Announcements: Cutting Costs (2024) » January 2024 Copyfraud Attack » Finding Universes to Join (and making yours more visible!) » Guide To Universes On RPG » Member Shoutout Thread » Starter Locations & Prompts for Newcomers » RPG Chat — the official app » Frequently Asked Questions » Suggestions & Requests: THE MASTER THREAD »

Latest Discussions: Adapa Adapa's for adapa » To the Rich Men North of Richmond » Shake Senora » Good Morning RPG! » Ramblings of a Madman: American History Unkempt » Site Revitalization » Map Making Resources » Lost Poetry » Wishes » Ring of Invisibility » Seeking Roleplayer for Rumple/Mr. Gold from Once Upon a Time » Some political parody for these trying times » What dinosaur are you? » So, I have an Etsy » Train Poetry I » Joker » D&D Alignment Chart: How To Get A Theorem Named After You » Dungeon23 : Creative Challenge » Returning User - Is it dead? » Twelve Days of Christmas »

Players Wanted: Serious Anime Crossover Roleplay (semi-literate) » Looking for a long term partner! » JoJo or Mha roleplay » Seeking long-term rp partners for MxM » [MxF] Ruining Beauty / Beauty x Bastard » Minecraft Rp Help Wanted » CALL FOR WITNESSES: The Public v Zosimos » Social Immortal: A Vampire Only Soiree [The Multiverse] » XENOMORPH EDM TOUR Feat. Synthe Gridd: Get Your Tickets! » Aishna: Tower of Desire » Looking for fellow RPGers/Characters » looking for a RP partner (ABO/BL) » Looking for a long term roleplay partner » Explore the World of Boruto with Our Roleplaying Group on FB » More Jedi, Sith, and Imperials needed! » Role-player's Wanted » OSR Armchair Warrior looking for Kin » Friday the 13th Fun, Anyone? » Writers Wanted! » Long term partner to play an older male wanted »

0
followers
follow

Reiji Santiago

Things are going to change around here. Bend to my will or I will be forced to make an example out of you. I win either way..

0 · 5,296 views · located in Castillo de la Muerte

a character in “Castillo de la Muerte: Sorcery's Vengeance”, as played by Stiles

Description

Image
Image
Image

Image






ImageMain Theme
InnerPartySystem || Don't Stop

Mad
Linkin Park || Numb

Upset
Three doors down || Kryptonite

Happy
Voltaire || When you're evil






"Stay out of my room if you're wise. Though if you're brave, please, I challenge you to be foolish."





The Basics

ImageName
Reiji Santiago

Nicknames/Aliases
Rei (Close family ONLY; anyone else will be severely punished.)

Age
Appears 19 (has lived 380 years as a Vampire)

Gender
Male

Sexual Orientation
Asexual

Race
Vampire

Faceclaim
Reiji Sakamaki





"I am a gentleman, make no mistake.. However, I am a Vampire. Sadism is in my nature, Darling"





On the outside

ImageHeight
5'11''

Weight
160 lbs




"I did not get here through birthright, I earned my position. You will respect me."





My defining skills

Image
    ☣ He's a published writer ☣ He's a skilled writer and has wrote several books. Mostly under different aliases throughout the years. He's wrote at least twenty books and most of them are murder mysteries, typically based off his own murders throughout the years.

    ☣ Toxicologist ☣ As a noble, he learnt a lot in his studies including medicine and toxicology. He can cure almost any known man-made poisons, and a couple supernatural brews as well. He is constantly testing his new poisons on living creatures, so it wouldn't be wise to anger him during his studies. He doesn't object to poisoning humans.

    ☣ Herbalist ☣
    Herbalism is use of plants for medicinal purposes, and the study of such use. Reiji has been studying plants and their uses for many years. He has tested their effects on humans many times. Most often Reiji uses potentially toxic plants, but he also has an understanding of medicinal plants as well.




    What makes me different


    Image
      Like || Poisons

      Like || Women

      Like || Wine

      Like || Death

      Like || Personal Space

      Like || Feeding

      Like || Power

      Like || Music

      Like || Control

      Like || Luxury

      Dislike || Liars

      Dislike || Edward

      Dislike || Defiance

      Dislike || Rudeness

      Dislike || Castiel

      Dislike || Excessive rambling

      Dislike || Snow

      Dislike || Religion

      Dislike || Magic

      Dislike || Werewolves



    Image




    Strengths

      Determination || Once Reiji sets his mind on a goal, little can stop him from achieving it. Many believe that he planned the werewolf attack, due to his habit of typically getting what he wants, but also due to his grudge against Castiel. He didn't stage the event, but it didn't necessarily put him in horrible conditions. His only regret was losing Angelo to the battle.

      Loyal || He is excessively loyal to those he values, though he would never admit it. Despite all these years his family holds a place in his heart that can never be replaced. He spent his banishment searching for Mirabelle, even though his gut kept telling him to give up. He couldn't stand banishment without his family. His hope that she was alive was the only reason he survived his time away.

      Gentlemanly|| He can be a gentleman when it is required so he is exceptionally useful at public events and parties. He is charismatic towards those he must deceive and is expert at pretending to be a genuine person, to those who do not know his true nature.




      Flaws

        Emotionally Numb || Reiji isn't proud of this traint, but his life, memories, and personal experiences have caused him to isolate himself from his emotions. When faced with the macabre, or any other situation, people around him might find that he is inappropriate in almost every way. Most times it appears that he genuinely enjoys the pain of others. It isn't until something happens to those close to him that others are reminded he isn't completely numb to his own emotions. Though even when he lost his brother, Reiji showed relatively little despair, in fact he could still smile and make jokes. He always seems to have an understanding and eerie acceptance towards tragedy and violence, even as the people around him are terrified just observing him.

        Jealous || He is quite jealous of Castiel. He hates him for taking Edward's attention away from the rest of them, Mirabelle excluded. He spent his entire life planning how to steal their home right from under Castiel's feet. He has finally succeeded, but he cannot enjoy it. Castiel's amnesia removes the satisfaction of dethroning him entirely.

        Sadistic || He is very sadistic, the only reason he doesn't kill the help is because he would lose his sibling's favor. He pretends to like the girls, but his interest in Tanzy and Anise's innocence is quite genuine. He enjoys fear in others and will often cause it for his own amusement. He claims to be a Sociopath, but he is definitely a sadist.




" Life isn't worth living if you refuse to get your hands a little dirty.."





How I tick



Image


Personality


Generally, Reiji is Disinterested, fatigued, inattentive, and a tad irritable. Though when faced with a challenge, he's quite energetic and competitive. He hates to lose, and does everything in his power to prevent doing so. Reiji doesn't want to fall for anyone, he finds love to be a weakness he can't afford too much more of. He's terrified of deep water, despite being a vampire, Reiji cannot swim. His family, despite exiling him several times, are the only ones to understand and truly care for him. Losing them would drive him truly insane. He has a bad habit of pushing other's limits, testing their boundaries, and not taking 'no' for an answer. Also he smokes, but that is a little known factor. He's constantly toying with his glasses or random objects. He's jealous.. especially of Castiel. Reiji can be Arrogant when it comes to his own capabilities and he is quite bossy and impulsive. He's not very energetic, most of the time seen reading or napping in his free time. One must never disturb his nap unless for an exceptionally good reason. Being a man whom is quite difficult to understand, he doesn't attract many women.

Also he has a set of rules everyone is meant to follow:

  • NO ONE is allowed in his room...Not even his siblings.
  • He hates being woke up-Do so with extreme caution and at your own peril.
  • If you break one of his rules, he becomes immeasurably violent.






" I have no qualms with showing a woman her place.. "





The path that led me here

ImageImageImage As children Reiji looked up to Castiel, but as Edward began showing a favoritism toward Castiel and Mirabelle, Reiji grew bitter towards his eldest brother. Reiji was adopted, but he spent all of his time studying, trying to fill the gap. The only thing he wanted growing up was for Edward, the man he considered his father, to be proud of him. As the grew up Reiji was constantly attempting to outshine Castiel, and even started a couple fist fights with him. This continued even after becoming a vampire. Even while Reiji traveled the world with his siblings, sans Mirabelle seeing as she was kidnapped as a human child, He was envious of the blonde man. He was growing accustomed to their new lifestyle as they went, and he always seemed to enjoy the extra power more than his fellow siblings. He never invested his emotions in anyone, seeing as he was raised studiously. He was banished from Castillo after committing several crimes against the family, one including murdering a past love of Castiel's. He only returned as the vampire counsel ordered him, and his first night back in his home he was forced to fight for his life. He is head of the house, due to Castiel's accident and unfortunate loss of memory. He is far more ruthless and unforgiving so Castillo has been a lot less harmonious since his arrival. He took Castiel's maid, Tanzy and assigned Anise, Bishop's maid to his brother instead. He's stepped on several toes since he took the position and will more than likely step on several more. Though he has hired new help. Though he hasn't quite told Bishop, Mirabelle, or Demetri they're receiving new maids and a butler...yet.


So begins...

Reiji Santiago's Story

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Jane Christopher Character Portrait: Camilla Eden
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK


Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Camilla Eden Character Portrait: Jason Olivander
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

BISHOP SANTIAGO


Rage burned in Bishop's emerald eyes, hating that he couldn't decapitate the strange male currently in the carriage. He didn't like this one bit. Only Demetri's reasoning kept him from making good on his threat to kill the boy, keeping a firm hand on his collar to prevent the questionable presence from escaping him. Another growl left his throat as Anise lay unconscious, the vampire cursing the carriage drivers in his mind. Where were those useless servants?! He'd kill them too once they got back!

Bishop's attention only strayed from Anise and the stranger when Demetri left the carriage, announcing he would take them back to the castle. Horror and disapproval met the announcement, fear for his twin just as powerful as his concern for Anise- if not more so. "Demetri-!" Bishop began, but his protest fell on deaf ears as his fellow red head took the reigns and raced off- regardless of the danger this would pose to him. Fear, impatience, and frustration at being at a loss of how to fix the problem churned in his gut- a dangerous combination of feelings only making the hot headed male more angry and unstable. The ride seemed to drag on, the stranger's rebuttal earning a snarl and a shake as he answered. Bishop dreaded what Demetri was facing in the open, fearing for his twin the wrath of the sun. They couldn't arrive at the castle soon enough.

Ignoring everyone but Anise, Demetri, and the boy he dragged along, Bishop raced into the castle and watched as Anise was placed upon a table to be inspected and treated. His medical knowledge was limited to what he learned during his time as a soldier, but Demetri had taken over the situation beforehe could even think to- further annoying the vampire. He loathed feeling so useless, and this was one of those rare moments. Reiji's presence was oddly loathesome yet welcome, the prick tending to Anise properly and promptly. Witnessing the 'kiss' intended to deliver medicine to the young woman, Bishop growled low in his throat, hatred in his eyes as he had to just stand there and watch the asshole. He nearly stepped forward to knock the older vampire away, but somehow managed to restrain himself for the sake of the human. Reiji's words were met with an angry and irritable scowl, as well as a secret stirring of actual fear he'd never admit to anyone. "Just hurry it up! Can you fix her or not?" he barked at Reiji, standing by the table and looking down at the ebony haired girl.

Finally releasing the strange boy as Reiji decided to make him useful, Bishop glanced over at his twin and nearly gasped in horror. His brother was healing much too slowly- his burns significant. Damn him! Had he not been so worried about Anise, he'd have noticed earlier. Fists clenched, Bishop shook his head, hating to see Demetri so weakened. It was terrifying. "Dammit Demetri, you should have made Jason drive us back!" he scolded, worried at how slow the healing process was going. It wouldn't be so slow normally, unless...

Cursing under his breath, Bishop moved away to grab a knife and a goblet, quickly taking the items and all but shoving them at Camilla. He glared at her, nodding towards his twin before hissing an order. "He needs blood! You're his personal maid, so you're responsible for making sure he is fed. Hurry up and give him a glass so he can heal properly!" Concern for his brother made him snap more harshly than he might have intended to, but he couldn't be bothered to care.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TANZY McNEAL


The maid nodded at Reiji's remark, smiling wistfully at the thought. "Indeed, even with the few farm animals we had, they were certainly pleasant to have around." she murmured, glancing over at her new master.

