Page 56 of Eternal Craving

He’s dead…

Sunaria suddenly appeared and sat opposite me, wearing a long, black gown that gathered at her waist and clung to her figure. Her revealing dress was overlaid by a sweeping, hooded cloak, pulled back, the lining a burgundy velvet.

Jacob now played at my feet with milk-stained lips. He dropped a cup onto the floor and then smiled up at me, proud of the noise, and then did it again.

The odd-tasting wine refreshed me, nevertheless. “Would you like a glass?” I grinned at Sunaria. “Perhaps white would be better?”

She didn’t blink. “Take a breath, Daumia.”

I took another sip.

“Do you know what day it is?” she asked.

I beamed at her. “Your beauty, it mocks me.”

She smiled down at Jacob, who was tugging on my shoelaces. I focused on him and my gaze caught the scarlet circle of dried blood on the floor nearby.

Slaughtered men were everywhere.

This is not wine that I’m drinking.

I bolted up.

Flashes of images came to mind, a sense of sharing their secrets, the darkest intimacies, and a dusky memory of attacking each man like a crazed animal. The glass slipped from my fingers and smashed, splattering remnants of blood that mingled with the glass splinters. I struggled to slow my breathing, control my panic, and hold back a cry.

Stifled by the putrid air I sucked in, I found my voice. “All of them?”

She nodded.

“But how?”

“You know you’re in denial.”

“What happened?”

She raised her hand to quiet me.

I stared at her. “What’s wrong with me?”

“Nothing.”

“Oh, clearly, there is something not right.”

She sighed. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Dear God, Jacob.” I picked him up and carried him down the corridor, covering his eyes as we passed another dead soldier. The man had bolted, and I’d caught him. I remembered now.

Sunaria followed us into the living room. Here, some normalcy, though it offered no comfort. I placed Jacob down and allowed him to crawl on the rug.

“If we’re leaving, it will have to be soon.” Sunaria glanced out the window.

“You think more soldiers will come?”

“If there are any left, yes.” She drew the curtains and turned to face me.You’re more magnificent than I imagined you’d be.

I felt a wave of dismay, realizing her thoughts had seeped into mine. “Your voice is in my head.”

“It’s the mind gift.”