Alex's courage

"Master Dominique was in a fit of rage when he tried to take him for his own," Chara explains.

"He looks like he needs help, I shall assist you!" Steel replies smiling, everyone shuffles in; Chara sets Christian on the bed fetching boiled water and wash towels and soap after unlatching the chains.

"Are you squeamish to naked bodies Lady Steel?" Chara giggles disrobing Christian, by first taking his shirt off tossing it to the corner, and slipping his pants off placing a towel over his privates, she gently leans him his head backwashing his hair of the mud and soot.

"What happened to him Chara?"

"We have a new blood today" her thumb points at Alice who only puts on a happy expression tending to Alex who sits in an adjacent chair doing minor dressing waiting for Melina to come back.

"Oh I see...so he became fish food."

Chara pulls out a fresh towel putting the pail to the side, wraps his hair in the towel gently drying afterward starts to wipe his body down, Steel blushes during the whole process.

"He has so many bite scars…he really agreed to this?"

"Steel…I want to ask you something…" Chara asks placing a new top on Christian, Steel looks with tenderness into her eyes; she could feel something was wrong.

"Please…I will do my best for you Chara."

"I need you to take Alex and his kindred; it's getting dangerous here for him." Chara clarifies; Steel notices how Alex is unusually quiet.

"Alex…are you okay?" Steel questions, he glances over only nodding slowly, "I will do it."

"Oh thank you, bless the Goddess!"

"I forgotten you still worship Hecate, but I need you to honestly tell me what is happening."

"Dominique's bullying on Alex has worsened, I beg you stay the week and leave at dawn…"

Steel crouches down in front of Alex looking deeply into his eyes squeezing his hands, "Hey…"

"You mean me?"

"You are really his kindred?" Steel asks Alice.

"I am beckoned as his sword." Alice states.

"Oh no…Elijah is going soon?"

"When Christian is feeling better he will be turned soon." Chara points out, she shows the mark on his hand, and Clarence dunks down to get a good look.

"So that's why Dominique is bullying Alex then…" Clarence voices out, "I am so sorry Master Alex?"

"How sick is he that you are waiting to turn him?" Steel quizzes, "Why not turn him now?"

Chara bundles the dirty clothes pushing them into the basket, she shortly leaves the room.

"Steel…I am going to go to bed. We will talk in the afternoon okay?" Alex says rising, Alice follows.

"I hope you rest well Alex." Steel affirms sweetly, "We will talk when you are well."

Later in the evening Alex is awoken, it is around six at night and his wound has healed properly, Alice is still sleeping curled up, he clambers out of bed walking up to Christians's room.

Steel catches sight of him at the door, "Alex, let me come in with you!"

"Steel…you are up early."

"I am used to it by now, but I want to talk to you."

"Okay…" Alex replies softly, Christian has already awakened, he is surprised to see them both but tearful; he doesn't attempt to move much looking down shamefully.

"Is this a newbie?" Christian asks. Alex realizes he has been forced to wear the chains again; he looks back at the door almost frightened though nothing was there.

"My name is Steel, we are going to get you out of here okay?"

"Are you scared Christian?" Alex questions squeezing his hand gingerly, "Before we leave…"

"Alex…I can't…"

"What are you talking about?"

Christian removes the blankets revealing shackles on his legs, "He doesn't plan to let me free."

"Clarence will carry you on his back; you can't stay here longer Christian!" Alex pleads.

The door shoots open to Dominique strolling in, "Lady Steel, good evening."

Alex glares at Dominique in anger, "What is the meaning of this Dominique?"

"He will be transferred soon; we have located a new feeder Alex for this room."

"Transferred to where?" Alex says upset.

"I decided to make him only mine; I will be in charge of his safe being from this point on."

Dominique pulls a paper out, a newly signed document with the fingerprint of blood only grinning.

"Christian…I am going to turn him into a vampire." Alex grabs Christian by the arm yanking the chain.

"I will take him today if you so dare it."

"When…when is the room being vacated?"

"In three days, say your goodbyes." He snickers walking out the door, Alex places his foot out.

"I am taking him today then…I am not scared of you anymore." Alex's voice stuttered anxiously.