Page 104 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

“Is everything all right?” My hands fell onto his shoulders. “What is the matter?”

Francis nodded as his lips turned into a thin line. His eyes filled with regret.

“Francis?” My heart raced, skipping a few beats.

“I lied to you,” he said slowly, as though each word pained him.

“Lied to me?” I repeated just as slowly, each word scratched my throat. “What about?” I slowly let go of his shoulders, forcing a small distance between us.

“Before I tell you, could you promise me you will listen to my explanation before coming to a conclusion?” he said quietly.

I nodded, though I was uncertain I could act upon such a promise.Lied to me.

“I—” he trailed off, exhaling. “When you were bitten—”

“No,” I whispered, moving farther away from him. No, that couldn’t be right.

“No! No!” Francis shook his head, taking a step toward me. “I wasn’t the one who bit you. I swear to the Moon.”

“What is it then?” My heart banged against my rib cage: ready to flee.

“I know who bit you, Cordelia,” Francis told me carefully. “And that was the reason I brought you here.” He took a deep breath before telling me the words that burned my heart like a sunray. “I brought you here in the hope to catch your creator, to catch the leader of the Wurdulacs.”

Chapter 40

Old Friend

Empty.

The world broke into pieces, leaving me for last. Standing in the middle of the disaster—right in the center of the hurricane—my mind was empty, my mind was silent: waiting for its last beat, for its last blow.

A small smile made its way onto my face, though my heart was in pieces. “You used me as bait,” I said so calmly, I wasn’t sure the voice belonged to me.

“Let me explain.” He urged toward me. Suddenly the room felt ten times smaller. “You promised you would listen to my explanation.”

“What is there to explain?” I shrugged. “I only have myself to blame. I was foolish enough to trust you, to think you truly cared. I thought—” my lips trembled. “Don’t worry,” I said at last, meeting his gaze. “You’re not first to use me for your own gain.”

“I do care for you, Cordelia!” Francis’ voice broke. “I care for you. I truly do. I would never let anything harm you. I would never—”

Tears formed in my eyes. “It’s all right,” I whispered when my vision became a blur.

“No one would dare to turn a royal daughter, no one but a Wurdulac leader. Whoever they are, they bit you for a reason. Iknow it,” Francis said, yet his words became a blur as well. “I thought they would come to get you, bargain even.”

I closed my eyes, embracing the hurricane’s blows.