When I wake, I find Lord Makai has fallen asleep as well. It’s hours later. The sun is low and casting a warm light into the carriage. Lord Makai rests with his legs outstretched, arms crossed and head leaning against the glass, rocking from side to side with the movement of the train. Like this, he seems so exceedingly normal, save the being filthy rich part. But just as a man, resting on a train.

He isn’t bursting into flames because of the sun. He doesn’t attack any human he comes across to drain their blood. All the tales from books or rumors are so disproportionate to the real thing that isn’t nearly as bad as others make him out to be. Rude, annoying, a typical noble, yes, Lord Makai is all that.

But a monster? I’d argue against that.

I’m not sure if he needs it, but I reach for a blanket and drape it carefully over his form. He stirs in his sleep, nothing more, then I watch the occasional farm or town pass by.

The scenery is breathtaking. Snow has covered the grounds and the train kicks it up from the tracks into puffs of smoke that dance with the wind. The sun peeks through the clouds, causing the snow to sparkle like stars. Winter was always tough at the farm; having to make sure we last through winter was what pushed us through the rough warm months. But now I can sit back and enjoy the cool air and breathtaking snowfall. Feels like I’m seeing it for the first time.

When the sun is about to set, there are lights on the horizon. The train is turning and slowing. We must be nearly there. There’s obviously a town bustling with life. Great tracks of smoke escape into the sky. Snowflakes continue to rain down. There are ice crystals hanging from trees and frost on the edge of the glass. The train is fairly warm but I find myself shivering then looking to Lord Makai.

I’ll wait to wake him. That was the plan at least; moments later something odd occurs.

I’m watching the snow fall when a low groan fills the room. Looking to Lord Makai, I find his brows furrowed and body tense. His head presses roughly against the glass, there’s an expression of discomfort on his face. Then the compartment darkens, like a sudden shadow has consumed it. Lord Makai is breathing heavy. Everything starts to rattle. His wine glass nearly falls off the end stand before I catch it. What’s in the cabinets shake and Lord Makai’s fangs enlarge, pushing past his lips. Voices are heard, other passengers gasping and asking what’s going on.

Whatever is happening is affecting them too? I don’t know what it is, but Lord Makai is likely causing it so I call out to him, “Your Grace!”

No answer. Something starts to crack. It’s the window, cracking around Lord Makai’s figure, stretching out like a spider web. My eyes widen and I swiftly move over to wake him, pressing my hand to his shoulder, “Your Gra—”

I can’t breathe.

Lord Makai’s hand is wrapped tightly around my neck in an instant, squeezing so painfully that my eyes water. His eyes are searing red, so bright that they could rival the stars in the sky. But his face is twisted into that of anger, fangs bared to resemble a cornered animal ready to attack.

I grip his wrist and smack his arm without thought. I just want him to let go. I can’t breathe. It hurts. The room is growing blurry. There’s no thoughts, only actions, keep hitting and kicking my legs to get away.

Then the air returns in a giant gasp when Lord Makai releases, staring wide-eyed as I cough violently on the floor. His eyes fade while he sits frozen in place.

My neck hurts so bad that I know it’ll be bruised. My lungs ache and burn. I gasp and cough and choke on the air that I can’t seem to get enough of. The shadows fade. The rattling has stopped and the train horn blares, signaling we’ve made it to Isabe. But I’m uncertain if I can stand. My legs are shaking uncontrollably, as if they still believe I’m being attacked.

There’s a knock at the door but Lord Makai is quick to hiss before they enter, “Leave us.”

“Apologies, Your Grace, but a strange occurrence frightened a few passengers and we’ve been told to check in. Is everything alright?”

“Fine. Just go.”

The stranger leaves. Lord Makai’s not facing me, instead staring out the window at Isabe coming fully into view. The train is moving so slowly now that the townhouses and train station are visible. Nothing like the ones of Vashna but quite alive and vibrant for the mining town.

Neither of us say a word when I crawl back into my seat, sitting quietly while holding my throbbing neck. I keep my gaze fixated on the floor then Lord Makai’s shoes when I notice that he seems to be anxious. Normally he’s so still, but now he can’t seem to get comfortable, moving and changing his position.

I’m sure he didn’t mean to harm me, it’s why he released so quickly. But whatever nightmare he was having invoked such a reaction? I can’t imagine what it was about, and I doubt he wishes to speak of it.

“Do you need—” My voice cracks. It’s hoarse and my throat is dry, but all we have left to drink is wine. I dare not touch it. It’s for Lord Makai.

“Don’t speak,” Lord Makai says. “And get yourself a drink.”

“But the wi—”

“Did I stutter?”

Wow, even when he’s in the wrong he’s a jerk.

Nodding, I do as I’m told and pour myself a glass. It helps to an extent. Water would be much better, but it helps enough for my throat to at least calm down. I’m not sure if speaking will be an option over the next few hours, but at least it doesn’t feel like my neck is on fire.

The train is at a full stop now. The station is relatively quiet. Most have already left or are on their last stop. Passengers quietly and tiredly head for the exits with their belongings, disappearing among the frosted windows and light winter snow. Passengers walk by our compartment, chatting and laughing or yawning and expressing their exhaustion until, finally, Lord Makai speaks to me.

“Don’t do that again,” he says.

“Huh?”

“If I act strangely, don’t do that again.”

He stands without further explanation and refuses to give one throughout the time it takes to get to our hotel. In fact, the moment we get to the hotel I’m ordered to stay in my quarters, which are located in the basement. Lord Makai’s room is on the second floor, so I’m told.

“How—” My voice cracks causing the receptionist to smile sweetly.

Lord Makai is already on his way upstairs when she says, “There’s warm beverages in the kitchen. I’ll happily have someone bring some to you.”

I nod in appreciation. “Yes, p-please but—” I rub my neck. “If His Grace needs me—”

“There’s a bell connected to his room that will notify you should he be in need of your assistance.”

That’s great. I don’t want to be continuously running up and down the steps to check. But honestly, once I’m in my room I feel rather uncomfortable. Not because the room is bad, it’s fairly standard for servants quarters. My luggage is here, placed at the end of the bed. There’s a small desk with a chair, a bed, an end stand and a wardrobe. The mattress is rather firm and the sheets are old, but it’s warm and that’s the most I care about.

Sure enough, there’s a bell resting just above the bed. Should Lord Makai ring it, I’ll know immediately. Only he never does, even when I’m starting to think he’ll want a snack. There’s no indication that he’s even thought of calling me.

Is it because of what happened earlier? Wow, could he actually feel that bad about it? I’m honestly shocked, and curious.

What could have bothered him so much to react so violently? I’ve had my fair share of nightmares, but not once have I awakened in such a manner. There have been times with tears and gasps of horror, but Lord Makai was on a whole other level, an unbridled rage that one could feel in the very air, and I can’t fathom what it could bring such a reaction about.

I tell myself not to concern myself with it. I’ll never find out anyways. He didn’t tell earlier, he won’t speak of it later either. Instead, I get comfortable in bed, somehow still tired even after the nap I had on the train earlier. It’s a lot easier to fall asleep here than I expected.

♱♱♱