settled in the shadows of what promised to be a unique experience .
The vampire ’ s grasp of human locomotion was rudimentary at best . The figure ticked rather than walked towards Mercy . Each twitching limb movement considered yet unpractised . Even its outline failed to observe fundamental physics ; fading in and out of view . Everything about it was wrong , and yet he stared , transfixed . It was more audience than he had been granted over the last three centuries .
“ What do you want of me ?” Mercy asked .
A second Mercy appeared beside her . Identical creased cotton nightgown and tousled hair . The vampire stepped inside and ‘ Mercy ’ absorbed it like quicksand .
The original model gasped , and her hand flew to her throat .
The echo performed the action in mime .
“ Wardrobe and hansom cab .” Mercy observed softly , her brow feathering and her hand still resting on her throat . She studied the vision in front of her . “ Will there be room for me ? Where is Richard ? He is best placed to answer that .” She dropped her hand and looked around her .
Richard stayed put .
The mirrored Mercy , purpose fulfilled , disappeared taking the vampire with ‘ her ’.
“ What do you weigh , eat and ah- ” Her cheeks flushed dark pink as she abandoned her question , social decorum out-paced by biological practicality .
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