Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Days passed by in a blur. Even my sight is blurry, like everything is in motion. My head is spinning like crazy and the vampire blood isn't helping at all. I winced in pain when I tried to remove the shreds of dead skin on my dry, cracked lips. I’ve been drinking vampire blood for almost a week now. It made my skin crawl, my throat parched and my eyesight blurry. It's like I'm being tortured before my death. My body has grown skinnier.

“Your bath is ready, my lady.” Said Lilana, she's a servant here in the castle and she doesn't really talk that much. I figured she will only speak when she's being asked or when you give her an order.

The weather was as usual, cold and damped which is why a warm bath is just perfect. Lilana escorted me towards the bathroom. I held her arm for support because of my poor eyesight. It was like that for the next few days. I've grown used to the cycle.

Until one evening, I couldn't open my eyes. The temperature of my body decreased, I could no longer feel my fingers. It was as if I was in a trace of paralysis. My heart slowly lost its pace. Then I was pulled into a bottomless pit of shadows.

“Feyre,” A voice purred in my ear, lips gently brushing on my neck.

A soft moan erupted; I noticed it came from my mouth. I was gasping for air, impatiently waiting for his cold touch against my heated skin. I grew more and more anxious as his sharp fangs grazed my shoulder. My palm caressed his chest, gripping the thin, white cloth he wears.

“Cassius,” I sigh in pleasure, arching my back as his mouth travels down my bareness. His hands were all over me, claiming every inch of my body with his delicate kisses.

Suddenly, I shot my eyes open. Looking around the empty room, I found myself thirsty and my skin was burning hot. I looked outside the balcony and saw that it was almost at dawn. The sun had disappeared and only traces of orange and pink were to be seen above the heavenly sky.

“What the hell was that?” My body shuddered when I remembered that image in my head. The wetness in between my thighs is making me uncomfortable.

I got up from the bed and went towards the bathroom. I stripped my clothes off and they fell on the marble floor. My lips parted as soon as I saw my reflection in the mirror. I looked different. My complexion grew paler; the old, hideous scars were not there. The shade of my brown eyes was not as vibrant as before, they looked more cold and dead.

“How is this possible?” I touched my waist, caressing my curves which I didn’t know I have until now.

I’ve gained more weight. Gone were the visible bones. The cuts on my wrists and ankles were completely erased. Am I having another hallucination?

“Feyre,” I heard someone shout from behind the bathroom door.

My eyes widened and looked around to find a towel. As soon as my hand reached the clean robe, I wore it in haste and rushed towards the door to open it.

“Cassius,” I was met by his worried, emerald eyes.

His gaze traveled down my robe, “Are you okay?” He caressed the back of my palm in circles, his eyes not leaving mine.

I nodded slowly, “I think I am.” For some reason, I feel much better.

A few days ago I was just lying in bed, forced to drink the blood that’s supposedly the cure for this cursed life. I’m not sure if Cassius’ plan was successful. Have I already turned into their kind?

“Cassius, I’m hungry.” I looked at him blankly. This throbbing pain in my system was troubling; it was like my insides were being seared. My mouth felt out of saliva, the dryness was too much.

The edge of his lips curved up, “I’m sure you are,”

“You should freshen up first. I’ll wait here.” He insisted, turning me around by my shoulders and slowly pushing me inside the bathroom.

“Alright, alright. Don’t push me!” I hissed, annoyed all of a sudden.

I heard his deep chuckle after he shut the door closed behind me. I took off my robe and turned the shower on. I stepped into the cold shower with my head held up. The droplets tickled my face. I opened my mouth and let the water fill the dryness of my throat.

After rinsing, I put the robe again around my body. The door opened as I turned the knob, I stepped out to find Cassius lying down on my bed with his arm covering his forehead.

A smile played on my lips. I silently stride towards the closet to find a new set of clothes. My hand landed on a beautiful, pleated satin dress that is in the color of peach. It falls elegantly on my knees.

I stripped off the robe and changed into the dress.

“This is pretty,” I mumble to myself, twirling in front of the mirror.

I heard a low growl behind me, “Let’s go?” I asked, smiling.

He just stared at me, his jaw was tense. My brows knotted. I had no choice but to drag him towards the door.

“Lead the way, my lord.” I said, looking over to the left hall and then to the right. I don’t think I’m familiar with the interior of the castle.

“Do you change clothing around men?” He asked, those emerald eyes were deadly serious.

A nervous laugh escaped my lips, “No,”

“Let’s go,” He fixed his gaze towards the empty hall.

Cassius intertwined his finger on mine as he pulled me by his side. He started walking towards the left hall. The hall was large and statues were lined up as decorations. Paintings were also hanging on the stone walls, with chandeliers lit up high on the ceiling.

“Where are we going?” I asked as we walked on the carpeted floor.

“You said you were hungry.” He said shortly.

Cassius smirked, “Right,” I mumble.

Only the sounds of our heels clicking on the velvet carpet were to be heard as Cassius led me towards a spacious chamber which is most likely to be the castle’s dining hall.

There’s a long, ancient table right at the center of the room. So this is where the royal family gathers to eat. They must be served with a bountiful set of meals and of course, blood in their most grand goblets. Although I am not sure they eat as much human food as some vampires do.

“Where are they? Your family?” I asked out of nowhere.

Cassius cleared his throat, “The king and the queen are probably in their respective chamber. Damon is out of town while Vienna is most likely in her room as well,”

I nodded, looking around the room in awe. “So, what are we having?”

He chuckled, “See for yourself,” He gestured towards the table.

My gaze went over the table and saw silver plates covered with lids. The corner of my lips rose up and pulled a chair for myself.

Cassius also sat across from me, “I’m not sure what you’d prefer but here,” He removed the silver lids.

My mouth watered at the sight of beef, vegetables, bread and many more. Then he pushed a goblet towards me. I looked over to see a half-filled red liquid. I could feel my throat tightening at the reeking smell of it. To my surprise, the smell was quite different. It wasn’t that appalling, wretched stench but it seemed to be quite tolerable this time; it smelled oddly good.

Without a spare second, my hand reaches towards the stem of the goblet. I could feel his intense gaze as I brought the rim over my lip. The liquid swirled in my mouth, bringing me at most ease. The taste of it felt sweet as it touched my tongue; it was almost addicting.

“Am I a vampire now?” I gasped in horror. Did I just drink blood just now?

I stared at the goblet, “Why does it taste so good?”

Cassius replied with a nod; his lips rose up into a sly smile as if any moment now he’ll burst out laughing.

“It feels weird, but like a good kind of weird. I never thought blood could taste this good.” I commented, looking at the liquid.

Swiftly, I drank from the glass until the last drop of it.

“You have to get used to it, you’re a vampire now. You will need to drink blood to quench your hunger,” Cassius licked his lower lip. It made me feel more parched even though I’ve just knocked down an entire glass of blood.

I raised the goblet in the air, “Can I have more?” I asked, wiping some red smudge off of my lips using the back of my palm. A pair of amused emerald orbs bore at me as he stretched a knowing smirk.