I was nervous, but I was given a warm goblet of blood that made me sleepy. I relaxed into the pillows and closed my eyes.
I was woken up later by Jaime. I smiled softly.
“Are we at the caves?” I asked, yawning.
“Yes, Young Blood Priestess. We are celebrating until midnight. Would you like to join us?”
I sat up and nodded eagerly. A party?
Jaime offered to escort me to where I could hear drums and loud chatter. I saw the cave opening a distance away. There were dim lights inside, but the party was at the mouth of the cave.
Magdalena was holding court in the center of the party. She was dressed in full Aztec royalty garb. She looked beautiful with her large necklaces and flowing dress. She held a large scepter in one hand and a goblet of blood in the other as she watched with approval at the people dancing around her.
She saw me and smiled. I smiled back as she motioned to the empty chair on her left. I hurried to take my seat.
“You see all of this?” She swooped her arm over the crowd. “This is all for you. Everyone here loves you and wants to see our coven grow and succeed.”
“Succeed with what?” I tilted my head. “Existing without fear?”
“Exactly, yes,” she said.
I looked around. Blood was aplenty, being served from large barrels. The music was loud, and the dancing was vigorous. The fire crackled as people threw in colored powder to create rainbow flames.
I watched alongside my aunt, trying to remain in a good mood. The realization that I would never get to experience this or any other fun moments again began to sink in. This was my final night on earth.
What happened to eternity?
The High Priestess climbed off her throne and went to dance. I perked up and forced another smile as I tried my hardest to be happy for her. She was gaining my powers tonight and would be stronger than ever.
“Hey!” A voice I heard only twice before jolted me in my seat. I whipped my head around and looked for the sound. “Behind you. Don’t freak out.”
“Desi?” I asked. My hands flew to my mouth in surprise. He was standing off to the side, dressed in all black. He put a finger to his lips and shook his head.
I listened, only nodding my head.
“You can’t do this. We’re here to save you. Come on.”
“We’re?” I whispered back.
“My family. Stand up. We’re going.”
“I can’t. I need to do this.” I stood then and looked to see if anyone was looking at me. I didn’t catch any eyes, so I raised my dress off the ground and slipped behind the chairs.
“You can’t possibly think this is a good idea,” he argued.
“I have no other choice. The evil inside me is hurting people.”
“Says who?” He crossed his arms and cocked his hip. He was clearly unamused.
“The High Blood Priestess. I can’t remember, but she can, and she knows the evil that has plagued me and our coven for years.”
“She’s lying to you.”
The words hung in the air for a moment, but I shook my head. My lips trembled, and I backed away from him. “No, she’s not.”
He stepped forward and glared down at me, his eyes boring into mine. “Yes, she is, and I’m taking you with me.”
Just then, someone cleared their throat, and we both turned. It was one of the male guards.
