Guilt scratched at my heart. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. An odd silence stretched between us: my apology was left unnoticed.
I lay back on my bed, fatigue from starvation making its way through my body. I did not remember the last time I’d fed: it must have been at least a week. Curiously enough, I did not feel the same anguish I had when starvation was forced upon me. Still and all, the lack of blood drained my strength, leaving me with nothing but a void.
A long while passed before Charlotte spoke again. I started to fade away into my nightmares when her voice traveled through the room. “This used to be mama’s room.” Her fingers traced the fabric of the curtains.
“Pardon me?” I glanced up at her. Her green eyes glowed brighter.
“This room.” Charlotte gestured around herself. “It used to be mama’s. This whole castle was hers.” She hummed as a quiet, soft knock on the door echoed.
The door gave way, revealing the silhouette at its threshold. Florence took a shy step into the room, her eyes jumping between Charlotte’s and mine. She fixed her dark green dress that complimented her soft complexion, before a sunshine smile returned to her face. “What have you two been up to?”
“I was reading for Cordelia!” Charlotte skipped towards Florence. “Do you think Francis would let me keep this book for a while? I know my friend, Lucy, would love this story.”
“Of course he would.” Florence’s brows furrowed at the book. “Besides, he is too old for reading children’s stories.” She picked the girl up, spinning her in a dance.
Charlotte’s giggles brightened the room. “Put me down, Florence!” She laughed. “I am too old to be carried around!”
“Are you now?” Florence spun her once more before lowering the child to her feet. Florence’s eyes met mine before she addressed Charlotte, “We need to take you back to Faris, precious.” Her voice dropped when she added, “It’s not safe for you to stay here long.”
Charlotte’s gaze dropped to the floor. “All right,” she sighed. “Will you both come visit soon?” Hope filled her eyes.
“Of course.” I said before I could stop myself.
How could I promise such things when I knew nothing of what tomorrow would bring. Would I even be alive next week?
Something about my features gave away my uncertainty, for Charlotte’s—filled with betrayal—eyes burned into mine. She walked towards me, her hands wrapped around my neck in the tightest embrace. “Swear it to me, Cordelia.”
The child I came to love was gone: an old spirit now glared at me, demanding my oath. “I swear.” I breathed, not believing my own ears when the words spilled.
Charlotte nodded, slowly her features relaxed until a smile spread on her face anew. “Florence said after the war I can go traveling with her and Roxanne, and then stay here at the castle if I wish to.”
“After the war.” I nodded.
Chapter 7. Whispered Horrors.
The room felt utterly empty once Charlotte and Florence had left. I wished I could appreciate the silence, yet nothing but pure rage invaded my mind.
How could I promise her things I knew I could not keep? Why would she make me swear the impossible? How could I allow another child to get hurt by me...
My hands turned into fists, my nails dug into my skin.
The Moon would never claim my soul after all the innocent spirits’ pain I’d caused.
I was cursed.
