THE DEAD OF NIGHT
by Claire Marta & Nia Farrell
Originally appearing in Vampirielle Four anthology (out 25 December 2020, delisted).
Now part of THE POISONED GARDEN COLLECTION, free to Claire Marta and Nia Farrell’s newsletter subscribers here.
Back in Paris, heartbroken and alone on Christmas Eve, Etienne de Foix decides to share his beloved music with the souls of the dead. When someone else is drawn to the cemetery, he finds himself tempted by his new admirer.
The young man who steps from the shadows has stars in his eyes and an innocent air that stirs Etienne’s hunger. Intent on sating his lust for blood and sex, he’s surprised when something more emerges from their tryst.
The Poisoned Garden Series stories follow Etienne de Foix, the vampire villain of Guarded Hearts Season One. Set in 1791, this historical paranormal erotic romance contains MM scenes. Written for Ages 18+.
EXCERPT:
He let his music transport him, carrying him as close to heaven as he would ever be. A creature of the night, eventually he’d be dust and would rot in hell for all eternity. There was no forgiveness for his sins. No penance or absolution. His only solace came from the bow in his hand and the strings beneath his fingers, weaving songs as they formed. He grew so lost in the new one, it was a while before he sensed he was no longer alone.
Opening his eyes, his gaze traveled through the shadows opposite him, settling on a man. A handsome young man with honey brown hair and hazel eyes. He stood so perfectly still Etienne had almost missed him.
Pausing, Etienne surveyed him cautiously. Was he a hunter looking for prey?
“Don’t stop,” the stranger pleaded when he stilled his bow. “Play.”
“My music was not for you,” Etienne told him, enchanted by his voice. “I perform for the souls that lie here.”
He wasn’t in church. Maybe he was a prostitute. Paris was full of them. Easy pickings for a vampire like himself.
Disappointment crossed the young man’s face. “What brings you here in the dead of night on Christmas Eve?”
“I come to play,” he told him. “What is your name and what is your price, hmm?”
“Gael,” the young man spoke softly. “And I have no price.”
“Nonsense,” Etienne scoffed. “Everyone has a price. It’s only a matter of finding it.”
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Author Nia Farrell 