Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Upon walking on an endless hall, I can’t help but to think of what happened yesterday on the hunt. My heart was beating so fast I felt like it would explode. That fear is so consuming and just frightening, it’s inevitable. Even though I am sure that Izaac won’t let something bad happen to me, I still feared him that night. What if he lost control? I would’ve been dead. Well, both of us because my blood could also kill him.

So I wanted to make a weapon for myself. No one knows what will happen in the future. I want to make sure I’ll be able to stay here without feeling anxious.

On my way to my room, I locked the door once I got in. Smiling at the dagger on my hand, I stood in front of the bathroom sink. I raised the dagger and pointed the tip towards my palm. The blood quickly covered the blade. I shall wait until it dries. I hastily rinsed the sink and wrapped my wound with a clean cloth. It’s a stupid idea but I have no choice. I must survive here.

With a heavy sigh, my back hit the cold sheets of my bed. I closed my eyes and I felt myself being swallowed by darkness.

“Feyre,” A whisper called my name softly.

“You must leave.” The voice kept saying in my ears.

I woke up, my body dampened in sweats. It’s the same scenario again but it’s shorter than usual. That same suffocating glass where I was held captured kept appearing in my head. I removed the cloth from my hand and saw that the wound had already healed. I let out a sigh of relief.

“You must leave.” She said in my dreams.

Her voice gave me comfort for unknown reasons but I don’t understand what she truly means. So I simply shook the thought off. She needs to give me more than that if she wishes for me to leave.

I’ve been living in this castle like some unknown species that can’t be let out into the world because there’s partly a chance that I’m dangerous or that I can be evil. I can be dangerous but I’m not evil. I doubt I would harm someone but who knows? I might be a serial killer who happened to lose her memories.

I shook the ridiculous thought off my head and walked towards the bathroom.

“What the hell?” I stared at the dagger I left beside the sink.

It's been hours but the blood is still fresh as it was the last time I saw it. If this won’t dry up, I can’t make it a weapon. I can't protect myself without one. What now? I’ll have to think of another idea.

A knock on the door interrupted my troubled thoughts. Guess who?

“Feyre? Dinner’s ready.” It was Sage.

I figured the only reason he's staying in this castle is because of me and I found it bothersome. Sage usually cooks for me, taking care of my necessities. I insisted on cooking for myself but I almost burned half of the kitchen down if it's not for Gideon pouring water everywhere. That is seriously embarrassing.

“I'll be right there!” I replied. I felt my stomach rumble. Maybe that's why I can’t think of any brilliant plans. I haven’t eaten lunch and dinner yet!

I opened the door and saw Sage.

“Everyone’s at the dinner.” Sage stated

“Huh?” That’s new. They don’t join me at dinner. Something must be up.

Sage shrugged.

We were only four steps away but I already heard their mumbles and disputes.

“How are we invited?” I heard Izaac asked

Ambrose sat at the middle of the long table with his lips stretched into a thin line, fingers wrapped elegantly on the neck of a half-filled wine glass. The red liquid moves swiftly with every playful swirl of his hand.

“I know. It’s weird.” Gideon rubbed an apple on his shirt and bit from it.

“Should we go?” Ambrose’s response made the dining hall in complete silence.

“Feyre.” Daniel eyed me with a rather stoic face.

An awkward smile graced my lips as I made my way to an empty seat beside Izaac because Sage had already occupied the chair beside Gideon. Bummer.

“Uh, hey.” I greeted

“Oh, good. You’re here.” Ambrose smiled at me, sweetly.

I laughed nervously. There was no food but everyone had their own wine glass filled with blood. Is this really a dinner or a meeting?

“As I was saying,” Ambrose paused and looked at me.

Ambrose put his glass down, “It would be a shame if we don’t go to the ball.” He picked up the piece of paper in front of him. The envelope was black in color, with gold features on it making it look as grand.

“Are you serious?” Izaac asked, his voice laced with doubt.

Ambrose stared at Izaac with sharp eyes, “What do you think?”

“Oh, he’s serious.” Gideon stated.

“The ball is in two days. Get ready.” Ambrose stood up and left.

With that, Izaac beside me heaved a deep sigh before leaning back on his chair. His eyes were dark and tired, stubborn strands hanging just above his furrowed brows.

I was taken aback when his head turned to me, the corner of his lips rose.

The dining was silent for a while before they excused themselves and left. Sage pushed a plate of pasta in front of me. He then left saying he needs to go home, leaving me with Izaac.

“Eat.” Izaac spoke beside me.

I almost rolled my eyes. There's no need to tell me that. I will eat because I'm freaking starving. I raised my hand and picked up the fork. I started eating, trying to ignore the vampire beside me who was staring at me strangely.

“Aren't you leaving?” I asked, keeping the tone steady.

“Eat. We'll talk later.” He said.

For some reason, I wanted to eat slowly. So I did. I ate as slowly as I could, munching the food carefully. But he never left. He was real patient, it's infuriating.

After eating, I stood up and walked as fast towards the staircase but Izaac sped up and stood in front of me, glaring.

“Why are you avoiding me?” He asked, his eyes softened.

“No reason.” I stared at the ground.

Izaac licked his lip, clearly frustrated.

“Feyre,” He called

Before he opened his mouth again, I spoke up.

“Look, if this is about the kiss. I'm sorry. It was a mistake. Let's just forget it happened.” I gave him an apologetic look.

I pulled my arm from his grip and walked past him to the stairs. I don't want to make both of us feel uncomfortable.