13 Reeks of blood

After our little stroll in the mansion's garden, Yves offered to walk me back to my room. I was in a good mood, and having him around was best to fend off unnecessary people. Who knows? Augustus might just be outside my room again — worst, in my room.

'Oh, me! Don't think such ominous things!' my mind hollered at the thought of Augustus being inside my room. I rolled my shoulders back, a habit of mine, before picking up a sword.

"Marsella." Yves' voice snapped me out of my thoughts as I gazed at him. "Don't come out alone during at night."

My brows furrowed as he cast me a side-eye, not stopping in his languid tracks. "What's so dangerous walking in the night?" I asked.

He just shrugged and remained quiet until we arrived in front of my room. I turned and faced him before entering.

"Second brother, is there something wrong?" I asked, tilting my head to the side. "You said, not to go out at night. Can you tell me the reason? You and first brother said the same, so…"

"Augustus?" His brows knitted as he narrowed his eyes.

I studied his expression. "He was here before I went out for a stroll. He warned me not to go out at night, so, I'm curious why you said the same thing."

Yves just stared at me for a moment before he sported a smile. I knew he wanted to say something, but held back. What could it be?

"Just listen to your big brothers." He raised his hand and patted my head gently. "If you want to take a stroll, just tell me and I will accompany you."

Now he was acting more like a big brother. "Alright, then." I nodded and didn't pry anymore.

Yves waited for me to go inside. I offered him a smile as I closed the door. As soon as I shut the door close, I remained standing on that same spot.

'Something is wrong…' I thought, narrowing my eyes as this piqued my curiosity. 'The way Yves' eyes glinted when I mentioned Augustus' name, it wasn't surprise that I saw.'

It was hard to point out what kind of expression flickered across Yves' eyes. What I was certain was there must be something these people were hiding.

I walked towards my bed, tossing my shawl just anywhere as I collapsed on my back. The stroll helped me alleviate my mood, but Yves' actions and words lingered in my head.

"Let's rummage Marsella's and my memory…" My eyes fixed on the ceiling as I racked my brain for clues.

There was nothing to figure out in Marsella's memory as her time in here was merely suffering. But in my previous life as Vera… now that I thought about it, the Ross Family was rather mysterious.

In the battle for the throne, I killed everyone who stood in Joseph's way. My current fiance was one of them — although my fiance's death was different and a much more complex case since many people were involved. But the Ross Family,... they remained neutral and supported Joseph in the end.

"I assumed it is because Augustus, who already inherited the family at that time, is just wise and knew Joseph's backing is cruel," I mumbled while my eyes narrowed suspiciously. "But the more I think about it, perhaps, I was wrong?"

Instead of being wise, Augustus, or rather, the entire Ross Family just didn't care. Even Yves, who was a master swordsman, didn't side with any candidates. They remained inconspicuous, hence, no eyes were on them until my death. 

"Ross Family… they are like shadows," I muttered, almost above a whisper. "People are aware that they are there, but none actually pay attention to them."

Now… this was more intriguing. Just what sort of secret was this family hiding? If they didn't attempt to rise in power in my previous life, it would be impossible that that was their plan. The more reason it intrigued me.

"It is as if… they didn't want to stand out purposely." I nodded, as that was certain. "Why?"

Myriads of questions arose in my head, but none was answered. Part of me wanted to uncover this sudden mystery, but the other part of me told me ignorance was bliss.

"But such bliss only applies to normal people, my head…" the corner of my lips curled up into a sly smirk. "… the more things intrigue me, the more determined I am to uncover it."

Little did I know, the secret of this Ross Family was much darker, rotten, and bloodier than I thought.

*****

"You went to see her?" Yves seethed as soon as he barged into Augustus' room. "Are you out of your mind?"

His eyes landed on the pair of bright crimson eyes in the dark. There wasn't much light in Augustus' room, but it was still enough for Yves to see his figure sitting on the divan.

"You are quite noisy, my brother. I'm resting," Augustus calmly stated as he gazed up at his brother. "Go out."

"Hah… she is our sister." Yves scoffed as he shifted his eyes on the lifeless body lying on the dark floor near Augustus. "Don't even think about it, brother."

"You two had grown close." Augustus' eyes glinted as he slowly stood up, walking towards Yves until he slinked out of the darkness. His fangs and the blood on him let themselves known.

"She is our sister, Yves. However, she is not like us." His tone grew colder as he exuded a strong, dark aura.

"Your cravings are getting out of hand, brother." Yves snickered as he slowly turned around, but warned, before taking a step away. "Don't even think of touching her or I will snap your neck."

"Be careful of Marsella, Yves. My gut feeling tells me… she is crazy." Augustus remarked, but Yves ignored him and left.

Once Yves slammed the door closed, Augustus pressed his lips nonchalantly as he turned his head back to the corpse of the maid. 

"Marsella… she reeks of blood, Yves."