Page 41 of Of Night and Blood: Special Edition

I pivoted to face her fully, wanting to gauge what innuendos were hidden in her words. Noe’s red lips were set in a line, her eyes full of understanding. Every bit the kindness I wanted from others, but had come to not expect. In that moment I knew that this demon, regardless of feuds and bad blood, was kind.

“You think I plan to run,” I stated rather than asked.

She offered a sad, knowing smile. A friend. Noe could have been a friend. In another life, under different circumstances. She had not shown me that memory to manipulate me or brainwash me into believing she was trustworthy. Everything I saw was to prove that she, more than anyone, understood what it was like to be hurt by the people who you love.

What Noe, Bellamy, and the others failed to see though, was that Mia and Xavier loved me too. Unorthodox as their methods were, it came from a good place. Above all else, the royals cared about my safety and my happiness. Before my wedding I questioned that, but now, looking back, I knew they had simply been pushing me towards my best option.

“I know from experience what you are thinking right now, Asher,” Noe whispered, cutting off my thoughts. “You are hoping that they will be better when you find your way back to them. Or worse, you are convincing yourself they beat you because they love you. I went back to my father countless times over the years with the same thoughts and hopes, but the pain he inflicted never stopped, the wounds never healed.”

Noe shivered at her own words, her face gaining a slightly green hue.

I thought of the wicked male, his beady black eyes so different than Noe’s large hazel ones. Even his greasy black hair that hung limply from his shoulders was a contrast to her golden-brown locks. I had never consoled someone for loss or pain, so I struggled to find words that would suffice. Thinking of what I might want to hear, I spoke.

“I find that the strongest of us often have heinous histories. From the mere moments we have spent together, I can tell you are worthy of love and light and joy. I am sorry those who were supposed to give that to you did not,” I offered.

Noe shook her head, “This is not about me, Asher. I have faced my evils and won. I want to encourage you to do the same. Think through your next steps wisely, because you might find you are sentencing yourself to a life of anguish for a duty that is not yours.”

Her hand went to my arm, giving me a small squeeze before turning to leave. When she got to the doors, she looked over her shoulder and spoke once more.

“I know what he did to you, that mortal prince. If you were my daughter, no male would ever harm you and live to tell the tale.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

No matter what Noe said, there was no place for me here. Not unless I wanted to be tortured, brainwashed, and used.

That was the reality of the situation. These beings seemed nice, but that was because I had power they wanted. When I was a small fae barely able to walk, they attacked and mutilated me with no remorse. All because they had no use for me; I was not vital to their success. Prince Baron was not so lucky.

Which was why I was leaving.

Immediately after Noe closed the door to my chambers, I began frantically pacing, attempting to make a plan. It did not take long for me to form one, though the likelihood of success was low.

I would pack enough supplies for a fortnight, which was likely not enough, but truly all I could carry. From there I would manipulate whoever was standing watch to take me to whatever small boat they had that would be discreet but also functional.

No plans would get me through the journey past The Mist.

When I finished packing clothing in the conveniently placed satchels, I went in search for a bathing chamber. I figured the wall of books had to house it, because otherwise I would be stuck going down all of those stairs every time I had to relieve myself.

The center shelf had an indent in the wood, big enough to not be an accident but small enough not to be immediately noticed. I grabbed onto it, tugging slightly, and it gave way, swinging out towards me. Inside was the bathing chamber, which was much more Bellamy’s style. Every inch of it was black marble, including the bath that was large enough to fit multiple bodies. I raised my brow, curious as to how the previous owner made use of it.

This room had curtains hiding the light from the windows, also black of course. But what struck me the most was the demon lights floating above. They were far smaller than the ones throughout the manor, looking even more so like stars than they had in Bellamy’s chambers. Calling the sight captivating did it little justice.

After I finished ogling, I took another bath. My body had been through more than should be possible since my last one a few hours ago. Products of all kinds had been left in vials, the most common being vanilla scented.

Once I finished soaking, taking well over an hour to relax my growing nerves and tense muscles, I got dressed in another set of all black clothing. Then I waited until the sun set over the horizon and knocked on the door. To my dismay, Henry was on the other side.

“Hello, little brat. Pray tell what you might need?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes on instinct, but quickly flashed a smile to recover. I would need to do this without my powers, because there was no telling who might be on watch duty tonight. I could not risk taking control of more than one of them.

“Henry, I was hoping to take my dinner in my own chambers. I am in need of alone time to…process everything. Would you be able to tell me how to get to the kitchens?”

I knew he would not allow me to go on my own, but his chuckle still infuriated me. Despite Bellamy suggesting I was free to roam anywhere I pleased, his particular wording did not suggest I could do so alone. Stupid demon.

“Oh Asher, you wonderful, manipulative little creature. There is no world where we would set you loose on the unsuspecting residents of Haven, though I am sure you of all beings will do your best to try anyways.” He smiled, leaning towards me slightly.

Was this Bellamy’s new tactic? Revoke my ability to roam the grounds and send the pumpkin demon to seduce me too? I pushed past him, scoffing as I did.

“Well then please do lead the way, carrot top.” My tone was not kind, but I did find myself not completely loathing Henry’s company. He was entertaining to say the least. If I were to be seduced, Bellamy and Henry were not the worst males to do so. That was if I chose to forget the way the former deceived me and the way the latter attacked me.

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