Sold to the Night Lord - Chapter 94: Chapter 94

Elara
I decide that keeping my eyes fixed on Eleazar’s back is better than looking at the rest of the individuals who stare at me as if I were a circus show. Even so, I notice the gazes and the slight nods toward Eleazar. They ooze respect through their pores, and I wonder if it goes beyond fear of retaliation. I’m curious to know what made Eleazar—and not someone else—their leader. Among the faces of the people, I spot vampires and, as I already expected, humans. From what I see, we’re in some kind of camp—a very large one, in fact.
There are tents spread out beyond what my sight can reach. The meat cooking over the fire makes my stomach growl; with all the trouble of escaping, I hadn’t had time to eat. I hope Eleazar didn’t hear the sound of my stomach among the murmurs that fill the air. I’m already feeling enough shame walking around here in a torn dress that barely hides my body.
We arrive at a tent made of skins, and I don’t need to see much to know it’s his. There are fur rugs on the floor and dozens of candles that light and warm the place. I catch sight of several maps spread out over a table, but I look away before Eleazar thinks I might be a spy. My eyes fall on a bed big enough for two people, even three, and seeing the rumpled sheets makes my cheeks burn. I turn around, avoiding looking back at it, and find Eleazar leaning against a large chest with a neatly folded dress beside him.
“I hope it’s your size.” He throws it to me without caring whether I can catch it or not. “As you can understand, until I really know your intentions, I won’t leave you alone.”
“Don’t I deserve some privacy?” I reply.
“Being a vampire doesn’t mean I’m not a gentleman, but I’m not an idiot either.” He raises an eyebrow. “You’ve escaped from Cassian—that says a lot about your skills.”
“Do you watch all your guests while they undress?”
“Only the ones invited to my bed, of course.”
I press the dress against my chest, as if it could serve as a barrier between us in case he decides to stop ‘being a gentleman’—though a real gentleman wouldn’t make that kind of comment in front of a lady. The color of my cheeks must be cherry red, and that amusement shows on his face. As if it took great effort, he turns around, giving me the view of his broad back.
“I give you my word I won’t look,” he says in a deep voice. “But if you try anything, I assure you I’ll respond with violence.”
I stare at him long enough to make sure he’s going to keep his word. With an exaggerated sigh, I turn around and begin to remove what’s left of my dress. The small slip I wear underneath is stained with dirt, so I get rid of it too and stand completely naked. I hurry to dress myself, surprised to find a delicate piece of cotton underwear. I slip my legs into it and then pull the dress over my head. It smells like a woman—I’m sure it belongs to one of his lovers. I try to fasten the row of buttons on my back, but there are too many, and I can’t reach the ones at the top.
I clear my throat.
“I need help.”
I glance over my shoulder and see Eleazar turn around and let his eyes wander down my bare back to the curve of my buttocks, which are hidden by the skirt of the dress. I clench my jaw—I refuse to feel shame. He brushes my back just for a moment, more than enough for the cold of his fingers to send a shiver down my spine. Little by little, the bodice of the dress adjusts to my body, and I exhale when his scent of tart apple and something that reminds me of summer fades away.
I face him, trying not to show how shaken I am. A woman, apparently human, enters with a tray in her hands.
“Leave it on the table, thank you.”
The woman nods and walks toward a small round table that’s free of maps and wrinkled scrolls. I watch her movements and see that what covers her features is not fear but deep respect toward the man she is serving. Eleazar smiles at her and gives a small nod before she disappears outside the tent again.
“Have a seat, Elara, let’s talk.”
I’m a little reluctant to obey immediately. I look suspiciously at the table and its chairs as if they might bite me. Eleazar gives me a roguish smile, showing his teeth. He shakes his head as if I amuse him, and finally I sit, determined not to be the object of his laughter. On the tray are several slices of bread, cheese, grapes, and other fruits.
“Wine?”
Normally I’d refuse, but seeing there’s no pitcher of water nearby, I nod and bring my glass closer. The first sip explodes with a fruity flavor on my tongue, and my face must reflect my impression because Eleazar smiles with satisfaction.
“So... you say you’re running from Cassian. Should I be worried about possible retaliation against me?”
I set the glass aside and look at him. Now I’m the one raising an eyebrow and smiling sarcastically.
“You know there’s very little you can do to avoid his retaliation. He’ll seize the slightest opportunity.”
“If I’m exposing myself to that, I’d like to know why you ran away.”
“Is it that strange?” I reply. “Anyone in my place would be eager to escape at the slightest chance.”
“Very few dare. There are always things to lose.” He leans back in his seat, resting his hands on the armrests—it’s the posture of a king. “You have family. Why would you risk that, Elara?”
I avoid his questioning gaze.
“Unless you’re very sure he won’t go after them, and that brings me to my next question: why would Cassian show such consideration?”
I shrug.
“I don’t know. I just have that intuition.”
“I consider you smarter than someone who lets herself be guided by intuition.” His golden eyes roam my face, trying to read me. “Alright, I can only assume Cassian doesn’t just want you as a physical possession—he wants your feelings. Is that it?”
“He’s never going to have that,” I answer sharply.
“I’m not asking if he can have them.”
“You’re wrong anyway—he doesn’t want my feelings. I’m just a human to him.”
“Just a human, huh?” He curves his lips in a crooked smile. “A very slippery one, I see, dodging all my questions.” He sighs, pushing some food toward me. “Fine, here’s what we’ll do. I’ll let you stay here as long as you need, but you’ll always be watched—either by me or one of my trusted men.”
“Are you sure?”
He leans forward again, bringing his face dangerously close to mine. I can see myself reflected in the liquid gold of his eyes, and I lose myself in the reflection long enough not to notice his mouth approaching my ear.
“If you try anything, I’ll show you forms of torture your mind couldn’t even begin to conjure.” His breath tickles my ear. “Don’t make me be cruel.”
“You’re the one choosing cruelty,” I retort.
I pull back, pressing my back against the chair as much as I can.
“Only if you endanger the fruits of my labor and the people who trust me.”
“You’re already putting them in danger by letting me stay, remember?”
“Do you want me to change my mind?” I stay silent. “You have no alternative, and I trust that you’re sensible—maybe you’ll make the right choice for once.”
“What do you mean?”
“I wouldn’t be putting my people at risk in vain if you were one of mine.”
A laugh escapes me—not amused, more like hysterical.
“You’re trying to manipulate me into trading one cage for another.”
“No one here is caged. Everyone is free to leave whenever they want. I give them what they don’t have with the Pure: freedom and trust. You’ll see it for yourself.”
“I don’t think I’ll be staying that long.”
“Maybe you’ll end up liking this place or its people,” he reasons.
“You’re not doing a great job of making that happen.”
He stands from his chair, planting his palms on the table and looming over me. I hold my breath as his size seems to swallow me.
“I’m not trying to make you like me, Elara. Believe me—when I try, you won’t want to leave this place. Leaving me will feel painful.”