Children of the Fallen: In Cold Blood (BOOK #2)

Chapter 6: I Was Wrong

Chloe Whitlock

These last two days have been nothing short of exhausting. Actively getting myself out of the very few always awful conversations I've been involved in which all consist of other High Royals condescending me- I'd prefer being ignored. It's all courtesy of my remaining siblings and Kendrick consistently speaking about me like I'm the useless ugly duckling of the family. Funny since in the past, every war and battle I've ever been in, I've been on the front lines while my siblings watch from a far then claim all the glory for themselves. The only ones who acknowledge my contribution are the turned vampires and few nobles who I fought beside, along with Arthur. I enjoyed the brief conversation I had with Arthur yesterday. I haven't spoken to him in decades aside from the formal first greeting at any Ascensions but he spoke to me like a person and even though we only discussed weapons it was nice.

It has stopped hurting that I'm considered to be less than nothing around here even if Kendrick has been pestering me to 'take on a more active role in our territory.' He keeps saying that but then refuses to allow me to actually rule over anything. Asshole. I'm surprised he hasn't brought up another forced marriage for me since Danes gone and marriage is the only thing I could possibly be good for. Every time I'm at one of these I remember each of those humiliating times as vividly as if it happened yesterday. Regardless, I'm thankful for my degree of anonymity as it's helped in recent ventures. It's nice that I've had that to focus on because this Ascension has been too overstimulating. The blood and Morgan. She can't really be like this. It has to be an act.

My room has a balcony attached to it so I spend a lot of time out here with the fresh air, letting the light breeze brush over my skin to cool me down. Inside the scent of blood is too much and after that dinner party it's a million times worse. I pull hard at my shaking hands. They're clean, I showered everything off of me but the blood will always stain them.

I don't want to be here. I was hoping to never go to one of these ever again- not like anyone would miss me but I have to be at this one. I haven't gone to an Ascension week in 16 years. The last one I was at, I was hoping to see Morgan but was informed that she's still being "trained" which I'm positive is a synonym for torture. I cannot imagine what she was forced to endure and I keep reminding myself of that but the last two interactions with her honestly scared me.

"Good I found you." Grayson's voice comes from behind me.

"Oh yay, I'm so glad." I say apathetically and I don't turn to him.

He arrives in my peripheral leaning on the railing staring at me. "Have you spoke to Morgan?"

"Unfortunately." I clasp my hands together tightening my grip down. "Do you have something constructive to say to me?"

"I just wanted to make sure you're set."

"Yep all good." I say shortly. Everything's set, it's just a matter of when.

"Ok good." Silence fills the night air. "Enjoying Ascension?"

"It's always the highlight of my year."

Silence falls around us. "Are you okay?" He finally asks.

"Fine. Go away." After a moment he finally leaves my peripheral and I listen to his footsteps retreating.

Later, I roll over in my bed to look at the clock: 4:12am. I can't sleep. Everyone's still partying downstairs or they're out and will be coming back soon. I get up slipping on a plain blue hoodie and head outside to the back of Victorias palace.