Tanzy waited with baited breath to see if Reiji would repeat himself so she'd hear what he had whispered. His response to her questioning was not what she expected. Instead of silence, anger, or a calm explanation- the dark haired man had a flush of color in his cheeks. Blinking in surprise, the young woman tried to figure out what prompted the blush, going over their few conversations in her head in a vain attempt to decipher Reiji's response even as he snapped a hasty response. Regardless of the reason, she wasn't about to disobey a direct order, even if she did truly want to inquire about his puzzling reaction. Nodding to show she understood, she managed to lean back against her seat, relaxing as he didn't seem to be actually cross with her. "Yes sire. I wouldn't presume to have you repeat things purely for my sake. Pardon me for asking." she said softly before going silent.

The ride was uneventful untl arriving at the Santiago castle, the maid expecting to simply get out and follow any instructions given to her as was usual. She jumped in her seat as Demetri's frantic pounding on the door drummed in her ears, little alarm bells going off in her mind. Something seemed very wrong. As soon as the words left the redhead's mouth and registered in her brain, Tanzy's face went pale. Something had happened to Anise. She raced after Reiji even without his prompting, struggling to keep up with his superior speed. Dread churned in her gut, heart hammering in fear for her dearest friend.

Arriving behind Reiji to see him putting a finished mixture of herbs in his mouth and then past Anise's unconscious lips, Tanzy stopped dead in her tracks, a horrified gasp leaving her lips even as she covered her mouth to supress it. Hearing Reiji's assesments only served to intensify her fear for her companion, struggling to fight back tears. No! She'd be of no help to Anise if she broke down!

Despite this, tears trailed down her cheeks as she looked upon her fellow maid, worry almost making her sick to her stomach. Tanzy sniffled, then hastily brushed the tears away as carefully as she could in an attempt to preserve her makeup. She fought to reign in her emotions, looking anxiously over at Reiji. Movinging so she wasn't in his way, but so that she was just off to the side and in a position to run off and fetch something, Tanzy watched him and stood in a ready position, managing to meet his eyes. She didn't say anything, but she hoped he'd understand she was ready for any order, any instruction so she could help him heal her friend.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Jane Christopher Character Portrait: Camilla Eden Character Portrait: Jason Olivander
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image
Image




Ashlynn watched Reiji work efficiently, feeling a pang in her chest when he moved so close to the girl. She had once loved him. She wasn't sure if she still did, but she knew she was reluctant to let go of all those bittersweet memories she still cherished.

When Reiji grabbed Ash, she winced in pain at her wrist's sudden movement. "What you don't realize Santiago is that her throat began to close when we left town. I've been keeping it from closing all the way," Ash stated as she pulled sharply out of Reiji's grasp before looking down at the girl and frowning in concentration.

"I had already made my leave, so there isn't much for me to realize when I've been misinformed. I suggest you speak to nobles less casually, I know of your talents, but others in the room are less likely to care.” Reiji's crimson orbs narrowed at Ash, warning in his orbs as she defied him so publicly. If not for her talents, he would have reprimanded her immediately for such insolence, but there were other matters at stake. He doubted that Bishop's omnipresent squalling would end until his maid's physical condition stabilized, "My brothers have formed somewhat of a habit when it comes to eating first and asking questions after.”

Ash leans forward, studying the girl's face and inhaling deeply in an attempt to catch a scent. "Mandragora officinarum. It's on her breath, the mandrake," Ash declares as she reaches for the medicinal combination that would purify the girl from the mandrake poisoning.

Reiji sighed, frowning a bit. The fact that Ash seemed so sure of herself caused Reiji to quirk a suspicious brow. He did not wish to point fingers, but the thought forced itself to the front of his mind that perhaps this had been Ash's doing all along. He did not know however that Anise had been experiencing mild symptoms for many months, "How can you be so sure? Scents can be deceiving. Especially with...humans.” He responded as if disgusted by humans, challenging Ashlyn. He did not entirely trust his former love, although he knew her knowledge with poisons was easily equal to his own. The fact that she knew so much about toxins was the sole reason he found it difficult to trust her, "We must be sure. We haven't enough time or herbs to brew two remedies, and the wrong antidote could very well make her condition worse.”

Ashlyn merely stared at Reiji for a moment as he spoke to her. "Yes my Lord,” Ashlyn stated loud enough for the brothers to hear but soft enough the other humans would only hear muttering. She knew Reiji wasn't used to having someone with a spine interact with him, but regardless, it was how Ash was, always had been.

Ashlyn ducked her head as she smirked at Reiji's words. If she knew anything about the brothers, it was that only Bishop was the one who might really bite before he asked questions should Ashlyn be docile still. Should she become a threat, Demetri wouldn't hesitate either. It seemed as if Reiji was just waiting for the opportunity though.

When Ash stood, she caught the raised brow of Reiji's. He didn't believe her... She gave him a stern look, just barely managing to school her emotions of anger in front of the others. "Rei-... Lord Santiago, when you've been around it enough, you'd recognize it in a heartbeat,” Ashlyn stated quietly, softly too. The irony was not lost on her that Reiji didn't even have a heartbeat anymore, if he ever could being as he was.

"Sadly, it's been so long that I've forgotten what a heartbeat feels like,” He responded smugly, letting out a sigh of annoyance. He didn't have time to make jabs at Ashlyn, no matter how much he wanted to. He was still angry, conflicted even. He knew the feeling in his gut was attraction, because he had never entirely gained closure to their past relationship, but he refused to let it fog his judgement. She had ultimately brought about the worst tragedy that his family had ever faced, whether she had done it intentionally or not, he could not forgive that so easily. He then turned his attention to Bishop, then to Demetri. His longer haired brother did not seem to be in a sturdy condition, and Reiji agreed with Bishop that Camilla needed to feed Demetri. He would personally force her if he must, especially considering his current mood. Reiji had some pent up emotions that he would surely like to expel in a sadistic manner towards any human who defied his family. He was itching for one of them to push him past his limit, to give him a solid reason to lash out. Ash was his only equal when it came to poisons, so she was immune to his violence, but all of the remaining conscious humans were free reign for his wrath, "I believe it is Atropa Belladonna, or Deadly Nightshade as most others in the room would recognize it. The symptoms are identical to Mandragora Officinarum... and Nightshade is far easier to acquire.”

She knew the smell of the herb all too well having had it forced upon her more than once by her very sister for entertainment and her time being held as a prisoner. She took a deep breath before looking up at him with a promise. "I'm not wrong. Should I be though, I will do everything in my power to keep her alive,” Ashlyn states softly. She knew Reiji would understand she meant that she would keep the girl alive and well with all of her own ability, at the risk of exposing herself to Bishop, Demetri, and Mirabelle, all of whom seem to hate her for whatever reason.

"If you're wrong, you best hope she survives long enough to see the proper antidote... and if you're right, you're going to explain everything to us. My brothers will want an explanation on how a complete strangerwould know the proper remedy for our maid's sudden illness.” Though Reiji knew that neither poisoning happened so quickly. For Anise to be in this condition, she either ingested a large quantity or was being poisoned over time. Either way, he was furious that someone had been able to sneak it past him. He felt incapable of protecting his family, and honestly that made him feel like shit.

"I swear on my life, and wouldn't expect anything less of you than to take the due should I be wrong,”[b] Ashlyn whispered so close to Reiji and so low, she could catch the faint scent that he came with while keeping the other vampires from hearing at all.

[b]"The choice is up to Bishop, seeing as it is his maid. He shall decide what to do with her. I firmly believe it is Atropine poisoning, but I will not deny that Mandragora Officinarum is another possibility. It cannot be ruled out.”
Reiji ran a hand through his hair, because for the first time in a long while, he felt truly helpless. He did not personally care if Anise lived or died, but he did not wish to see her die under his authority. If she died tonight it would only prove that he was not capable of leading this family effectively. He wished to prove he could be the leader that this family desperately required, especially with Castiel's condition, "Deadly nightshade and Mandrake Root have similar side effects and telling the difference is nearly impossible without more viable information to source from.” Then he looked to the servants, growing irritated that no one had listened to him. Jason, Tanzy, and Camilla were all present and not one of them had begun fetching Anise's belongings, all standing around like lumps on logs, making themselves little more than useless to him at the moment, "Tanzy, Jason, Camilla! Bring me some of this maid's chalices, books, and silverware or so help me I will let Bishop paint the walls with all of you! Do not make me repeat myself again!” Reiji demanded, his voice roaring like thunder as he grew angrier. He could not afford wasted time and he couldn't make the wrong choice. He had to save this girl's life or his family would never follow his command. He had to prove that he deserved to be the head of house, or he'd never have anyone's respect.

Ash looked to the servants with a slight look of pity before looking back to Reiji. She looked to Reiji, serious more now than ever before before looking back to the girl and loosing any air of being not serious. ”The longer we bicker the weaker I’m becoming and I can’t hold her throat open, keep from passing out in pain, and a glamour up all at once. I will reveal to your siblings who I am soon, but now is not the time and you know that as well as I do. Give her the medicine. If this is who I fear it is, then she would have much preferred Mandrake for the specific sake of it being rarer and more likely Nightshade when attempting to decide the antidote. I will tell you everything I know and everything that happened on that night if you trust me on this one issue, if you don’t give her the antidote for Mandrake poisoning, she will die or sustain terrible damage. Even tell Bishop that it was your idea for all I care, but this is an innocent and she will not die merely because you and I have unsolved issues between us.” Ash had spoken seriously to him before like this, once, back when he had told her he no longer wanted to see her after Mira had been taken and she had been heartbroken and told him he might never see her again.

She knew that he would be reluctant to trust her, but she had always been so careful for innocents and children. Even Reiji couldn’t forget those moments she figured. He might not have approved of them, but he could not forget them.

Once again she reached for the herb to create the Mandrake antidote, then handed them to Reiji. ”I’ve never hurt your family in any way and will explain all I can to you soon, I’ve learned more about that nights since we separated. If you don’t trust me on this though, you’ve let her win at placing doubt in your heart, even if you’ve forgotten what it feels like to feel it beat,” Ash stated, hating the slight tenderness that crept into her tone that she couldn’t keep out.



Jason looked to Tanzy as Reiji spoke to them. He moved to follow her, unsure as to where Jane's belongings truly were. Jane entered just as the other servants moved off and she managed to stifle a gasp at the sight of Demetri's skin. She covered her mouth with her hand, truly worried for him and wanting to help but at the same time, unsure how to or if it was her place to, especially when she was worried to leave Camilla's side when Camilla was in such a fragile state.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Camilla Eden Character Portrait: Jason Olivander
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK



"Dammit Demetri, you should have made Jason drive us back!"

"If I had not taken the reigns, you are honestly telling me that you wouldn't have done it yourself? Don't fool yourself brother." Demetri stated with a sigh. The only part of him that was discernible was his suit and that vibrant orange-red hair of his. His exposed skin was badly burnt, making the energetic vampire nearly unrecognizable. Anise was our only thought. Neither of us were thinking straight. I'm your twin, I know your will better than I know my own."[/b][/color] Demetri responded with a light chuckle, not taking his condition very seriously. He knew that he would heal, regardless of how slowly it was taking place. The wounds were incredibly sensitive, but it only hurt when he moved so he did his best to remain entirely still when he was not soothing his brother's anxiety with words.

For some reason as time went on, Demetri really sure what was going on. Whenever someone spoke he simply heard faint buzzing. His consciousness was fading in and out, so he couldn't make any assumptions based on his senses. His vision was horrendously blurred. He needed blood desperately, completely unaware that his twin was doing his best to make sure that he obtained just that. The longer haired twin allowed his head to fall back against his chosen seat, too weak to hold it up any longer. All of his energy was currently spent healing his burns. Though it was well worth it. Had Anise's life not been in danger, Demetri would have been able to enjoy the experience much more than he had. It had been the first time in ages that he had experienced riding outside during broad daylight. The smells, sounds, and the sight was truly beautiful and he refused to let the memory leave his mind. He would cherish the beauty of today's nature for as long as he lived.

If there was one thing Demetri missed about being human it was definitely laying in the grass on a sunny day, staring at the blue sky as warm sunbeams heated up his skin. He missed sunbathing more than anything in the world. It was not a common practice among nobles, but he did not consider himself to be 'common', before or after he became a vampire. Demetri prided himself by being different than others, so he truly hoped that he was a unique individual. Suddenly his thoughts turned to Katerina, and he began to imagine what she would have looked like, laying in a field of flowers, sunlight kissing her pale cheeks as she laid beside him. How he dreamed for a chance to see her again. There were so many places that he wished to take her, so many things he wished to show her..

