Page 59 of Prayer of the Damned
When he sees me hesitate, he lifts the wine glass and forces me to sip from it.
My breath catches, and I almost choke on the liquid’s effect on my body. Flashes of memories rise up in my mind.Libretto caressing my skin, torn sheets, blood… so much blood…
I jump to my feet and smash the wine glass against the far wall. “What the hell was that?” I scream, my whole body roiling. The flames in the fireplace are going wild, threatening to burn down the lounge. My talons extend, digging into my skin as I form fists, but they can’t hurt me.
“My memories,” he replies, studying me, “Of our lovemaking.”
“That wasn’t lovemaking!” I spit at him venomously. “You forced yourself on her, just like you’re trying to do to me now!”
“You loved it! You wanted me!” His face grows stern and his nostrils flare. “It wasn’t supposed to end this way!”
“Why does your blood affect me this way?” I demand to know. I’ve tasted demon blood, but it’s never affected me this way. My lips are quivering and I’m afraid to ask the question. “What are you?”
He doesn’t answer, just smiles that same chilling smile.
Did he steal Lilith’s virginity in her previous life? Did he get his hands on her blood in order to steal her power? Has her blood already been purged from his veins, and he’s determined to taste her again?
“Under no circumstances are you to share your blood with any living or dead creature besides me.”
I remember his warning and my body stiffens as soon as I realize it. He wants my blood for himself and only himself. Blood I only managed to shed when I broke my own hymen.
“You’re too late,” I laugh disdainfully. “So it’s time to give up and let me go. Lethergo.”
His smile widens. “Oh, really?” His pupils widen, and I take a step back. “He’strying to make you his saint, isn’t he?”
Motherfucker.
I run to the double doors and hear the sound of the lock clicking. I grab the doorknob and rattle the door savagely, but it’s useless. I turn and find Libretto standing behind me.
Disgusted, I turn my head from him as he presses his nose to my neck and breathes my scent in. He releases a deep-throated growl that makes the hairs on my body stand on end, and in response I shake loose and swing my arm. His huge body is hurled far from me, slamming into the dinner table and spills his blood everywhere.
“Don’t touch me,” I hiss. “Don’t you fucking dare touch me again!” He lets out a dark laugh. “Let me go! I’m going back to campus right now!” I scream at him, feeling my throat sting.
“You’ll be back,” he smiles euphorically.
“Over my dead body! You’d better snap out of this fairytale you’re living in, because you’re in for some bitter disappointment.”
“If you wish to banish Lilith from the lands of Adam, you’ll be back.” I freeze in place. How does he know that’s what I want? “Lilith always goes looking for the one who will banish her, it’s her curse,” he answers the question I’m asking in my mind.
“And how did she do it last time?”
“The only one who can banish her from the realm of man is the one she gives her blood to.”
I hear the sound of the lock opening, and I don’t hesitate, running out of the lounge and leaving Libretto behind.
Despite this nightmarish evening, I got the only answer I wanted. The key to banishing Lilith and ending my life.
Chapter Thirty
Bellcolor
Simon returned me to my room. I paced it for a long time, looking for a new plan of action. Libretto revealed to me that to banish Lilith, I needed to shed my blood. When I broke my hymen I actually ruined the only way I’d found for my body to bleed. But Libretto’s reaction shook me. Why did he doubt that? Why had he said thatHewanted to make me a saint? The Devil was the one who added me to his ranks, after all.
Terror seizes me as Libretto’s arrogant reaction begins to sink into my consciousness. Maybe I can’t be rid of them?
I remember that every time I’ve taken demonic blood, the wound I left in their skin was healed, while I was invulnerable. Could my body have healed itself and restored my hymen?
Great, I’m condemned to be the Virgin fucking Mary!
