“What?”Her eyes darted to me quickly.
I shrugged and offered her an awkward smile. “I was more focused on getting your memories back. It’s fine. I’ll figure it out,” I said aloud.
“How?”
I didn’t reply, as we walked into the cave. Torches were on both sides, lighting the way. It was rather bright, actually. I paused in my steps and was shoved roughly forward. I snarled, but kept moving.
It felt like a quarter of a mile, but finally the cave opened up into a large cavern. The room was gigantic, actually. It could easily fit everyone outside still partying. On the far end sat a large throne, and in the very center of the room was a table, standing atop a pedestal. There were leather straps bolted to it, and beside that, was a smaller table. It held a large bowl, several goblets, and an array of knives. It reminded me of my roll of knives I used back home.
“I hear you’d like to trade her life for yours,” a voice called from behind us. We both turned quickly to see Magdalena. “That won’t work. It’s too late.”
“What do you mean?” I demanded. “An evil soul is an evil soul. What does it matter?”
She shook her head. Her red eyes were cold and unfeeling. “We didn’t need any soul. We need her. This was all to convince her to do it herself.” She motioned with her hand and the brute who brought us here pushed us forward. “However, I think we shall sacrifice both of you tonight.”
She said something in Spanish, and suddenly more people appeared. They came from a different cave entrance, carrying a second table. They brought it to the pedestal and placed it beside the first one. It too, had the straps attached.
“How many people do you sacrifice?” I smirked. Magdalena didn’t smile.
“Many,” she said firmly. My stomach soured. She was really doing this. I had heard stories of all the horrific things she had done to people. Humans and vampires alike.
Would she take my still-beating heart out and eat it?
“Desi!” A small cry came from Scout’s lips. I embraced her, putting her head against my chest.
“Shh, it’s okay. I’ll get us out of this.” I licked my lips, trying to think. Suddenly, I could hear the drums again, and they were actually getting louder. Where people coming inside?
“It’s too late. It is time.”Magdalena snapped her fingers and suddenly both of us were seized and by two men each. Both of us went kicking and screaming to the altars.
“You touch her I’ll fucking slaughter you!” I snarled as they tossed us onto the tables. Two people turned into five, and I was held tight at the wrists and ankles as they took the straps and bolted us to the tables.
One of them reached for a knife on the table and cametowardme. Her eyes were blank as she reached for me.
“Don’t you fucking dare.”
I glared but she didn’t seem to register my words. She grabbed my shirt and sliced the knife right through it, pulling it off me. Another person took my shoes and socks, and the woman with my shirt cut off my jeans and boxers.
What the fuck?
I turned my head to see that they had done the same to Scout, although undressing her had been easier.
The rhythmic drumming was so loud now I could barely think. I lifted my head and saw that the party outside had indeed come in to watch the show.
I fought and struggled against my bindings, but to no avail. Scout was wiggling, and thin streams of blood fell from her eyes as she looked over at me.
“I love you. After everything we’ve been through, just know I loved you in the end.”
I bit down hard and glared at her.
“Don’t say that.”
If she heard my thoughts, she didn’t register them. A horn sounded and silence fell over the room like a thick blanket. Magdalena walked over to us then, with a large book in her hand.
She spoke in Spanish loudly to the crowd. I closed my eyes and began violently thrashing my head against the wood, trying to break it. She only spoke louder, drowning out my sounds.
The crowd began to holler and whistle when she finished her introduction. I opened my eyes then and watched her saunter to the equipment table. Was this karma for all of the deaths I had directly caused? Was this the right way for a Bloodborn like me to die?
She went to me first, and rested her hand on my thigh. I jerked, the leather cut into my ankles. It healed immediately but the sting remained.
