‘OK. It sounds like he’s lying in some kind of cell, maybe a dungeon?’
I nod. ‘Yes, that feels right.’
‘Concentrate on how he feels. What sort of physical state is he in?’
‘Tired. Hangry. Missing me.’ I bite my lip, a bit upset at that.
‘Go on, it’s OK.’
‘He doesn’t know what’s happening. Or where he is. Only that Alexander has been drawing blood from him with a syringe.’
‘Interesting.’
‘Yeah.’
I stiffen as a shadow crosses my vision. ‘Someone’s there with him.’
‘Who is it? Friend or foe?’
‘Not sure. But Elliott’s trying to move away from them. He’s afraid.’
The figure lunges at him, and I feel Elliott’s shock, my hands instinctively clutching for him. ‘Oh no! Someone’s attacking him, and he’s defenceless!’
With a growl, I launch myself at Elliott’s attacker and sink my fangs into their neck. I’m going to drain them. How dare they touch my thrall!
No, Sadie!Damian gasps in my head.Don’t!
But all I can think about is protecting Elliott.I must.I take several long pulls, the spurt of warm liquid in mymouth goading me to take more. Elliott lets out a groan, or is it Damian? I’m not sure anymore as, by now, I’m crazed and confused by bloodlust.Don’t worry, Elliott, I’ll save you this time!I yell, pinning the unseen attacker to the ground and taking my fill.
Sadie, please.Damian’s voice filters weakly through the red mist, and I wonder briefly why he isn’t bringing me out of the hypnosis. No matter. I drink some more.
There’s a piercing scream, and I’m flung across the cell, hitting the stone wall with a thump. Everything goes black.
When I come to, I’m not lying on the bed. I’m on the other side of the room, and Floss and Hester are there, huddled together. Floss is whimpering.
‘What’s going on?’ I ask groggily.
‘Stay over there!’ hisses Hester. ‘You’ve done enough!’
What have I done? I don’t remember.There’s something sticky on my chin, a delicious taste in my throat. I swallow and move my tongue around, licking at my lips.Mmm, blood. How did that get there?I wonder.
Hester:You nearly drained Damian! He’s not doing well. Floss had already drunk from him. His pulse is really weak.
Me:What?
I crawl over to them on my hands and knees. Nudging them aside, I stare at Damian lying prostrate on the floor.His eyes are closed, and his face is grey. There are two bloodied holes in his neck.
Shit, did I do that?I ask the others.
Floss:Yes!Why thefuckdid you bite him?
Me:I was under hypnosis. I didn’t mean to! And wow, I can hear you loud and clear.
This is the first time she’s been able to project her thoughts to me. I’m impressed.
Floss:Never mind that. What are we going to do?
Me:Calm down. Just turn him. Job done.