Without warning, Demetri's body tensed and he let out a grunt of pain, falling from his perch onto the stone floor. He let out a scream as his damaged skin met unforgiving stone. He was no longer able to ignore the pain he felt, his mental distraction becoming more painful than his wounds. His body writhed around on the floor as flashes of Katerina returned to him, the image of her mangled body, his physical pain making the mental experience far worse than it normally would have been.

"Katerina... Kat.. Don't leave me.." He begged under his breath, his voice cracking as he spoke. His words were incoherent and far too soft for human ears, but it came out plain as day for those with supernatural hearing. However it was obvious to anyone in the room that he was breaking, mumbling the same thing over and over. He was definitely experiencing something terrible.

"...Just...make it stop...." He begged in weak tone, this time loud enough for anyone in the room to hear. He kept seeing her blood stained face. Every moment he had spent with her replaying in his head like a broken record. The memories were driving him insane. All he wanted was a moment of peace, but his combined physical and mental anguish refused to give let him find comfort.

Slowly but surely, he began to calm as his skin began to look more like skin and his physical pain slowly waned, but he was still trembling, plagued by his horrible thoughts and memories, "...Is....Is Anise alright..?" He asked his brother in a pitiful tone. He would have had tears in his eyes, but it was impossible for them to form. There was no biological way for him to express his sadness like humans could. That was one thing that he did not miss, if he ever cried again, it would be too soon. Although he could not physically 'cry', he did in fact weep when Katerina was murdered. Tears were not the only vessel of sadness, but simply the most obvious.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Camilla Eden Character Portrait: Jason Olivander
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image


Jason was silent during the carriage ride, unsure what else to do. He knew if he spoke Bishop would not be happy but at the same time, Jason didn't have anything to say. He was more worried for both Demetri and Anise near him. He was absolutely terrified that she would die there in the carriage and it would be like Alice had died before him too.

The carriage was wild and crazy as Demetri drove. It was clear that he was skilled enough to keep the carriage from tipping over and Jason was more than thankful for it. Jason was feeling anxious by the time the carriage stopped, anxious and sick from the off kilter ride.

Bishop practically ran out of the carriage after Demetri who was moving far faster than Jason had ever seen anyone move for anything of any kind. Jason waited until everyone else left the carriage before closing the door and following inside. He stood to the side, unsure what to do or how to help and knowing he'd be of no assistance to Reiji as he worked and spoke to the young boy who Reiji seemed to have a negative relationship with too.



Image


Jane didn't know how to respond to Mira's reaction to seeing the boy. What could the boy have done to have made Mira act so strangely? She didn't even know the girl for a week yet she knew the scene she made was not normal for anyone.

"I won't let them take you," Jane whispered softly, unsure what else to say but at the same time wanting to say the right thing. Why on earth would Reiji be so horrible or upset about Mira not being a good vampire?

Jane didn't answer Mira as she asked if she trusted her. She really didn't she thought. Mira did just have an episode and she was a vampire and Jane had just met her not too long ago. Why on earth would she have any reason to trust her at all?

Jane gasped as Mira picked her up, clinging to the young girl and feeling odd but at the same time, unable to do anything. Jane did just as she was told, already terrified and unsure what to do. As they reached the castle, Jane saw that nobody was outside and that her breath was gone though she hadn't been the one running.

Her frame was shaking slightly in her nerves and uneasiness but she gave Mira a small smile in hopes of disguising her discomfort. Jane gave Mira a smile of encouragement before offering her hand to lead the way into the castle.

Upon entering, she saw quite a scene that surprised her. When she saw Demetri though, Jane gasped silently, her heart sinking in awe and terror all at once. He was so hurt, she couldn't help but want to help him in some way but didn't dare move closer to him due to her nerves.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Camilla Eden Character Portrait: Jason Olivander
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK


Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Jane Christopher Character Portrait: Camilla Eden
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image



Tanzy wrung her hands and bit the inside of her lip almost to the point of breaking skin as she watched Reiji and the strange male work. Her gut churned in anxiety as she listened to them debate the possible causes of Anise's sudden collapse. Nightshade or mandrake poisoning? She knew either one could easily have deadly consequences if left untreated. She nearly whimpered at the thought of her dearest friend not making it, and it took considerable willpower to hold back any more errant tears.

Her despair was cut sharply by the unusually loud and very angry voice of one Reiji Santiago. His words cut like a whip, ears burning red with shame and eyes widening in realization. Of course! Here she was waiting for instructions when he had clearly already given some! She should've known it didn't matter that it wasn't addressed to her- it needed to be done. She prayed her friend wouldn't suffer any more for her mistake. Looking more than suitably abashed at such a calamitous and foolish error, she hiked up the skirt of her dress and ran.

For the first time she didn't curtsy or reply with her usual 'yes sire', instead, she sprinted as fast as she could to Anise's room, all but throwing the door open upon reaching it. She didn't check to see if anyone was following her, if she had let the door fall closed in anyone's face. Her focus was solely on the task at hand.

Wasting not a second, Tanzy snatched up a book from the bedside table, the water pitcher beside Anise's wash basin, and a simple goblet. Struggling to hold the items and her skirt for a second, she quickly resorted to holding the dress skirt up in each hand and letting the fabric drape into a makeshift bowl or sack, the items cradled in the fabric as she raced back down the stairs.

Barely pausing for breath, the maid placed the items on a dining room chair, speaking up even as she turned to go find more of Anise's things. "These are from her room. Forgive me, but the dishes are already washed so I don't know for sure which she ate from."


Image



Bishop's concern for Anise and the growing panic for his twin was increasing exponentially, growing worse with every passing minute. So too did his temper and agitation fester under such stress, his eyes fierce as he looked over at Reiji and the strange male talking. Reiji seemed to know the person, which only further increased his fury and suspicion that something was not right.

The red head refused to show the inner fear he felt upon hearing the two possible sources of Anise's sudden collapse. Nightshade or mandrake...but surely she had to have ingested a fair amount within a single dose, or been exposed to it for an extended period of time to deteriorate so rapidly. He felt a fool for not noticing- only to realize she had been acting unwell and slightly off, especially throughout the last twenty four hours. Damn! And he believed her when she said she was just tired! He knew he should have dug more into it!

Even angrier than before, Bishop let out a low growl as he glared suspiciously at Reiji and the human male he was speaking with. Did one of them do this? About to start shouting accusations, his coming tirade was thankfully blocked by a well timed decision from Reiji. Reiji wanted him to choose? Bishop narrowed his eyes, hating the prick for knowing more about poisons than he did. For not knowing for sure. How was he to pick? Who could he trust?

A human nose couldn't smell for crap, and this human claimed to smell mandrake on Anise's breath? Preposterous. But then, Reiji was correct in saying both mandrake and nightshade produced all but identical symptoms. Fists clenching and unclenching, the hot headed vampire took notice of the servants for the first time as Reiji bellowed at them to fetch Anise's things. The anger in Reiji's voice matched how he felt, and Bishop was more than willing to follow through and paint the walls in the human's blood as Reiji threatened, growling at the useless humans. He'd kill all of them if they didn't hurry their asses up!

Thankfully this snapped some sense into at least two of them, Tanzy sprinting off, followed by Jason as the butler followed the maid's lead.

Bishop gripped Camilla by the wrist, squeezing hard as she stood there with the goblet and knife he'd handed her, but otherwise not helping in the slightest. "Listen to me you little shit, either you give Demetri some blood in that goblet or I will tear off your hand and feed it to him myself! I will not tell you again!" he snarled, baring his fangs to emphasize his point. He'd tear her damn head off if she made him...

Demetri's sudden moans met his ears, prompting him to drop Camilla's wrist like a hot coal, running to his brother's side just as his twin fell to the floor with a horrible scream.

"Demetri!" Bishop shouted in alarm, for once unable to keep concern from his eyes. Kneeling beside his horribly wounded twin, Bishop resisted the urge to hold his dearest brother protectively- knowing it would only hurt to feel more contact on his skin. "Then you should have let me do it! Dammit Demetri, look at you..." Bishop protested, eyes livid as he looked up at Camilla, ignoring a currently shocked looking Jane.

With a snarl, he grabbed the girl by her hair, yanking her over beside his brother even as Demetri pined for his last love. "I don't care where you cut but you will feed him now you useless chit!" Bishop ordered, shaking Camilla slightly in his panic-fueled anger.

He only glanced over at the table with Anise when he heard Tanzy return, placing some of Anise's items on a chair for inspection. Emerald eyes going between Reiji and the stranger, he tried to weigh the options in his mind. Who would he trust. He hated Reiji, and Reiji proved he had no qualms with doing anything possible to piss him off- and had threatened Anise before. But Reiji knew his poisons, and was not demanding his word be followed- but telling him to choose. The stranger was unknown, unwelcome, and seemed far too familiar with Reiji. Furthermore, why would this stranger help? Or know anything? They were human.

But if by some chance the human was right?

Cursing in his mind, Bishop glared at the two, trying to decide if either was attempting to deceive him. Finally, he nodded towards the objects procured from his maid's room.

"Check her things and tell me what you find...Reiji. What do you smell on her?"

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Jane Christopher Character Portrait: Camilla Eden
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by Stiles
Image

Image


"The longer we bicker the weaker I’m becoming and I can’t hold her throat open, keep from passing out in pain, and a glamour up all at once. I will reveal to your siblings who I am soon, but now is not the time and you know that as well as I do."

She had a point, but the way she approached the topic angered Reiji. He had spent hundreds of years earning and demanding the respect that he currently had. He absolutely hated that this girl from his past suddenly decided to burst in his life and make a mockery of him. Under any other circumstances he would have attempted to rip her throat out by now, though deep down he was unsure if he could actually do such a thing to his former amour.

"Give her the medicine. If this is who I fear it is, then she would have much preferred Mandrake for the specific sake of it being rarer and more likely Nightshade when attempting to decide the antidote. I will tell you everything I know and everything that happened on that night if you trust me on this one issue, if you don’t give her the antidote for Mandrake poisoning, she will die or sustain terrible damage."

"Tch..." Reiji hissed as he knew every word that Ash uttered was true. Although he was not fond of, nor did he have a lot of expertise using Mandrake, he'd been poisoned by it once as a human, and he has created elixirs meant to cure the poisoning many times before throughout the years. He typically avoided the plant itself as it only brought about painful memories. It was an experience that he'd told no one about and would likely take to the grave.

"Even tell Bishop that it was your idea for all I care, but this is an innocent and she will not die merely because you and I have unsolved issues between us.”

Immediately memories with Ash, before Mirabelle had been kidnapped snapped through Reiji's mind like photographs in front of his face. Reiji's eyes narrowed at this, glaring at Ash. He could not risk his siblings sensing a shred of weakness within him, so he grew quite defensive after that, "That's enough. The girl's items will lead us to the truth." He stated in a stern voice, proving he was done with his conversation, or at least, discussing their past at the very least.

”I’ve never hurt your family in any way and will explain all I can to you soon, I’ve learned more about that nights since we separated. If you don’t trust me on this though, you’ve let her win at placing doubt in your heart, even if you’ve forgotten what it feels like to feel it beat.”

Reiji's eyes widened for a fraction of a second, and he closed them quickly afterward, "I don't trust anyone. I was raised to doubt others, to take what I want and to kick my enemies when they were down. If anyone placed doubt in my heart, it was Elizabeth Santiago and your family."

"Go to him, and take this... I know how you feel about feeding, but I know you care for him. I see the way you look at him. But you must feed him with this. Cut your palm and drip it on his lips. Don't let his fangs touch your skin. I would more than gladly do it on my own, but I'm afraid I'd be no help to him... And besides - feeding off another vampire is merely for pleasure."

Reiji could hear his sister's voice in the background, a large portion of his anxiety fading once he was certain his sister managed to arrive home safe and sound. Reiji's mind shifted to his sister's words, shaking his head a bit as she mentioned pleasure. He immediately snarled, "Sister! I'm trying to save a life. I'll lock you in your room if I hear that come out of your mouth again!" Reiji snapped in an irritated tone. He wasn't sure who she'd fed from to learn about the pleasures of vampire to vampire relations, or worse yet, who fed from her... Though he knew he would surely murder the man if he found out. He was still highly protective over Mira, even after all of this time. Every time he looked at her, he'd remember a moment of their childhood, a moment where he was truly happy. He wanted to chase after Mirabelle, but he still had obligations here to attend to.

