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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 22: Moo
Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 21: Parker St.
