“Youarea fool for coming here, Cordelia.” His voice dropped a few octaves; my hands trembled as I squeezed the hilt of my dagger harder at his sudden change. “You are delusional if you think you can kill him yourself. You need my help as much as I need yours.” Caleb chuckled, taking another step forward until the point of my blade touched his skin. “Next time Kane sees you, you will be begging for death.”
Little did Caleb know, I already begged for such an outcome in my prayers. “I am not afraid of him or you.”
A sinister smile spread across Caleb’s face. “You should be.”
“And you dare to wonder why I refuse to help.” I seethed. “Get out, Caleb.”
His lips turned into a thin line before he retreated a step. I wondered whether he was following my orders, yet his voice reached my ears anew. “After what Kane has done to you and Mories—”
“Mories?” My heart stopped at the sound of my childhood nurse’s name.
“She is alive.” Caleb swallowed, his eyes staring into the distance. “Barely, but she will live.”
I forced a breath in, trying to calm my galloping heart.
“I couldn’t take it anymore.” Caleb continued. “Not when he hurt someone I know as my true mother.” The lighting of the room must have been playing tricks, for the tears filling Caleb’s eyes could not have been genuine. “I know there is no redemption for my actions.” He whispered.
“You are right, you don’t deserve redemption.” I spat out. How dare he cry over what he’d brought upon us all? How dare he feel sorry for himself when the dead wouldn’t take another breath?
“I want to make things right, even if it’s the last thing I ever do, Cordelia.” Caleb sighed. “You were right.” He nodded. “I am a coward who could not stand against evil. But I am ready to change for my true family.”
Claps sounded through the room followed by a low laughter. The man with amber eyes leaned on the doorframe, a familiar smirk spreading across his face. “Such a great speech.” Francis clapped once more. “You should write it down.”
Chapter 5. I Have No Home.
Francis took a step inside the room, his eyes fixated on Caleb.
“Francis.” Caleb cleared his throat.
“What did I say about seeing you next to her again?” Francis’ voice dropped, not a hint of a smile remained. “I can see that you have healed from the wound I gave you, perhaps you need another.” He pointed his finger at Caleb’s chest. “Right here. What do you say,brother?”
“I am not here to fight.” Caleb moved closer to the exit, away from me. His left leg dragged behind him—the leg I stabbed the night before.
“I see I am not your only foe.” Francis snickered, glancing at Caleb’s injury.
Caleb merely shook his head when his gaze fell upon me. “You are not,” he sighed. “Please believe me, Cordelia,” he said at last without sparing Francis a glance. “We need each other. If you tell me where the archives are, I will—”
“You will go to hell.” Francis unsheathed his silver dagger, stepping in between Caleb and I. “And I will personally send you there.”
“Please.” Caleb put his hands up in surrender. “I am merely trying to help—”
“You will help by leaving and never showing your face here or at the castle ever again.” Francis raised his dagger.
“You are making a mistake.” Caleb retreated.
