"You have to go now, Evie," said Anny with a gentle but firm tone. "Deliver the letter quickly, and don't take too long coming back."
"I will," Evie said with a smile as she slipped the letter into her satchel. "But don't forget to take your medicine, alright? Doctor Phillip said you should have it after a meal."
"I know, I know," Anny waved her off with a playful roll of her eyes. "Just don't waste time wandering around."
"I won't," Evie promised, already halfway out the door. "I'll be back soon, I promise!"
As the door closed behind her, Anny smiled fondly. But once alone, she moved slowly toward the back of the house, her breath growing shallow. She bent over, coughing up two mouthfuls of blood, the red staining her hand like spilled wine. Her face, once full of color, turned pale as she eased herself onto a wooden bench, gripping her side in pain.
---
Evie stepped off the carriage and looked around. She had arrived in Caltot, a small village tucked within Havethrone, not far from the Lord's manor in Dovecote. Her boots clicked against the cobblestones as she headed toward the post office.
After mailing the letter, she checked the sun. Still plenty of daylight. With no need to rush, she wandered through the village streets, taking in the charm of the old buildings. That's when she spotted it — a library nestled between two shops. Something about it drew her in.
"Welcome to the library," said a soft voice from the entrance. A woman stood there, eyes deep red like glowing rubies, locked on Evie. A vampire — not shocking, not in this part of the region. Dovecote's odd influence seemed to draw them in.
"I'd like to look around, if that's alright," Evie replied politely.
The woman nodded, stepping aside. "Feel free. Just don't get lost in the stories."
---
After leaving the library, Evie strolled through the village market, where the smell of fresh bread and herbs filled the air. She stopped at a vegetable stall, her eyes scanning rows of ripe tomatoes.
"How many do you want, miss? Two pennies each," the vendor asked, smiling under his wide hat.
"How about ten?" she said, grinning. "But give me twelve. I'm much too charming to say no to, don't you think?"
The man chuckled. "Charming indeed. Tell you what I'll give you thirteen for two pennies. Can't say no to a pretty smile."
Evie handed him the coins and tucked the tomatoes into her basket, thanking him before turning away.
As she made her way through the crowd, something someone caught her eye. A tall figure. Familiar. She moved quickly, weaving through the bustling square, but he disappeared before she could reach him.
She stopped, scanning the crowd, heart thudding with confusion. Then bam. She collided with someone, stumbling. But before she could fall, a strong hand caught her and held her steady.
Looking up, her breath caught in her throat.
"Lucas?" she said quietly.
"Lady Evie," he said, his voice calm but surprised. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon. Especially not here."
She gave a nervous laugh, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Sorry i wasn't looking where I was going."
Lucas stepped back and released her gently. His face was mostly hidden under the shadow of his hood, but the sharp jawline and familiar lips gave him away. The same lips that had once pressed a kiss to her hand.
Her cheeks burned as the memory came rushing back. She wasn't prepared to see him again. Not here. Not like this.
Lucas looked at her, unable to ignore the strange twist of fate that brought her back into his life. He had thought the moment they shared at the manor was fleeting, something to leave behind with the rest of the night's shadows. He had brushed her off, convinced it was the right thing to do. But now, standing face-to-face again in the middle of Caltot's market, it felt like he hadn't done enough to keep her away… or maybe he hadn't truly wanted to.
And when she softly apologized, eyes cast down, something in him stirred. The way her lashes lowered and her voice barely reached him—it felt undeserved.
"There's nothing to apologize for, Lady Vie," Lucas said, a small smile playing on his lips. "If I had been paying attention, I wouldn't have bumped into you. Though, judging by your direction… it almost seemed like you were headed into the black market."
Evie blinked in confusion, then glanced over her shoulder. That's when she realized—the man she had chased into the crowd had gone through the archway leading into the black market, also known as the dark market. A place infamous for selling things that shouldn't be sold.
"Oh," she said, her brow lifting in realization. "I thought I saw someone I knew go in there, but I must have been wrong. I lost sight of them."
"Maybe it was just your imagination," Lucas replied. "Are you done with your errands?"
"Yes," she nodded, lifting her sack a little. "I only came to get tomatoes."
"If Lady Vie would allow it, I'd like to offer her a ride home," he said as they began walking toward the edge of the market.
Evie's instinct was to politely decline, but she hesitated. She couldn't deny her curiosity about him. And the truth was, she didn't really want to say no. "Of course, if you're willing," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "And you can just call me Vie. I insist."
Lucas looked at her with a soft expression. "If you insist, then I would be honored, Vie."
When they reached his carriage, he held the door open for her and asked, "Where do you live, so I can give my coachman directions?"
"Hallthom," she said, stepping up into the carriage. Lucas gave the instruction, and soon they were on their way, the wheels creaking quietly as the village faded behind them.
Inside, Evie sat opposite him, the bag of tomatoes resting on her lap. She studied him for a moment, curiosity getting the better of her.
"Do you live in Caltot?" she asked.
"No," Lucas shook his head. "I only came here for some work. Running into you like this… it feels like fate."
Evie arched a brow. "I didn't take you for someone who believed in fate, Lucas."
"Why not?" he asked, intrigued.
"You seem like the kind of man who grew up in a noble household, educated and raised to believe in logic and reason. And considering you're a vampire… I thought your kind had a different view of the world."
Lucas leaned back slightly, arms resting on his knees as he met her gaze. "You're right. Vampires do see the world differently. For example, many humans believe in the afterlife—heaven, hell, reward or punishment. But for us? We believe that death is simply the end. No afterlife. No judgment. Just silence. But fate? Fate is something every creature feels. It crosses every belief. Every species."
Evie nodded slowly, understanding more than she expected. "Then let's consider this… fate."
Lucas smiled faintly. "Glad we agree."
Then he tilted his head, narrowing his eyes slightly. "But… did you really come all the way from Hallthom just to buy tomatoes?"
Evie laughed. "No. I actually came to deliver a letter to the post office. It was important."
"What happened to the one in Hallthom?" he asked, frowning. "Every village is supposed to have one."
"It's been shut down," she explained. "The old postman passed away, and ever since, no one bothered to replace him."
"And the magistrate?" Lucas asked, leaning in with a curious look. "Surely he knows?"
"He knows. He just doesn't care," Evie said bitterly. "He barely manages the village as it is. I've written to the Lord himself multiple times, asking for help. But he's never replied."
Lucas's brow furrowed. "How long ago did you send the letters?"
"The first one was six months ago. The other two followed, three months ago. Still no answer. The Lord must be cold-hearted, ignoring the needs of the people under his care."
He watched her closely. The anger in her voice, the fire in her eyes—it was clear now. She didn't just dislike the Lord. She despised him.
Lucas hadn't truly noticed it before, back at the manor. But now, he could see it plainly. And though he said nothing, a thought sat quietly at the back of his mind:
She has no idea who she's talking to.
And maybe… for now… it was better that way.