"These are from her room. Forgive me, but the dishes are already washed so I don't know for sure which she ate from."

As if on clockwork, Tanzy returned with a few of Anise's belongings and was clearly winded. Reiji grasped Tanzy's wrist, preventing her from going anywhere, "We have enough here. Go get a drink of water to calm yourself, quickly. If Jane or Camilla cannot stomach feeding Demetri, I want you to pour your own blood in the empty glass when you've finished your drink. We mustn't let anyone die tonight. Do you understand?" He stated, letting go of his maid's wrist, returning his attention to Anise and her belongings. He nodded to Ashlyn, hoping that she would be able to keep up the magic she was preforming for a while longer. If he did not investigate he could not make an accurate diagnosis.

"Check her things and tell me what you find...Reiji. What do you smell on her?"

Reiji was surprised that Bishop relied on him in this moment and trusted his judgement, but nodded to his brother as well. Reiji wasted no time and decided to check the maid's book first, which seemed to be of religious origins, then the goblet. First he gave each a long whiff, before sighing in resignation, "These items are indeed giving off a poisonous scent.... I smell..." He furrowed his brows before taking another long breath in, before actually placing the goblet to his lips. Reiji finally confident that he had deduced the poison. He had to be certain, even if it flashed painful memories of his own as the familiar taste touched his lips for the first time in nearly four centuries.

"I wholeheartedly believe that the human is correct, as much as I hate to agree. Anise has more than likely been poisoned by Mandrake roots. It has been many years since I've encountered the actual plant..." He often steered clear from them, seeing as they were deemed 'evil' by human villagers. He understood their fears, seeing as the roots are extremely poisonous, "I do not tamper with them myself, seeing as before now we've never kept human company for very long, but I do recall the taste.... I apologize for not being more accustomed to it's particular scent.. Brother"

After throwing Anise's belongings in the fire, because keeping them would prove too risky for her long term health, Reiji began to whip up a remedy with the items he had procured over the years. He mixed the herbs and vials of liquid with lightning speed and otherworldly precision. His sheer amount of focus was admirable, and it was evident in his work that he was a passionate Herbalist and loved poison and potion making. Once he was certain the concoction was prepared, Reiji quickly poured it down Anise's throat, only for her body to convulse violently. Reiji appeared calm, but before Bishop could rip his head off for 'breaking' his maid, Anise was upright and Reiji handed the ebony haired maid a waste bucket as a means to purge the poison from her system.

"Voilá, she has been cured. What she needs now is rest. She will be too sick to recount anything until morning. I advise you interrogate her then, Brother." Reiji used French in the beginning to show off a little, but grew serious as he told Bishop his warning with a side glance at the brother in question. He knew exactly who was responsible for this, especially due to Ash's insistence. He let out a sigh, rubbing his temples. He then took Ashlyn by the wrist and led her towards the stairs. He stopped once he reach the stairs and looked to his remaining siblings, "Someone for god's sake feed Demetri. I give Bishop permission to use force if necessary. Also, everyone be sure to check the latches on their windows. There is a malevolent force out there looking to spill innocent blood and they nearly achieved that tonight. Everyone get rest, we have a ball to host Tomorrow night." with that he tugged Ash along to his room, refusing to let her out of his sight until they were able to have a proper meeting to address this matter. Once in his room, he released her, roughly forcing her into a sitting position onto his bed before clearing off his antique chaise lounge. Reiji removed his overcoat and unbuttoned the top three buttons of his shirt and loosened his tie before appearing on the chaise within a blink of an eye, sprawled out with his eyes closed, "Drop your glamour and sleep there tonight. I'll sleep here. Normally you'd have your own room, but I absolutely refuse to let you out of my sight until this is straightened out."

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Jane Christopher Character Portrait: Camilla Eden Character Portrait: Jason Olivander
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image

Image


Time Skip


As the sun slowly began to fall behind the mountains, Anise woke up suddenly as if struck with a blunt object. Her violet eyes opening in horror. She sat up like a bolt of lightning, looking to the window. She noticed sunlight, but it was faded. She assumed it was around six or seven in the afternoon. She wasn't quite sure how she had made it to her bed, seeing as the last thing she remembered was her throat tightening up on her.

"I'm...I'm alive..?" She whispered to herself in disbelief, even pinching the palm of her head to be perfectly sure. The pain came surely enough, which was enough proof for Anise. A smile quickly crossed her lips and she sprung out of bed, quickly getting dressed. Today was the day of the ball, which meant temporary hired help was taking care of the preparations. Today was a day off for the every day servants of Castillo, unless their vampire wanted a drink of their blood, that is. Anise stripped her clothes, putting on the dress that Bishop picked out for her the day before. She admired the fabric that she was wearing in the mirror, running her fingers across the dress in admiration. Then she noticed a small box laid upon the table next to her mirror. Anise gingerly opened the box, her eyes noticing the butterfly hair brooch that she'd chosen the day before. Anise's smile lit up even further, putting the brooch in her hair. She would have to remove it when it was time to style her hair, but for now she wished to wear it. Today was an amazing day, she woke up alive and healthier than she'd felt in a long time, "I wonder if Alice is up yet?" Anise muttered, tapping her chin as she rolled the thought around in her head. She highly doubted it. Her sister, despite being a morning person, definitely hated parties. She assumed that Alice would do anything to avoid dressing up and attending today's festivities. She decided to leave her sister alone for now, she assumed she would need the rest, considering.

Anise quietly approached her window, unlocking the latch to let some fresh air into the room. She stared upon the orange sky, watching the sun slowly setting beyond the horizon. Anise found this view to be quite beautiful, smiling to herself as she basked in the beauty of nature. She wanted to share this view with her sister, but after yesterday's health scare, Anise felt her sister simply needed her sleep. I hope I did not worry her too much.. I should check on her later, but first I should check on Master Castiel, then see Lord Bishop. Anise exited her quarters and went straight to Castiel's. His condition was far from improving. He was suddenly refusing to eat, so she was left with the task of forcing him to. Despite the daily blood she fed him, he never left his bed. Anise knocked three times, then entered the blonde's room, shutting the door behind her. Anise then retrieved a goblet and a knife, letting out a cool breath to calm her nerves before she begun her task. Without further hesitation, Anise sliced open her wrist, allowing the crimson liquid to drip inside of the goblet. She did not even let out a hiss of pain, only a wince during the initial cut.

Once the goblet was full, Anise wrapped her wrist tightly with bandages she kept by the goblet and approached the Lord's bed, "Master Castiel, you must drink. You have to keep up your strength.." She leaned over him, bringing him to a sitting position before placing the goblet to his lips. When the blood hit the Lord's lips, he instinctively gave into temptation and devoured the cup's contents in no time. Anise tucked him back in and bowed to the lord before taking her leave, "I will return to feed you again after the festivities, Mi'lord." Anise called out quietly before leaving Castiel to his thoughts, or whatever he chose to do while cooped up in that room. Anise made her way to the kitchen, avoiding the temporary help along the way and cleaned the bloody goblet. Once she was certain the blood was gone, Anise left the Goblet to dry and scurried back upstairs to check on Bishop. Anise gave three light knocks, barely louder than a child's feet pitter pattering across as stone floor, "Mi'lord? Are you awake?" She asked, smoothing out her dress subconsciously, making sure that none of her blood managed to stain the dress without her knowledge. She was aware that Bishop hated the idea of her feeding another, but this was her duty, whether she enjoyed it or not. The bandages on her wrist were obvious, something that she could not hide from him, but she did not wish to accidentally ruin the dress and anger him this early in the morning. After all, Bishop chose it himself, which was something she was sure he did not do because he enjoyed it. In fact, Demetri was the only man that Anise had ever met that enjoyed choosing clothes for himself and others. Most men she knew, including her father, would wear just about anything given to them.

Image

Image


When Demetri woke from his bed, he slowly sat up, running a hand through his red hair. He remembered every single detail of the day before, aside from what occurred during his flash backs. He did remember what did said, he remembered seeing memories of Kat, but he had no idea what had happened while he was in pain. After receiving blood from Jane, Demetri returned to his old self just in time to see Reiji cure Anise. He was also aware that Anise's first kiss had technically been stolen by the ebony haired man. He wondered how his twin felt, considering his feelings for Anise. He figured Bishop would want to skin Reiji alive for touching his lips to Anise's, but he was not certain, considering Reiji had saved the girl's life with the help of that interesting human boy that Demetri had hired before investigating him further.

Feeling quite famished, Demetri felt the need to go to Jason's room, seeing as he figured Anise was not an available source to tap. He doubted his brother would mind if he fed from his butler. Besides, Jane was most likely feeding his sister at this hour, and Camilla had been through enough the night before. He did not wish to frighten his maid any further. Demetri exited his room, wearing only black dress pants and a white dress shirt only half buttoned. The top half of his torso was quite visible, but he did not care about showing his body, nor did he think Jason would mind. When he entered the hallway he noticed that Anise was lightly tapping on his twin's door, which was right next to his own, "Good afternoon, little dove." he winked at Anise. The maid seemed quite startled, which amused him to great lengths, and she even blushed at his exposed skin. He watched her turn her gaze away from him, and began to tune in to listen to her heart beat. Her heart fluttered like a racing butterfly. Speaking of which, the brooch in her hair suited her quite well, considering how easy it was to make her nervous.

"G-Good afternoon, L-Lord Demetri.. I-It gladdens my heart to know that you have recovered." Anise responded in a shaken up tone, bowing politely. Demetri smirked at her formality, bowing as well before walking to Jason's door, knocking on it considerably louder than Anise had done, "Oi.. Jason! I want a drink. Anise is there to take care of Bishop.. Open the door." Demetri's tone was comparable to that of a spoiled child demanding attention, jealous that his brother had so many toys at his disposal. To be honest, Demetri had the most humanity out of the entire bunch, so long as his fangs were not dug into someone's neck. Once Demetri has drank blood from it's source, all bets are off the table.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Jane Christopher Character Portrait: Camilla Eden
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image


Ash heard Demetri behind her and felt a twinge of sorrow for the vampire. He was in terrible pain but she couldn't help him without sacrificing either her appearance or Anise and neither was an option, especially when all Demetri needed was some blood and the second youngest maid was giving him some judging from the knife in her hand.

Ash all but ignored Mira as she entered, still confused and rather sore about her having hurt Ash so much. A young girl, oddly enough with pink hair, appeared with the belongings of Anise and Ashlyn didn't touch them as she let Reiji observe the items. If Ashlyn tried to test it, she would risk the same condition as Anise, but Reiji had the luxury of not having that issue.

Ashlyn watched Reiji sharply, her eyes showing her growing fear for the girl. They were running out of time and she was running out of magic. Ashlyn looked away sharply as Reiji practically chastised her. They were close in age, even their immortal age. She didn't bother trying to tell Reiji he was wrong. At least she thought he was wrong. She had thought he had trusted her once, but had he? She had known they weren't meant to be together when Reiji had immediately kicked her out of his life, not believing the fact that Ashlyn had nothing to do with the attacks and Mira's kidnapping. She shivered slightly at the memories of those days.

Ashlyn felt slightly dizzy from her effort and stopped trying to keep her hand from hurting. She had felt worse pain. It had merely been a convenience to ease her own pain. Ashlyn wanted to roll her eyes when Reiji called her human. If only his brothers knew. "Perhaps..." Ashlyn whispered to herself at Reiji's words before realizing she spoke out loud. Perhaps her sister had bought up all the poisonous plant just to poison the girl, though that seemed excessive. Someone had poisoned Anise, and unless the brothers were all incapacitated at one point, then someone had done it while they were around and home. Who could have gotten in?

Ashlyn didn't bother pretending like the apology was for her instead of Bishop. Reiji would rather cut out his own tongue than apologize to her for anything. Ashlyn lost control of Anise's throat when she began to convulse. Ashlyn blinked her eyes in surprise at the sudden snap of magic not being used anymore and used that amount she had been pushing out to rapidly heal the rest of her wrist that had been hurting.

