Possessed hearts - стр. 14

– I hope he doesn't mind my disturbing him," I said quietly, thinking that Mrs. Morgan's sudden transformation was due to the very disagreement that had forced Cedric to leave the castle. But that's their family and their problem.

– I don't think he minds… Cedric has been sitting there for three hours. Tell him we're waiting for him," Mr. Morgan said suddenly. His eyebrows furrowed slightly.

– Gregory…," his wife said quietly.

– It's all right. Don't take it personally: he never liked to be among the guests," Mr. Morgan said quietly.

– I'll get him. I'll see you later! – I said cheerfully and headed to the other end of the castle, where Cedric's room was.

The sound of my heels echoed off the high stone ceilings, making it even louder and more intense. Every step I took was another second-a second of my lost life. But the Morgans' behaviour made me wonder: what had driven Cedric so far away from his parents? They had always been a very close-knit family… So strange. It's useless to ask Mariszka – that prude is always as silent as a fish. But I'm sure she knows. Maybe she'll tell Misha and she'll tell me. Although, it's been eight years, but this mystery has remained a mystery.

I walked to the solid wooden door leading to Cedric's room and opened it without knocking.

– You never knock on other people's doors," I heard Cedric's handsome voice. He was standing at the window, his back to me. He was probably thinking about something, and my visit had disturbed his loneliness. The loneliness he loves so much. Strange Cedric.

– We're related, which means we don't have to observe these ceremonies! – I said cheerfully and glanced round his room.

It was huge. Dark. Sullen. How fitting for this hermit. Books, a fireplace, an ascetic atmosphere, and minimal furniture. Heavy black curtains on the windows, this time opened wide. The dim light of the gloomy Prague day seemed to embrace Cedric's tall, handsome figure. Black shoes, black jeans. Black jacket. I'm sure: black shirt and black tie.

– Are you in mourning? – I joked, walking slowly toward Cedric.

– You're so clever," he said without turning round.

I didn't think his joke was funny at all, but I decided to keep playing the game.

– Who?

He didn't say anything.

I walked over to him and looked at his face with a grin.

Cedric didn't seem to notice me; he remained silent, staring out the window.

– Your mother is very upset about your absence," I said, not uncomfortable with his coldness toward me.

He said nothing.

– Cedric, this is getting annoying! – I said in an annoyed tone and slapped him lightly on the shoulder.

I think my gesture made him a little angry, because his eyes on me were angry. Frowning eyebrows, stern face, scowl. He's so handsome, this vampire, this hermit. And he's still alone. He's not in love with anyone. He's free. But at the same time, it's like he's disconnected from everything that has to do with feelings. Just coldness.

– I didn't call you, Maria, and I don't intend to entertain you," Cedric said in a quiet but simply icy tone.

He'd never felt any friendly feelings for me. Nor have I for him. I was just trying to play a little game, but I realised that this time I'd hit an impenetrable rock.

– I don't need to be entertained. I always find my own entertainment," I smiled sweetly.