Thelma’s POV:
“Is it done?” Master Roman asked in his office, while looking at a file in his hand.
His hair was let down, and he was wearing a light blue shirt and black trousers. A few front buttons were undone, and he looked very happy and calm.
“Yes, master. I have written a letter to each house of the late coven elders. I’m sure their heirs will respond in no time,” I answered.
“Of course they will. If they don’t, I will kill them,” he said, then looked up and met my eyes.
“How is everything going?” he asked seriously.
“A few vampires have begun meeting in secret. They are planning to ambush human territory and take over known organizations by force, while the others live in fear of what you may do next,” I answered.
“Well then, it’s decided. I’ll pay them a visit tonight,” he said, then stood up.
“Jersey, how is she?” he asked, as I frowned.
Master Garren and I were very close, but when it came to Master Roman, I felt so distant from him, and we rarely talked about anything besides orders, which I carried out. He was closer to the witch, and that was surprising.
“She’s fine, and as we speak, she is in her room,” I answered.
“I see,” he whispered, then walked to the window to look out.
He really liked to look out of the window. Mostly, that’s how I knew that he had a few things bothering him.
“Tonight, when I go out, I expect you to look after my mate with utmost respect and care. Don’t glare at her in any way or make her feel uncomfortable. If you do, and I find out, I won’t let you off,” he warned.
I gave a bow to show my respect, then stood upright, thinking of whether to tell him what I wanted to say or not.
Was I supposed to wait for Master Garren to take over, or just tell Master Roman?
“What is it?” he asked coldly, then turned to look at me.
“Master, I want to take a step back,” I answered seriously.
His eyes switched in a second, and he was back to being Master Garren.
I sighed in relief when I saw a concerned expression on his face.
“What?” he asked seriously.
“I said I want to take a step back,” I answered.
“Do you want to be set free?” he asked.
I swallowed hard, then shook my head.
There was no way I wasn’t free, even now I was free. What I needed was time to be alone. For years, I worked hard and did my best to keep my vow of serving him. Now that he had a mate, it was time for me to live a little for myself.
“Master, I have always been free by your side. What I need right now is to live a little for myself. I cannot feed from you, and I can’t always walk in your shadow,” I answered.
“I see, so do you have a place to go to?” he asked.
“No, but I’ll figure it out,” I answered honestly.
“If that’s the case, then I suggest you take the House of Stones as your own,” he said as I gasped loudly and shook my head violently.
No, no way. I wasn’t going to accept his offer.
The House of Stones was an amazing castle that had been passed down from generation to generation in Master Garren’s family. Not only was it magnificent, but it also had everything one could ever want.
It was built on top of precious minerals and gems. The stream that surrounded the territory demarcated it from other territories, and its hunting ground was one of the largest in the country. Many humans worked there to maintain the place, and they all signed a document that bound them to that place. No one was allowed to leave, and when asked to serve the master of the castle, they did so without hesitation, whether it was for sexual or feeding purposes.
The place was the envy of most vampire households, but no matter what, no one was allowed to visit or go there because it was the master’s private property.
“Master, I appreciate your kindness, but there is no way I can accept such a gift. Even if you threaten me, I won’t accept it. That place is supposed to be passed down to your heir, not me,” I answered seriously.
“Then take the North Castle,” he said as I shook my head again.
“The North Castle is a gift that has been given to the master’s bond from generation to generation. Your mate is the one who should be given that place, not me,” I answered.
“Then, what place do you desire? Because you need a place of your own. One where you can live freely?” he asked, as I smiled.
I was expecting him to ask me that somehow, because there was a castle I had wanted and desired for a very long time.
“I want the Wind Castle,” I answered.
“The Wind Castle!” he exclaimed.
“Yes,” I answered.
The Wind Castle was a neglected castle where my former master used to play before meeting his bond. It was a very cold environment, and hunting there was very difficult, but it was also a place that brought me peace and happiness. If I could find a few humans who would help me renovate the place and act as my source of food, then it would work out.
“Is it because it was my father’s favorite castle when he was in his teens?” he asked.
“Yes, that’s one of the reasons. Besides that, I don’t want to let it fall just because it’s an old place,” I answered.
“Fine, then you shall have it. Organize some servants from the Stone Castle and let them serve you on that side. Whenever you feel ready to come back, know that the doors to my castle will be open,” he said, as I bowed.
“Thank you, master,” I answered, then stood upright and walked out.
As I moved through the passage, tears filled my eyes.
There was never a day when I thought I would ever choose to step away from my master, but then again, his happiness lay with his mate. For them to enjoy their time together, I needed to be far away from him. I wasn’t in love with him, but I did admire and look up to him as one would their mentor and sire.