She was breathing deeply, the only sign that she had been laboring over something. Ashlyn wanted to roll her eyes at Reiji's words, as if he knew all along what was happening, but refrained.

Ashlyn was staring at the girl, entirely focused on watching her reaction to the antidote when Reiji grabbed her, causing her to jump slightly in surprise. She followed without resisting, knowing in her current condition Reiji could just as easily pick her up and make her come along if he wanted to.

Ashlyn dropped the use of all magic when Reiji closed the door and nearly stumbled as he forced her to sit on the bed. She had been in his room before, under different circumstances, a lifetime ago. Ashlyn rubbed her eyes with her hands before taking off the vest. Ashlyn looked up as Reiji appeared on the chaise.

"I know it doesn't change anything, but I really am here to help you Reiji," Ashlyn stated as she scooted back on the bed a bit. She turned to her side so she was laying parallel to Reiji's chaise. As much as he didn't trust her, she didn't trust him. He was angry at her, frustrated, and Reiji.

"If I wanted to hurt you I wouldn't have helped her. She has been poisoned little by little for a long time. Think about who you've allowed into your house Reiji, they might not be who they say they are," Ashlyn stated softly as she pulled off the leather boots and laid down, resting her head on her arm before staring at the room around her, curious, and not sleepy, but exhausted from her efforts.

Ashlyn awoke in the morning, surprised to have fallen asleep at all. She sat up and looked to the chaise. Her stomach rumbled from the effort from the previous day and the fact that she hadn't eaten since the snack she had had at the inn.

Image


Jane looked to Demetri with fear, then down at the knife Mira had handed her. She looked to Mirabelle and gave a small, firghtened smile and nod, more to reassure herself than Mirabelle at all. Jane walked to Demetri, probably slower than she should have, but stood over him, her stomach uneasy at the sight of the vampire in such terrible condition.

"I can do it lord Bishop," Jane stated as she ran the knife over her hand. Jane was too distracted by the sound of Demetri in pain to feel any for herself at that moment. Jane dropped the blood on Demetri's mouth and stared, not moving her hand and not breathing properly, scared that he wasn't going to be alright perhaps because she waited too long...

When Demetri had become himself again, Jane smiled and stepped back. She looked toward where Mirabelle had been but her smile wavered when the girl was gone. Jane held her hand to her stomach, keeping her hand in a fist to numb the pain and prevent blood from spilling over the nice upholstery.

Jane turned her attention to Anise and was even more relieved to see she was alright.

Jane woke the next morning early, dressing quickly and pausing slightly. She felt heavy under the guilt of what had happened but managed to push it away. Nobody knew, nobody needed to know. Ever. Jane moved to Mirabelle's room and rasped on it lightly. "Lady Mira, may I come in?" Jane asked as she opened the door slightly.

Image


Jason set the few things he had seen Anise touch next to where Tanzy had placed what she had found for Reiji. Jason stepped back, his chest constricting in his nerves for the young girl. It was odd, he felt as if he was losing Alice again. Even though she was different from her sister and Jason knew it, it felt like his heart was being stolen from his chest once again.

Jason tugged his sleeve down gently as he looked outside his window. Anise was alright. In his mind it felt like Alice was alright, but she was gone. She wouldn't be alright ever again, but Jason could at least keep Anise, someone Alice cared for deeply, forever alright.

Jason turned as there was a knock on the door and approached it. He opened and was slightly surprised to see Demetri. It was amazing that Demetri went from being nearly dead to up and his normal self again, all within a day. Jason furrowed his brow slightly at Demetri's words. Demetri had poured the alcohol himself when they had had their first meeting. Realization dawned on Jason that it wasn't alcohol Demetri was looking for.

Jason nodded, gave a slight shrug. He didn't mind Demetri's tone. it was something he was used to with so many siblings. "Of course, come in," Jason offered. He stepped back to allow Demetri in before giving Anise a smile and closing the door for the most part.

Jason turned to Demetri and unbuttoned his recently buttoned shirt collar and sleeves. He wasn't very keen of the thought of Bishop near his neck, but oddly enough, Jason trusted the other twin near his neck. He didn't prefer it necessarily, but Demetri had nearly died the day before, he could choose.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Jane Christopher Character Portrait: Mirabelle Santiago
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by MaeMae
After cleaning her dress and hanging it to dry, Mirabelle snuffed out the fire and put her things away. She chewed quietly on her lip as she moved around, bare feet silent against stone. She listened to the commotion die down downstairs, relieved to hear that Anise would be alright. She's been with the family long enough, that it would be sad to see her go. There was an ache in her heart - Mirabelle knew it wasn't a good idea to keep close with humans. Why would her brothers do such a thing as well?

The female vampire found her way to Reiji's room, holding up her hand to knock on the door. She wanted to apologize for speaking the way that she did, and she wanted a lesson. Something to get her mind off of things. It was when she heard another voice that she paused before her knuckles met the wood. Belle could feel her dead heart flutter, something that made her sick to her stomach. Why was Rei with the stranger?

The panic started to set in and blood gathered in her eyes in place of tears. Quickly rushing off, Mirabelle slid back into her room and tightly closed the door, pressing her back against it as she held her breath, listening for any sign of motion. With the blink of an eye, she was on the other side of the room, throwing open the curtains. The vampire nearly had the window open only to realize that the sun would be rising soon.

"Damn it to Hell." She growled under her breath, her shoulders slumping in defeat. She locked the window and pulled the curtains closed, finding the corner of the room she used to sleep in. Mira had abandoned her bed weeks ago, preferring the pile of warm blankets in an area of the room where her back wasn't exposed. That day was going to be a sleepless day so she found a comfortable position and opened up her journal. Finding an empty page, she started to practice her writing once more - anything to keep her mind busy.

It was only when she heard Jane's voice and the door open she realized that day had quickly passed and the sun was setting once more. Now would be the time to leave, wouldn't it? Everyone would be concerned about Anise or distracted by the ball, no would would notice until she was long gone. Her plan quickly crumbled when she realized that she had no where to go. She would only give them away the moment she tried to feed off someone who wasn't understanding and after the destruction of the near by town from her brothers, guards were extra cautious of looking for bodies.

"Yes Jane, please do." She said finally, lifting from her place and shoving her journal under her bed. She brushed off her robe in attempts to tidy her sleepless figure for company.

"I suppose it's time to get ready. Do you mind helping me with my gown?" She asked with a gentle, forced smile. The woman retreated the dress and head it out for Jane to take.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Jane Christopher Character Portrait: Camilla Eden
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Bishop Santiago


Watching Reiji's every move, Bishop could hardly contain his impatience. By some sheer miracle, he refrained from making any outbursts at the older male, only letting out a growl should the strange human boy try to move. He didn't trust this stranger one bit!

Reiji surprised him, going so far as to taste the edge of the goblet in order to confirm what his olfactory senses were picking up. He found it incredible and suspicious that the human had actually been right. Even more surprising however, was Reiji's apology, earning a slight shake of his own head. "It's fine...just fix her then...you can, right?" he muttered, words trailing off as Reiji already began preparing an antidote. As much as he loathed Reiji, he would give the male his due. No one else was as good as his sibling when it came to poisons and potions. Even so, seeing Anise suddenly convulse elicited an embarrassingly strong feeling of near-panic, ready to step forward and start shouting anew at Reiji.

Thankfully, Anise's violent jerking was followed by an equally forceful bout of vomiting, her stomach emptying itself rapidly. Bishop nodded at Reiji's words, the French absorbed just as readily as his native tongue. Of course he'd let the ebony haired girl rest for now. But he was definitely not going to be happy with her later. She had been fighting a poison for who knew how long? But his scolding would come later- now was time to bring his maid and his brother to bed...

Reiji's words caused him to spin towards the human he was still gripping, anger flaring anew as he saw the little chit hadn't followed is orders to feed Demetri. Bishop snarled and decided he'd had enough of this stubborn, stupid human girl entrusted to his beloved twin. He'd tear her damn arm off and feed Demetri. Gripping the knife he had shoved at her to make a cut, he readied the blade to slice the female's limb from her body when a soft female voice interrupted him. Glancing to see who had offered, he noticed Jane slicing her palm and dripping the precious crimson liquid into Demetri's lips even as they parted in cries of pain.

Relief flooded over him, the vampire no longer losing control now that his maid and his twin were safe from death's grip. It hurt him to see his powerful, vivacious brother so weak and damaged, the moans all but unbearable to hear. But he was getting blood, and that was all that mattered. Bishop forcefully shoved Camilla away from him and his twin, hissing at her venomously. "Begone, you useless bitch! Thank your fellow maid for sparing your miserable life."

Only when he was satisfied Demetri would be ok did the redhead scoop Anise into his arms, ready to take her to her bed. "I'll be back brother. I'm going to put her in her room and then help you to our rooms." he murmured to his twin, looking him over once more to be sure he'd be ok before taking the maid to her room.
-------

Even with the curtains drawn, a thin sliver of light fell across the far end of the room during the day, and the bright orange glow could be made out as the sun began to sink below the horizon. Bishop stretched, having not rested much the previous day. Occasionally he had gotten up to check on Demetri and Anise, respectively, to ensure both were recovering without further incident.

Deciding now was as good a time as any to at least start getting himself ready for the ball that would be taking place that evening, Bishop tossed aside his sheets and began to pull out his attire from his extensive wardrobe, going about in an almost bored manner. Time to put up with way too many people. Deal with other aristocrats, especially fawning females hoping to score a high standing husband. There was no thrill anymore. Not like when he was younger- and human. He and Demetri had always been popular with the ladies, but unlike his twin, Bishop grew to despise the attention- realizing no one actually gave a rat's ass about him personally- they just liked what he had.

Already in a foul mood, the man was seriously considering marching over to said twin and demanding why he'd have to show up. Play an Angelo if it were. He never got the chance, the familiar scent of none other than Anise catching his attention, soon followed by her voice and the scent of his brother.

Bishop opened the door himself, deciding not to just beckon her inside like he did most of the time. He took a moment to give her a once over, pleased she looked considerably better than before. He'd take extra care to watch what she ate or drank from now on.

"You seem better. Do you feel sick at all? From now on, you will tell me if there is a problem, understood?" he questioned, giving her a firm glance as he dared the human to try and hide from him. His look softened slightly upon seeing the butterfly accessory already in her hair. "It certainly does suit you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tanzy McNeal


Before she could scurry off to continue following the command, Tanzy felt a now familiar grip on her wrist stopping her from doing so. About to question the master of the house, he answered her before she could ask, Reiji deeming her task done and bidding her to refresh herself. Thankful for the permission to calm herself, she nodded at his instructions, letting go of the skirt of her dress so it fell naturally once more. "Yes sire...then, if you'll pardon me a moment." she replied, looking anxiously over at her friend and then Demetri, flinching at how he looked. She'd never seen any of the family burned like that since Castiel, and it was a sight that was hard to witness. The girl nodded mutely as he gave her further orders- not about to argue that Demetri needed blood from someone- regardless of who it was. She'd cut her palm if needed- so long as he didn't have to bite her. Castiel and Reiji made her anxious enough- she wasn't sure a flirt like Demetri would be any better to have around her neck.

Retreating to the kitchen, she gulped down two large glasses of water, taking several deep breaths once she had finished doing so. Carefully, she dabbed sweat from her brow, making sure she was composed and clear headed before heading back out in time to witness her best friend expelling the contents of her stomach into a bucket.
-------------

A loud yawn escaped Tanzy's lips, the maid still somewhat sleepy. She had tossed and turned for a good two hours, fretting about her friend before finally she was too tired to keep her eyes open any longer. The touch of the orange glow of sunset on her face finally roused her enough- covering her eyes with her arm at the sudden glare as it was going down. It was with some difficulty that she dragged herself out of bed, approaching the modest vanity to wash her face.

Once she was clean enough and her hair brushed out so it would be easy to manage, Tanzy laid out the dress Reiji had purchased for her during the day, admiring the quality for a moment before carefully putting it on. She marveled at the feel of the fabric against her skin, still somewhat shy of the design in spite of it's beauty. She did feel pretty in it, but she tended towards the more conservative standard when left to her own devices. Going over her appearance once more, she finally felt satisfied with her self inspection enough to go and check on her master.

