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44: Unreliable Traits
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Daughter of Blood and Nightmares 45: Straightforward And Demanding
ASHTONAt the sound of the door, Carden springs to his feet. His lips are pushed into a tight line. He’s like a parent ready to scold their child for missing curfew. Why is he here? Does he enjoy conflict? Superiority? My regret of coming back here, my disappointment and anger of him being here, in my room, come out as a heavy sigh.It takes a couple of moments before I can find my words. “I’m tired and I just want to go to sleep, okay,” I hiss into the room before heading to the bedroom. “And sending Oliver to follow me was uncalled for.” Even though it’s easier to talk to Oliver than him.“Wanting to go prance around after attacking an upper level demon is what’s uncalled for.” He snaps back. His next words physically trip me, “but you aren’t afraid of him, are you? Tell me, what does Draven want with you?” The sound of his shoes thud against the floor as he approaches me.My chest tightens at the mention of my brother. Just thinking it makes me sick. “No idea,” I lie. A nausea atta
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
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 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 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 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 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 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
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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
