Elliot felt his body tense despite himself, cursing that perhaps he should have swiped the knife when he had the chance, not that heâd know what to do once he got it. Probably toss it to Mac, that would be the most logical thing. âArt without an audience - that takes dedication to another level.â He spoke, his town measured, trying to keep the other person within his central vision at all times.Â
His instincts were screaming at him, telling him this person was different, dangerous, other. They had that aura them, that spoke of blood and centuries, a concept that was too vast to grasp in his single lifetime.Â
Muse. And a deadly one at that.Â
âAh, my mother insists on Mac, and Iâve always been a dutiful son.â He tries for nonchalant. He fails. âBesides, from my experience, artists can be a vicious lot, so one always has to be careful.â He spoke with no trace of humor in his voice, tone steady but hands trembling.Â
they let out a dismissive hum, shoulders rising before deciding âmacâ was of no consequence. marlowe carried on as if he wasnât there, though continued to watch his movement from their side view.
âyouâre funny,â his comment amused them, the sudden smirk stretching across their face making that known. âthatâs good. hold onto that.â marlowe offered, sincere in the advice. they were well aware they had a nasty habit of... hurting people, when bored. it wasnât often for someone to entertain marlowe without their entrails hanging out, but it wasnât unheard of either. turning thoughtful, the muse commented, âiâve noticed that, for some reason, people seem to live longer around me when they have a sense of humor.â
at his final comment, marlowe leaned in slightly, voice going low so that only he could hear. âyâknow--iâve always thought the same thing. artists. theyâre the real menace, arenât they? always taking, but itâs never enough.â marlowe bemoaned, though the laughter that followed made it apparent that these comments were made to tease--not to be taken seriously.Â
âyou should visit my club sometime, mr. rothschild.â there was something sinister in the offer.