Noir
Chapter 65

As I lay there, the room felt suffocating, the scent of my own blood hung heavy in the air, mixing with the musty odor of the old furniture. Determined, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my bare feet meeting the cold, marble floor, providing a grounding sensation. It was a reminder that I couldn't let this moment of weakness define me. I had to keep pushing forward, replaceing a way to accomplish what I needed to do. But, in order to succeed, I had to replace a way to block Noir from infiltrating my thoughts.

My gaze dropped to my gown, seeing the torn neckline stained with my blood. A shiver ran down my spine, not from the chill in the room, but from the realization of how close I had come to losing myself to him. Carefully, I made my way to the washbasin, the porcelain cool against my trembling hands. As I cleaned up, the refreshing water provided a sharp contrast to the lingering heat on my skin. Each motion brought a rush of thoughts, urging me to replace a way to speak with Gabby, to seek her assistance in uncovering Noir's weakness.

Once I was clean, I headed towards the closet, grateful for the simple dress that awaited me, a token of someone's generosity. The early morning light had not yet graced the sky, leaving the surroundings cloaked in darkness. Silently, I slipped out of my chamber, the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the corridors, teasing my senses. It struck me as peculiar, the contrast of the comforting scent of coffee and the realization that it was intended for the blood suppliers within the vampire household. These individuals, forced or coerced, had chosen to serve the vampires in exchange for protection.

The quietness of the mansion allowed me to tiptoe unnoticed to the kitchen, my heart racing with anticipation and trepidation. The grand staircase creaked ever so slightly beneath my weight, a sound that seemed to echo through the vastness of the house. Each step brought me closer to my destination.

When I arrived, I found the kitchen ablaze with candles, casting a warm glow across the gleaming surfaces. A young woman, likely a servant, was busy preparing breakfast, her movements swift and silent. She didn't acknowledge my presence, which was a small mercy. The less attention I drew to myself, the better. I made my way to the coffee pot gurgling on a wood burning stove. It seemed the vampires had thought of every possible need for survival.

The rich, aromatic scent of the coffee grew stronger as I approached. The warmth of the kitchen was comforting, a stark contrast to the coldness of the rest of the mansion. I filled a cup, letting the dark liquid steam gently in the candlelight. As I took a sip, the bitter taste washed over my tongue, sending a jolt of energy through me, dispelling the last of my fear and doubt. I needed to be sharp if I was going to outsmart Noir and replace a way to communicate with Gabby. I scanned the kitchen for anything that could be useful. There were knives and other sharp instruments, but they would be of little use against a vampire. Instead, I focused on the herbs and spices that lined the shelves. Some of them were familiar from my mother's kitchen, but others were exotic and unidentifiable. Among them, I found a small jar labeled wolfbane. It was a risky move, but I knew that the herb was one of the few things that could kill vampires. I slipped the jar into the pocket of my dress, feeling a smidge of comfort knowing it was there.

As I turned to leave, the sound of hurried footsteps grew louder, reverberating through the dimly lit corridor. Panic gripped my chest, tightening with each passing moment. It was too late to retreat back to the safety of my room, unseen and unnoticed. The servant girl glanced up from her task, her eyes widening with surprise when she spotted me. Before she could utter a word, I pressed a trembling finger to my lips, silently imploring her for secrecy. Understanding the urgency in my gesture, she nodded, her gaze dropping back to her work.

The footsteps drew nearer, their rhythm quickening, and I hastily sought refuge behind a towering cupboard. The wooden doors groaned softly as I gently pushed them shut, concealing myself within. My heart pounded in my ears, the echoes of my fear reverberating through my entire being. In my trembling hand, I still clutched the warm mug of coffee, the comforting heat offering little solace. Through the narrow crack in the cupboard doors, I caught a glimpse of Noir striding into the kitchen, his presence commanding and imposing. The room seemed to hold its breath as he scanned his surroundings, his piercing gaze sweeping over every corner.

Noir was dressed impeccably, his attire a stark contrast to the darkness that cloaked his true nature. Clad in a crisp, black shirt and trousers, he resembled a nobleman rather than the nocturnal creature he truly was. His eyes locked onto the servant girl, freezing her in place, the spatula in her hand hovering above the sizzling pan. Trembling, she mustered the courage to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "Is there something else you needed, my lord?" she asked, her words filled with a mix of fear and deference.

Noir's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his expression inscrutable, before he replied in a smooth, commanding tone, "Just ensure everything is prepared for the day's meals. We have a guest arriving tonight." The tension in the air was palpable, his words hanging heavy with unspoken implications. The servant girl nodded, her eyes downcast, and Noir turned to depart, his footsteps fading away down the echoing corridor.

Taking a cautious breath, I gingerly opened the cupboard doors, stepping out into the now hushed kitchen. The servant girl glanced at me briefly, our eyes meeting in a silent understanding, before she returned to her duties. Time was of the essence, and I knew I had to act swiftly. With determined steps, I made my way to the rear of the kitchen, where a set of elegant French doors beckoned me towards the garden beyond.

The moon, still low in the ink-black sky, cast long shadows that danced across the meticulously manicured lawn. The air was cool against my skin, sending a shiver coursing down my spine. Dew-laden grass tickled my bare feet as I ventured onto the cobblestone path, its rough texture a stark contrast to the smoothness of the kitchen floor. The scent of roses enveloped me, their fragrance both intoxicating and suffocating, a constant reminder of the beauty that surrounded this gilded prison.

Silence enveloped the garden, its weight palpable in the stillness, only interrupted by the distant hoot of an owl, its haunting melody reverberating through the night. With every step I took, I had to move with utmost caution, each movement deliberate, aware that vampires possessed extraordinary hearing. The path beneath my feet felt icy and unyielding, grounding me in the harsh reality of my perilous situation. The dampness of the grass clung to my skin, the dewdrops shimmering like miniature diamonds under the moon's gentle glow.

Following the path, I arrived at a petite gazebo, once a sanctuary for humans seeking respite from the sun, now a silent sentinel in the moonlit darkness. As I settled on the bench, the frigid wood sent a stark chill through me, contrasting sharply with the warmth of the kitchen I had left behind. My thoughts raced, attempting to piece together a plan. I had to replace a method to get the herb into Noir, but the risk was immense. If I were caught by Noir or any other vampire, certain death awaited. Taking another sip of the coffee, its lukewarm state brought a semblance of courage, spreading warmth throughout my body. The bitterness lingered on my tongue, mirroring the bitter reality of my circumstances. I knew I could only rely on myself. The vampires possessed their power, but I possessed my own, along with what I hoped was the element of surprise.