Children of Blood ✔️

Chapter Seven

Laying awake under my covers I wait in a single warm spot I had made during the night. Finally, an echo of an ear-piercing screech erupts from the tiny vocal cords of a small black bird, a modified alarm clock without a snooze button if you will.

I rise from the heated pillow, my hand shooting up to my long messy morning hair and flipping it back. I lean on the heels of my hands behind me on the stiff bed below. I turn to the sun peeking through the tall, eccentric buildings, the orange light reflecting off the dust and bugs in the air which float peacefully. A painful memory scorches the back of my mind, reminding me of the lightning bugs where I would meet Luke during the night.

I sit up and slip out of the room where everyone remains asleep as I change into a black tank top and slip on my worn runners. I flip on a fresh army green jacket which Alaric gave to me as I strap my bow and quiver to my back before tying my dark caramel hair into a braid.

I sigh and roll my shoulders before brushing off my tights. Why do I care what I look like? It's not like I'm actually going to see Luke today, or maybe ever. Swinging open the door I walk down the path of stones wedged between the long grass which tickles my calves.

"Morning buttercup," Alaric's voice is sweet and wistful as he looks me up and down smirking, "trying to impress me are you?"

"You wish," I growl and push past him.

"Did you say your goodbyes?" Alaric tosses me a loaf of bread and apple leading us towards our horses who look more prepared for the assassination mission than I am.

"I don't have anyone to say goodbye to," I stuff the bread in my mouth and swing my leg over the horse's back.

"Your sister? Or your friends maybe?" Alaric hops on the back of his horse and walks to my side, "someone?"

"I lost that someone a while ago," I shake my head wishing Roxy was here. She would tease me about how she'd hope I'd die on my mission so she wouldn't have to see my horrid face ever again. And while doing this she'd fix my hair and make sure I've eaten breakfast.

"Me too," Alaric whispers and stares at me delicately before walking ahead of me, "try to keep up sweetheart, it will be a long and riveting ride."

I roll my eyes, "I'm sure it will be."

—

I stare at Alaric's face as he keeps walking, my eyes straining to see past his flesh and into his mind. What is it that he wants from me? Why did he choose someone like me, someone he doesn't know?

"If you stare any longer you're going to convince me that I have succeeded in getting you to fall in love with me." Alaric smiles and pivots his head to look at me, "what's on your mind buttercup?"

"Why?" I snap my head back to the trail before giving him a untrusting glare. "Why would you choose me? A girl you don't know, who you can't trust and isn't loyal to you. I'm no better then the boy you should've taken."

"You are better then him, you know you need to improve so you work hard and become better. You are stronger and faster then I give you credit for... and in all honesty you know the layout of the Bellator Clan's land. I knew it would be helpful for this mission and would speed up the mission. With you I don't have to risk a scouts life and our chance at this assassination."

I nod my head, it makes sense why he chose me, but how would he know I would be familiar with the land of the Bellator? I squint at him and quicken my walk so that I am by his side, "and how would you know I am familiar with the Bellator Clan's land?"

"You were running from the Bellator territory the night you killed my scout," Alaric stares at me, "only guilty or wanted people run."

My stomach flips and I try to hide my gulp, "What if I am simply guilty for caring about someone I shouldn't have?"