A few days later, Encre's POV

I hear the doors slam as I try to find Jasper for his art lessons. Then I feel a severe pain in my chest, realizing that it's coming from my soul. It's a familiar pain. Too familiar...

No.....

I feel the pain fade away but sigh, knowing what to expect. I go to the throne room and find Jasper with Fallacy in there. I wave to them with a smile and Jasper walks over to me with a big grin. He hands me my scarf.

"Auntie extended it for you. She wants you to be ready for winter with your favorite scarf!"He says

I nod with a smile even though I'm reluctant to speak.

"Are we going to do another art lesson?"He asks

I nod, then feel someone push past me.

"Greetings, Lord Fallacy. The Wisest of all vampire lords and most powerful of flames."A voice says

"What brings you into my castle? Just get to the point."Fallacy says while chills go down my spine.

"I seek your help as I'm facing some challenges that I haven't faced before. I've gone to various lands but none can help me. I will share more details in private but do you think I could look at your library for answers? I'd be really grateful and be sure to repay you."The voice says

I frown, glancing over and recognizing the voice.

"Hmm, I guess I can. Come, let's go to my office to speak further on the issue you seek help with."Fallacy says, rising from his seat

No!

"Yes! Thank you! I'll be in your debt for this kindness! I just adore you right now!"The fiend in rags and a cloak says

I put my scarf on quickly and March over to Fallacy. His gaze quickly focuses on me and he stops in his tracks.

"Oh, hey Encre! I was just heading out to-Oh!"He says as I grab his arm.

I squeeze it gently, glancing at the guest and glaring at him. I shake my head.

Stay away from him!

I glance at Fallacy, seeing his flames burst from his head as his face turns yellow.

"A-Are you okay, Encre?"He asks

I nod.

"Bonjour!"I say, hugging his arm.

He looks at me in surprise, then smiles a bit as I lean closer to him.

"Don't trust him. Your best move is to kick him out."I whisper

Then I release his arm and return to Jasper.

"Can we do my art lesson now?"He asks

I nod and he leads me away.

"Why are you wearing your scarf? It's the hottest day out there!"He asks

"That guest cannot recognize me. The Κασκόλ hides my σημάδι εκ γενετής."I say, then pause when noticing the language switch.

(scarf....birthmark.)

"Are you okay? That isn't French..."He asks

I sigh, shaking my head.

"It's my soul's curse."I sigh

He leads me away to sit down once he hears that. He frowns and feels my head carefully.

"Not that kind of curse."I say

"Then what is it?"He asks

"A trick έτσι ώστε my previous owner is the μόνο person who understands me. It lasts for a month."I say

(so that...only..)

"And why is this happening now?"He asks

"It must've been activated..."I say

"So it's slowly twisting your language into his?"He asks

I nod.

"And nobody else knows it?"He asks

"Mhm."

Suave marches past us with a loud HMPH before going down the hall and slamming the library doors.

"I don't know many languages but I think that was Suave for challenge accepted."Jasper chuckles

I chuckle, shaking my head.

"And which asshole was this?"He asks

"JASPER!"Suave snaps

"Connerie."I respond

"Ah, so the piece of shit."Jasper says

"JASPER! DO NOT MAKE ME COME OVER THERE!"Suave shouts

Jasper laughs but goes quiet when Suave marches over, glaring at him with a stack of books already.

"We do not speak of him in this castle. No matter the names or words you use to describe him. He doesn't deserve to be mentioned. But we'll see who can't understand who soon enough."Suave says before swiftly returning to the library.

Jasper glances at me and frowns.

"Who is that guy with Father? You don't want him to recognize you yet you were very risky by getting so close to Father."He says

"He wouldn't know me. I know him as Sir, the owner before Connerie. I look different than when he had me...."I say

"So why take the risk?"

"He betrays anyone he flatters....fantasizes about..."I say, feeling my voice grow weaker.

"So he is a bad person that doesn't belong here? And has a bad history with you and that market hell?"He asks, growing louder and speaking slower as if to be sure that he is speaking clearly.

"Oui."I say

"Hopefully my dad caught onto that."He says with a grin

SLAM!x2

"Aaand that's the answer from the front doors."He says

Fallacy marches up the stairs, then smiles at me. He comes right over, hugging me from behind.

"So, Encre? What was that little act about earlier? Were you getting...protective of me?"He asks

I tried to speak but my voice didn't even function to whisper.

"If so, you were adorable!"He says as his chest rumbles with a laugh.

My face burns up.

"Cute?" Does he think my attempt at subtly warning him of a threat is CUTE? Does he find this funny like a joke? Think that my attempt is like a joke? He wouldn't be laughing if he knew what I did and what that jerk could use on him!

I cross my arms as he hugs me tighter, unable to voice my concerns. He seems to notice.

"Thank you...Encre. For looking out for me. You don't have to worry anymore. He's gone and you probably saved me a lot of trouble. Thank you."He says softly

I smile, feeling warmth fill my soul. I glance up at him, able to see that he is being honest. He gazes back with that warmth in his eyes and smiles.

"I'd like my art lesson before my father snatches you away. *AHEM*"Jasper says

Fallacy releases me and Jasper leads me away.

"We must be special to get your protection!"He says with a big grin

I nod as we sit down to start the lesson, showing him how to sketch proportions.

They really are special...I care for them and don't want them to get harmed...There's another difference with Fallacy...I can always tell that he means what he says. He isn't just saying these things to manipulate, tease, or get something out of it....It isn't pointless flattery...He means it genuinely and that is why he says it...It's comforting....Nice.

"Encre? Have you fallen for my dad yet?"He asks suddenly

I write on a paper NO and ask what he means by yet. Still, the question sends my mind thinking. I'm not falling for him....right? I can't fall for him...can I? Regardless....they need protection....I have to find a way to keep them safe...

I smile, continuing the lesson and setting the plan aside for now it for now.

TBC