Fighting For My Undead Soul

Chapter 3

Artemis' POV

Consciousness returned to me slowly, though I didn't know how much time had passed. At first, I couldn't see. I could feel my hands were tied behind my back and tugging to get them free caused a burning sensation. Most likely the work of witchcraft. I sniffed the air, trying to garner as much information about where I was or who I was with before they realized I was awake. I smelled blood, human blood. A feeling stirred in my chest. A small tug, urging me to find the source of the smell. Hunger was fueling my body since I hadn't had a chance to eat before leaving home.

Memories rushed back to me as I thought about the last time, I was home. I remembered thinking about Lena, wishing she was there, wishing we hadn't fought. What had happened? Where was I now? Dark, almost black eyes flashed in my head. They were staring back at me in the mirror. Freakishly long fangs smiled at me as rough, calloused hands grasped my neck. White, lightening hot pain crashed through my body, from my neck and down through my spine. I squirmed in the chair I was bound to. My wrists stung from the movement, but I was more concerned with my previously broken neck.

I rolled my head on my shoulders, checking my capacity to move. The only pain left was phantom and there didn't seem to be any restrictions. At least I had healed properly. Throughout my years spent on the road with Cassie, I had died several times, in the mortal sense. However, this was the first time my neck had ever been snapped like a twig. The memory of the pain was enough for me to work towards that not happening again. A groan sounded to my left and I flinched. I hadn't registered the heartbeat next to me as I took stock of my surroundings, but now it was impossible to miss though it seemed to be growing more and more faint. "Who's there?" I asked, trying to inflict strength into my voice even though it came out hoarse. A groan responded, but nothing more. It was a woman. She seemed to be in pain. And she was human.

A door opened in front of me. I counted the number of steps the person reached before they were in front of me. Nine. Either it was a small room, or we were just inside the door. My body tensed as the person stood directly in front of me. I waited for pain, but nothing happened. I flexed my muscles, testing my arms and legs for readiness. If I had the chance to break free, I would. Gentle, cold fingers pried the blindfold from my eyes. I squinted from the light. It was dim, but blackness had been my only sight for some time now I guessed. I wasn't sure how long I had been here, but it seemed like it had been at least a day or two judging by my appetite. The first thing I saw as I avoided looking up was the woman lying on the floor to my left. She seemed young, maybe in college. Her breathing was shallow, but she was still alive as blood trailed from an unseen wound in her stomach.

I diverted my eyes quickly, not liking the feeling of hunger that was tearing through my stomach. I focused my attention back on the person in front of me. My eyes trailed upward, from polished shoes to a nice, expensive looking suit, and finally, to deep red lips and hair as black as night. My eyes swelled as recognition dawned on me. The red lips curled into a devilish smile. She walked behind me, her hands caressing my shoulders as she went. She bent down, her lips grazing my ear as she spoke softly, "I told you it's dangerous to come out at night, but these days, it's dangerous to be alive." The shiver waiting to roll down my spine didn't have time to move as her hands gripped the side of my head. "Please, n-" I tried to beg, but my words were cut short. Valerie did not hesitate. In one motion, she twisted my head. The crunch was followed by blinding pain that I hoped wouldn't become too familiar as time wears on. And then there was a blissful nothing.