The Amulet by Lisa Phillips Read Free Book Online Page A

to pull that off, maybe 6'4".
    He smiled at her and offered his hand to lead the way. She took his hand in hers, still protecting her eyes with the other. He walked her into the hall and down the grand staircase. To the right of the foyer was another heavy oak door. He opened it easily and guided her into another hall. At the end of the hall was a large bookcase. He picked out a faded dark red leather-bound book, but it only tilted back as if on a hinge. She heard a metallic click and the bookcase slid to the right revealing another staircase. The lights came on illuminating the spiral stairs.
    "There are no windows down here. These are also my private chambers, but I hope that you will be comfortable while you are here."
    He started down the stairs as the bookcase began to slide back into place. She looked behind her and saw Zukko sneak into the stairwell just before the bookcase closed with a metallic click. She scooped him up with one arm and followed Nevar. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, she expected a cellar, but it was just as elegant as the rest of the manor.
    The landing opened up into a large living area with a wide stone fireplace and hearth, a large Persian rug was sprawled out in the center of the room with cozy furniture placed strategically to enjoy both the fireplace and the occupants' company. The only light sources other than the fire crackling cheerily in the room were the sconces on the walls. It gave the room a very warm ambiance without being too bright. She loved it already.
    "It's perfect!" she sighed, walking further into the room. There was a guilded mirror hanging on the far wall that showed her reflection, just as Nevar had promised. She had not paid much attention to her appearance after Nevar had bitten her, only a quick glance as she checked over her wardrobe.
    Now, though, she inspected herself thoroughly from her long black hair, gleaming with tints of gold from the fire, to her uninjured neck, and her long, lean body. She didn't look pale or sickly. She thought her muscle tone was more defined, but it was subtle. Of course, she had been beautiful before, but now, she would no longer need her photos airbrushed or even need make-up. Such measures would only tarnish her looks. It took her breath away. "I'm so beautiful," she said, feeling foolish for saying it.
    "You always were," he whispered to her. "It has only enhanced what was already there."
    "What if I had been ugly? Does it only improve your looks? Or can it go the opposite way as well?"
    "The allure is part and parcel with becoming a vampire. It makes our prey come to us, so to speak. Although, I have heard rumors of vampires so hideous that people literally were frozen in fear, but, I can't prove or deny that it is true."
    He touched her shoulder with his hand and she turned from the mirror to look at him. His eyes reflected the fire and outmatched it for heat and intensity. If she wasn't careful, this man would consume her.
    "You must be tired," he told her, his voice was husky and quiet. "You can sleep in here." He led her to a room almost the size of the living area. Everything was decorated in rich reds and gold. The canopy bed was draped in thick red curtains and it looked even bigger than the one in the guest room. She was tired, she realized, more tired than she had realized. Holding her shields in place required too much energy, she assumed. Without bothering to undress, she put Zukko down on the floor and sat down on the massive bed long enough to take off her shoes before laying down.
    Nevar walked over to the bed and stood over her. "I can find something more comfortable for you to wear if you like," he said, his expression almost looked as if she'd offended him. "If privacy is a concern, I promise you shall have the room to yourself."
    "Oh no, it wasn't that," she told him. "I was just so tired. I wasn't even thinking about any of that. If you've got something for me to wear, I'll be happy to change."
    He nodded