Chapter 16: Truth

Sitting together in the kitchen both are full after enjoying a plate each filled with chocolate chip

pancakes, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. As promised. Lyra nearly licked the plate clean

afterwards. The sugary sweetness in fluff form makes her happy.

"I suppose I owe you an explanation now." Jaze says facing her.

"Only of you want to.”

"No, we have a deal.” he states firmly. "The obvious question would be why I had a blood bag in

my mouth, right? Well... had it in my mouth because I was drinking the blood. I'm a vampire.”

Contemplating this she sits in silence for a short moment before ending up with the conclusion

that she has no idea what it means. Being forced to voice her lack of, what seems to be,

common knowledge she sighs heavily. "Excuse me if I sound dumb now but what is a vampire?"

Seeing Jaze go from calm and collected to shocked and bewildered in mere seconds she starts

to fidget. Normally it would have made her laugh but now, thoughts of being retarded invades

her mind. Years of insecurity washes over her like a bucket filled with ice water. "I apologize for

my lack of knowledge and education...” she hurriedly hurls out in sheer embarrassment.

"What? No...nonono...no. "scratching the back of his head Jaze seems to regain some

composure again." I was just taken by surprise for a moment. No need to apologize.”

Nodding she remains silent not wanting to humiliate herself any further.

"Before I explain in detail can I ask my first question now?" Jaze inquires tentatively. Looking at

him she nods again. "How did you live?"

Breathing in slowly she holds it before exhaling slowly. She never thought actually talking about

it would feel like a burden. Shameful above all. Will he be disgusted by her afterwards? During

her short time here, she has begun to understand that things in her life might not be quite

right. She made a deal so there's no going back now.

"I lived in a big mansion like house in the middle of nowhere. I know there was a town

somewhere nearby but not much more than that. I tried to find it the day you found me

wandering in the woods. My only entertainment where books chosen by others and on good

days I could paint. I was never allowed to walk freely whether it was inside or outside. The only

times I could watch movies were in educational purposes.” Shivering she closes her eyes

wanting to get rid of all the bad memories that floods her mind as she talks.

"Who gave you all those scars and markings?"

"First it was my family and later in life a man called Elmir. He is also known as my husband but

only because he bought me at the age of ten from my parents. Collected me at the age of

fifteen, got wedded by his friend and lived there until the stormy day we met. Majority of the

scars are from him.” Gazing at Jaze she could see lots of emotions in them, understanding and

sorrow, the more prominent ones. Lyra feels dirty and shameful. Without saying anything he

pics her up and tucks her away in his lap, arms held tightly around her trembling body.

"My turn now but promise not to be afraid or walk away?"

"Promise." comes her muffled answer.

"My name is Jaze Lué Rondué and I'm 26 years hold, have been for the last 500 years. Born in

Dountémons, France, with a silver spoon far up my ass. Parents high nobility with titles I could

use whenever I needed. Comte Thomas et Comtesse Auroria Lué Rondué.” They sit in silence

enjoying each other's company for a while before he resumes. "One day I flaunted the family

name and titles in the wrong place to the wrong people. I was so drunk it was a miracle I could

still walk and talk. My house got plundered and parents ended up killed because of it.

Afterwards the titles they held passed on to me and order was restored. There was never any

lack of money. I was only seventeen when they passed away."

Lyra could see talking about this was hard on Jaze. Gently she takes his hand wishing to give

comfort or strength. Something she often craved as a child and dreamt of many nights.

"Being a title holder also meant responsibilities towards others and marriage was one of those.

After refusing to take a wife for years people started to get agitated with me so at the age of 23

I accepted my faith. Forced to choose among the daughters of my parent's friends I picked the

one who would be the best doll. The looks but no brain or will of her own. When I was 25 and

she 18 our first children were born. Twins. We were not a happy or loving couple but played the

part on social events. I often left her alone in our home while I enjoyed myself in town. One

night, again out drinking, one or more dragged me into an alleyway. Struggling I ended up not

only robbed but stabbed several times too. My maker found me lying in my own blood nearly

choking on it."

"What happened after he found you?"

"He asked if I wanted to live. If I wished to avenge what was done to me.”

She had tears in her eyes after hearing about his life. "I'm happy you chose to live." And she

really meant it because without him she wouldn't be here now. “ If you don’t mind I would like

to know more about vampires.”