Torment ( Book Two )

Chapter 33

Chapter Thirty-Three

"I can't believe you're doing this to me," Lucy groaned over the phone.

Amber felt so guilty and Lucy was only making her feel worse. "I know. I'm so sorry."

"I understand your reasoning but it still sucks. I'm not going to know anyone on the first day!"

Amber had broke the news to Lucy that she wouldn't be going to Bloody Books University this year and the girl wasn't taking it well.

"We're still close enough to hang out and visit," Amber reasoned.

Lucy sighed through the phone. "I'm worried about you. People who wait a year for college never end up actually going."

Amber chuckled. "That is not true."

"It is. You gotta promise you'll attend college eventually, princess."

Lucy was fascinated by Amber being a part of the royal family.

"I promise! You need to find a new roommate for now, though."

Amber could practically see Lucy's expression as a moment of silence hung over the line.

"I hate you."

"I said I'm sorry!"

"Yeah, well, I gotta run."

Amber chuckled. "You never run."

"You know what I mean," Lucy scoffed. "Let's hang out soon, okay?"

"How about we go shopping on Wednesday. I think I'm free then."

"Yay! Sounds good. I'll text you," said Lucy before hanging up.

Ambet set the phone down, hoping she had made the right decision in waiting a year. She would attend Bloody Books next year and everything would be fine. Right?

With a sigh, Amber opened the door to her room, intending to go and get something to eat. She was shocked to see a stranger standing outside of her room.

"Hi!" The young woman chirped, casually waving her camera around. "Could I get a picture with the princess?"

Amber was confused. "Me? I'm not a princess."

The woman gave a laugh. "Of course you are. It's in your blood."

Before Amber could argue, the woman held out her camera, got close to Amber, and snapped a picture.

"Thanks! I'm also a journalist. Could I ask you a few questions?"

"I... no. No, thank you."

Amber quickly darted off down the nearby staricase. She wasn't comfortable with all these strangers in their home.

She just reached the refrigerator in the large kitchen when Asher stepped in front of her, appearing out of nowhere.

"Oh, hey, Asher!"

But Asher wasn't offering a warm greeting. He was frowning at her. "Amber, you don't look so good."

She frowned back at him. "Nice to see you too."

"No, I mean... you're pale and sickly looking. When's the last time you've had blood?"

"Um..." Amber felt her cheeks go pink. She hadn't had blood in forever. "I honestly can't remember."

"That's what I thought. Have you not been drinking those packets Luna buys you?"

Luna bought Amber packets of blood left over from meats every week but Amber didn't like the idea of drinking that. So she never really drank them. If Luna found out, she'd be furious.