“Can’t a vamp get a little sleep around here?” I mumble, pulling the blankets over my head. The ball didn’t fizzle out until dawn, and I am sure that a look at the clock will confirm that I’ve only been asleep for a couple of hours. I feel like crap. If I could just sleep a little later, I’m sure I’d feel better. But the incessant pounding at my door doesn’t end.
“Alright. I’m coming!” I shout throwing back the blanket. “Patience is a virtue, you know!” I have no idea who would come knocking so early, but, since they’re interrupting my sleep, I’m not worried about being polite.
Yikes! The mirror is not particularly forgiving this morning. I do my best to smooth my hair down and throw a robe on over my thin cotton nightgown, figuring false modesty is better than no modesty.
When I open the door I’m surprised to find Aldo standing there. “Is everything okay?” I have no idea what could have brought him to my door at this hour.
“Everything is fine, Katia. I’m glad to see you’re up and about,” he says, eyeing my unsightly bedhead. He’s humoring me. We both know I’m not a morning person.
“Me?” I ask unabashed as I wave him into the room and close the door. “I’ve been up for hours.”
“As have I, I’m afraid.” The jovial front is gone. This can’t be good. “Unfortunately, Lissette and I are going to have to cut our visit short. There are pressing matters back home which require my immediate attention.”
I don’t bother asking what the pressing matters are. Much of Aldo’s work with the Council requires secrecy, so it’s pointless to ask. “I’m sorry to see you leaving so soon. I wish we’d had more time together.” He’ll appreciate my honesty.
“I know, My Dear, but such is life.” He shakes his head in regret.
“I understand,” I tell him, taking his solid hand in mine. “Besides, summer break will be here before you know it, and I’ll be home at the manor with you and Lissette.”
“We are looking forward to it,” he tells me, sitting down at the desk and making himself comfortable. “Before I go, there are some things we should talk about.”
I wonder if I’m in trouble. Lissette promised not to tell him about my work detail. I’m sure she’s kept her word. Did he talk to Professor Lynch last night? I can’t bear the thought of disappointing Aldo. What could he want to talk about that can’t wait?
“Have you been dreaming recently?”
Oh. I should have known. For crying out loud, why is everyone so interested in my dreams? I quickly contemplate my options and decide that Aldo deserves the truth. “Yes. The dreams are changing,” I admit, rubbing my wrist awkwardly. “They’re getting more vivid, more intense.”
“And more frequent?”
“Yes.” When I’d left the manor the dreams had all but diminished. I had hoped I’d be free of them at Crossroads. I’m sure Aldo had shared my sentiments.
“Hmm.” He taps his fingers on the desk thoughtfully, as though trying to make sense of this news. “And you’re talking to Anya about them?”
“Anya is aware of the dreams.” It’s not a direct answer, and it doesn’t escape his notice.
“You can trust Anya.” He knows I’ve been holding back. “She may be able to put your mind at ease, if you would just open up to her.”
“What do I need Anya for when I’ve got you?” I smile halfheartedly.
“You know I can’t always be there for you Katia. I just want to make sure that you are safe and well protected at all times.”
His meaning evades me. I wonder if we’re still talking about my dreams or if it’s something more. We both know there’s a lot at stake.
He picks up the bloodstone necklace from the desk where I left it and rubs the stone idly between his fingers. “It pleases me to see you wear this.” He smiles sadly, no doubt thinking of his sister. “You remind me of her, you know.”
“I’m honored.” This is my opportunity to ask him about the things Keegan told me, about the psychic connection between sire and protégé. I’m deeply curious, but I hold back my questions. I’m having second thoughts about asking Aldo directly. I’m still not fully convinced that the connection exists, but I don’t like the idea of him holding out on me either, and I get the feeling this was not an omission by oversight. What I can’t figure out is why Aldo didn’t tell me himself? What is he afraid of?