Page 29 of Prayer of the Damned

“It’s not my decision. Libretto gave the order.”

“Then I want to speak to Libretto.” It’s more a demand on my part than a request. I’m not pleased at the thought of meeting him again, but if he’s the one pulling the strings, I’ll have to go to the source.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea—”

“Call him. Now!” I point to the cellphone he’s holding in his hand. If he thinks he has a choice, he’d better think again. He lets out a frustrated breath but does as I say.

“She wants to see you,” he says into the device, with no preamble. Had he already been speaking to him before coming here? His furrowed brow answered my question. “Alright,” he answered, and hung up.

Before I can ask him what they’re talking about, Simon appears between us and I let out a startled cry. Fuck, what’s thedealwith them? He scared the shit out of me!

“It’s faster this way,” Simon chuckles, taking my hand. Before I can protest, we vanish into the void, and appear in the castle’s ballroom an instant later. My father has been left behind.

It didn’t take longer than a split-second, but I feel my head spinning like I just went on an insane rollercoaster for the ride of my life.

“Bellcolor,” Libretto greets me from his ridiculous throne.

“Fuck,” I blurt out, leaning on my knees to get my breathing right.

Simon returns to his seat by Libretto’s side. Well, I can’t say it was elegant.

“I understand you wanted to see me.” Libretto gestures for me to approach. I draw a breath into my lungs and hold it for a moment. When I feel braver, I let the air go and walk up to him with a determined look.

“My father told me you mean to pull me out of school.”

“That’s right.”

“No.” I boldly stare him down. God, he just boils my blood.

“You dare defy the command of the Council’s leader, girl?”

I don’t answer. Of course I have no intention of telling him exactly what I think of him and his command, as far as I’m concerned he can shove it up his ass, but I have to be smart and avoid rash words that’ll get me in trouble. I have to make it clear to him that I have no intention of letting clueless adults continue to control my life. I make fists of my hands and feel my talons digging into my skin, but they don’t hurt me. I welcome the pain that balances my tempestuous emotions. He stares at me, waiting for an answer that isn’t coming.

“Damn you,” he waves a hand. The rest of the Council members immediately rise and leave the room without askingwhy he needs the privacy. Now it’s just him and me, and this is the moment all my courage flees with its tail between its legs. He rises from his throne and takes long, confident steps towards me. My body freezes in terror. He places a finger under my chin and raises my head.

“How shall I punish you, girl?”

“P-punish?” My lower lip trembles and my teeth chatter.

“Didn’t the Dean make himself clear when he detailed the rules of our world?” he growls, and the sound seeps directly into my soul.

“Y-yes,” I tremble uncontrollably. Well, I wasn’t listening very much because I was busy losing my mind as soon as he mentioned blood, but I couldn’t really say that.

“I’ll make you a deal, girl.” His voice is low and his gaze scorches me. There’s no way I’ll agree to anything he offers. My soul may have been claimed by the Devil, but Libretto is a whole other kind of fiend.

“You want to stay in school?” he asks, and I nod. “Then I will fulfill your wish.” I let out a sigh of relief, but when he narrows his eyes I hold my breath again. “But if you again desire blood, you will come to me.”

To him? Oh my God, no! I mean, eww.

He picks up on my reaction to his suggestion. “Otherwise, you’ll undergo your training under my roof. I can’t afford to have a human demon wandering amok, draining the blood of the Devil’s servants. Am I understood, Bellcolor?”

I want to say ‘no’, I want to slap him so he takes his finger off my chin, but I don’t do anything of the sort. I just nod, like his eyes have mesmerized me. “Good girl, Bellcolor,” he chuckles, seemingly satisfied. This Libretto is a real control freak.

“Now close your eyes, Bellcolor,” Libretto commands. I hesitate for a moment, and have no choice but to obey. Panic ignites in me as I wait impatiently for what’s next. Now that myeyes are closed and I don’t know what Libretto’s planning, I’m about to pass out in terror. A sharp smell fills the air in the hall, and I almost collapse when that suffocating feeling envelops me.

“I have plans for you, Bellcolor, and I can’t let you wither away. But hear my words, under no circumstances are you to share your blood with any living or dead creature besides me. I’m about to give you a precious gift, and I expect you to keep it secret.” I can’t focus on his words. All I can do is nod. I’ll agree to anything he says, even if it’s just pretense, so long as it means I can get the hell out of here as soon as possible.

“Say the words, Bellcolor,” Libretto orders, still gripping my jaw tightly. The sharp pain piercing my skin pulls me out of my trance and forces me to comply.

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