11

~Meara

I wander downstairs, rubbing my eyes.

This manor is so vast and imposing I feel tiny in here. I could explore it for hours, but familiarising myself with this place will only make it more difficult to walk away.

Sire isn’t in the dining room when I get there. I eat breakfast, silently, alone, contemplating my plan.

I don’t have much of one…I don’t even know where to start.

When I wander back into the main hallway, I see him approaching me. He looks solemn, although that’s to be expected with him.

"There is something I want to do today,” he tells me as I approach.

"I think I should go back-"

"No. You have a right to get to know me, and this may give you an insight into who I was,” he says.

I stare him down. I don’t think I’m going to be able to argue my way out of this one. I was hoping I could get home and talk to Hazel. She is wise, she will know what to do.

"Alright, what is it?" I sigh.

"Take my hand and let me show you."

He holds his hand out to me, not reaching for me, not