The room tilted as though it were a cabin in a wavetossed ship . Richard braced himself . The sensation of being unravelled , stretched and then woven back together was familiar , but long buried . He ’ d been human when he ’ d felt it last . Human and under the influence of a vampire . “ Why wait ?” Mercy , looking merciless incarnate , sauntered towards him out of the pure darkness of her glamour .
He stared , stunned into silence . The drama he ’ d been privy to this evening had already been worthy of any operatic production . The third and final act was about to commence after the shortest of intermissions . Upon an undressed stage , it seemed .
Her manifested environment was crude ; the work of a novice . At least the opiate ’ s mind-altering influences weren ’ t involved , his reality was besieged enough as it was . Endless oak floorboards unfurled only at the touch of her bare feet . No scenery . No props . No costu- She cannot read my mind ! As she walked , she mirrored his clothing . Soft soles acquired the polished leather and confident ‘ tack tack ’ of his boots ’ hard heels .
The forest green coat took shape , rising like a bespoke woollen tide , covering most of her thighs , and by design keelhauling his attention along the unadorned narrow strait of flesh betwixt the two panels . With the skill of a trained courtesan , she completed the garment ; preserving the sanctity of the void within perfectly judged shade . He ripped away his stare demanding , “ What are you ?” “ Awake , thanks to you . Awake and complete .” “ Awake ? Your body lies drugged senseless . I don ’ t know if it ’ s possible even a host could summon coherent glamour under such conditions . So , I ask again ; what are you ?”
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