Page 46 of Her Blood Revenge

‘True. That seems to be a theme with us, doesn’t it?’

Yes. Sadly, it does.

And yet, I lean back and close my eyes, finding peace in this monster’s arms.

Chapter nine

The Shadow Master

Listening to her bare her soul and trauma to Archie is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

And I lived in hell for centuries. I have torn apart the living for sport and harboured their souls.

But hearing her speak of her past is true torture.

Keeping out of sight, I remain in the hall, the bedroom door ajar, and listen to their bathwater slosh with their slight movements.

I can see it as if I were there. Her, as a child, sat on the lap of old, disgusting men, being forced to kiss them. Their hands on her as they bounced her on their knees.

I can see her clawing at the door, pleading to be let out as they placed bets on how long she would stay conscious until she passed out in fear.

I lift my gaze. Shaw’s teeth are sharp, and his jaw tense as he meets my gaze. We listened in silence. Listened to her confession.

Our girl.

It turns out she’s just as damaged and broken as we are. Her monsters walk free, dreaming of the times they got to play with her. To make her cry. To make her watch the torment of others and condition her to accept whatwas coming.

A child, watching the systematic rape and abuse of a woman who tried to leave the coven. Forced to watch. To accept that this was normal. Expected.

Our girl.

Screaming. Crying. Pleading. Huddled up under the bed as she hid from the spirits.

Her father may be dead, but the others may not be.

Archie is right.

We will be getting names.

I peer around the door. They’re both in the tub now. Archie holds her as they lean back. Her eyes are red and puffy as a silent tear slides down her cheek. She’s tried not to care about her past. To let it affect her. But I feel it through our link. I know her skin crawls with memories.

Just as ours do with the images she’s created.

I’ve never seen Archie hold someone like that before. So tight and utterly encased around her. So protective.

But the look in his eyes is as dark as I’ve ever seen. As his hands slowly glide up and down her arm, he stares into nothing, struggling to contain the rage we all feel. He turns his head as Shaw silently walks towards them from behind. She doesn’t see him.

Shaw blows sleep dust over her as Archie looks away and holds his breath.

Within seconds, she’s limp, and they carry her out of the bath.

We dry and dress her before placing her on the bed, then all surround her, watching her sleep.

‘I think it’s time we pay the coven a visit,’ Shaw says through gritted teeth. ‘We still haven’t thanked them forattacking us and stealing the grimoire. I think it’s time to correct that.’

I nod, my shadows thrumming with excitement at the idea.

‘She wanted to come with you, Shaw,’ Archie reminds him.

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