Involuntarily, Erik inhaled deeply as Alexi strode by, more sweat trickling from his brow. The Lord's demeanor was infuriating, his arrogance even worse. But that lovely smell of blood, coupled with the natural anger the vampire felt, it was maddening. The last time Erik had been this deprived was during his training. But that had only been 48 hours, and he suspected this would last considerably longer.
The look that the human gave him was not lost on vampire, almost a strange fondness, even as he essentially ignored everything he was saying. It simultaneously sickened and captivated him, and for the briefest of moments, he thought that perhaps the eccentric human might be telling the truth, that perhaps whatever cracked up plan he had would actually work. Then the moment passed and he came back to his senses.
“But what is my goddamn part supposed to be?!” the prisoner shouted in frustration as Alexi was leaving. The man was an enigma, and he clearly liked it that way. But the idea of not being allowed answers, of being so... controlled like this, sent bile down Erik's veins. I am the gorram leader of the Xani cell, not a prisoner or a pawn in someone else's insane plan! he thought angrily as he fruitlessly struggled against his chains again.
~*~*~
Joseph rang the bell that connected to Master Alexi's room to notify him of the late supper, consisting of braised shrimp, smoked salmon, and assorted vegetables. The large dining room table was always set up for Lord Alexi and any guests he might bring. The servants had their own area near the kitchen, where they ate, talked, and generally had a fine time during meals. Oftentimes, Joseph avoided joining them and ate alone, however. He may have been friend and counselor to many, but he was still their supervisor, and the idea of his being “too close” made many of the other slaves uncomfortable. Of course, there were times that he missed such friendship and camaraderie, but in his mind, his own loneliness was simply part of his fated punishment.
Master Alexi's hot plate had been placed on the table, and Joseph was filling his two glasses with water and tea respectively, when the lord of the manor arrived. He bowed as the human entered the room, and waited to be addressed, or not. It was not a slave's place to speak without being addressed, unless it was necessary, regardless of what lapses in protocol Lord Alexi allowed.