Chapter 10: Shadows of the Past

During that same stretch of time, Lucien found himself piecing together fragments of Blaise's past through snippets of conversation that floated amidst the family gatherings. Something dark was going on with Blaise.

For example, one afternoon, while the family gathered for brunch, Lucien's ears caught Troy's voice in the kitchen as he spoke to a visiting aunt. Intrigued, Lucien discreetly listened to their conversation right outside the entrance to the kitchen, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of Blaise.

"He's changed, Aunt Lisa," Troy lamented, a note of disappointment in his voice. "Ever since he started spending time with his uncle a few years ago, he's become different. It's like he's been... corrupted." He whispered that last word.

Aunt Lisa's hushed response sent a shiver down Lucien's spine. "Raphael," she whispered, her voice dripping with disdain. "He's an evil, perverse man. I fear for Blaise's well-being. There's something dark about that side of the family. Your father cut them out for a reason. You should never feel sad that you didn't know your paternal grandfather. I met him once and that was enough. Really, Raphael give off the same creepy aura."

Curiosity piqued, Lucien continued to eavesdrop on their conversation, keen to learn more. Troy's voice was hushed and thoughtful. "But why would Blaise even like him?"

Aunt Lisa sighed. "Well, it could be that Blaise just innately more like that side of the family. But you have to understand, Troy, Raphael has a certain charm about him. Charisma can work its magic on unsuspecting hearts. It doesn't hurt that he is a handsome man."

Troy spoke, sounding unconvinced. "Is he? He just looks freakishly pale and all bony to me."

"He may not fit the conventional standards of beauty, but there's something captivating in his presence. A lot of people find him attractive. Others find him repulsive."

"I still don't understand why he fell so easily into Raphael's claws. Why he's still so under his influence."

Aunt Lisa sighed and said, "Raphael preyed on Blaise because he was vulnerable. That's how your father's family was - predatory. He was a comfort to Blaise when his father passed away, and Raphael exploited that bond. He knew how to prey on Blaise's longing for connection and understanding. Blaise was always a little different, you know? I think it made him feel lonely."

Lucien eyes widened as he listened, realization dawning upon him. Something between Blaise and Raphael sounded very wrong.

"Raphael took advantage of Blaise's grief and manipulated him into darker paths. I know that," Troy said. "I just don't know why he can't get back on the right path."

"Some people just get lost, Troy," Aunt Lisa's voice carried a touch of sorrow. "Their souls become entangled in the darkness, and it's hard to find their way back. And if this is what we think it is..."

As Aunt Lisa spoke those cryptic words, Lucien adjusted his stance - his leg was about to fall asleep- but his foot slipped, causing him to make a noise. Instantly, the conversation ceased, and both Troy and Aunt Lisa turned their attention towards the sound.

Startled, Lucien quickly composed himself, pretending he had just entered the hallway on his way to the kitchen. "Oh, excuse me," he said, feigning innocence. "I was just coming to get a drink. Didn't mean to interrupt."

Aunt Lisa's eyes flickered with suspicion, but she quickly masked it with a gentle smile. "No worries, Lucien. Just chatting, that's all."

Troy nodded, seemingly accepting Lucien's explanation. "Yeah, we were just discussing some family matters. Nothing for you to worry about."

Lucien returned their smiles. Yet, his mind buzzed with questions. What were they discussing? What did Aunt Lisa mean when she said, "if this is what we think this is"? And how did it all relate to Blaise?

On another day, while passing through the hallway, Lucien overheard his younger stepsister, Maisy, engaged in a conversation with her cousin.

"I still don't understand how it happened," Maisy's voice quivered. "Dad was healthy, and then suddenly... he was gone."

Her cousin's response held a similar air of uncertainty. "Yeah, it was strange. The doctors couldn't explain it. Some people even said it might be foul play."

Lucien's heart skipped a beat as he listened, the implications of their words sending a chill down his spine. What was going on in this family?

Lucien stepped into the study, the dim light casting shadows across the room. Blaise sat at a small table, savoring a croissant and sipping on a cup of coffee, his face illuminated by the soft glow of a reading lamp. The sight of him engrossed in a book, seemingly finding amusement in its contents, charmed Lucien. Blaise in the lamplight looked like something out of a painting.

Blaise glanced up, his ethereal eyes meeting Lucien's gaze for a fleeting moment. With a nod, he acknowledged Lucien's presence before returning his attention to the book in his hands. Lucien took a seat nearby, feigning interest in the pages of a novel but allowing his gaze to linger on Blaise.

As he observed Blaise's painterly beauty, a whirlwind of thoughts spun through Lucien's mind. The mention of Raphael, Blaise's uncle, during the wedding ceremony echoed in his memory. And Aunt Lisa and Troy talking about how Raphael had corrupted Blaise...

What had transpired between Blaise and Raphael? What had driven them apart? The more Lucien considered the fragments of conversation he had overheard, the more his concern for Blaise deepened. He couldn't help but fear for his stepbrother's well-being, knowing that something dark and nefarious might have taken hold of his life.

The weight of worry settled heavily on Lucien's shoulders as he contemplated the extent of Raphael's influence on Blaise. The notion that his stepbrother had been corrupted filled him with a sense of dread. A chilling thought crept into his mind, whispering the possibility of unspeakable acts committed by Raphael. He shuddered, considering the potential darkness that Blaise might have endured at the hands of his own blood.

The sound of Blaise's soft laughter broke the silence, drawing Lucien's attention back to the present. Lucien strained to catch a glimpse of the book's title. It was Dracula. But instead of fear or unease, Blaise seemed to find amusement in its pages, his laughter punctuating the stillness of the room.

What could be funny about Dracula? Lucien read the book once, and like most people found it dark and frightening but not funny. Did Blaise just have a strange sense of humor?

After Blaise settled down once more, another question clawed at the corners of Lucien's mind—the mysterious circumstances surrounding Blaise's father's passing. No one had ever mentioned anything about it possibly being foul play. Clearly this was another thing that Marie's side of the family wanted to cover up.

The tendrils of doubt tightened their grip around Lucien's thoughts. Had it been a mere accident, as he was told, or something more sinister? Who would have wanted Blaise's father gone? The questions rattled around in his mind, begging for answers that remained hidden within the veils of secrecy.