Before her, there were stacks of furniture, tools, outdated office equipment, books, magazines and even clothes. All of it was precariously stacked, and accessible through several winding paths. This man lives to collect the past, I bet every piece has meaning for him.

If not for the naked bulbs shining the way, Clara would have considered turning back. Although facing so much clutter nearly had the same effect. To think I’d been worried about the mine collapsing back home…

In the early forenoon, she found herself at a bistro near the water. While waiting for breakfast, she searched for antique shops. If this city was so in touch with its history, then she might find items from her past.

After some calls, Clara learned there was such a place just outside of the old city. With a destination in mind, she was free to take in the view while eating her fresh pastry.

Today, re-enforced how much she enjoyed hunting on her own. At night there was work to be done, but under the sun’s glory she was free to be herself and let go. She smiled when the server brought the bill, but he did not reciprocate. With her spirits riding high, she paid while wearing a smile and walked out like she owned the joint.

To be clear, Clara was not searching for personal effects. Like most hunters, she embraced a nomadic lifestyle. Besides, everything she owned ended up at a vampire resort called The Grand. I’m sure they took good care of my things when I died…

There were several antique shops throughout the city, but she was not interested in expensive decorations and furniture. Clara wanted to find a shop dedicated to the eclectic, owned by someone who longed for the past. I want someone who collects items because they are special and must be cherished. Not for their resale value.

“Don’t you fit into that category?” Ethereal asked. 

“What does that say about you three?” Clara pushed back.

After a night of revelling in rich food and a lot of drink, Clara awoke in the middle of the massive bed. The last couple of outings, starting with Dora, had done wonders for her mood. While guilt lingered, it was freeing to be out of hiding, even if only long enough to take a peek over the trench.

Her eyes flowed over the in-store selection until she spotted an assortment of dresses that made her swoon. 

“You have a good eye,” the clerk said in Parisian French.

“I haven’t seen such fashions like this outside of a—” Clara replied, reproducing the same accent to irk the clerk.

“Costume shop?” the clerk asked.

Clara smirked before replying, “I was going to say a museum.”

She had been tempted to answer ‘my closet.’ However, that would have set off several warning bells.

She considered indulging in room service. The image of her sinking into the tub with wings unfurled, while sipping on champagne excited the mind. 

“You can’t wash away your guilt,” Ethereal reminded her.

She decided against it; intent on enjoying the amenities of this hotel. Tonight, she would soak in the nostalgia, while gawking at the brass fittings, revolving doors, stunning chandeliers, and opulent carpets. This place brings me back to my time as a flapper.

The suite she booked at the hotel cost more per night than Elizabeth would pay in rent. She could not help but smile at the memory of cooking in that cramped kitchen. She loved it when Elizabeth checked her out thinking that the cook was otherwise too busy to notice. I just had to fuck it all up… and I still am.

The room, courtesy of Evelyn’s credit card, was also bigger than their apartment. The bathroom itself was a thing of wonder, with a tub big enough to swim in, and a shower that featured more jets than she knew what to do with. For a second I thought it was a carwash.

The opulence of it all left her a bit torn. She had indulged in luxury as a hunter, even within the halls of this very hotel, but this went beyond the pale. What counted as luxury in the Roaring Twenties had been relegated to bargain basement accommodations today. This seems a bit much. Still, I probably won’t complain after getting a good night’s sleep in that bed…

“Not even Zeus had a temple like this,” Silver said.

She booked a suite at the iconic Château-style hotel that overlooked the old city. Clara appreciated how this city held on to its rich history. This remained the only walled city on the continent, and several buildings who survived Wolfe’s onslaught were still standing.

Of course the scars had been covered up with stone and mortar, while the blood had washed away long ago. History had been made at the cost of many lives. A part of her sensed there were many ghosts haunting this city, but was not about to give into Ethereal’s urges. 

“You don’t seem to have any trouble abusing my sister’s magic,” Ethereal countered.

That morning, Clara woke up with a fresh dose of guilt. Once more she had betrayed Elizabeth, the woman she supposedly loved, for another quick release. Whatever bond she had formed with Dora over the course of the evening, they both knew this would be a one-night stand. 

“At least, it was more entertaining than watching you rub one off before bed,” Ethereal said.

Clara slipped out of bed quietly, got dressed, and vanished from Dora’s life.

“What are you doing after this?” Clara asked, her voice quivering slightly from a lack of emotional control.

“I had nothing planned…” Dora said.

That last word hung in the air and left Clara hopeful there was interest in moving forward.

“How about dinner and drinks? Nothing better than the company of a great gal to explore the city.” Clara said.

“I’d be up for that,” Dora said. “Are you looking for something wild or—”

“Intimate,” Clara answered.

“—more intimate,” Dora finished.

They both smiled, excited they had the answer they wanted.