About to head out of her room to wake Reiji should he not be out of his room yet, she recalled how he had simply stormed off with the unfamiliar young man in tow after caring for Anise. She never did learn who he was. Perhaps she would ask if Reiji wasn't too busy or not in the mood.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Tanzy  McNeal
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by Stiles
Image


"I know it doesn't change anything, but I really am here to help you Reiji,"

"Even the Devil was once an Angel..." He sighed in response, staring up at his ceiling. The smell of the numerous herbs he cultivated in his room kept him at ease, but he was mentally exhausted from today's events. He did not know whether to trust Ashlyn, or kill her on the spot. Old habits told him to rip her neck open while she was still weak, but fond memories caused him to hesitate. Even though he could not bring himself to trust her yet, he did not have it in him to kill her, at least not when she was in a pathetic state such as this. There's also the fact that she helped me smooth over my issues with Bishop... Saving his wretched maid just might have been the sole move that keeps this bloody family united under all this chaos...

"If I wanted to hurt you I wouldn't have helped her. She has been poisoned little by little for a long time. Think about who you've allowed into your house Reiji, they might not be who they say they are,"

Hearing what he already knew was irritating, but he knew she was only trying to give him sound advice. Demetri and Bishop were not rational minds, and he did not wish to frighten his sister more than she had already been. He knew some of what she had been through, and it was too early to open such wounds again. He rubbed his temples, his crimson orbs closing for a moment as he fought off cravings. He always developed a thirst quicker when he was put under stress, yet he did not have the mental or emotional energy to call upon his maid, "....I know.... Do you honestly think I have not been kicking myself in the ass for this? I hand plucked everyone in this building aside from Anise and Tanzy, if there is a traitor in these walls, that's on me. I know this, Ashlyn. I do not need to be reminded that I have made an utter mess of things."

The Next Day

ImageReiji awoke to a rumbling sound, opening one crimson orb. It was morning, and he did not typically wake up during daylight hours unless he was giving Mirabelle a reading or writing lesson, so he was not in the best of moods to have been woken up prematurely. He begrudgingly sat up, running a hand through his ebony locks as he allowed his mind to catch up with his body's alertness, "I suppose it's time to feed you, isn't it? I had nearly forgot that witches are not exempt from human frailties."

His inhuman senses picked up on Mirabelle's presence and Reiji reach for his glasses, pushing them onto his face. It seemed that this morning would be quite eventful. First he would have to explain to Mirabelle about Ashlyn, then he would have to call everyone for a brief meeting before that night's festivities. Reiji approached his wardrobe, retrieving his suit. He stripped down in front of Ashlyn, not feeling the same level of timidness as he would have many years ago when both of them were nothing more than two teenagers who shared genuine affection for each other.

His skin was a lot paler than it had been in those days and his body was more muscular. There was not a single scar on the man's body either, not a single flaw, one of the numerous perks of being a vampire. He quickly slid on his white button down, followed by his trousers. He turned to face her as he buttoned up his shirt, quirking an intrigued brow at Ashlyn, "Seeing as you're here, we should get you a gown as well. We cannot watch your every move if you do not attend the ball. Follow me. I'll find you a gown, and we'll see about breakfast as well."

Reiji retrieved a gold and ivory gripped Smith and Wesson pistol from his dresser, then proceeded down the hall until he stopped at Tanzy's room. He knocked on the door three times before opening it without verbal permission, though considering this was his home he felt he did not require permission to enter a room of his own castle, "Tanzy, be a good dear and make our friend some breakfast. I will return for you shortly, but if this kid pulls anything funny, shoot. Play nicely you two." He placed his rather expensive gun into Tanzy's hands before leaving Ashlyn with Tanzy. Reiji decided to visit the hidden corridors of the castle in order to find something nice for Ashlyn to wear, then he would have to explain to Mirabelle and hope she would understand... He was glad that he chose to look for the dress first, because battling spiders and cobwebs along the path to the storage rooms would be nothing compared to his sister when she was in a foul mood.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Mirabelle Santiago
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by MaeMae
After getting into her dress, Mirabelle thanked Jane with a light curtsey and then lead her off to go get ready with the other girls. Now that Rei was alone, this was her chance to go talk to him - maybe even say her goodbyes. The fact that Ashlyn was there just told every fiber of her being to run away, that something bad was going to happen. She needed to tell her brother - needed to ask him for another chance. A part of her was fearful of the man she didn't know, and the other part was still looking for the young man Reiji used to be.

The woman followed after where she seen him disappear to, pausing at the entrance to the blocked off tunnels. Biting on her lip, she sighed. She hated these parts of the castle, even when the rooms used to be in use - something the twins knew and often used to their advantage when they would play hide and seek as children.

"Rei?" Her voice was quiet as she peeked around the corner. Grabbing fistfuls of her skirt, she picked up her dress enough to show bare feet so she wouldn't trip. Her toes reached forward in an uncertain step, skipping over any of the rough areas of stone she remembered as a child, not that it actually mattered. Everything seemed so different now, so much smaller. She ducked through a few areas, and whined when she walked into a cobweb.



Reiji wasn't sure if he heard Mirabelle or not, seeing as these parts of the castle held several childhood memories. A lot of these rooms had not been sealed off back then, but they were not in extensive use either. He remembered hiding out here on multiple occasions for solitude and a chance to read books that actually interested him, like herbology, but his disappearances were to Mirabelle's and Elizabeth's dismay, and Elizabeth made sure that his actions never went without consequence. To say that ghosts of the past haunted him in these rooms would not be an incorrect assumption. Now that he thought about it, he made Mirabelle cry far more than he should have when they were children, but those moments of sanctuary were priceless moments of his childhood that led him to the skills he possessed today.



"Rei? I know you're in here. Please come out." Her uncertain voice was once again just above a whisper. She spoke as if she were trying to stay hidden from whatever it was that could be lurking the shadows. The whole situation felt like a bad movie.



Now that he was certain that his sister was calling him, Reiji stopped what he was doing, speeding to where his sister was. His eyes were concerned, but it was also evident that the man was quite busy by the exhausted expression on his face, "I just left Tanzy with our questionable visitor while I find the witch something appropriate to wear. She does have a gun, and despite their horrendous accuracy, the thought does intimidate me, even if only a little..." One side of him trusted that Tanzy would be too afraid to point the gun at him, but another part of him questioned his own faith in her. As a human, he would have pointed a gun at him, so he couldn't help but wonder if she had the same kind of foolish bravery as the once human Reiji had possessed.



"Intimidate you? It's me she doesn't like. You on the other hand..." She shook her head lightly, not wanting to think about the two of them.



Reiji quirked his brow, confused by what Mirabelle meant when referring to Tanzy's opinion of him. He of course often teased Tanzy of having feelings for him, but in all honesty, he was not entirely sure of her feelings for him aside from on a purely aesthetic level. Despite being highly observant and an intellectual, Reiji was absolutely clueless when it came to Mirabelle's, Ashlyn's or Tanzy's romantic feelings, "She knows the punishment for raising a hand to my family would cost her the lives of her own." He assured his sister, an eerily cheerful smirk forming on his lips.



Now there was the man that she seen when she first saw him again as he was taking over the Castillo. Something in his smirk made her mimic his reaction – almost as if she enjoyed the thought as well. Had Rei not continued speaking, ideas may have formed about how she could taunt Tanzy into making a mistake.



"We need to talk, about the boy.. I know why you're frightened.. and I've come to realize why you recognize him." Reiji reach to his sister, brushing stray blonde locks out of her face, and brushing off the cobwebs with his thumb. He continued to caress her cheek with his thumb in attempt to soothe her, knowing that this conversation would likely be a delicate one. In fact, he was unsure if Mirabelle would ever forgive him.



His next words were enough to completely distract her from anything she had been previously thinking. Her eyes closed the moment he touched her skin, her hand coming up to wrap around his, using her fingertips to feel what it was he was doing and the thought alone was enough to soothe her. Every small fear of him being anything than what she knew him to be completely vanished, and in that moment she knew that he still cared for her - even if she had to settle for sibling affection. In Reiji’s teen years, he may have come to terms with being a part of the family, but Mirabelle was never able to – as a brother and not her husband. Now, there was no worry she wasn't good enough, or that she was only a nuisance when it came to taking away from his sleep.



"First off, he is not actually a boy, and second of all, She is only related to the one responsible for your torment... I know this, because I was with her in the Garden's Labyrinth when you were taken." His voice was solemn, guilt intertwined in his words as he spoke them. He could barely make eye contact, but he refused to break it. It was killing him to admit it. Their close childhood bond was enough to keep Reiji from giving up the search for her, but it was also the immense guilt that had kept him diligent. If he had only been there, if he had not been flirting with Ashyln in the Gardens, then it might have never happened. Of course Reiji had only been a teenage boy at the time, but he still felt responsible for her. For the longest time he had truly thought that he was plucked from orphanage to marry Mirabelle, so the two could reclaim his family lands, so he could extend the Santiago family's reach, but that was far too simple for Elizabeth's liking.



Just tell him. Spill it. Tell him why you’re so scared – tell him the reason so he doesn’t think you’re afraid of the dark… "Rei, I can't feel you," she blurted. The vampire's shoulders dropped the moment she admitted to what she wanted to tell him since she started her lessons.

"I can't feel your touch. I can't feel anything. I can barely feel you with my hands - enough to feel movement and pressure, but not sensation. The only thing I can feel is when Jane washes my hair, but even then I've been dragged by it one too many times to know what being touched really feels like." Her face turned into his cool hand, her own cool breath not enough to warm his skin under her lips. She never broke eye contact with him, but she struggled to keep her gaze free from bloodied tears.



"....What?" He was entirely mortified by the news. He was almost punching himself for never catching on. He did bite the inside of his cheek, feeling blood drip inside of his mouth. The only thing Reiji saw was red. He would make the witches pay for this if it was the last thing he ever did, then it would be the vampires that kept Mirabelle for all of these years. He would annihilate them all for what they had done, "Why are you only mentioning this no-..”



“I…”



“..No, it doesn't matter..." Reiji mumbled to himself, shaking his head. This was a lot to absorb, especially while they stood in a place that already held so many bitter memories for Reiji. His crimson eyes trembled with anger and despair as his mind began to run wild with assumptions, "....Did they...I mean... Did they...you know what I'm asking..?" His voice almost cracked as he mentioned a dark topic, his tone shaking in anger, but he had to know. He had to hear his sister's answer, because if he did not, he would leave right this moment and kill them based on his own assumptions and it would be nothing less than agonizing, "I swear to you, if I even think that Ash has anything to do with what happened to you, or what is happening now, I will not hesitate to kill her myself."



It was his question that broke the gates loose with a sob, tears finally spilling over and down her cheeks. She sucked in a harsh breath, only resulting in another sob, then tried to hold it to calm herself, but the reaction was completely involuntary. ”It was supposed to be you…” she blurted, covering her mouth with one hand while the other left his to come to wrap around his abdomen, her face pressing into his shirt, unintentionally ruining it with bloodied stains. She closed her eyes then, taking a moment to gather herself before she spoke again. It took several more strangled sobs before she could finally reign in her emotions. No wonder he had gotten so upset with her when she spoke of being fed from.

"I don't blame you, so you shouldn't either. It was my fault for going where I was told countless times not too. Mother and Father always warned me, but I didn't listen." Belle tilted her head back to look at his face, sniffling quietly. "Rei, you need to know that it was you who saved me. Even lifetimes after I was supposed to be gone, you looked for me. I got out because it was your voice I heard. I got out because it was you that gave me something to come home to." She tightened her grip on him and sighed quietly, calming herself further with the help of his presence.

"My whole point of finding you was to say goodbye. I thought it was him... her... that did it. I thought...." Mirabelle didn't finish that sentence as she looked up at him, pulling the skin from her bottom lip. "I just feel like something really bad is going to happen and everything is telling me to leave, but I can't..." because I love you…

"I can't leave my family. Not after getting everyone back after so long. We stick together, right?" Now only if she could make the twins and Cassie see that.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Jane Christopher Character Portrait: Jason Olivander Character Portrait: Demetri Santiago Character Portrait: Tanzy  McNeal
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Image

Ashlyn rolls her eyes at Reiji's words. If anyone had gone from being an angel to a devil it was the new head of the house. "I don't know Reiji, on occasion, I feel you do need to be reminded of such things. Especially considering what you lost in the process," Ashlyn whispers to herself, so softly, even Reiji wouldn't hear her. It was more of a ghost of words, dancing on her lips but not being spoken since she knew Reiji's sharp ears would hear them and only make him angry or more annoyed and Ashlyn honestly has no desire for anything more of the night. No more words, no more talk, no more accusations. Rest, for the future must always be at least slightly prepared for.

