Page 57 of The Star's Sword

“They did,” Zadis said.

“That’s because they were cursed to prevent this kind of thing from happening,” Cayne muttered. “But I’ve always thought something along the lines of what Zadis said. Even working among the celestials, they constantly speak of demons as something to fear and hate. But I’ve never seen demons gossip about celestials. They just go about their lives, trying to protect themselves and their families from harm.”

I pursed my lips, considering it. “Simon? Do you remember?”

Simon shrugged. “I was solitary for a long time, hiding from humans to try not to feed on them. I didn’t know demons before the great divide, and then I didn’t know celestials for some time after. But as to the names, and celestials controlling the narrative, that sounds about right. But what’s the point here?”

Zadis blinked. “I don’t know. Just that once someone is prejudiced against something, it’s very hard to change their mind. And just like this whole world hates demons, the whole vampire court hates Cleo and thinks she eats babies. So I’m not sure what can be done.”

I clasped my hands, feeling deep resignation. “Maybe I should just give up.”

“What?” Simon asked, as everyone turned to look at me.

“What’s the point? What can I do?” I had to fight back tears of pure frustration again. “I’ve done everything I can. I’ve killed, I’ve saved, I’ve brought back from the dead, I’ve donated and it’s all for nothing because I wasn’t a full-time gossip with an army of vampires to gossip for me.”

Selis’s smirk still burned in my mind, echoed by all of the others.

It was just so undeserved and out of touch with reality that I couldn’t understand how he could be so smug.

“Let’s call Mark,” Simon said. “Ask what he thinks. He’s more involved with the court than me.” He looked at Sam and Zadis. “We should send Cleo to him alone.”

“No,” they both said in unison.

“It would show trust,” Simon said.

“I don’t trust him,” Samael and Zadis both said, again at the same time.

“Mark is a good man,” Cayne said, standing and smoothing his hands over his pants. “The rest of us should go talk to the blood workers and start sorting through casks.”

“No good,” Simon said. “We go through blood at such a rate it’s in vampires now, not caskets, except for a bit.” He looked at me. “Cleo, all we can do is have you not donate for a while so they can clear up their confusion.” He shook his head. “Though I hate to see my vampires weaken. Your blood was a true boon, but they don’t deserve it if they’re going to hate you without reason.”

I thought back to my time with Mark in the ballroom. To how easy it was for him to speak with others.

“I’ll do it,” I said. “I’ll go see Mark. I know where his place is.”

Sam stood, along with Zadis. “You can’t,” Sam said. “I’ll come with.”

“He won’t hurt me,” I said. “Despite what you saw. Look, I’m not being kidnapped, but Sam, this might be my last hope of saving things with vampire society. So just let it be, okay?” Sam just glared at me. “I promise, I’ll call you through our bond if I need you. You and Zadis.”

He sent a glance to Zadis, then slowly nodded, though I could tell he hated all of this. “The most important thing to me, Cleo, is you. I will do anything to help you be successful. So if you wish, I will go with the others, but just know that I will be pained to not be by your side.”

I moved over to him, taking him into my arms for a kiss as the others just watched.

I could feel their helplessness at my situation. Their pity.

But I’d been hated by my community since birth. It wasn’t like this was new to me, though I hadn’t thought to be scapegoated all over again.

It seemed like a cycle. Being hated, then avoiding, then being hated and misunderstood because I was avoidant.

I wasn’t sure what the answer was. Because even if someone had told me I should take time off from helping people to work on my rep, I might not have believed them.

It all seemed so counterproductive.

Finally, I pulled apart from Sam, buoyed by his kisses. With him at my side, I could face anything.

As we filed out, Simon held the door for me.

“Try not to worry, Cleo,” Simon said quietly. “I hope Mark will be able to help, but fate cannot be stopped. Not by gossip or by tricks. You are the Morningstar, and they will all see that. Whether they survive it, though, will be another thing.”

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