All Chapters of The Man of Shade Manor: Chapter 11 - Chapter 15

I have spent days adjusting to my new life at Shade Manor. Pyotr has been busy preparing to send the other humans back. So we've seen very little of each other, though he makes the effort to escort me to breakfast every morning. I would like to see more of Pyotr, but he is just so busy. I jolt when someone taps me on the shoulder. Turning to look behind me, my eyes meet Alexei's. He arches a brow while staring me down and I see his left ear twitch. "What has you so lost in thought?" He asks. "O-Oh, I was just t-thinking of Lord Pyotr. H...He's been quite busy lately hasn't h-he," I comment. Alexei rolls his eyes, moving his hand from my shoulder to fold his arms. "You want to know who else is quite busy...me. Now get back to work before I send you out of my ward. You are not much help sitting there spacing out," Alexei barks. I flinch at his harsh tone. Adverting my gaze I stare down at the bandages in front of me. "Sorry, I...I'll get back t

Warm sunlight leaks in through the carriage window. I breathe in the light crisp air as I open my eyes. I blink several times trying to adjust to the unexpected light. "I see you are finally awake," I hear Alina say across from me. Sitting up I stretch my arms before glancing over at her. Alina sits tall and straight in her seat eyes fixed forward. "H-How long was I asleep?" I ask. "For a couple of hours. While you were out we passed through the Shadow Moore boundaries and will soon be in Samirya," she informs me. "I see, have t-the drivers taken any breaks during this t...time?" I ask. "You mean the coachman? They have not rested yet, it is imperative that we keep on track," she tells me. I nod, but before I can reply Alina speaks again. "Actually you are right, we are going to need a break to change forms," she says thoughtfully. I blink at her questioningly, tilting my head slightly. "Change forms?" I ask. "Yes, we shades

I bite my lip casting my eyes down, Alina steps to the side glancing at me. Slowly I shift my gaze towards her offering a stiff smile before looking back at Mother. Mother's brown eyes scrutinize me and I feel myself shrinking back. I inhale deeply taking a step towards her. "I will b-be staying with the l...lord who saved my life from now on," I tell her. Mother's face strains before she lets out a choked laugh. "Clara I can imagine what a lord would want with you. And my dear you are better off with me and the arrangements I have made." My face burns red at her words as I take a step back. Wiping my wet palms on my skirt I take in a breath. "I-I am not bedding the lord," I squeak in bewilderment. I side-eye Alina and watch as her body stiffens. She covers her face with her hand attempting to hold back her laughter. I look back at Mother who stares at me with a raised brow. "If you are not bedding the lord now the time will come. Girls like yo