Ashlyn just sighs, laying back down as she stared at the ceiling briefly. "It's a reminder that I'm alive, one you don't have the pleasure of having I'm sure," Ashlyn states as she turns her head to look at Reiji as she speaks. She feels stronger, capable of functioning but nowhere close to feeling well or entirely recovered. With all the magic it took from her, it would take at least another day or so to feel entirely herself again.

Ashlyn watches Reiji carefully as he moves. Well aware of the fact that Reiji could easily hurt her if he so wanted. She knew he wouldn't for the same reason she didn't harm him while they slept. Both would have already done it to the other if they intended to do so in the first place. When Reiji beings to strip, Ashlyn sighs slightly, as she looks to the ceiling again, giving at least some decency to their situation.

She looks over when she knows he has on pants and studies his back, remembering what it felt like to lean against it when riding or resting with him. Ashlyn smiles slightly as she again sits up. She shrugs at his words. "That's only if you don't intend to let me go yet," Ashlyn states simply, obviously, "I believe you should prioritize the fact that your family is in far greater danger than it had been when w... Mirabelle was first taken," Ashlyn states simply. She catches herself before stating 'we' rather than the girl. Reiji didn't need to know she had been taken. He wouldn't care, or he wouldn't believe her. Either way, Ashlyn didn't want his pity even if he did offer it, which he would never.

Ashlyn stands and follows Reiji, her gate almost lazy as she walks. Reiji plans to find her a gown so he plans to announce her appearance to the family. Why bother with putting on a glamour when the family would find out soon enough. Ashlyn eyes the gun as Reiji knocks on one of the doors. It was odd that Reiji had chosen a gun. If the girl got a perfect shot with such an unruly weapon, even that wouldn't necessarily cement Ashlyn's fate. She was weak, but even Ashlyn could prevent a gun from firing with the right spell, a simple water conjuring to wet the powder would do the trick.

The pink haired maid from the day before answers and Ashlyn keeps her face neutral as she studies her. Reiji's maid most likely. Perhaps he chose her for his maid for a reason, she was pretty, very different from Ashlyn herself, but nonetheless pretty. Ashlyn scoffs softly at Reiji calling her 'kid' for they were nearly the same age. He was a little older, but not by much.

Ashlyn leans against the door frame. Her manners that of a young man. She never did enjoy etiquette. When needed, she would use it, but when there was no reason, Ashlyn doesn't bother. She was in pants after all, might as well savor them before the stuffy gown she would surely be faced with that night. She had seen the gowns castillo had from years of guests and the ladies of the household. Beautiful.

Ashlyn watches Reiji's fading form with concealed interest before turning to the girl, Tanzy. "Hello, Tanzy, was it? Call me Ash if you so need to," Ashlyn states simply as she waits for the girl. Her stomach rumbles again and Ashlyn raises a brow at Tanzy. She feels at ease, remembering the relaxed feel she used to always have when she was in Castillo de la Muerte. It's clear that she is not entirely well. Her skin is paler than it's normal tan and Ashlyn feels slightly unsteady, as if she would fall over if she was pushed enough. It was true, but she was stronger than she had been thankfully.



Image

Jane enters the room quietly, slowly, as if worried she would startle the vampire within. Jane smiles at Mirabelles question, nodding simply. "Of course," Jane answers simply. She feels nerves in the pit of her stomach, unaware of the strangeness to come, merely nervous for the ball. Jane moves gingerly, carefully and with a light grace that is uncharacteristic of her. She feels at ease, as if she has finally settled in, but she isn't sure why that seems to be the case.

Jane watches as Mirabelle goes, practically fluttering away in her hurry. Jane's brows crease in wonder at what the dear girl could be up to. Jane, unsure what to do, puts away Mirabelle's night clothes before moving downstairs. Perhaps Anise or Tanzy would need help in preparations of some kind for the ball.



Image

Jason looked up upon releasing his shirt sleeve cuff, catching Demetri taking him in. Jason freezes, unsure how to proceed. He hadn't been looked at like that before though he had accidentally looked at others that way before, as if taking them all in because he wanted to understand them, pull them close, enjoy their company. At least, that's what he had done when he was taking others in.

Jason looks at Demetri with a tilt of his head, confusion sweeping over him at the red headed vampires words. "Told me what?" Jason asks innocently, feeling a flicker of nerves in the pit of his stomach. Jason studied Demetri with curious eyes as he took in the strange attitude Demetri seemed to have. It made sense that Demetri needed to feed, he had been badly injured the day before and he needed to refuel, but what could make him so different from his sibling? His twin in fact? Surely he would be more gentle that Bishop who had the gentility of a wild animal.

Jason watched Demetri as he spoke, and when he pulled out a knife, Jason looked at it confused. Demetri wanted Jason to cut himself to poor the blood in a glass perhaps? Or to drip it into his mouth as Jane had done the day before? Jason watched as Demetri sauntered closer to him, eyeing the knife and Demetri's face as he wondered what the red head was thinking. Jason accepted the knife, holding it in his hand strongly though he wasn't sure he could use it. He hadn't fought with a knife for years.

Jason caught mischief in Demetri's eyes and his chest fluttered. It was as if Demetri was stealing his breath with an ability that he didn't even know he possessed. Jason, intrigued yet uncertain, as he had never had such a true experience, allowed himself to be moved towards the wall, distracted as he stared at the red head who was the same height, or perhaps he was slightly taller, than Jason. Jason doesn't fight as Demetri pulls away his shirt, in fact, moving in a way that makes the action easier.

Jason's breath hitches at the closeness of Demetri and he can't help but feel a flush of shame as had been encouraged by his father at such a reaction to another man. Jason holds the knife in his hand, not quite as tightly due to his distraction. Jason, too focused on the fact that Demetri is touching him, felt all the air rush out of him as Demetri nearly seems to kiss Jason's neck.

Jason hardly felt the slight pinch of Demetri's fangs entering his neck, but felt the immense pleasure sharply. Jason's thoughts cloud and he nearly drops the knife before remembering Demetri had told him he needed it. What for again? Jason isn't sure as he hears Demetri moan gruffly, wanting to do so himself, but refraining. Jason doesn't even realize what he's doing when he reaches his free hand up to feel the silkiness of Demetri's hair.

Jason felt the knife begin to slip from his hand again but grabs onto it sharply. Demetri had said something. Something important. What was it? Jason's thoughts could only focus on the touch of Demetri and the silky feel of his hair. Jason, feeling suddenly light headed more so than filled with pleasure as he had a moment ago, regains enough clarity to remember. Jason pushed the knife quickly into Demetri's thigh, a place where he himself had a scar from having a bar fight years ago, yet had survived and recovered.

Jason sank, suddenly feeling his knees weak, his head still dizzy and not entirely clear as he breifly wondered why he did what he did. Why would he want the feel of Demetri gone and the pleasure he had brought rather than the surprise Bishop had.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Camilla Eden Character Portrait: Demetri Santiago
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Tanzy McNeal


So lost in thought was the maid that she nearly missed the knocking at her door, hurrying over to open it just as Reiji let himself in. The vampire lord barging into her room was a little nerve-wracking (what if she had been indecent?), but not unduly surprising. Tanzy's expression immediately turned to surprise and puzzlement upon seeing an unfamiliar young woman behind her new master. A pretty young woman- a complexion slightly darker than her own and dark hair, complete with a nice frame and a soft, almost cloudy blue pair of eyes. Who was she? Surely she'd have noticed if the young woman was around before. And what was she doing with Reiji?

The maid had no chance to ask, a fancy pistol placed into her hands- earning a slight squeak of surprise as he gave her instructions to feed the unfamiliar woman and shoot her if she tried anything. Shoot someone? She'd never even held a gun before now, so even if the situation called for it, she wondered just how much use she would be. Nevertheless, she managed not to drop the finely made weapon and nodded to Reiji before he left, a curious and bewildered gaze following him. "Yes sire..." she answered to his retreating form, eyes lingering on him until he disappeared from sight.

Looking over at the young woman, Tanzy glanced over her as if trying to gain some miraculous insight as to who she was or how she had suddenly come to be around her intimidating master. First the strange young man helping with Anise the day prior, and now a strange woman? Were they friends of the vampires? But they didn't act necessarily like friends. But they didn't seem to be enemies either. Clutching the gun carefully to her chest, Tanzy made sure to keep her fingers away from the trigger, simply holding the weapon so the other girl couldn't take it. It was heavier than it looked.

The stranger interrupted her thoughts, the girl announcing herself as Ash. Ash? Was that truly her name? Or was it a nickname? And furthermore, Tanzy noted the blue eyes following after her master as well, earning a whirr of thoughts. Could she be his lover or something? He never mentioned having one, though of course, why would he tell her? Tilting her head, she closed the door behind her and stepped out to escort Ash to the kitchens, finally realizing it was rude to stare. "Yes, I'm Tanzy." she verified, glancing behind her as they neared the bottom of the staircase. "I...I didn't know master Reiji had a novia." she mused aloud, trying to recall if one was ever mentioned by him or his siblings. Well, it really wasn't her business, but it was still going to arouse her curiosity."Is there anything in particular you wanted to eat?" she asked as she nudged the kitchen door ajar, wondering if Anise had fetched herself some breakfast yet.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bishop Santiago


The blush was a welcome sight, and Bishop found it tainted only by her initial step back in surprise. Cute, but why on earth was she skittish around him? "Relax. Surely you know I have no intention of hurting you." he muttered with a roll of his eyes, glad she seemed to be more herself now that she was rested and purged of the poison. The young woman's apologies were met with a dismissive gesture of his hand, bidding it unimportant and not worth further concern. "It's fine. I don't expect you to have known what. Just don't hide if you're feeling ill..." he said, hoping Anise's fretting wouldn't get too bad. She was admittedly endearing when flustered, but he didn't want her to be terrified and too meek around him, after all.

Leaning against his door frame with a casual air, the red head nevertheless stiffened at her question, releasing a slow and steady breath in some attempt to keep himself calm. Reiji did save her, so he'd at least make some small minuscule attempt to be civil. "...If you must know, it was the asshole." he huffed softly, practically pouting were his eyes not twitching in irritation. Damn Reiji.

Thankfully, it seemed his remark on his maid's accessory diverted her attention to less infuriating thoughts, eyes fixed on her as she touched the purple butterfly in question. The sight of her in her outfit was diminished only by the bandaged wrist, jaw and fists clenched as he thought of her giving blood to another. If it was to be anyone besides Demetri, he'd of course rather it be Castiel, but even so, he hated sharing. At least it wasn't the neck.

Bishop's agitation was cut by her voice once more, the thanks being met with a slight nod before turning to glance next door to his twin's chambers. The fellow redhead was healed up by now, though Bishop had no doubt Demetri would need more blood to keep up his strength and keep from deteriorating so rapidly from an injury.

Bishop appeared to be hearing only half of what the ebony haired maid said, though he honestly caught ever word. His eyes remained next door, nodding in greeting to his twin before finally returning his gaze to Anise. Her explanation didn't seem to bother him in the slightest, simply nodding in acknowledgement of her words. "Yes, he needs blood. And he is welcome to use Jason as he sees fit. I'm sure the idiot has an easier time with him than me anyway."

Bishop's calm was abruptly conquered by a flare of hatred, eyes narrowed as he growled in distaste. Camilla. That stupid child! Fists clenching, it took considerable effort not to shout or start snarling venomous words for all to hear, managing to only let out an angry hiss. "That girl is a useless little shit. Stupid chit acts like she has a damn death wish. I don't care what anyone says, as far as I'm concerned, she's nothing but a good for nothing brat." The mere fact that his twin neared death's door because he was being too nice to some stupid wench was too much for Bishop, and it showed.

Arms folded over his chest, the hot headed vampire seemed intent on glaring the opposing wall into submission, mood soured at the thought of Camilla. It was a good three minutes before Bishop could glance back at Anise without looking like he wanted to tear someone a new one.
"Tch. At least you and Demetri are better." he finally muttered.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Mirabelle Santiago
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by Stiles
Image

Image


Reiji's entire body grew rigid as Mirabelle began sobbing. He felt a plethora of emotions: rage, despair, and guilt barely scratching the surface, seeing as there were other emotions he was feeling that even he could not quite describe. There was so much going on inside of him, but shock was the only emotion on his face. He had become so well at keeping his emotions hidden that he now found it difficult to express them at all.

