Tomorrow's Shadow: Part II - Transitions

By Marcus Kruger

Life in the shadows continues but nothing remains the same forever, even for a vampire. Love continues to be lost and found, gained only to be released to resurface another time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MB Krueger
• Release date: Feb 11, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310236426

Book preview

Tomorrow’s Shadow

Part II

Transitions

Copyright 2016 Marcus Kruger

Published by Marcus Kruger at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Power Shift

Weathering the Tumult

Meeting the Minions

Rite of Passage

Let the Games Begin

Life Lessons

Sins of the Past

This Present Peace

An Unexpected Guest

Storm's Fury

Directed Rage

History Repeated

~ Prologue ~

Gerik descended the stairs slowly, his eyes looking around the great hall. Every time he entered he was awe struck by the splendor of it all. How it was possible he didn’t know, but he was certain it was more splendid than before the fire. He paused at the base of the steps and turned, fixing his gaze on the stunning portrait at the first landing. His sire, dressed in his usual tight black trousers and crimson peasant shirt, unlaced, of course. All over his dark-as-pitch riding boots. The painting almost looked alive; the artist had done a tremendous job. The darkness of his sire's eyes was true, complete with the indication of shadows within the pupils.

To the right of the stairs was the grand piano, twin of the one lost in the destruction. A high gloss ebony, its lid always propped open full. Directly opposite sat the harp, one of the few items to have survived the blaze. Tarnish had to be removed from some of the gold inlays, but it shone with the glory it always had. Gerik planned to learn how to play it at some point.

Between the two instruments, the double French doors to the balcony had been completely redesigned. Ornate stained-glass panels provided beauty as well as limited privacy between the balcony and great hall anytime they were closed. The handles to the doors were a distinctly cut crystal, as were most knobs and handles on doors throughout the Keep. Heavy crimson drapes hung on either side of the door, a bold change from the simpler black that was once there. Gerik wasn’t sure their purpose, since he never saw them drawn closed.

The finely varnished oak floors had, of course, been replaced throughout Haven, as had all interior doors. The bar opposite the stairway had also been replaced. It had not been badly damaged, but odors from the fire lingered in the wood of the original so it was torn out and the new one built. The heavy double front doors were another item from before the fire. It was unknown how the wood had managed to survive, but due to their intricate inlaid carvings, it was decided to restore rather than replace them.

Between the bar and the harp, the grand stone fireplace had also been restored, any and all indications of the previous havoc carefully removed. As was typical for the Keep, a low, gentle fire was kept burning all night, allowed to go cold only during day hours. All the plush chairs and settees were new; the settees a dark crimson to match the drapes on the French doors. Chairs were patterned, the colors and designs varied but serene.

The last large items to be replaced in the great hall were the large twin chandeliers that hung on either side of the room’s center. Gerik had no idea how the staff kept them so immaculately cleaned; he knew it was done during daylight when he slept. In truth, most of the staff was only out and working during the day, very few had been granted the trust to be present during the evening hours. Likewise was the upkeep of the walls and ceiling that always appeared freshly painted. Since there was never any paint odors, he again wasn't sure how the staff managed them.

Gerik sighed as he took it all in, still somewhat in awe that this was now his home. His reverie was broken by the stirring sound of his lover’s voice.

Good morrow, dear heart. You are looking … completely edible this eve.

Ah yes. You demonstrated that well last eve. He chuckled. So, you did rest well?

I did, but perhaps not as well as you. You didn’t even stir when I rose tonight.

Had to replenish the energy you so skillfully used afore we retired. Another chuckle. So then, no one’s here yet, I assume.

No. Though it is early yet. You are aware of course, that none may show.

Because of our relationship?  My love, we have talked this to great lengths. I do not expect my parents to show; they have been against this from the moment I told them I was moving here. But not everyone is so closed-minded.

We shall see what we shall see.

Gerik walked over and kissed his mate. Stef, sometimes you say the most profound things.

Stefano laughed and moved to swat Gerik’s butt. How good of you to notice.

Gerik tried a pouting face but instead broke into laughter. You bring out the best in me. Or is that the beast. . . ?

Both, I hope.

Gentlemen, I am glad to see you are both here. Viktor entered from the kitchens, paper and pencil in hand. There are some final decisions to be made.

Stefano sighed. I thought everything was decided. What possibly could be left?

For one, you have not chosen between the quail egg and caviar or the foie gras. And if the latter, goose or duck, we happen to have both in the larder.

"I had expected the egg and the pate, actually. Why would we not have both for our guests?  This is the first open house we have held since the fire."

I would agree with Stefano. This is supposed to be a grand event. People should be talking about this for months.

Viktor absent-mindedly tapped the pencil against the bar. Yes, and how you convinced Master Stefano to agree to this is beyond me.

Gerik laughed. I could go into details, but I doubt they are for public perusal.

Viktor paused only a moment. "I am neither public, nor able to be shocked or offended. However, since such talk will end up with the two of you upstairs and me without