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16: Blood & Ink
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Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 17: While You Were Being Patted On The Back, I Was Being Used To Ruin People
ASHTONA click of a lock brings my feet to a halt. Instantly, I turn on the person. It’s Carden sneaking in again. He doesn’t show an ounce of emotion toward my anger and disdain. In fact, he taunts me with a smile. A half-cocked, half-assed, joke of a smile.“If you are here to see if I cut my own hand off in disgust, you can leave,” I wave the marked hand in the air, “it's still attached, thanks to there being no knives in the kitchen.” I don’t acknowledge that I have a blade in my bag. I’m saving that for something dire…if that day ever comes.“I came to get you for dinner.”I stare at him blankly. Dumbfounded by his words. So simple, but so tormenting. “Dinner.”“As Zayne requested. You do remember that conversation don’t you?”“Not really.” I joke. “I tend to block out mediocre conversation when traumatic events are at play.”“Give it a few days and it’ll feel better.” If this is him being nice, I’m not up for it.“What will feel better exactly? My ego or my hand?”“You’re hand,
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 18.0 Please?
CARDENIt’s initiation day. A huge milestone for every wanna be Order soldier. Except she isn’t a wanna be Order soldier. She’s a teenage girl that hates being here, hates being told what to do and probably hates doing the right thing.“Do you think this is the best route? Marking her...permanently? What if-”Zayne interrupts my doubt, “there is no other choice. She will appease The Order.” She is an obstacle to him, a pit stop before the finish line. Without her there is no finish. Without her we may lose. “Go retrieve her.” He orders.Oliver bumps into me on my way to her room. He knows. “Good luck. She’s gonna be pissed.” He slaps my back before dashing away. He’s more than pleased to be playing the good guy. The guy that doesn’t sneak up on her. The guy that doesn’t give her orders.I linger outside her door. Debating about knocking, not knocking. I’ve grown to enjoy the shock and anger on her face when I barge into her room as if it were my own. Except I don’t see her horrified f
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 19: Dirty Jobs For A Dirty...
ASHTONCurtains. I never knew how much I miss curtains until being in a room with none. How is it that the only window in the entire suite is in the bedroom where it proves to continually torment me. The rising sun shines freely into the room at an ungodly time and my only escape is underneath the thick comforter. There’s a violent knock at the door followed by a creak of said guest letting themselves in when I don’t respond. I hold back my groan, thinking that I can hide from him. But my thoughts are just silly daydreams as the bottom of the blanket at my feet bunches up before being whipped off the bed completely.I shriek and recoil into a ball. My eyes ablaze with shock. “What if I was naked?” I shriek at Carden who stands oblivious to the mortification of what could’ve been.“Feeling so relaxed that after a mere two days of being here you would be caught without clothes on? I would love to see that.”“What exactly would you love to see?” I swing my legs out of bed still dressed
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 20: It's Kinda My Job
ASHTONThere’s a twinge of loathing as I look upon the mansion-like house. Clearly this man isn’t a sore loser and he’s not paying because he doesn’t have it. He’s not paying because he doesn’t want to.Carden hops out first and opens my door, he lingers next to it waiting for me to exit. I don’t budge. He wastes no time with making demands, showing me who’s in charge. “Let's go.” It isn’t me.My feet drag as the three of us walk up to the front door. Oliver is the one who knocks once we reach the door. Each crack vibrates through my body. Carden steps closer to me sensing my twitchy behavior. Does he think I’m going to run? It’s not that I don’t want to, but I won’t make it far.It takes several long moments before this so-called criminal answers the door. I’m just about ready to suggest that they may not be home when the door creaks open. Idiot.There’s a tangible change in Carden as his stare shifts from me to the stranger. His voice is monotone and emotionless as he becomes a sold
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 21: Parker St.