”It was supposed to be you…”

Reiji attempted to respond, but choked on his words. If he had been any weaker of a man, he would have broke down in tears. What words could he even say? How was he supposed to respond to that? How was he supposed to console her? They both believed they were to be wed when they were children, so it was only natural that her first scenario would have been of him. She was definitely the first girl that Reiji considered in such a manner, "Y-You can't declare things like that to me so easily..." He stammered, struggling to breathe his words to life as he felt a piece of him shattering, bringing a hand to his eyes to conceal his expression from her. While he could not physically blush, it was obvious that the elder Santiago was flustered.

That emotion slowly faded when Reiji felt Mirabelle's arms clasp around him, his free arm (The one not concealing his face) immediately found itself rested on her midback, gently caressing up and down her spine in attempt to soothe her, "I will make them pay... And they will suffer twice as long as they forced upon you. That's a promise.." He whispered, careful to make sure that no one else could hear. This was not a conversation for their other siblings. Despite Reiji sharing no actual bloodline with Mirabelle, she was still considered his sister, thus off limits. When her face met his shirt, Reiji raised his hand from her backs and nestled his digits amongst her blonde locks, allowing his fingers to trial through her golden hair. She had been so honest, so now it was up to him to show some honesty, "I... made a lot of enemies while I searched for you." He stated in a soft voice as he continued to caress her hair. Reiji was fully aware of the bloody stains forming on his new suit, such was an unfortunate detail of being a vampire. Tears were blood and blood undoubtedly ruined white shirts. His black coat was of course salvageable, but he would certainly have to swap out the undershirt. He did not mind however, seeing as his sister was in so much emotional pain, "Our family, old friends, hunters... The vampire counsel.. A lot of people would like to see me dead. I burnt many bridges while you were in that hell hole..." He knew that she knew this, but he had to make sure that she was fully aware. He had to be certain that she understood the gravity of what he was telling her, because he would never repeat it again, for her safety and his own pride.

"If I let them see me caring for anyone, they could use those people against me.." His crimson eyes were serious as he gazed down at his sister, regret in his eyes. While not all of his crimes were for Mirabelle's sake, many of them had been. In the eyes of Vampire society, Reiji was an S Class criminal. He had calmed down as years have passed, but his past indiscretions had yet to be atoned for. Before he had been banished from Castillo De La Muerte, Reiji's killings exceeded the twin's, so much that Castiel had feared for his family's safety. Reiji was a liability, someone who might bring the vampire counsel's wrath down upon his entire family. After killing his brother's lovers for the umpteenth time, Castiel had had enough, and cast Reiji out of their home, "I've spent so long keeping everyone at arms length.. but we just now have you back, I can't help myself sometimes.... but you have to know how much my selfishness puts you at risk."

"I don't blame you, so you shouldn't either. It was my fault for going where I was told countless times not too. Mother and Father always warned me, but I didn't listen. Rei, you need to know that it was you who saved me. Even lifetimes after I was supposed to be gone, you looked for me. I got out because it was your voice I heard. I got out because it was you that gave me something to come home to."

It was flattering to know that his efforts were not in vain, but the fact that she did not blame him for not being there to protect her, that's what really struck a chord. Reiji felt relief wash over him, rinsing away a vast majority of his guilt, "If we became vampires, I knew there was always a chance that it could have happened to you as well. Everyone else gave up after your human life would have ended."

"My whole point of finding you was to say goodbye. I thought it was him... her... that did it. I thought...."

Reiji kissed the top of Mirabelle's head, breathing in as his face was planted against her blonde locks, "I swear to you, she was used by her sister. Her sister tricked her into distracting me... And her sister was the one who sent those men to abduct you. They meant to abduct us all... We were all supposed to be taken, Belle. It wasn't your fault either."[/b][/color] He reassured her, seeing as she was hardly more than a child when she had been taken. He twirled the ends of her hair around his fingers, one arm firmly holding her to him in a comforting embrace.

"I just feel like something really bad is going to happen and everything is telling me to leave, but I can't..."

" I think we all sense it.. I had a gut feeling that something terrible would happen, but I didn't realize how soon." he confessed, seeing as the only other person he had confided in with about his gut feeling had been Tanzy. He knew Belle would not appreciate that he told Tanzy, which is why he did not reveal more. He told her, and that's what counted, "We can't give up our home so easily."

"I can't leave my family. Not after getting everyone back after so long. We stick together, right?"

"Exactly, our best chance is together. Always has been and always will be. All we have in this world is our family, Belle." Reiji whispered, knowing the loneliness of the world. His time away from his family was one of Reiji's darkest moments. He never wanted to feel that solitary ever again. He wouldn't wish that feeling upon any of his siblings, not even Castiel.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Ashlyn Locksley Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Camilla Eden Character Portrait: Jason Olivander
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »
  1. post is empty, should likely be deleted

    by Tales of the Wraith
  2. post is empty, should likely be deleted

    by Tales of the Wraith

0.00 INK

#, as written by Anise

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Mirabelle Santiago
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by MaeMae
Mirabelle’s arms tightened as she felt strong fingers amongst her hair. This was her safe haven, here in Rei’s arms; it always had been. Her small heaving chest slowly calmed at the sudden feeling of love and protection, one last sniffle enough to calm her shaking figure. Memories of her childhood flooded her mind uninvited, enough to drop her to her knees had Rei not been holding onto her. Small slender fingers curled against his back, under his jacket, gathering fistfuls of his shirt as she clung to him. Here, hidden in their past, would be the one and only time that he would hold her and she knew that. Especially since he was afraid to care for her, afraid to care for anyone.

"Exactly, our best chance is together. Always has been and always will be. All we have in this world is our family, Belle."

“I would die a thousand times over if it meant this. I had a lifetime void of any resemblance of love. You were able to move on with that woman you brought here. Distraction or not – if you didn’t care for her then, she wouldn’t be here now.” Mirabelle reluctantly pulled herself away from his embrace, looking up at him as she rubbed at her cheeks. The vampire scrubbed her fingertips against her skin, trying to scrub away any resemblance of her weakness.

”Te amo…” the woman paused and searched his face before she continued in the same breath, ”…hermano” Mirabelle stood on her toes and lightly grabbed onto his color, pulling him down to her level so that she could kiss his cheek.

”You’re right, Reiji, we are all that we have in this world. If you spend your entire existence being afraid of that and who will take that away from you, then what kind of life is that? One day I hope we can defeat all your, all of our enemies so you can find love. So all of you can find love.” She then thought about her mother and the talk her mother gave her when she was about how they didn’t marry because of love but instead they married for wealth and power. She was dumb to think she could have been the exception. Before he could say anything, she grabbed his hand and started to lead him away from that place.

”Come now, before we’re missed. I have a dress for your friend and you should change. I’m sorry.” She said gently, not sure if she could take any more of their past there.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Reiji Santiago Character Portrait: Anise Delopar Character Portrait: Bishop  J.   Santiago Character Portrait: Mirabelle Santiago
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by Stiles
Image

Image


”Come now, before we’re missed. I have a dress for your friend and you should change. I’m sorry.”

What was taking place did not immediately register within Reiji's brain, but the touch was quite welcome. Reiji's crimson eyes blinked in curiosity as Mirabelle led him away from the secret corridors, much like when they were children. It had been some time since a woman led him by the hand so assertively, even if it was just his sister, it was a pleasant feeling
and he allowed himself to cherish the moment. There couldn't be too many like this, their other siblings would never understand. Although the feelings remained a small ember in his chest, he could not allow himself to subdue to them. If he wished to successfully lead this family, his feelings for Mirabelle had to remain burried in the past. Besides, he was having a lot of fun with a certain maid, so he could distract himself all he wished. Besides, he did enjoy Tanzy's company, perhaps also a bit more than he should. Reiji closed his eyes, realizing he was in over his head. He morally should not fall for either woman, yet his feelings were there for both, just one was more selfish and prominent than the other. He refused to contain himself with Tanzy, yet he could not display the same recklessness with Mirabelle. There was too much at risk.

"What if I wanted to choose one myself?" He replied with a chuckle and amused quirk of one of his ebony brows, but shook the thought off. He was only teasing his sister, attempting to ignite her jealousy, to be honest, Reiji didn't really mind what Ashlyn wore. He only hoped that his sister would choose thoughtfully. He'd feel guilty if she forced Ash to attend the ball in anything too cruel. He gazed upon his bloodstained shirt at the mention of changing, shrugging his shoulders at the blonde beauty nonchalantly, "I agree, but I have grown rather used to it these days... Whether you have noticed or not, Demetri has become a crying drunk as of late." He frowned, not enjoying the flash of memories that assaulted him. The dark haired vampire pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation, it was obvious that he did not enjoy the experience near as much when his younger brother embraced him with tearful eyes when compared to when it was his younger sister. Reiji immediately tensed when he stumbled upon such a revelation. ..Do I have some sort of sister complex!? Get ahold of yourself you pathetic man... The thought was horrifying. His siblings would never approve, besides, he could not risk losing his current relationship with Mira. He refused to jeopardize the bond they currently shared. Besides, Tanzy was an amusing target and he did not wish to truly crush her, especially after forcefully stealing her first kiss.

A smirked crossed his lips as he thought about that sweet kiss he had shared with his maid, even licking his lips, although his last kiss had not been with the rosy haired neatfreak. Before he could amuse himself further with thoughts of his innocent little maid, Reiji disappeared for a brief moment when Mirabelle's lead brought him close to his living quarters. He returned shirtless in record time, his black jacket and a fresh white shirt in tow, draped over his left arm. He slipped into the button down, his flawless ivory skin and chiseled chest in clear view to her as he began buttoning his shirt. Once he made it halfway up, his fingers paused. He noticed Anise was still at his brother's door. He proceeded on, half dressed, "It's nearly time for breakfast. We should head downstairs, Belle" His eyes landed on Anise and Bishop, but decided to cut them some slack. He was too flustered by his own actions to do anything to them, but there was also the fact that Bishop had nearly lost the fragile girl. For today, he would not interfere, much. A smirk formed on his pale lips as he passed the two lovebirds, leading his sister down the staircase, "Getting an early bite, Bishop?" Reiji teased, walking on as if he had not seen his brother disobeying one of his previous orders, leading Mirabelle by the hand this time.

Once downstairs, Reiji's eyes caught a glimpse of his sister's blood stained face and he instinctively grew closer. He practically pinned her to one of the walls, out of anyone's sight. Both of the man's large hands rested against the stone surface, resting on opposite sides next to her face. The older vampire unintentionally blocking any form of escape that his younger sister possibly had, stared upon her, but his eyes were fixated on the lower portion of her face. Reiji leaned in as if to kiss her, but instead the tip of his tongue ran up her cheek, which was surprisingly warm unlike the rest of him, whether she could feel him there or not. The blood on her face disappeared with a little added pressure, and he repeated this action on the other side, "We can't have you scaring the maids, now can we...?" Reiji whispered in a low and sensual tone before completely withdrawing from her, casually buttoning the rest of his shirt. His expression was carefree and composed, but if his heart still beated, it definitely would have given away his embarrassment. He could hear the maids in the kitchen vaguely, then smiled back at his sister, deciding to distract her from his previous actions, "Shall I play piano while we wait for them to finish cooking?" He smirked, remembering she loved it when he played instruments for her as children. Reiji realized that the piano might have been new to her due to her isolation, so he wished to play it for her. He approached the piano, patting next to him and began playing. He chose to play Für Elise by Ludwig van Beethoven for his sister.

Ivory fingers moved across the keys with expert precision and he played, his hair and body beginning to sway as he began entranced by the sound, as though he had constructed the piece himself. He was not sure if Belle was accustom to this song, due to her captivity, but he hoped she enjoyed it as much as he did. He found immense comfort in this song and often played it whenever life proved to be too stressful. It was a great form of release for the brooding male. Due to the castle's structure, the song echoed through the entire first and second floor. He never felt more at peace than when he played. This was perhaps the first time since his return to Castillo de la Muerte. This was perhaps the first time the piano had been touched in over a year.