Page 13 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

What in the Kingdom?

The realization consumed my senses.Oh, Gods.My screams were interrupted by the sound of the candelabra colliding with Francis’ head.

“For god’s sake.” The man gripped onto his injury, cringing, as I took my opportunity to flee.

I ran out the door to the hallway, bumping into a man and a woman I had never seen before, taking them off guard.

Desperately looking for the exit, I sprinted, turning left-right-right-left down the endless sets of stairs. My lungs were on fire, but I did not stop even for a moment, nor did I look back.

Which way was the palace? Where in the Kingdom was I? By now someone would’ve noticed my absence, my mother would’ve sent a search group into the woods. I could only hope I had left tracks behind me.

I ran through the endless labyrinth of stone hallways, praying that luck was on my side today.

The hallways had no windows, the only source of light were the candles on each side of the wall. I grabbed one, just in case.

As panic started to settle deep in my stomach, I finally saw a light that didn’t look like fire—a window perhaps, maybe even a door; though, I didn’t want to get my hopes up.

The shaking in my legs just increased, nausea hitting me with a terrible wave.Breathe.So close, I was so close.

A door.Thank the Gods.

I forced the heavy door open, falling flat on my stomach. I was outside, I had to keep going!

Pushing through the pain in my body that threatened to destroy me right there, I gathered to my feet, when a terrifying scream escaped me. My wrist felt as if it was set on fire, corrupted and abused by it. Staring at my injury, I didn’t stop screaming.I have to keep going!

“You are going to give me a headache, and I haven’t had one in ten years.” Francis shook his head, leaning against the door that I just fled out.

I gasped, moving away from him as much as possible while still on the ground.

He was going to drag me back inside, back to the black room if I didn’t get up right this moment.

“Did you enjoy your run?” He flashed his crimson teeth.

Watching him, I slowly crawled backwards.

Francis put his hands up in defeat, “I amstaying the fuck away.” He rolled his eyes, repeating my words from earlier. “Justpleasestop screaming, would you?” Francis said calmly as he took another sip before returning his hands above his head.

Excruciating pain made me want to cut my hand off.

The bite was now bright pink, looking freshly healed. Healed!The bite.

A scary realization paralyzed me, taking away my ability to inhale.The bite.

“What did you do to me?” I roared, desperately trying not to succumb to the injury Francis created.

“I wouldn't recommend staying out for this long. The sunlight can still hurt you, even on a rainy day.” Francis took a long sip of his wine. Blood.

I wished I had another candelabra to wipe the arrogance from Francis’ face, but the pain radiating from my wrist made it clear that it would need to wait.

“Why did you bring me here?” my voice thundered.

“You're welcome, Your Highness,” Francis bowed. “I am sure you meant to say ‘thank you’ for saving your life before humans found you and set you on fire. Or worse, you would be stupid enough to go back to the palace yourself and get killed.”

My entire body shook as thunder traveled through every inch of my flesh. “What is happening to me?” My voice didn’t sound like my own.

“You know what is happening, Your Highness,” Francis scoffed.

I saw a glimpse of sorry in his eyes. Sorry? How dared he. None of this would've happened if it weren’t for him. “You did this to me!” I shouted. “You can go straight to hell!”