ASHTONCarden and Oliver block me in between them. Always present, always aware. But they’re not the only ones. These streets demand your full attention.The last time I walked these sidewalks, I was scoping out potential clients. People desperate enough to summon a demon, stupid enough more like it. West River was never the wealthiest and not all crime here is supernaturally induced. Some of these people are just cruel.I’ve had my run ins and I would prefer not to have more. My mother had me set up these people for failure and then she conned them out of nearly everything they had. Am I the reason there are so many demons here? Or was my mother drawn here because it was already infested?Carden guides us down the streets and I trust his judgment as best I can, but when we reach the seven hundred block of Parker St. the line is drawn. My feet come to a halt. Are they trying to kill me the first time out? Oliver notices my indiscretion first. “Tired already?” He asks.“I’m not going
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 22: Moo
ASHTONThere’s a small sliver of ease when I see the shabby pub come into view. It isn’t safety, but it’s better than being out in the open. It doesn’t mean that people in here adore me anymore than those out there either. The door creaks as I pull it open, but no one meets my eyes as I walk in. A run down bar in the bad part of town only means that not so pleasant people come here, people you don’t want to look in the eye. I take the barstool right in front of the bartender, so he can’t miss me or ignore me. And to my surprise he doesn’t try like he’s done so many times in the past. “Roy.” I say to his stone cold face. “I can see you're thrilled to see me again.” “Of course. It’s always great to see the girl that scares my customers. I won’t hide the fact that I enjoyed the time you’ve been gone.” “So heartfelt. I’ve missed you too.” “So, what will it be today, Ashton?” I’m surprised he’s remembered my name after all this time. I must’ve left a lasting impression. “Oh, I’m not
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 23.0: She's Not So Sweet And Innocent After All
CARDENAt Zayne’s request, I bring her to the seven hundred block of Parker St. Her old stomping ground. This was the block that gave us our first lead. The basement that was full of dead bodies is only four houses down. Three blocks over is where the lady was distraught over her dead husband.When she comes to a halt, refusing to step onto this block in particular, I too come to a stop. Oliver plays the good guy, joking with her, taking her feelings into consideration. Maybe because he’s still crushing on her friend? Or Oliver has always been more approachable.I’m seconds away from ignoring Zayne’s demand of bringing her here when a shrill scream fills the streets. There’s no thought for either Oliver or myself as we take off in the direction of trouble. It’s what we do, what we’re here for. Almost instantly people flock to the corner, but no one steps onto the cursed block. All eager to see the horrors of Parker St. What mayhem is brewing next? But not a single one brave enough to
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 24: How Much Am I Worth?
ASHTONThere’s a painful silence between the three of us, our feet slow as we make eye contact with the girl. Carden and Oliver are quick to run to her distress, but I stay back. This doesn’t feel right. She doesn’t feel right.Her hands grope at them as she collapses into their arms. Bloody streaks stain their uniforms. I can hear her mumbles from all the way back here. “Help me, please...please help me.”The boys instantly heed to her beck and call, fawning over her and her injuries.Carden’s head whips back as he hollers my name. I don’t come. He says it once more, more aggressive this time. His deep voice echoes down the street. If no one realized I was back in town, they do now.Oliver slips away from the girl. His shirt front is streaked with blood. Stopping a few feet away, he looks at me. “Nineteen, we need your help.” He’s trying to be charming by calling me Nineteen. “You’re a soldier and a bullheaded girl that doesn’t shy away from a fight, so let’s go get the creep that di
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Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 54: Let's Go Home
ASHTONThe walk out of the demon house is a blur. It isn’t until we’re on the sidewalk that I realize how bad things were. The dark red blood shines like a tragic beacon in the sunlight. Cuts, scrapes, gashes batter Carden’s, Oliver’s, Rafe’s and Theo’s bodies along with those guarding the outside.“Where’s Jen?” I question on a shaky breath. I vaguely remember a scream, a blood curdling scream. “No.” The single word tumbles through my lips.“We didn’t see it coming. It was so dark, it came out of nowhere.” Rafe and Theo are more covered in blood than Carden or Oliver. They took the brunt of the fight and Jen didn’t make it out alive.“Jordan didn’t make either.” One of the outside soldiers adds. The three remaining soldiers are beaten and dirty. Did the earth itself attack them?A flash of number six’s dead body flickers before my eyes. Did the dead attack them?A tear slowly trickles down my cheek for Jordan, for Jen. I didn’t know either of them well, but they didn’t deserve to be
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 53: Can You Do A Better Job At Saving People?
