Chapter 4: The Shadow Inquisition

“I am not a thrall, regardless of what your leader insists. I serve Lady Rosaline of my own choosing,” Clair explained.

“Even so, why?”

Clair stared deep into her eyes. “Because she saved my life,” the maid began. “She is far more kind and gentle than you would admit, even to pitiable Irish war orphans such as myself.”

Diana’s eyes widened. “Irish? You were there when King Charles II invaded Ireland.”

“Yes,” her eyes betrayed a look of sorrow. “I lost everything to his ambitions, even my own memories. Lady Rosaline found me buried under rubble and rescued me,” the maid began. “When she discovered what I had lost, she named me Clair, after her family’s name. She offered me a good job and a place to live in Colchester, but I insisted on becoming her maid to thank her for everything.”

“I’m so very sorry, Clair. Please forgive my rudeness.” Diana felt as though she had opened a deep wound.

The maid shook her head. “There is nothing that needs to be forgiven.”

Clair untied the ribbon around her collar and unbuttoned her high-collared blouse to show her neck and the top of her chest. “You’re more than welcome to check for bite marks. I assure you, my mistress has not turned me into one of her kind. Though I would welcome the opportunity to serve her long after my human lifespan would end.”

A shade of pink overtook Diana’s cheeks. “A-are all of the women here so shameless?! Don’t disrobe in public!”

Clair buttoned her blouse and tied her ribbon. “I have shown nothing that should embarrass,” she commented, stepping closer to Diana. “I ask that you truly look at Lady Rosaline for the woman she is, and not the monster you suspect she is.”

“I do so enjoy having very sharp senses,” Rosaline quipped as she joined them on the balcony.

Clair stood at attention, her stone-like visage shattered. “My lady!”

Rosaline smiled warmly as she fixed her uniform. “My lovely Clair. My only wish, my only real order for you, is to live a happy and fulfilling life.”

A small smile formed on Clair’s lips. “I am following that order now, my lady.” She stepped back, gave a small bow, and departed to carry out her duties.

“My apologies,” Rosaline sat opposite Diana. “I sent letters to some particularly bored comrades. They’ll sort out the bandits before tomorrow’s sun rises.” She sighed, then offered a bright smile. “I hope you’re enjoying the food.”

Diana nodded. “This is some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. I guess this is what noblemen usually enjoy at mealtime.”

Rosaline briefly laughed. “By all means, eat your fill. I’ll have more prepared if you’re still hungry.”

The hunter watched her former prey happily eat and drink. A question nagged at her until she gave it voice. “I was told vampires never ate human food for sustenance, that you sustained yourselves solely on human blood.”

Rosaline was visibly surprised and almost offended. “We’re able to eat and sustain ourselves with all kinds of food. What sort of lessons are being taught to hunters these days?”

“Wait, then why do you drink human blood?”

Rosaline gave her a weary smile. “This is something even vampires refuse to learn, so perhaps you will remember it,” she began. “Vampires subsist on human life force, not blood. Life force is carried throughout the body alongside blood, and vampires drink both at once. This empowers our vampiric abilities. Without it, we would be weaker than the weakest human.”

Diana was stunned. “This must surely be some grand secret that should never be shared, right?”

Rosaline waved her hand. “Not at all. It’s simply something that no one cares to remember. Many vampires see themselves as the ultimate predator that feeds on the all-important humans, and humans just see vampires that drink human blood.”

The vampire sipped on her orange juice. “For my part, I only target criminals and pour their blood and life force into specialized magic jars that purify the blood and contain the life force. It’s an efficient method that requires me to hunt my meals only once or twice a week.”

“If it is life force you need, then why not hunt animals or fish? Surely this would end the war between humans and vampires.” Hope rang clear in the hunter’s voice.

Rosaline gave her a sympathetic smile. “Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Animals and fish have a lower amount of life force, and what exists isn’t very compatible with us. Young vampires hunt animals as a part of their training, and desperate older vampires will rely on cattle, but it’s not a permanent solution.”

Diana looked down at her plate, deep in contemplation. “As a hunter, you only see the worst of us, so my words may mean little to you,” the vampire began. “However, most of us see humans more or less as equals. They’ll target criminals to feed upon, and there will never be a shortage of villains to remove from this world.”

The hunter finally spoke again. “If you’re willing to be so honest with me, then perhaps you’ll tell me about the horned vampire.” She typically wouldn’t trust a vampire, but the woman before her had done nothing more than make her flustered, and Clair asked for her trust.

“The horned vampire?” Rosaline was confused once more. “What is that?”

Diana kept her composure. “The butcher of Talid village. It slew my dear friend and his family.”

Rosaline thought for a moment. “Ah, yes, Talid village. It’s at the border of my territory. I investigated that attack myself. I’m afraid a vampire was not responsible for it, horn or no.”

“The Newcastle Clan investigated it as well, and the survivors all said that a large vampire with a horn was responsible,” Diana argued.

“You’re more than welcome to read my files. I launched a full Inquisition of the attack and treated the survivors myself,” Rosaline offered. “I have no doubt that a monster brought them to ruin, but it was no vampire.”

“Please show me your Inquisition files.”