that I no longer have to deal with Lord Victor and his brat Felix, I miss the power and prestige I had in the village and neighborhood of Drakesheath Hall. Although, as lover of the current leader of the Vipère I enjoy the role of hostess to the evil elite of Europe. I may have lost my local prestige, but I've gained a more global one! And there is NOTHING wrong with that!

I take the glass of absinthe from Edmund, and after his toast I repeat, "To the Future!" as I raise my glass. I sip the anise-flavored liquor, and slip my arm through the crook of Edmund's, and admire the play of my new diamond and ruby bracelet. "I love my gift, Darling. It was so smart of you to...aquire it from Eleanor's things before you left the manor. After all, it is yours, since you are the rightful heir and Lord of the estate. Damn Victor for returning when he did!"

"Now, now Love. We'll soon take it back. Good things come to those who wait!" He smiles that wicked smile I have love. "Besides, the fools in the Hall have no idea what they are up against."

I take another drink, and then smile in return and reply, "Very true. And we'll let them think the Darkness has past while we help it grow stronger! The old man won't know what hit him." I drop my voice to a seductive whisper and my smile grows wider and more feral, "You know what drinking absinthe does to me, and I can feel my hunger for you growing by the drink. How much longer must we tarry down here with our guest before slipping away?"