"What is a soul without a heart? What is a heart without a life? What is a life without love? These are the things which make up the un-lives of those creatures that walk the nightโฆ"
Neganda paced his study as he listened to the voice drone on through the radio. He rolled his eyes once or twice then walked over and flipped off the radio leaving himself in silence once more. Three months now it had been since Catherine had first come into his life and she had changed him in so many ways, he could scarce believe. But, then, he had also changed her. He saw it as the nights went by and yet, held his tongue for fear she would become afraid and leave him alone once more. He walked to the open doorway and peered into the main living area, leaning against the doorframe. He folded his arms across his chest and tilted his head to watch her.
Catherine stood on the other side of the room in front of an easel, painting what appeared to be a self-portrait. Her wings were folded at her back and the tips just barely grazed the floor by her feet. Neganda had learned in those first few nights just how sensitive her wings were and how much it could either hurt her or pleasure her by having them touched. She'd grown attached to him and would not leave the house unless it was at his side. Not that he minded. Everyone said what a pair they made: The Angel and her Vampire Lord. Heaven and Hell. Good and Evil. Light and DarkโฆMorning and Night.
She worshipped her gods of the morning and he worshipped his goddesses of night. The Sun and the Moon, the lived together in harmony now, never fearing the other.
Catherine felt his eyes on her and smiled softly to herself. She set down the paintbrush and turned to face him, brushing a lock of hair from her face. Having been a slave for so long, living with Neganda had become a learning experience. He let her do and say what she wished and taught her about herself and about those like him. She had nothing to fear from his kind for he was their Lord and Ruler and they followed his commands without question. They saw her as a sort of Empress to their Emperor and she allowed them to think in such a way so long as they were happy. Her relatives, however, were none to happy to find their Angelica inhabiting the nighttimes with a Vampire Lord and time and again had sought the two out in hopes of killing Neganda and reclaiming Catherine once more.
Neganda stood straight and walked over to Catherine, brushing the side of her face with the back of his hand then kissing her softly.
"I was thinking you might like to go out tonight and visit some of the more livelier places in the realm." Catherine nodded slowly.