"Aw, when you put it that way, it's almost tempting," Hadeon grinned like a Cheshire cat, earning himself a glare in return. "But I must warn that I come with a label: 'Danger: May cause heartache, headaches, and an insatiable desire for midnight snacks.'"
"Mallory," Hadeon called her by her name to her surprise. "Have you fallen in love with me? You have been staring at me a lot. I wouldn't be surprised, because of how loveable I am."
"Don't. Even. Think. About. It," Mallory ground out through gritted teeth, her shoulders tense with resolve. She would never be one of the night creatures!
"Barnby, prepare the carriage for our departure to Ghoulsville," Hadeon commanded his servant, who promptly bowed and exited the hall. Then, turning to Mallory, he declared, "You'll be joining me."
"About what? I had no hands or fangs in the woman's death," Hadeon replied, his head tilting ever so slightly. "This time, I am as innocent as a newborn kitten. Meow." Mallory frowned as she stared at Hadeon's golden eyes. If it wasn't him, then who was it?
Hadeon's expression shifted suddenly, his voice taking on a dramatic tone. "No! No matter how tempting my sacred abs may be, I simply cannot permit you to touch them at night!" His declaration drew a flush to Mallory's cheeks, which only deepened when they encountered two curious villagers in the hallway. "Oh no, I hope you did not hear that…!" he said in a surprised voice.
Caught off guard by the unfamiliar nickname, George halted in his tracks. Hadeon, sensing the confusion, arched an eyebrow and questioned, "Is 'monkey' your name?"
I pen this letter because I won't be able to say it to you directly. Father… I am madly in love with our trusty coachman, Gary. It was fate that made us spend so much time together that we fell in love. True love, father, and he loves me for who I am. He loves bald heads, and I have decided to shave them off for him. And frankly, I couldn't be happier. It will be easier during the summer heat.
"What Mallory? Lady Mallory Winchester," Hadeon scolded, his tone dripping with disapproval as he shot George a stern look. "It looks like someone forgot to teach you manners, or you must have forgotten to pick it up. But fear not, Georgie. Van Doren Castle is just the place for such errands. How great is that?" He flashed a bright smile.
"Hush now. We both know you're in agreement with me. Especially after the intimate bond we forged last night," Hadeon smiled at George. "Now," he said, turning his gaze back at Mallory. "Now, for every miss, like the one that just took flight and landed three meters away, you'll face a penalty."
George couldn't help but let out a snicker, trying to mask his amusement behind a cough. Meanwhile, Mallory's face froze in embarrassment, feeling the weight of Hadeon's intense gaze boring into her.
George began to sweat profusely, feeling like he'd suddenly become the sacrificial lamb. He wanted to protest, but this bloodsucking vampire had threatened him not to utter a word!
"Absolutely none! But you need to aim the knives at the board and on getting the centre. I'll be watching to see if any miss is... intentional," Hadeon's smile widened. As George hung the sizeable board and started to move away, Hadeon called him back with a casual yet commanding tone. "Georgie, shuffle two steps to your right. A tad more, now step forward. Perfect!"
Hadeon arched an eyebrow, and he remarked, "I merely suggested comfortable attire, yet here you are, dreaming up illicit activities," he tutted, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Looks like someone's mind is dancing in the gutter. Maybe a quick spanking will jog it back to decency?"
"Oh, innocent me!" Hadeon gasped, moving his hand in front of him as if to shield himself from her non-existent lecherous gaze. "How ambitious, you ravenous monkey! To think you would suggest such sinful endeavours with poor, defenceless little me!"
Upon opening the door, Maxi was greeted by Ulyseon and Garrow, both impeccably dressed for the occasion. Ulyseon looked striking in a navy blue coat over a silver tunic, his sleek silver hair elegantly tied back in a ponytail. Garrow, in contrast, wore a lustrous black leather coat over a crimson doublet.
"How strange, we have a phrase too," Hadeon leaned in, his smile never fading, "Follow the master, or face twice the disaster. Quite poetic, don't you think?"
Mallory saw Hadeon elegantly bring the same cigar she had just used to his lips, taking a slow, deliberate inhale. He held the smoke, his gaze aloft, then exhaled a perfect ring with a slight tilt of his head.