34

You rouse early, dreams of Corliss and your Embrace lingering for a moment and then fading, as dreams so often do. Your early training as a neonate is something you rarely think about. Agelessness has a way of stretching memory thin, a phenomenon you've noted in ageing mortals as well, at least to a lesser degree. It occurs to you in those waking moments that you can no longer recall the precise circumstances of your Embrace. There was trauma in it, as there always is given the nature of the act, and sometimes you swear you can still feel her fangs pressed against your neck, supple flesh flexing, parting, and the rush of being taken. The seething remnants of your humanity bred a hatred for Corliss at first—forcing you into her world and not only demanding obedience, but perfection. Has your opinion on the matter changed in the years since?

You've somehow managed to mangle your deformed fingers during your sleep again, and it takes you several minutes to get them set and sorted. Sometimes you wonder if you'll ever get used to dealing with the Nosferatu curse. When you finally manage to dress and leave your inner chamber, you find Gerard stationed behind a nearby desk as he always is at nightfall, ready to serve you. It's pleasing to know that even in the midst of all this upheaval you can still count on someone to be consistent and dependable.

"Good evening, ma'am," he says as you enter the room. There's a slight edge to his voice, and you're uncertain what it signifies. "Your sire had one of her men drop a vessel off this evening for feeding at your leisure. He's young. Trust fund child or something of that nature. I believe he indulged in alcohol at a local club, so be certain you're prepared for the effects. I'll be sure that he's home safe by sun-up."

"They brought me an alcoholic?" you grunt. "I might need to wait on that. I need to keep my mind clear."

Gerard shakes his head. "Not an alcoholic, no. I simply wished to warn you that he had been seen drinking. In fact, I believe you may find the blood quite pleasant."