The Fates

Part XIV: Bad Introductions

Marcus disappeared to God knows where and he did give me permission to go into his room but I didn't want a repeat of the other day so I was ushered into the eerie library.

It was cold. I was contemplating searching for Demetri but he again popped out of nowhere with his black and grey hoody he had once lent me.

"Demetri, you are my hero! I was freezing in here."
I bundled myself in it. He smiled
"You were too afraid to go back, huh?"

I nodded.

"I was so surprised he allowed you in so quickly. You must have said something that finally got to him. It's good you're around. He's finally doing something other than holing up in his room."

I smiled.

"If I do come back I'll happily do more than that."
"Don't get so attached, regardless you may be shocked by the turn of events."

I huffed.
"What is it with you and Renata claiming I like him?"

Demetri scoffed.
"You don't?"

"Even if I did I don't think it makes sense going after him if I'm not sure I'm coming back."

"Are you returning to Italy?"
I shrugged.

"If my applications are accepted and there's enough funds there's a good chance, but it's not so great."
"I see."

I don't know what we were still doing there, staring at untouched books, dusty books."
I decided to pick one, Heidi.

I wanted to read it to numb the boredom but Demetri told me a far better read was Beowulf. I opened it to get him to shut up but the English was stern and unapproachable.

How could I begin to enjoy this dribble if I could not understand it. I put both of them down.

"You have some taste," I said sarcastically.
Demetri suddenly stiffened.

"Makayla, get behind me."
I looked at him.

"Please, I'll explain later."
I rolled my eyes and did as he said. We could hear footsteps approaching us.

"Who is in our personal library?"

I balked. I did not recognise the voice. It was feathery and oddly authoritative behind the lightness.

"Master, it is I." Demetri said.

The voice taunted: "You know you cannot be in this part of the castle unless asked."

Demetri although he could not see the owner of the voice was stooped forward and his head bowed.

"Yes," he whispered.

I was feeling a bit frightened. That must be the other brother and if he was doing this he must be horrifying. I shook a bit.

The door was opening and I yelped trying to hide. Then....

"Brother, I have bidden for his presence. I have a special guest you have not had the chance to meet.

Marcus...

"Guest?" he said enthusiastically.
"Let me see this guest of yours," he said to Marcus.

I looked at Demetri who relaxed, he showed me to an ink sofa next to the fireplace. He lit the fireplace and moved the two-seater much further from me.

Marcus slowly walked in dressed in his black attire once more, his hair pulled back now by a scrunchy. He sat down opposite to me and gave me a small smile.

"Makayla, I want to introduce you to my brother, Aro."
I stiffened remembering my encounter with his other brother Caius.

"Do not fret. He is much more friendly than Caius. I shall introduce you to him officially much later."