Page 87 of Blood Day: Part Two

Blood, I realized.I’m smelling blood.

Did he leave the door locked?that voice asked, making me frown. Because again, it wasn’t mine. Yet it had to be some version of my mind becausehehad left me here to die.

Stop thinking and check the door,the voice demanded.You can hate me later.

My brow furrowed.Ce-Cedric?

Check. The. Door.

I blinked several times.Is… is that really you?I stammered.No. Impossible. He left—

Quit wasting time, and check the goddamn door, Lily. I trained you better than this.

I stepped forward, obeying him as my instincts took over for my mind.

The handle moved with ease.No lock.

Good,the deep voice—one I hadn’t heard in what felt like ages—replied.Now listen to me very carefully and do exactly what I say. Then maybe you’ll survive.

Chapter18

Cedric

I hate you.I hate you more than I ever thought possible. You’re a monster. A cruel Master. Was this all just a fucking game to you? Did you leave me here to die because it amuses you?

Those words had been the first to enter my mind when I’d removed the block between me and Lily. I’d been too stunned by her anger to reply, her fury a whip to my senses I hadn’t expected.

Helplessness.

Fear.

Sadness.

I’d anticipated all of those.

But not her vehemence. Herhatred.

Of course, I should have known it was only a matter of time for her to recognize me as the monster who had ruined her existence. I’d warned her from the beginning. I’d wanted her broken. Weeping.Dead.

All in an effort to free her from this life.

However, I couldn’t free her. Not anymore. I needed her. She was my heart. The air I required tobreathe.

I would lose myself without her. Perish to my darker instincts. Wallow in my boredom. Lose my remaining shreds of humanity and become a cruel beast.

Like Silvano.

No.

I refused to let that happen. I needed my flower. My sweet, darling Lily. My other half.My soul.

Perhaps it was selfish of me to force her to remain in this cruel world, but I would do whatever I could to ensure her safety and comfort. I’d hide her for eternity. My one secret. My reason for being. My sole purpose for doing whatever Silvano demanded.

So long as he didn’t find her.

I had it all figured out now. I knew exactly where I would take my flower so that she could bloom. It would be without me by her side, but she would be safe. She’d live. And when I was able, I would visit.

That has to be enough, I thought, my mind focused on hers.