ASHTONTheir words of a chaos filled West River and overrun Parker St. don’t hold up as we arrive there. We park the car on the edge of the cursed street. All is calm. Too calm. Something doesn’t feel right.Carden speaks my fear into the car as if I’m not here. “They know she’s here.” I guess the whole sitting in the front seat argument was pointless. They caught a glimpse of me the moment we crossed the town border. All activity ceased and here we are with no idea where to go. Cautiously, we all exit. The other occupants of the car quickly join us. Oliver sticks so close to my side that I can feel the heat radiate off his body.My eyes land on his chest before raising to his eyes. “Anxious much?” I guess I brought this on myself, but still. “A little space, maybe.”“Very funny.” He replies before placing his arm behind my back to shuffle me forward. He wedges me between him and Carden. Of course. “Where would Draven be?” He quickly asks.“Are you asking me or in general? Because I
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 52: Declaration Of Admiration
ASHTONUgh, my head. My body twitches insteads of moving how I want it to. The sudden jerk of my arms stops me in my tracks. With my eyes still closed, I give a louder groan. I really thought I would feel better in death. I give my body another jerk, another groan.He didn’t. A creak to my left stiffens my joints. I don’t need to open my eyes to know who it is. “You selfish as-” My throat is dry and rough and those few words come out as a squawk. The rest of the sentence falls away.I feel like crap. It feels as if I was hit by a truck. But the throbbing mostly resides in my chest rather than my arms. I’m sore, but it’s not as painful as it should be. The lump in my chest however, weighs heavily on me. It nearly suffocates me.I push through the ache and swing my legs out of bed. Carden is right there, hands ready to catch me, but I swat him away. It isn’t until the blanket falls away that I realize I’m in nothing but my undergarments. “Where are my clothes? Again. Please tell me you
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 51: No One Ever Said Ending Things Would Be Pretty
ASHTONI’m a creature of habit. And I’m always bound to revert back to old habits. Stomping across the room, I drag out my shitty duffle bag and rummage for the demon blade. I knew right away that someone rummaged through my things, but only I know that in one of these corners is a small slit.It takes a minute for me to find it with shaky fingers, but I snag some torn material and I know I finally found it. Not being nice about it and keeping the bag intact, I tear it open. The demon blade is hidden perfectly inside. Thank you Addison. If she wasn’t in the shop with Rossi, I'd have returned this to her.As I mold my fingers around the handle and stare into the slick metal, fear and anticipation etches into my bones. I’ve done this before, so I don’t know why I’m nervous. Maybe I wasn’t as desperate as I am now.I have an unwavering determination unlike all those other times. It doesn’t mean that I didn’t wish for it each and every time, but this time failure is not an option. Time is
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 50.0: Ashton's Dead Friend
CARDENConversation is nonexistent on the way back to the complex. We both know what we’re facing. But he’s not going to win and he’s definitely not getting his hands on her.Zayne’s face lightens up when we barge into his office. “What the hell is going on out there?” Did he hear of the chaos that has been unleashed?“West River is under siege. Seven soldiers are supposedly captive.”His concern is warranted. “Seven soldiers? Captive by who? We’ll send out more to retrieve them.”I’m left to be the one to reply to him, because Oliver stands next to me with his eyes on the ground. “Draven. He’s made his move and a threat is made. It’s us or her.”“What are you saying?” Zayne finally speaks into the room, a repulsed curl to his lips.Oliver finally finds his words, replying as I can’t say it. “They want to trade.” The words being said out into the room have a sharp ache stab through my chest.“That’s a reasonable conclusion.” Zayne admits. His eyes remain on his desk refusing to look a
