Man at War – Excerpt No. 90

9 December 2025

“Mistress,” Grace said, those eyes furrowed and her face neutral.

Vampires rarely showed their true emotions, especially women. While Marc could get away with being a dour killing machine, women had to play the game better than queens. A single slip up can leave you with a second grave.

Grace knew the game well, so her choice to not play showed urgency. That did not mean Evelyn had to play along though.

“Ah, Ma chère Grâce,” Evelyn said. (Ah, my dear Grace.) “Come and indulge in this wine.”

Picture of a black haired woman with green eyes wearing a slip, being approached by a blonde in a maid's uniform. Located in a ballroom under construction and mostly empty except for a few sawhorses, tables, and a large granite piece. The walls were still slats of wood running horizontally and in parallel. The workers had yet to apply plaster. Cabling protruded from openings in the walls and ceiling, none of it was connected. Several lanterns to chase away the darkness. The air was thick with smoke. Scene and clothing appropriate for 1915 Canada at night.

Disclaimer: This novel is an work in progress and readers may encounter grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Please view this a draft and not a published work.