Chapter Text
“You want to know Daniel, it wasn’t because of Louis empty threat to not touch you. It wasn’t to just in spite either.” Armand went over to the bed and sat down on the edge and stared at the floor avoiding looking at Daniel. His thumbs gentle soothing himself an action Daniel seen Armand do many times back in Dubai whether it was sign of irritation trying to keep his emotions in check.
“Its because I am a coward. and I love you too much to let you go. I don’t want you to die." Armand eyes started to seep trickle of blood tears as the confessional cause a swell inside Daniel’s heart. His mind went back to that dream he had about San Francisco the one he thought occurred between him and Alice was now seeing Armand there.
Daniel went over and sat down next to Armand who was still looking at the floor, he placed his arm around him the vulnerability was enough to come across as genuine for Daniel to console him. Daniel had seen what Armand was capable of putting on act to come across as victim this time he decided to not prod at it.
“Is this true? This is why you turned me cause you had feelings for me.”
“Yes”
Armand wipe his eyes with back of his hand before straightening himself upright. Daniel pulled Armand closer the scent of his maker was there, to think the dormant feelings he had for this creature shifted up to the surface. This only now making Daniel wonder at what points had these feelings developed at all.
“Rest for now, we can always continue this when its dark outside.” Armand got up from the bed about to leave when Daniel grabbed his arm. “Before you go, tell why you have two mortals in the house?” clearly Daniel is concerned as Armand just gave a weak smile and patted his arm.
“This is safe refuge for them, they are contempt with the environment. I guess you met Sybelle brief her brother Benji is often in his room you be surprised how much you might have in common with them.”
“Why aren’t they with their family?”
“They don’t have any family to be with, they escaped a hostile home life and wound up here searching for a place to live. I was walking about the streets and saw them, they maybe young adults it just in that moment I felt like was seeing myself. Specially Benji so there is no need to feel concern for their well being.” Armand smiled as he eventually left the room closing the door. Sybelle opened the door to her brothers room which was clouded with smoke, Benji enjoy his vaping and the air smelt of watermelon.
“Hey sis what brings you here.” Benji was on his computer he had a set up that like armature pod caster would have in fact he been somewhat enjoying the luxury Armand was providing for them. Armand seem to not have too many rules, and it worried Sybelle who was itching to work out a way to leave the property.
“Benji crack the window it stinks in here.” Sybelle went over to the window but noticed that the window doesn't open at all. Sighing she went over to his bed and sat down. Benji sense Sybelle been unhappy to think that weren’t homeless.
“Windows don’t open and the amount of tint on them is insane never seen this on cars. You know he probably has a garage with some high price vehicles.” Benji was focused on his game on his screen.
“Because they aren’t normal, they are monsters Benji. Blood sucking creatures and now he invited an old man over. Daniel Molloy that guy who wrote that book….” Sybelle watch Benji eyes somewhat lit up with interest and paused his game for the moment.
“The Daniel Molloy, that man won two Pulitzers now best seller Interview with the Vampire. Great I probably pick his brain I thinking about vampirism.” Sybelle sighed as she sees that her brother fails to see the what was happening.
“I want to get off this island we don’t need to be staying here.”
“And go where Sybelle? We barely made out of the country. Besides you seem to be crushing hard on Armand, its not like seen yourself trying to flirt with him. Face facts sis we escaped a worse environment.” Sybelle felt flustered as her brother clearly can see through her.
“Seriously Benji this isn't about me its about us. We didn’t have a good plan in the first place, in fact we don’t even know if we be best outside of here. Besides we need to find where our mum is.” Sybelle shoved some of the clothes onto the already dirty floor. Even though Armand seem to have servants who keep the house clean very rarely any of them venture into their rooms.
“I know your worried about our mothers whereabouts, I am too but we were lucky to get this far. We are going to be fine. Armand has assured us.” Benji patted his sister on the knee.
“I was hoping she might had decided to come here to hide away, our father clearly doesn’t know or else he would be here.” Sybelle felt worried as she sat on her brothers bed.
Little did they know they were being watched, else where there was a security room where banks of screens display the activity inside the home. Armand entered the room to see one of his staff keeping eye on the feeds.
“Sybelle seems unhappy and want to escape. Will have to change that. Benji seems to contempt Sybelle been difficult.” Armand watched the camera footage, he could easily lurk in the shadows though this made more sense technology he become so consumed with. He needed to be in control, nothing should come between his plans he created. Armand is aware that Sybelle advances and he resisting her, whether Marius had talked about Bianca a woman Armand had relations with centuries ago.
Armand eyes drifted to see Daniel had decided to settle in for a nap, Marius was in the reading room ever looking for a book. Armand leaves the security room as he checked the time, he might have to pay them a visit. Rashid managed to track down Armand, he had plans to leave the property as the require of supplies was needed to accommodate the current guests.
“I request to make a trip to the town to get food.” Rashid asked as he and Armand continued walking along the hall way.
“We could have it deliver to the house.” Armand suggested as he seem to think it wasn’t necessary but then Rashid chimed in.
“I’m afraid that might not be an option I rather personally do it myself. Besides I’m sure you guests would like to go outside for a while.” Rashid knew Armand very restrictive on allowing Sybelle and Benji out without supervision even though they were two adults the liability of them escaping the property were high.
“If they want to go outside they stay within the walled courtyard, you may direct Sybelle there. They are not to leave the property at all. I just don’t like the idea of letting them out of my sight Rashid.” Armand said in a concern tone which Rashid clearly could seem to plotting something he is not aware of. Ever since working for them in Dubai he was gather what intel he could get to funnel back to headquarters. Learning of this mansion Armand had owned since the eighties and left abandoned for sometime only to come back after his fall out with Louis, it seems Armand was wanting to find some solitude.
“You cant hold them here against their own will Armand. You do realise that they were clearly trying to find their mother. Its not like I heard things too you know.”
“I know what I’m doing and do not dare question me Rashid. Know your place, as for the supplies have them delivered make sure you let them in and take them. I assure the kitchen will be stocked. For now let me be.” Armand said sternly proceeded to walk away from him. Rashid went into the camera room to take a peak where Armand was heading using that time to make a call.