Caleb let go off my blade, planting the bloody finger on his lips, gesturing for me to keep quiet. I wouldn’t be able to make a sound if I wished to: his other hand was still atop my mouth.
His body pushed mine against the oak tree, covering me from the view.
I squeezed the dagger tighter, drawing a small, silent breath through my nose. Sweat prickled my skin despite the cold air caressing every uncovered inch of my flesh.
The steps heavied as they neared, every bone in my body froze.
Dear Moon, take me to my family.
Dear Moon, spare me the struggle on my way to rest.
I beg of you, show me your kindness this once.
I clenched my jaw, readying for the attack. Readying for my inevitable end—
The snow crunched as the Wurdulacs’ steps... marched past us, along the perimeter of the palace’s grounds.
The forest quieted; my heart fought for its freedom.
I counted every bang in my chest. Once I reached two hundred Caleb whispered, “They're gone.” His hand freed me as he took one step backwards. “You are lucky I found you before the guards went on patrol—”
My fingers squeezed the dagger in my hand before I planted it into Caleb’s side—exactly as he taught me. Rage squeezed my throat when his eyes met mine.
No longer could I see the person in front of me—only the blurry silhouette of a man that haunted my nightmares, the silhouette of a man who’d witnessed my soul torn apart.
The fresh blood reached my nostrils and the familiar smell spun my head into an endless dance. Nausea crept inside my stomach.
Strong hands dug into my shoulders, shoving me onto the bloody snow.
The air escaped my lungs, fire erupted in my chest.
I gulped, rolling onto my back. The pale, morning Moon stared down at me as I struggled for my next breath.
A pair of boots moved my direction. “Do you feel better now that you’ve made me bleed?” Caleb offered me a hand I ignored. My hands searched for my weapon.
Every breath was as good as ash to my lungs. I stumbled to my knees when Caleb’s accusatory gaze met mine.
“I just saved your life: if anyone else saw you here you wouldn’t live to see another moonrise.” He assessed the injury I’d given him. “And this is what I get in return.”
“You deserve far more than that.” I seethed through clenched teeth when the first rays of sunshine appeared in the distance.
I retrieved my lost dagger from the crimson snow before turning back toward the palace—I was running out of time.
“Where are you going?” Caleb’s hands caught my armed wrist, pulling me back.
“Let go of me, Caleb!” I hissed.
“You are not serious.” His hold only hardened. “Where is Francis?”
“What do I know of his whereabouts?” I fought with his grasp.
“Does he know you are here?” Caleb added softer. When the silence spoke for me, he sighed. “Why are you here, Cordelia?” His eyes filled with a pity I never saw them possess.
Pity.He pitied me!
“I am here to kill him.” I spat out, forcefully freeing my wrist. How dare hepityme?
“Cordelia...” Caleb stared at me and I couldn’t help but to study his features back. The resemblance he shared with my long resting brother was astonishing and terrifying. Same dark brown eyes, dark raven hair and light skin. There was no doubt we were blood related.
