Page 25 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

The shock left my eyes unable to close, unable to look away, revealing everything I had only seen in my nightmares as a child.

I didn’t see pain in these people’s eyes, just indifference and... enjoyment.

Perhaps, they’d gone mad in the moments of anticipation, unable to process what was happening to them. Perhaps, some of them had been prepared for such an outcome, and were patiently waiting for their endless dream.

Would they be dried empty of any thoughts? Would their hearts stop pumping, realizing there was nothing left to pump? Would some of them become the very thing they were victims of?

“Cordelia?”

Thunder broke into the room, making the windows shudder in protest.

The buzz in my head grew louder, as I watched a human leaning against a vampire's chest. Simon’s chest. The woman threw her head back, allowing him closer.

I wanted to scream, run for her, take her away; though my body didn’t move—paralyzed.

Simon moved his victim’s hair, kissing her neck before piercing the skin with force. The woman squeaked in pain, her eyes rolling back.

Simon drank the woman's blood with pleasure, drying her empty. My head spun, but my eyes could not escape the horrific scene.

“Cordelia?” Cold hands gently held my face. “Please, look at me.” Florence’s worried eyes found mine.

“I will take her, go enjoy yourself, Florence.” A voice came from behind me, making the back of my neck prickle.

Florence nodded, letting free of my face as I closed my eyes, not wanting to witness that spectacle again.

Strong hands held me by my shoulders, moving me towards the exit. My vision blurred, forcing nausea upon me: weakness entered every inch of my being.

“Princess?” The voice exclaimed. “I know you wouldn’t want me to carry you out, so please walk.”

The bitter words made my heart race with anger. His annoyed tone made me push him away, but I did as he said—I walked.

The sound of rain calmed my nerves; I focused on the noise, forcing the dark images out of my mind.

“Almost there,” Francis said, making me realize he was not taking me to my room.

“Where are we going?” I asked him. I was in no position to protect myself, and the longer we walked, the less people I saw.

“Outside,” Francis pulled on the large metal handle. “I figured you would like some fresh air, you haven’t been outside in months.”

The back door of the castle opened with a horrible squeak. A wave of air brushed over my skin, hitting my face with relief.

The rain drizzled into my hair, relaxing my wandering mind. I closed my eyes, putting my face directly into a stream of rain.

Francis' hand left my shoulder, reminding me of his presence.

I faced the man, meeting his gaze. “How can you allow this?” I accused him. My hands turned into fists, even the rain couldn’t calm my fire.

“We need to feed.” Francis shrugged, immediately understanding the subject of my question.

I took a deep breath, refusing to acknowledge the calmness of his answer. “Who are these people?”

“Someone who needs gold, someone who broke the law on human grounds, although, most of them are just lunatics.”

My brows furrowed.

“They think of us as their high beings, gods sent by the Moon, if you will.” He rolled his eyes at the absurdity of such words. “They bring themselves as sacrifices.” He chuckled, as a new wave of nausea threatened to end me.

I staggered backwards, leaning against the wall of the castle. “You are no Gods, just monsters,” I bit out through clenched teeth.