Page 100 of Their Blood Rite

‘It’s one of the many reasons my masters keep me. But I hear you have found another reason to be kept, too. Master Archie got to play with you.’

I swallow the bread in my mouth.

‘I wonder. Was it the soldiers who left you bedridden for three days, or was it our master?’

‘Archie could have died because you didn’t raise the alarm quick enough.’

‘I raised it quick enough to save him.’

‘I wonder. Is that black eye you’ve covered crudely with paste because you failed to do the one thing you are supposed to do? Or because you waited in the hope that I would die?’

Her eye twitches beneath the slight swelling. She watches me as I stand, taking in my clothes as her gaze travels up and down the length of me.

‘They brought you clothing?’ she asks, her voice dripping with jealousy.

‘Shaw left them on his bed for me. You know, the bed I just spent three nights in.’

I don’t care that I was unconscious and probably alone the entire time. I just relish in her sneer.

Before I can blink, she’s faded to orange smoke and reappeared right in front of me.

‘Why are they so interested in a filthy little mud witch like you anyway?’

‘Maybe you should ask them.’

There’s a flash of light from outside. It’s a sudden burst of fire. But she doesn’t seem to be bothered by it at all. The orange glow remains in the distance.

‘My masters sent me to fetch you if you awoke,’ she says, suddenly sweet and gentle. ‘Simply follow the path beyond the line of trees, and you will find them.’ She smiles a sickly smile. ‘Enjoy your evening.’ She fades into smoke.

I really hate her.

I eat the last salvageable pieces of food and leave to follow the path.

Let’s see what mymasterswant this time.

The pyre reaches high into the sky. The vibrant flames exude intense heat, and the air is filled with the smell of smoke and burning wood. All around me, creatures talk and drink. Plumes of smoke spill from their mouths as they inhale somethingstrange that makes them laugh deep and long. To the side, several are starting to play instruments, preparing to entertain. Logs lie on the ground; many sit on them as makeshift seating, drinking wine.

The wet soil beneath my bare feet feels warm and grounds me to the world. I like the connection to the earth much more than my connection to Blood. I like the smells in the air. The sound of conversation and joy around me. Inhaling deeply, I relish in this odd freedom. Considering I’m technically kidnapped, I feel far more alive and free here than I ever did back home. I would be in my room now, locked in. I would never be permitted to join a fireside party like this.

I shudder at the memory of the last one I attended and scan the area for any large trees I may be tied to or for any sign of a blade that might cut me.

No one here seems armed. No one here seems even to notice me.

Someone passes by with several goblets of wine in their hands, and I take the opportunity to relieve them of one. I sip. It’s cool, just like the one Dorian gave me. So happily, I down it all.

I glance around, searching for Shaw or the others, but all I see are unfamiliar faces.

‘Good evening,’ says a smooth, deep voice. I turn to see the male that speaks. He takes my hand and softly kisses my knuckles. ‘You must be the…’ He smiles and clears his throat. ‘The Earth Witch.’

‘Holy shit!’ I whisper, stunned at the beautiful man looking at me. Compared to the others gathered around the fire, many of whom look ragged, filthy, scaley or green in some cases, everything about him is stunning. His skin is smooth and unmarked. His dark hair is pulled back in a loose ponytail. A pair of light green eyes meet mine, and a full set of lips hold a sweet smile.

‘The attractive male from the waterfall,’ I breathe.

‘Excuse me?’

‘Wow. You are gorgeous.’

‘Why thank you.’

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