Now I knew what hate was.

Proserpina

We rode back home in total silence, Lucien and I. I sat, slumped in a corner, staring outside. I could have been in a stationary car for all I knew, my mind was abuzz with the thoughts I had tried to fight; reverberating with the things he had told me.

Bethany, the favourite wh*re.

He had sired a child with her.

And now her sister and the son had turned up.

I shuddered, taking a deep breath. I could feel Lucien’s eyes on me but I did not turn to look at him.

Now I knew what hate was.

*

As we drove up to the house, Lucien said shortly,

‘I shall come back later. I need to see…’

“To go back to bed with your favourite wh*re?’

I sighed wearily and slipped out of the car before he could respond. His face was thunderous but I ignored him and walked inside, nodding absently to the staff.

Camille and Beatrice followed me; they knew I was upset. Bea took one look at my face and murmured,

“Honey childe..’

I could not bear it. I walked unerringly into the room where I spent my time wri