Daywalker by Charisma Knight

eyes in the darkness, but that is it. It is the same during daylight hours. Daegan….”
    “What Elizabeth? Akaisha squeaked.
    “Shhh, child, talk no more!” Elizabeth grabbed the hairbrush and started brushing Akaisha’s hair.
    Valaris strolled through the door, with an intent look etched upon his face. The vampire, slightly taller than Daegan, possessed a muscular build, facial hair and a bald head. Tribal tattoos adorned his neck and arms. Valaris was known for his intelligence and his savage thirst for blood. It was nothing for him to slaughter innocents.
    “What are you wenches up to now?” Valaris sneered. “Elizabeth, shouldn’t you be cleaning, or sleeping at this hour?”
    “Valaris, we were just discussing where spare clothes should be kept. Lord Daegan is aware of every move I make.”
    Valaris eyed the women with scrutiny before turning on his heel and exiting the bedchamber, a low growl developing in his throat.
    “Elizabeth, I have never felt such evil in my entire existence Valaris, there is something about him I don’t like. I’m not used to this way of life. It is different in my Egypt.” Akaisha lowered her head sadly, trying to conceal a tear.
    “Akaisha, mind your tongue about Valaris!” Elizabeth snapped, shocking the daywalker as she defended Daegan’s brother. “Let us find something else to occupy our minds with, shall we?
    Come on Akaisha.” She followed Elizabeth into the hall, making their way downstairs to the grand sitting room and into a small room further down the corridor.
    Elizabeth joined three other servants in a bleak sitting room who were feverishly mending garments for members of the coven that were staying at Castle Daegan for the weekend.
    “Akaisha, I see we aren’t the only human night owls within these castle walls,” Elizabeth clucked happily.
    The sitting room was a comfortable fit; however, the surroundings could have used more color.
    Akaisha was thankful that Ireland was experiencing a mild summer, as there were many places she noticed drafts. It sickened her to see how parts of the castle where the covens dwelled were adorned with fine tapestries and furniture, with added color. The aristocratic, snobbish vampires would have it no other way. The servants mattered not, as long as they were there to serve wine, blood, and from time to time, sexual services for the male and female members of the coven.
    “Akaisha, I would like to introduce you to Anna, Myra, and Helen. I have served with these ladies for most of my time here at Castle Daegan. You will find them to be wonderful company.”
    “Nice to meet you ladies,” Akaisha smiled politely.
    “Are you Lord Daegan’s harlot?” Myra spat in disgust. “I wonder how long this will last." Myra, a twenty-five year old blonde from England, was jealous over Akaisha’s presence. Mistress to Valaris when it suited his needs, Myra became bitter, knowing she would never have a future place within the castle. Daegan would have no part of her, so Valaris would have to do.
    “Oh Myra, why do you have to be so rude to people?” clucked Anna, a perky brunette who welcomed a new face to the castle. “There is no need for cruelty, we have enough of that with the covens. It is so nice to meet you, Akaisha. Please let me know if there is anything you are in need of.”
    Helen, a plump woman closer to Elizabeth’s age greeted the daywalker in a serious manner, not showing any emotional at all. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Akaisha. I hope your stay here is more pleasant than ours.”
    “So, now, we are to wait on a half-vampire, half-human bitch in addition to the full-blooded snobs of the castle?” spat Myra. Her cold, ice blue eyes cutting through Akaisha like a knife, vexing the daywalker’s temper.
    “Aw, did I hit a nerve, princess?” Myra taunted.
    “Myra, stop this nonsense now!” Elizabeth chastised.
    “Elizabeth, I don’t need you to defend me to the likes of this jealous, petty girl, who appears