped forward offering his hand to the one in the lead, I'm Thomas Gaither and this is my wife Pamela, my son Derrick, He let go of her hand and placed his arm around his daughter giving her a gentle squeeze, and my daughter Evea, who is the reason we are here. His voice was flirtatious as he smiled.

As they looked behind her, they could not help but notice the three other young ladies, as they fluidly glided down the steps most gracefully. It was almost as if they were performing a ballet. Turning to them as they gathered she spoke in an almost silent whisper. It was apparent that she was the one in charge of them. They stopped to the left side of her as she turned too, motioning toward the Gaithers.

The first young female looked directly at him as she spoke softly. I am DeNova, of the house Maebh Her voice was almost hypnotic and sent a quiver down his back. This is Shadow, Reya, and Lilly. We are here to see to the individual needs of each of you during your stay. A pronounced accent led them to believe she was of Irish or Scottish descent.

Oh my god, Derrick exclaimed as his eyes grew as big as saucers. We're staying in a house full of beautiful babes. He spoke loudly as he took the time to inspect each one of them carefully. Can I have this one? He spoke as he pointed towards Shadow causing her to smile.

His mother reached over and smacked his hand hard as she replied. I think not and you best remember your place or I'll allow her to put you in it, she said in a scolding manner.

All four were about the same height, between 5'-6 and 5’-10, and though it was clear to see they each had a different ethnic background, all of them looked as if they had no color to their skin at all. They each had dark eyes and almost black lips that made their fair skin stand out even more so. The beauty of their faces made it hard to look away from them. An array of silver rings covered the fingers of each of them and each had long black nails.

This is Reya, of the house Odjit, as the tallest young lady stepped from her side slowly. She stopped to the left side of Evea and stood silently glancing into her eyes only for a moment.

Reya had her hair shaved in the back and it got longer as it came around to her face ending in points at her face about 10 long. Her eyes were deep blue against her almost white skin. Her black eyebrows and lashes drew immediate attention to the unbelievable beauty of her eyes. She wore a long tight dress that hugged her thin body. It covered only the tops of her 4 heels. One-inch straps held up the top of her very low cut dress. From the top of it, the black lace of her bra forced her pale breast high above the dress. Over it, she wore a sheer blouse of a spider web pattern. It too was also very tight. It buttoned halfway up the front, to a small collar of black fur. The long tight sleeves were also trimmed in a black fur and tight around the wrists.

Reya, Evea spoke very softly as she studied her appearance.

She approached Evea dropping to one knee taking her hand gently in hers and kissed the back of it. Lowering her head, she gently turned her hand kissing her wrist glancing up again then rose and returned to the others remaining completely silent.

DeNova motioned again with a smile, This, my lady, is Lilly.

The next of the young ladies stepped very gracefully forward, and she too stopped, just to her left as if waiting.

This is Lilly, of the house Baako. She smiled as she almost whispered.

Her tan skin was extremely pale but still had more color then any of the others. She wore a long full black crushed velvet and silk dress. It was adorned with lace, silver, ribbon, and touched the floor. The long slits up both sides continued from her ankles to her waist. As she walked, it hid very little, exposing her long legs. A black lace garter belt held up sheer black silk stockings dressed with lace at her upper thighs. Her high heels were black velvet with a bow on the top. Her hair was black as pitch and very long and full. The bottom tips of her hair were bright reds and she wore long black silk and lace gloves to match the outfit.

She too approached Evea silently dropping to one knee, taking her hand gently in hers she kissed the back of it, then gently turning it over, kissing her wrist, she returned to the others. She too made not a sound.

Shadow was noticeably different from any of the rest. While all the others were exactly what one would expect of a gothic club type vampyre she dressed more Gothic Lolita.

This is Shadow, of the house Cy. she paused shaking her head, as she looked her over. I distinctly remember saying formal dress, assure you we will speak of this later, She murmured under her breath to her in a scolding tone as the petite girl passed her eagerly.

There was no doubt in Evea’s mind she was very young. She only appeared to be about sixteen, if that. She was Asian, her features that of Japanese and she looked as if she had been ripped from a gothic anime book.

She approached Evea just as the other two, pausing at her left looking up into her eyes. She was not nearly as composed as the first two, and looked as if she was going to explode with excitement. However, she found a way to remain in control.

Shadow, Her voice still almost none existent as the bubbly young girl stood to the side of her. She noticed for some reason that they had all smelled very appealing to her.

Shadow’s hair was very long but a bright sky blue and her black eyes were almost too big for her face. She wore a white thin see through blouse with short puffy sleeves. It buttoned tightly just under her breasts. Clearly, beneath it her breasts pressed almost too snugly into a sheer lace blue bra. Her hair and bra were almost a perfect match. The wavy layers of pale blue and white lace beneath forced the very short black pelted skirt out. They pushed it from her long slender legs. Sheer white stockings reached up them allowing her pale skin to show between the skirt and them. Dark stiletto heels caused her legs to lift upward shaping her calves sexily and making her skirt that much shorter. Evea noted in her mind that the only thing the entire outfit needed was a pair of kitty ears.

Shadow knelt kissing her hand also and turned it; her cool lips sent tremors up Evea’s arm as she kissed her wrist. Not moving her head her eyes glanced up flirtingly as her teeth gently rubbed it. She took her time removing her lips from her wrist and moved slowly, their eyes locked as they met. Evea’s attention focused on the six very fancy hair sticks as she knelt in front of her. They held a section of her hair in pigtails, off the sides of her head. They were most intriguing in design.

Evea knelt in front of her placing her extended fingers gently under her chin looking deep into her eyes. As she slowly stood lifting her with her, she looked back towards DeNova. She is very pretty; please don’t be too harsh on her in my behalf.

DeNova bowed to her extending her arm and Shadow stepped back to the line.

Evea studied her; DeNova appeared to be just a little older then the others. She was wearing a long flowing shimmering crimson skirt that let her fancy black velvet high heels show at the bottom. It also fell loosely but when she was still, it clung to her to show off her body. The long bellowed selves of her sheer black lace blouse, they fell beyond her hands, almost to the floor. Beneath it, she wore a black bra. Her wavy fiery red hair fell just past the shoulders and was very thick. Her eyes were such a dark emerald green they appeared almost black.

DeNova approached Evea, lowered herself to one knee, taking her hand into hers she gently turned it kissing her on the wrist. Evea felt a warm rush course through her body with each kiss and by the time, each of them had repeated the process her entire body tingled. DeNova motioned towards the pocket doors, Reya and Shadow open them to reveal a hallway.

She led them down the long hallway. Along both sides were four sets of doors, and each had fancy brass and wood trim. Cobwebs hung from the corners attached to the trim. It was easy to tell that none of them had been in use for some time. A couple of them were smaller double sliding pocket doors, which led Evea to think that the rooms had to be large. A long Oriental rug stretched the full length of it. The lighting was very dim. On both sides of each set of doors, very fancy fixtures hung from the walls. At the end was a large set of double doors to the left. However, they opened with a fancy carved knob inward. She pushed the right door open to