---- 260.


    THE NEW VAMPIRE LORD SIGRID After several rounds of shes, things finally somewhat settled.


    Ss and I made up a storywe were just a couple.


    No one spoke of my true origin, and I never mentioned that I was a sorceress.


    With luck, no one would recognize me.


    Elementals weren''t naturally attuned to sensing power in supernatural beings, which was why they were often deceived.


    Turns out, the old woman was the healer of the vigeanother elemental, but one who knew medicinal nts, assisted in childbirth, and had some knowledge of medicine.


    Since this cabin had been abandoned for years, they let her live here she preferred the quiet, the solitude, being close to the forest.


    My father...


    he should be the rightful owner of this house, Ss said, standing behind me.


    The old woman and I were sitting at the small wooden dining table.


    You''re the boy that was stolen from here, arent you? she asked, her tone calmer now.


    Ss gave a rough, quiet nod.


    Your father...


    after they took you, and your mother died defending you...


    he hanged himself, she sighed, her face troubled.


    I tensed, reaching up to squeeze his hand on my shoulder.


    ---- t''s fine.


    I didnt have much hope left anyway, he murmured, intertwining our fingers.


    My heart wept for him.


    So much injustice.


    Well then, Ill admit youre the rightful owner of this house.


    Thats your room.


    But I have nowhere else to live, and Im not leaving, the healer suddenly dered,pletely unapologetic.


    Ss and the old woman locked eyes.


    I sensed another storm brewing.


    Fine, fine.


    We can all live together.


    I blurted out the first insane thing that popped into my head.


    By now, I hadpletely disregarded the fact that I was supposed to be ying the role of Electra De Croix, a powerful, wicked witch who owned an entire fiefdom.


    What the hell was I doing agreeing to live with a random olddy in the middle of nowhere? PII stay wherever you are, Ss said simply.


    Well, looks like you two already picked your room.


    Good thing I sleep in the master bedroom, the old woman muttered as she stood and shuffled toward what I assumed was the kitchen.


    By the way, my name is Mérida.


    You can call me Grandma Mel, like everyone else in the vige, she said warmly.


    and youyou call me Mrs.


    Mérida, you rude brat, she added, pointing a finger at Ss with an annoyed huff.


    ---- Grandma Mel, his name is Ss.


    And Im...


    Sigrid, I introduced myself, using my real namethe only true thing about me here.


    Praying she wouldnt know Electra and would believe me.


    Well then, lovebirds, wee back to Snow Lake Vige.


    She vanished through the doorway, her checkered dress swaying under a thick red woolen shawl.


    Ttook a moment to really look at the little houseworn-out wooden rocking chairs, a soot-stained stone firece, a few ornamental nts, and the small wooden table where I sat.


    Sunlight and the fresh forest air streamed through the open windows, filling every corner with the scent of nature.


    A humble little hutyet there was something warm about it Something calming that made you want to stay forever.


    Ym d to finally have a strong man around.


    My old bones cant take much more, Méridas gruff voice returned.


    She reappeared holding an axe.


    Go to the pen and kill a chicken.


    Chop some firewoodthereIl be acold night.


    The rabbits need fresh grass...


    she rattled off, then scowled.


    Why the hell are you still looking at me? I wont get any younger if you stare, boy! She shoved the axe into Sss hand.


    He growled, but in the end, he tookit.