The Midnight Chemist

By Cecilia Nightshade

Dr. Vivian Clark has always been fascinated by myths and the supernatural. A brilliant scientist, she sets up a secret laboratory to research reported cases of vampirism, hoping to discover a rational, scientific explanation.

 

When a mysterious client asks her to study an ancient coffin he's acquired, Vivian discovers inside it the remarkably preserved body of a stunningly handsome young man with odd fangs. Against her better judgement, she removes blood samples, jumps back when he suddenly revives.

 

Vivian gazes in shock at Adrian Blackwell, charismatic Viscount of Casterton, who claims he was turned into a vampire centuries ago. Angry to have awakened after a decade of forced hibernation, Adrian is thrown into an even worse nightmare realizing the modern world may have advanced enough to expose vampire-kind.

 

Though mistrustful of each other, adventurous Vivian and old-world Adrian must form a tentative alliance when they learn a zealous vampire hunter is spying on Adrian's vampire clan. A dangerous attraction grows as Vivian is drawn deeper into Adrian's exotic, shadowy world. Passion flares when they must pretend to be a couple. But with the hunter closing in, will the secrets they keep tear them apart? Will Vivian give up her life's work if it means endangering the entire vampire race?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lovestruck Publishing
• Release date: Feb 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224848591

Book preview

The Midnight Chemist

Secrets Of The Immortal Veil

Copyright © 2024 by Cecilia Nightshade.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

First Edition : February 2024

Content

Chapter 1: Awakening in the New World

Chapter 2: The Scientist and the Vampire

Chapter 3: Hidden Enemies

Chapter 4: Old Flames and New Rivals

Chapter 5: The Masquerade Ball

Chapter 6: Betrayals Unearthed

Chapter 7: Transformation’s Edge

Chapter 8: Secrets of the Blood

Chapter 9: Echoes of the Past

Chapter 10: The Hunter’s Ambush

Chapter 11: Unveiling the Legacy

Chapter 12: The Clash of Clans

Chapter 13: The Publication Crisis

Chapter 14: The Ultimate Sacrifice

Chapter 15: Dawn of a New Era

About The Author:

Acknowledgement:

Chapter 1: Awakening in the New World

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR APPROACHED as Dr. Vivian Clark adjusted her microscope, peering at the slide containing a single drop of blood. She had collected the sample earlier that evening from the ancient coffin delivered to her lab, brought in by a mysterious client who vanished as quick as he appeared. 

Vivian zoomed the microscope’s lens, fascinated by the blood cells that seemed to move of their own volition even centuries after being drawn. She made meticulous notes, marveling at the unprecedented preservation and peculiarities that defied current scientific understanding. This was no ordinary blood. Her mind raced at the implications. Could the ancient mythologies prove true after all?

A crash startled Vivian from her academic reverie. She spun towards the source - the antique casket now lay cracked open, its lid askew on the floor. Had she imagined the sound? She cautiously crossed the room, kneeling to examine the ornate silver filigree carved along the coffin’s sides. Gothic images depicted knights locked in battle with humanoid creatures with sharp fangs and leathery wings. An involuntary shiver went through her.

Beautifully crafted, is it not? said a rich, accented voice behind her. 

She whirled around with a gasp. There, emerging from the shadows, stood an impossibly handsome gentleman dressed in an elegant black Victorian suit. He had chiseled features, golden hair that curled rakishly over his forehead, and captivating hazel eyes ringed with long lashes. Something primal and predatory lurked in those depths, at odds with his cultured refinement.

Vivian’s heart raced as she took him in. How did you get in here? Who are you?  

He tilted his head, a seductive smile playing on his lips. You awoke me, my dear. I should think it obvious. His gaze fell on the coffin and understanding lit his face.

You were in there? Vivian blinked incredulously. That’s impossible.  

On the contrary. He gestured at his attire. As you can see, I am no ordinary mortal.

Comprehension dawned. The blood sample, the imagery carved into the casket, the impeccable preservation, and now the stranger’s sudden and inexplicable manifestation. Could all the myths be true? Vivian stared openly. A vampire? she breathed. You claim to be an actual vampire? Excitement warred with disbelief.  

The gentlemen swept into an elegant bow, the movement so graceful it seemed almost a blur. Adrian Blackwell, Viscount Casterton, at your service. I have slumbered undead for over two hundred years. And you are the bewitching woman who has seen fit to wake me into this strange new era. 

Dr. Vivian Clark, she managed faintly, still struggling to grasp the reality unfolding before her. All her life she had consumed legends of creatures said to subsist on blood, possess uncanny powers, and never age. Her scientific mind rebelled at such fancy, yet she could not refute the evidence directly before her. She wet her lips, fascinated by the handsome apparition. If what you say is true, you may be the most significant discovery in modern history.

Irritation flashed across his patrician features. I am no laboratory specimen, my lady.  

Vivian flushed, regretting her clinical words. Adrian embodied every gothic romance hero she had ever fantasized about as an awkward, bookish teenager. And he was here in the flesh - or as close as his kind came to it. She studied him hungrily, burning to understand. Forgive me for giving offense. But you must realize what wondrous implications your existence holds.  

He waved a dismissive hand. Let the humans gape and gibber. The secrets of the night are not for mortal minds.

Please, I admit my curiosity is intense. But it springs from a desire to understand. She dared approach him, peering up at his towering form. He stood over six feet tall, magnificently built with broad shoulders and a powerful frame. She had to tilt her head back to meet his eyes. Being near him felt dangerously exhilarating, an intoxicating mix of desire and fear. Won’t you at least tell me how it is you came to slumber sealed away for centuries?

Adrian hesitated, debating internally. At last he turned away, pacing towards the cracked coffin, his boot heels echoing off the cold laboratory floors. It was not by choice, he said grimly. My kind can only walk the night freely so long as we maintain strict secrecy about our existence. But I made the grave error of taking a human lover who betrayed me to witch hunters. He slammed a fist against the casket. They could not kill me, so they sought the next best thing - eternal imprisonment to hide their failure.

His story pulled at Vivian’s heart even as it thrilled her. To think such betrayals and violence lay hidden beneath the modern world, lost to time and doubting minds. She dared approach Adrian, lifted a hand as if to touch his back, then thought better of it. How awful for you. But take solace in knowing the world has changed much.  

Adrian turned, a bitter smile twisting his mouth. Has it? I wake to find mortals have gained horseless carriages, lanterns that blaze without flame, magic images that move and speak. But men’s hearts are still full of fear, greed and hatred. His lip curled in a sneer. Still, you wage endless wars. Still, you seek to destroy that which you cannot comprehend.

Stung, Vivian crossed her arms defensively. The advances of science have bettered life in so many ways. Stung by the advances of science, Vivian crossed her arms defensively. Science may someday conquer disease, hunger, even aging itself, she said.

And yet the abyss in mortal souls remains untouched. Adrian leaned in, his hypnotic gaze holding her captive. She froze like a deer