Carmilla and Laura by S.D. Simper

Author:S.D. Simper [Simper, S.D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, Supernatural
Publisher: Endless Night Publications
Published: 2018-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

***

The Forest of Styria spread vast before us, but around the road the trees had long ago been cleared. A beautiful day, punctuated by brilliant sunlight and an appreciated breeze, and I breathed in the clean air, my fears feeling small. Though the carriage held walls and a roof, I kept the window open, let my hand and occasionally my hair whip about in the wind.

My father sat across me on the opposite bench of the carriage, a book in his hand that he leisurely skimmed. Carmilla lay across my lap, head cushioned by my thigh as she feigned sleep—the grip of her fist in the fabric of my dress told me she was wide awake.

The silence left time for contemplation, something I had done far too much of lately. This morning I had been in hysterics over our love affair, panic leading me to nearly drive her away, yet now . . .

All the world had changed. Everything I knew or thought I knew seemed shaky at best. God watched over us all, but now I shoved thoughts of saints and sins aside, for how did someone like Carmilla fit into this narrative? Churches taught of devils come to tempt mortals down to their fiery domain, yet though I knew the sin, my weakness, my wickedness, I could never see Carmilla as some creature of darkness. I ought to be afraid, to know I had given my body to some monstrosity from below. Hell spoke of demons, but Carmilla had spoken only of love.

My thoughts were a mystery too vast to solve. Instead, I rested my hand upon her back and felt her curl into the touch.

For hours, I heard only the faint crunching of dirt beneath the carriage wheels, but soon our destination came. From the window, I watched houses steadily appear by the roads, ever-increasing in scattered numbers. Noises from the town coaxed me to attention, and I smiled, overjoyed at the prospect of excitement and company even if the occasion were somber.

Yet, I flinched at the sight of the cathedral. The funeral would be held outdoors, as per Annette’s father’s request, but the old, brick church would shadow the affair. I hid my face within the carriage, the fear in my heart apparent once more.

When the carriage rolled to a stop, I felt Carmilla slowly rise. “Have we already arrived? Seems I slept the entire journey.” She yawned to punctuate her words, and I questioned if it were real or false—I wondered if she even breathed at all.

“You must have needed it then, dear Carmilla,” my father said, paternal affection in his gaze. The driver of our carriage opened the door, and when my father stepped out, he offered a hand to help the two of us. “Do tell us if your health begins to fail. We are here to honor the dead, but we cannot forget the living.”

“My health is as unpredictable as the wind and rains,” Carmilla replied, accepting his hand. “At times I

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