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Chapter 11: Stories in the Garden
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The Last Amato Sacrifice Chapter 12: Honoring Destiny
HELENA'S POVHelena had always loved music. Since she was a young child, she was able to master any instrument handed to her quickly. Piano, flute, harp, trumpet, it didn't matter. Women were usually limited to the piano and maybe the harp, but her father had never refused her anything. He reached out to tutors from all over Europe to visit the family estate and educate his beloved daughter. He even tracked down merchants on his trips to Rome and Venice to buy her bizarre instruments from all over the world. The entire village delighted in Helena's musical prowess, and they often held bonfires and feasts centered around her performances. One day, a young man named Francesco Aliani came to Monterosso at Helena's father's behest. He was the son of one of Italy's greatest violinists, but he had mastered the cello. Helena had never received a formal education on this particular instrument, and she was excited to know more than what she had taught herself. Oh, it was love at first sigh
The Last Amato Sacrifice Chapter 13: The Inevitable
"Keep your back and neck straight as you walk. You're slouching." Julia ordered. She had been trying to fix Sidia's posture for the past hour in Julia's large, private quarters, huffing in disappointment whenever Sidia relaxed her body. She wasn't used to forcing herself into these positions, and her muscles ached from the strain. "Your Grace, I do not mean to offend you, but I have to ask how necessary all of this is. I'm not even sure what Severus—"At the mention of his name, Julia clapped her hands loudly in front of Sidia's face."What did I tell you?" she snapped."He might have given me permission to address him informally, but I should still use his title so as not to slip in noble company. My apologies." Sidia found all this rather absurd. Why should wealth or status change so much about how to live and interact with others? Why can't everyone just be themselves?"Do better.""Yes, Your Grace." Sidia bowed her head before continuing with her question. "As I was saying,
The Last Amato Sacrifice Chapter 14: Eavesdropping
Sidia stood in shock while Marcus said nothing, keeping his chokehold on Julia. She ran her hands over her neck just to confirm there was no bite mark. Julia had been so close, but Sidia's neck was still smooth with unbroken skin. The door to Julia's living quarters flew open, and Severus was right behind Marcus. A group of vampires had gathered outside in the hallway, curious enough to linger but not enough to risk entering and upsetting their emperor."What is the meaning of this?" Severus demanded. "Marcus, put our mother down so I can talk to her."Marcus said nothing, but he did obey. He let go of Julia but didn't move. He was ready to pounce on her should she try to attack again."Your precious bride is a disgrace, Severus!" Julia screeched. "This is ridiculous. You can't seriously mean that she—""Silence." Sidia shuddered at Severus' command. She had never heard someone speak so low. She couldn't think of a word to describe the emotion he expressed with just that one wo
The Last Amato Sacrifice Chapter 15: Blood and Control
It didn't take too long for someone to knock on Sidia's door. She had been dozing on and off, exhausted by her encounter with Julia but too anxious about everything else to truly sleep. "Who is it?" Sidia called out."It's Marcus." Sidia shot out of bed and straightened her hair and clothes. While checking her appearance in the mirror, she froze. Why did she care what she looked like? At this rate, she didn't have any reason to trust Marcus or want him. He was the reason Helena was ripped away from the love of her life. He spied on Sidia her entire life. He might not approve of his brother's methods, but he did carry out his brother's orders. He was no better.And yet, Marcus was the one who asked if she was okay after Julia's attack. He clearly cared about her in some way. "Sidia? Are you all right?" Marcus called through the door again."Yes. I'm fine. You may enter." She couldn't help combing her fingers through her unruly hair as the door opened.Marcus wasn't dressed in
The Last Amato Sacrifice Chapter 16: Blood Oath
It explains everything, Sidia thought to herself. Now, she just needed to find out how to end the spell. The book clearly stated that the spell could only end with the death of the caster, but how could she possibly manage that? Even if she knew how to kill a vampire and could successfully do so, did she really have the stomach for it? Because of Sidia's upbringing and her faith, of course she regarded vampires as evil creatures. Their origin was supposedly unholy, and they had unnatural powers and fed on innocent people. But, these vampires were clearly under a spell. She now realized Marcus had been trying to help her. He was just unable to directly intervene or go against his brother. Perhaps that was why he rejected her attempted kiss in the library. A romantic encounter with her would be a direct betrayal of his brother, and depending on the phrasing of the oath he made to Severus, there may not be a way around it. Still, there was too much she didn't know about the coven and
The Last Amato Sacrifice Chapter 17: Shattered Stone
Sidia fought a wave of nausea as they made their way to the throne room. Everyone was unbearably quiet, and the anxiety made Sidia practically itch. She had no idea what she was walking into, and it was more than obvious that Catarina wasn't allowed to give her any details. Eventually, they crossed under one of the archways, and the cavernous throne greeted them. Instead of decorations, soft lighting, and music as it was for the feast, a huge crowd surrounded the throne. The gold and jewels had been stored away. Only the throne stood on the granite platform, imposing in its solitude. Even more worrisome was the terribly calm face of Severus as he sat perfectly straight. He turned as Sidia entered and smiled in a way that frightened her. It was so out of place in this current atmosphere."My dear Empress! You look well rested. Please, come stand by side." Severus called out.The rest of the court turned to watch her, and she walked around the edge of the crowd, making her way to the
The Last Amato Sacrifice Chapter 18: The Necessities of Ruling and Empire
Julia jolted, screeching as her arm shattered at the elbow. She was only restrained by her other arm now, and the force of Severus's kick flung her back. She was nothing but a shaking heap on the floor of the throne room. Sidia covered her mouth in shock and sank to her knees. Tears flowed freely down her horrified face, and she choked back her sobs. "You didn't have to do that!" Sidia wailed. Severus ignored her. Instead, he approached his mother and removed the other shackle. He lifted the injured woman into his arms and held her close, swaying from side to side as he hummed to her. Instead of fighting him off, however, Julia wrapped her good arm around his neck and clung to him. Sidia was baffled by her reaction.After a few moments, Severus placed Julia on her feet. She was haggard, her face drawn and eyes listless. She turned her attention to Sidia."It was necessary, Your Grace." Her voice was raspy from screaming. "I know you are not used to such things. You were not rai
The Last Amato Sacrifice Chapter 19: I'm Not Your Enemy
Sidia started shaking as a strange smile broke across his face, spreading to his eyes. He uncrossed his arms and clasped them in front of his chest, leaning forward and causing the thick waves of his hair to fall over his shoulders and frame his frighteningly happy face."I cannot say I'm pleased with you, because I am absolutely delighted!" Severus exclaimed."What?" Sidia went dizzy, trying to keep herself together. What was he talking about?"You have unexpectedly proven yourself. I never anticipated a situation such as this, but I am touched by the way you responded to everything. Most humans would be more than happy to punish a vampire who nearly killed them, but you defended my mother." Severus whirled around and approached a small side table covered in neatly arranged crystal containers full of thick, red liquid. Now that it was clear Severus didn't plan on doing anything nefarious, Sidia relaxed her shoulders and took a real look around the room.Every wall was covered wi
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