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 49.0: Church Of Depraved
CARDENOliver still clutches the scrap of cloth. Who the hell was that girl and how did she get her hands on that? She obviously knew Ashton, but am I surprised when we run into people that know her, hate her. Conversation is quiet between the three of us. Oliver and I have plenty of say, but we don’t want to alert Ashton. She, on the other hand, stares out the window tormented by whatever she saw from Father Dominic’s touch or our encounter in the alley. Of course Greyson is back.As soon as we reach the complex Oliver and I set out to speak with Zayne…without her. The moment his office door closes, I intended to speak freely into the room, the words nearly rushing from my mouth, but Zayne puts a halt to them.“What of Father Dominic?” Zayne asks.I’m slightly annoyed at having to talk about the father when there are more pressing matters. I didn’t want to leave Ashton with Greggory, but this is serious. This is war and even though this is exactly what we were waiting for, I don’t w
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 48: I've Heard Deals With The Devil Are Binding
ASHTONWhen we get back to the complex the whispering doesn’t stop. If anything it gets worse. What am I missing? What are they not telling me? They’re so desperate to get to Zayne that they pawn me off to Greggory. I’ve gone how long without seeing his smug face? I’m reminded that it hasn’t been long enough and it never will be. He marches me to my room like the prisoner he believes me to be.Carden and Oliver slip behind Zayne’s door without a word or glance back. I try to tell him that maybe I should be present too. That I have information, but Greggory doesn’t budge. He has the audacity to whip his baton out when I linger too long. He slaps it against his palm in a silent threat for me to start walking or else.I bite my tongue as I proceed down the hall. My mind races with ideas on how to drown him. There are several, but not a single one to put into action before we reach my room. He jabs the nub of the bat into my back, pushing me inside. The snap of the lock is just as absolut
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 47: Father Dominic
ASHTONChurch?My feet follow them out the door while my mouth is cemented shut. What in the world are we going to a church for? Can demons even enter a church? Can I enter a church?I block out most of the ride...all of the ride. I block out getting into the car, driving through town, the conversation between Carden and Oliver, even the biscuit I still hold. I hear my name a couple of times, but it’s not enough to snap me out of my fog.Why am I so nervous? My palms are sweaty. Get ahold of yourself, Ashton.The rush of air as the car door swings open has me involuntarily jumping in my seat. Oliver pops his head into view, “coming?” He chimes.No. But I scoot to the edge of the seat and swing my feet out anyways. The shining sun only blinds me for a moment before the massive building shadows us. Dazed and horrified, I stare at the historical gothic style church with tall bell towers with pointed roofs, balconies made of stone, and creepy gargoyles perched on eaves.I become stuck in
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 46.0: He Was Everywhere She Was
CARDENMy trust and patience only go so far with her and even less with others. Brit is dead, but Draven is still out there. Pissed and vengeful. Then there’s others that are out looking for her, ready to collect whatever bounty is on her head. Who’s the one that set it?There’s only one other person I trust with her. She doesn’t want to see me right now, but she can’t be left alone. Oliver opens his door on the second knock. “Look at you. I was gonna go look for you if you didn’t show up soon. Doc patched you up, I see.”“You heard.” I groan.He steps aside letting me in, “I think everyone in the building has by now. Brit that two timing bitch. I’m not sure I’m surprised though. She hated you and we already knew she wasn’t Ashton’s biggest fan. Last time you two are allowed to go on any missions without me.”“Speaking of you being Ashton’s second babysitter, I need your help.”“I never said-”“She left.” The words get stuck in my throat. “She’s heading back to Mysteria to speak to Wi
