NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8
For a brief moment, Raizel remained silent, his gaze fixed on Edward, causing everyone else to grow increasingly nervous. It was evident to them that Raizel and Edward shared a history, one that was perhaps not entirely pleasant. Eventually, Raizel withdrew his gaze, seemingly done with scrutinizing Edward, who continued to avoid eye contact by staring downward.
Edward had never managed to pique Raizel's interest, appearing nothing more than a dull individual to him. To Raizel, Edward's centuries-long existence as a perpetual teenager rendered him little more than a child, lacking in depth or intrigue. With a dismissive glance, Raizel shifted his focus back to Carlisle, who appeared visibly tense after the brief exchange between Raizel and Edward.
As they made their way to the hall, Raizel followed Carlisle with a measured pace, taking in the nervous atmosphere that surrounded him. When they reached the sofa, Raizel seated himself with crossed legs, casting a glance around at the nervous faces of the Cullen family, Raizel couldn't suppress a faint smirk. This was not what he had expected at all. Instead he had expected a different reaction, not this docile submission from the usually confident Cullens.
Then, Raizel spoke gently, addressing Carlisle, "Have you come across those responsible for the animal attacks?"
Carlisle glanced at the others before responding, "No, we haven't, my lord."
Raizel continued, "I believe you gentlemen are not among them, as the eyes I see are not the same as those who feed on human blood. It's enough for me. But if you come across them, don't hesitate to inform Frankenstein."
Carlisle nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze shifting to Frankenstein, who he once thought an ordinary human friend. Then, Raizel turned to Alice, already knowing the answer. "You might have seen me coming," he said.
Alice solemnly whispered, "I do," with a nod.
Seeing such a reaction from her disappointed Raizel for his first meeting with the Cullens. Deciding there was nothing more of interest, Raizel rose to bid farewell. "Thank you for your time," he said simply before turning to leave.
He then extended his arm towards Edward, who still kept his head bowed. As he walked outside, intending to offer some words of advice, but Raizel didn't expect Edward to react so strongly, attempting to push away his hand. An expression of sneer momentarily crossed Raizel's face before quickly morphing into one of apology.
However, the atmosphere around Raizel began to change. The surroundings started to tremble subtly, noticeable to everyone present. The vibrations grew stronger, causing flowers and books on nearby shelves to float momentarily before settling back into place. For a brief moment, Raizel felt provoked before managing to calm himself.
Carlisle, recognizing the situation, moved to kneel before Raizel, seeking forgiveness. "Please forgive us for any offense," Carlisle pleaded.
Raizel sighed softly, realizing his own mistake in expecting more from Edward, who was nothing more than a compensated psychopath. With a shake of his head, Raizel offered a simple farewell before departing. "Boy, don't get hurt.".
Frankenstein moved ahead of Raizel to open the car door, and Raizel got in, glancing back at Carlisle, who nodded in farewell. Without delay, Frankenstein got into the car, waving towards Carlisle before they departed.
Throughout the return journey to the mansion, both Raizel and Frankenstein remained silent. Eventually, Raizel broke the silence, saying, "I believe something is bothering you, Frankenstein."
Frankenstein attempted to politely deny any concerns, his words carrying a hint of deflection. "It's nothing, Master. Just some minor matters I'm sorting out," he replied, trying to brush off Raizel's observation.
However, Raizel didn't seem convinced. He had a knack for sensing when something was amiss, and he wasn't about to let this go easily. Utilizing his mind-reading ability, Raizel probed into Frankenstein's thoughts, causing Frankenstein to grow nervous. Although they were bound by a master-servant contract that allowed them to sense each other's emotions, delving into thoughts was crossing a line, and Raizel knew it. It wasn't something real Raizel would ordinarily do, especially to someone as loyal as Frankenstein.
His face shifted for a moment, showing a hint of worry that Frankenstein noticed in the rearview mirror.
Finally, Raizel instructed Frankenstein to pull over to the side of the road. Frankenstein complied, and Raizel stepped out of the car, beckoning Frankenstein to join him. Under the night sky, Raizel spoke softly, addressing Frankenstein by name. Frankenstein responded respectfully, addressing him as "Master."
Then, Raizel revealed a surprising truth, one that left Frankenstein stunned. "I sealed away my memories," Raizel confessed. He continued, "I understand what you have been feeling. The person you have been serving is no longer the same. The past that defined me is now gone." After a moment of reflection, Raizel continued, looking directly at Frankenstein, "But perhaps I am different. Nonetheless, that doesn't change who I am. And I will remain."