Blood Luster

Chapter Twenty-Three

Magnolia's eyes fluttered open; she was in a strange place. Her vision was blurry, the only details she could see was she was lying in a red room with a black ceiling. Her head was throbbing and spinning. When she raised up it became painfully aware she was soaking wet. She pulled her shirt close to her face, then the realization set in.

Blood.

All the memories flooded back in, the horror of what she'd done. Her legs gave out when she attempted to stand.

"Where am I?" she screamed. "Hello? Is anyone there? Help."

The silence was deafening.

The door in front of her swung open.

"Benjamin?" she stammered.

"Guess again, boy wonder isn't here." Fear gripped her chest.

"Ricky?" she squeaked.

"Yes."

"What have you done?" she asked panicked.

"You're finally going to get the help you need." He paced the floor.

"What does that mean?"

"You're a blood luster Magnolia. They came along and turned you into the very thing you'd never want to be. If only you knew." He taunted.

"Ricky, I'm in danger. If the wrong people find me, they'll kill me and probably you too."

"You mean the Gallentine's?"

"Y—Yes." A sob formed in her throat.

"They only want to help you Mags, don't worry. We're going to get you the help you need." His hand brushed over her head.

Her body stiffened at his touch. "No, no, no." She broke into tears and buried her face in her hands.

"There's no reason to cry. You're going to be cured and we can finally get our lives back on track, the life I've waited seven years for."

The door opened again; Magnolia rubbed her eyes trying to focus her vision. When she dropped her hands, she was face to face with Angela. She was less shocked to find her here than she had been Ricky, her entire façade never fooled her.

"This is—"

"I know who she is," Magnolia said apprehensively.

Ricky's face dropped. "How do you know her?"

"Geez Ricky, how brainwashed do they have you?"

"Listen you little bitch, I've been catering to your every need to put on a front for everyone. I promise that won't be happening here, I have only one need for you here."

She pressed her fingers to the side of her head, slightly rubbing her temples. "You need me to harness the sun."

"Wait, what's going on?" Ricky waved his hands. "You told me we would be making her mortal again."

"She will be, when she's dead." Angela smirked.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Ricky asked shocked.

Angela walked around the room, both her hands gripping her hips. She stopped in front of Magnolia and tilted her head. "You really did upgrade when you landed my Benjamin." Her attention turned to Ricky. "You brought us wonderfully magical Magnolia in hopes for a cure but your naiveness and stupidity is going to get her killed. We have not, nor have we ever, had any intention of reverting her to a mortal. We need her for our own personal needs, none of which include you."