Free Redemption by Amy Miles Page A

to clutch a pillow before settling back into a deep sleep.   “We need help and I know just where to get it.”
    ***

    R oseline clutches her stomach as her thirst begins to build once more.   It comes faster now, more potent with each feeding.   Although her wounds start the healing process with each time Malachi shares his blood, as soon as he leaves they begin to fester, pus-filled scabs that leave her weak and debilitated.
    She has learned to tell time by her thirst.   Malachi comes three times a day giving blood each morning and night.   His visits in the afternoon appear to be for nothing more than to offer her company.
    Despite his blood sacrifice, she can’t bring herself to trust him.   He has been too vague about the length of time she has been here which worries her far more than she lets on.   Although he seems sincere in his concern for her, doubt continues to eat away at her.
    Why does he want to help her?   Surely coming to her aid places his life in danger.   Or does it?   Is it naïve to believe that this selfless streak runs deeper than even he knows?
    It is hard to concentrate now.   The voices in her mind continue to grow stronger even as her energy wanes.   She grows strong and alert after each dose of angel blood, but its effects quickly fade.
    It is only a matter of time before Lucien realizes what is happening.   Someone will smell Malachi on her and when that happens, her only lifeline to the outside world will be removed.
    She leans her head back against the wall.   Her gaze roams the ceiling, searching for an escape route.   The ceiling is domed high overhead, much too high to leap through, even if she had her former strength.
    The walls are rough but slicked with a layer of grime.   It might be possible to climb the wall, but once she reaches the center of the room, her escape will be thwarted by an angel hair wrapped metal grate.  
    Each time she closes her eyes she becomes acutely aware of the shift within her body, the poison slowly eating away at her soul.   She can feel her thoughts being tainted by Lucien’s blood traipsing through her arteries, altering her essence.
    It sickens her to think of any part of him inside of her.   She shudders, loathing herself for growing anxious for Malachi’s next visit.   She finds herself beginning to rely on him, something she would rather die than admit.
    Her thoughts turn to Gabriel and the last time she saw him.   He looked different, beautiful, despite the blood that clung to his clothes from the battle.   How did he find her?   Why didn’t he come for her?
    The dark plays tricks on her mind, making her doubt the love she felt when he called for her.   He could have saved her and Sadie, but he didn’t even try.
    A single tear slips from her eyes.   She brushes it away, angry with her weakness.  
    Gabriel must have had a reason.   It’s the only explanation.   He will come for her.   She knows it.

Seven

    N early five days pass with no sign of Elias.   Seneh remains annoyingly silent, refusing to say anything more about Gabriel’s tasks or how they affect Roseline.   Elias had told him there would be three in total.   He has already passed one.   Two more remain.
    Katia has taken up the hobby of watching him, studying him at night when the only light in the cabin is from the roaring fire.   She remains oddly aloof, always looking to Seneh before speaking directly to Gabriel.   He’s not sure if that is because of her broken English or if she worries she might say something wrong.  
    Her relationship with Seneh is an interesting one.   In the evening, once the chores are done and the dishes put away, Seneh and Katia settle in for a game of chess.   Gabriel has enjoyed seeing a softer side to his guardian.   Never before has he seen a more fierce looking man, and yet when he is with Katia, his tough facade seems to melt away.  
    Even though Gabriel has adapted to this new lifestyle, he yearns for freedom.