Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance (Legacy #3)

15. Axel

15

AXEL

H e watched the drop of blood slide down the wall. It was slow, leaving a red smear in its wake.

It wasn't dark here, just like Bree had promised. He was curled on his side on a soft bed, the comforter stuffed with feathers and pillows everywhere. It reminded him of the way Luka always arranged his bed, but he didn't really care about the luxury or the comfort. Not as another drop of blood followed the first.

He'd gotten up plenty of times to taste it. Tried to catch it on his finger. He'd even gone so far as to lick the godsdamn wall. It always disappeared. A figment of his imagination. After numerous attempts, he'd stopped trying. Now he'd been lying here for hours, tortured by visions. Was this how Tessa felt? At least her visions eventually became real in some way.

Another drop of blood came. Another. Another. Another.

He was empty.

His power wells were empty.

His soul was empty.

Maybe Bree's request wouldn't be terrible. In fact, the longer he lay here, the more he had trouble remembering why he shouldn't take it. He wouldn't have to hide anymore. He wouldn't have to struggle with the cravings. His father wouldn't be able to use his weakness to control him.

Another drop of blood.

It was so pretty against the rich brown of the mahogany wall.

Her blood would be prettier.

Her hair was shinier with those ebony curls that reflected the light.

Why had he been avoiding this for her? Bree would find her, and she could come with him.

A kitten and a monster.

It was a perfect balance.

He smiled to himself as he watched another drop of blood trickle down the wall.

She would come to him, and he wouldn't be empty anymore.

Another drop.

Just a little longer.

That was what he told himself as he rose from the bed and tried to catch that drop of blood.

Again.

And again.

And again.