“Please!” I begged, my nails digging into his face, scratching at the sickly pale—covered in cold soil—skin. “I beg of you, don’t do this—”
“The less you resist the easier it will be, Cordelia.” Timothy whispered into my ear as blood—his blood—spilled into my mouth, soaking my throat.
“Please!” I choked on his blood as his hands cut through my dress. The tears streamed down my face, soaking the sheets underneath me—
His hands felt my uncovered skin. My stomach dropped to my heels as nausea fought for its way out—
“No! No! Please don’t touch me!” I cried. “Please!”
“Wake up, Cordelia!” Strong hands shook my shoulders, scaring the nightmare away. “Wake up!” Roxanne’s eyes bored into mine.
I gulped for air as hot tears streamed down my face. “Sorry,” I mumbled, wiping away the evidence of my distress. “Sorry.”
Roxanne walked to the satchel she’d left on the wooden floor before going to bed. “Here.” She offered me a bottle of wine that was filled with a darker shade of crimson. “Take it.”
“I’m fine.” I shook my head, pushing the bottle away from my lips. The divine smell of blood reached my nostrils, sending my mind into a frenzy. “Put it away, please.”
Roxanne’s brows furrowed at my refusal, yet she did as I’d asked. Her piercing gaze would not leave my broken figure when she hid the bewildering drink from view.
I sat on the settee, my hands wrapping around my body to keep it from shattering. “Sorry for waking you so early.”
“The sun is about to come down,” Roxanne said as though that was answer enough. “I should get going: Faris must arrive as soon as possible, given we don’t know the exact day Kane will attack, and Florence must be going mad by now.” Roxanne glanced at my palms, swallowing.
I followed her gaze. The shadows of my nails dug deep into my palms, bleeding crimson. I wiped my hands against the cloth of my dress. “All right.” I filled my lungs with air. The bitter taste of blood still lingered in my mouth.
“Do you wish to come with me?” She asked, putting the satchel over her shoulder.
“I should go and help Gabriel.” I shook my head. “I’m sure Tamira and Arthur will also need help before Faris arrives.”
“All right.” Roxanne walked towards the door. “Stay safe,” she offered over her shoulder before closing the door.
I froze on the settee, my lungs still aching for air, silent tears streamed down my cheeks—
My insides turned upside down as I hurried to the bathing chambers. My jaw locked in place as my stomach squeezed tight—
I choked as my empty stomach pushed the remains of blood out.
My head spun into an oblivion I’d desperately tried to avoid. I had no time for such weakness, I had no time for heartache.
Numb tears clouded my eyes as I forced myself to the sink. The cold water streamed down my face, bringing my mind back into reality. I forced the water down my throat. The tasteless liquid filling up my stomach.
Breath in. Breath out.
I could not afford to break into pieces, not now, when so much was at stake. Not when Francis’ life depended on my well–being.
I washed my face, meeting my own gaze in the mirror. My eyes glowed darker than usual—determined to deliver the promise I’d given so long ago.
The forge was a lot smaller than the one at the palace. The stone walls had darkened with age, the floors covered in dirt. The strong smell of burning coal forced my eyes to water as I made my way through the room.
The forge, that had been filled with laughter and chatter a moment ago, quieted: five pairs of eyes—including Gabriel’s—meet mine. The delightful smell of human flesh invaded my mind, waking the beast, yet I paid it no attention.
“What are you doing here?” Gabriel asked. “I thought you were going to leave with Roxanne.”
“I won’t be of any use there,” I replied, taking another step inside the forge. The men that accompanied Gabriel took a deliberate step back.
“You look horrible,” I studied Gabriel, ignoring his company.
Gabriel laughed, nodding. “You too, Your Highness.”
