Darkly Devoted (Book 1, 2, 3)

OTF Chapter 7 - The Real Blood-Suckers

Chapter 7

"YOU MIGHT get to see more than demons tonight, princess," Julian noted in jest as they arrived back to the Royal Palace. "You might get to see the real blood-suckers —aristocrats!"

When they arrived through the gated driveway, the entire grounds were lit up with fireworks. King Wynn was supposed to show up to the party that night to make a speech. It was probably a much-needed morale booster for a city that was rapidly finding Nectar harder and harder to find.

Vivienne felt even more disgusted than usual at the splendor of the elite after what she had witnessed that night. She began to fantasize about impaling Maglania on her Segais throne again. Maybe it would be worth it, just to see Maglania's face, to see her struggle as those poor Orlin girls had.

Vivienne was in luck because Julian immediately brought her to Maglania. Sero had excused himself to go ready himself for the party. Maglania was standing in an indoor garden full of Segais Oaks the size of bonsai trees. Vivienne wondered where they found the Dark Waters to feel all these oaks considering their shortage. But, then again, Maglania probably kept herself surrounded by these for fear of a demon attack.

As Vivienne came up to her, she realized Maglania's face was covered in tears. Watching the woman sniffle and wipe her nose on her elaborate, mink sleeve, Vivienne realized it wasn't Maglania at all. It was Allison.

"Vivienne! You're finally back!" Allison exclaimed, through her tears. She tried to smile, but her lips quivered. "Did you have a good time? Did he kiss you?"

"He sure did!" Julian exclaimed. "It was an epic kiss. It even warmed my undead heart."

"Shut up," Allison snapped at Julian. She pointed to her pruning shears. "Monster, go and carve my name in your arm." Julian gave Vivienne a panicked look and then slowly walked to the shears and did precisely as Allison asked.

"Allison," Vivienne pleaded. As much as Julian deserved it, Vivienne hated to see him brought so low by a teenage girl. "He was a great help. We had an amazing night." It was all lies, but Allison lapped every syllable up eagerly.

"What did you eat? Did he hold your hand? Do you feel like you have butterflies in your stomach?" Allison was rambling. Her lips quivered again, and tears ran down her cheeks. Vivienne hugged her. It was clear Allison wasn't actually happy for her. Allison wanted to be her. With Daniel. "They say that when you fall in love, it's like a fluttery feeling in your chest. They say your heart aches to be with that person and you would protect them at all cost. I never got to experience that feeling."

Vivienne hugged Allison tighter. She didn't know what to say. Vivienne had a feeling what Allison needed wasn't pretty words she could live vicariously through. She needed her life back.

"Please, your Highness," Julian whimpered. "You know I have duties tonight."

"Shut up!" Allison snarled with out-of-control anger. "Dig that knife deeper. I want to hear you scream."

Julian immediately let loose a girly scream at the top of his lungs. It didn't seem to placate Allison one bit. Allison slammed her open palm into the table, knocking over several miniature Segais trees. It was then that Vivienne noticed that Allison's fingertips were covered in blood.

"Stop, Ally!" Vivienne said, grabbing Allison's hand. "You're hurt."

Allison looked down at her hands as though she was seeing them for the first time. Then a mad look came across her eyes. "It's not my blood." Allison's eyes turned back to Julian. Her voice became high pitched and infantile. "He didn't scream, you know. He wouldn't scream for me. He wouldn't give me that satisfaction."