Valerian Empire

Chapter 33: Hallow- Part 2

Lancelot spoke again,

“You aren’t a good man. We are alike. I have heard what kind of man you are. You have killed woman after woman.”

“Have you now,” Alexander asked amused going to where he was, “Surely you would know they were women who came willingly.”

“Is Katherine aware of the number of deaths you have caused? I saw you with her behaving like a saint,” and he laughed again, “Perhaps you are using her body until it deteriorates before you can move to a new one. ”

“Careful with what you speak,” the Valerian Lord warned.

“Why? Given the opportunity I will complete what I started. I will **** her as she cries, spreading her legs-” as those words left his mouth Alexander lost his cool and in an instant he was in front of the man, his hand wrapped around his neck.

Using his other hand, he pushed it over the man’s chest. Crushing the rib cage as he struggled.

“P-p-plea-please, let go!” Lancelot gasped, “I-I am s-sorry...”

A sigh left Alexander’s lips, “I warned you, didn’t I?” Little more force and the man stopped struggling, his body going limp.

He was dead.

Taking the napkin, the Valerian Lord cleaned the blood on his hands. Putting the tiny bottle in his pocket he left the cell before the guards came to take the body to be buried in the deep forest, removing any evidence of the incident that took place.

The day of Hallow arrived and the people of Valeria got busy like any other empire. It was the busiest and merriest time of the year. Getting their houses as spooky as they could.

Katie inside the mansion was helping place carved pumpkins with Dorthy and other two men. Though the job seemed quite easy, it wasn’t. The mansion being huge, it took time for the two pairs to carry them in the cart and fixing them in the right place, some lying on the ground and some hanging up.

Dorthy kept staring at Katie time to time and finally Katie who felt her gaze asked,

“Is something on my face?”

“What?” Dorthy asked.

“You’ve been staring at me Dorthy,” Katie leaned towards the glass to inspect her face.

“Ah sorry, you seem to be in a better mood than few days back. I’m sorry you didn’t find any man to your liking. I think you’re a Hallow person,” Dorthy said taking another pumpkin from the cart.

“A hallow person?” Katie asked confused.

“You know, like how people are summer or Christmas person. You are a Hallow person,” Dorthy chatted while Katie helped her in hanging the small pumpkin, “Last year’s Hallow was the best, we stayed out for the night scaring people out of their minds. Lord Alexander had given the next day off to everyone. Not to forget about the ball.”

Her friend was right. She did feel low a few days back but after recovering from her fever in a day, she had buried herself in work to forget whatever happened, like a fading memory.

“Do people wear costumes to the ball?” Katie asked.

“Not over the top costumes, you know how elites like to keep it neat. I would say the safer option is to go in a gown to avoid any embarrassment,” hanging the last one both of them exhaled.

“I can’t believe we did it. One and a half day’s work finally complete,” Katie muttered, wondering if she was going to see pumpkins in her dreams.

Like everyone, she was excited about the Hallow. She remembered her family decorating the house with strange things. She and her aunt made cookie chips that day. It was a beautiful time and she would cherish it.

“I see you’re done hanging scary pumpkins,” It was Matilda. She had her curly brown hair tied in a messy bun. “Do you know where Cynthia is?”

“We didn’t see her,” answered Dorthy.

“Mrs. Hicks asked for her. The kitchen is running short of workers. If you guys see her please send her to the kitchen,” she said to the men and continued, “Help me with the boxes,” she pulled both of them not waiting for their replies.

Katie had come to know that Matilda was actually a nice person than the impression she had given her when they first met.

As they passed through the long halls, Katie caught sight of the Valerian Lord with Elliot and Caroline.

“Isn’t Ms Caroline hanging around the mansion a lot?” Dorthy whispered.

“She’s trying to get Lord Alexander’s attention so that she can marry him,” Matilda spoke in a hushed tone.

“Ssh,” Katie shushed.

“She’s being too desperate,” Dorthy said making Matilda nod in agreement.

“Katie!” Elliot called, waving his hand for her to come over.

“Good afternoon, Elliot,” she greeted him with a smile, “Good afternoon Lord Alexander and Ms Caroline,” she bowed her head.

Alexander returned her smile while Caroline let out a hmph sound in response.

“How is the preparation going? I saw you with pumpkins with others,” Elliot said looking at Dorthy and Matilda who stood few meters away from them.

“We finished with the pumpkins and were helping out with few materials,” she answered.

“It must have been heavy,” Elliot pondered before Katie could say something Caroline interrupted.

“Pumpkins are light. Those are the easiest to carry,” and turning towards Katie she said, “I want you to change my sheets as it’s got dirty.”

“Of course...”

“Did you see the skeletons we got out of the grave?” Elliot asked her with enthusiasm and she nodded, “It is a one time opportunity for them to get outside. Poor things are always in the coffin,” Elliot grinned.

Both the men ignored Caroline and spoke to Katie making Caroline glare at the girl standing there.

With the passing days Alexander kept a close eye on Katie, inviting her for tea in the evening in his study or for a walk with the others. He didn’t understand why but he felt compelled.