Chapter 8 Revised of Nora Blackwell

I cried into her arm until I fell asleep. I didn’t know I had that many tears left. Nightmares were filled with blood, crying, and pleading for mercy with my brother, among everyone, crying and asking what I had become.

I jolted awake, looking around the room, which may have been dark, but I wasn’t sure anymore if I was seeing it through my eyes or my ghost. I wasn't alone; Elian was curled up beside me, her hand on my hand, holding mine.

I could feel the ghost in my room and in the hall outside. No one was in the hall, but there was someone at the gate. I wonder what they were waiting for, and the ghost walked forward. I saw it was Arthur.

“What do you want?” my ghost asked aloud.

“I need to speak with your master,” he replied, looking right into the ghost eyes as if he knew I was watching.

“Why?” the ghost asked. It was so weird that the ghost was responding like it knew what I wanted, but maybe it did; they did act on my plea to help the Elian family.

“Please,” was all he said.

“What do you want to do, my lady?” the ghost asked. I thought for a moment before responding that I would see him.

“She will be here in a moment,” the ghost responded.

I got up, dressed quickly, and then headed out. The human hall was still brightly lit, and the castle behind the gate was dark, but I could see Arthur waiting for me. Through the ghost eyes, I could see others in the dark hall, like they were waiting for something.

“What do you want?” I asked, waving my hand at the ghost, telling them they could leave, and drifting away.

“You’re really taken to your powers.” Arthur applied with a wicked, sexy smile.

“Is that all you wanted to say?” I asked.

“I wanted to thank you for taking those people in South America. They been a problem for a very long time. They were harming and trafficking humans as well as supernatural beings.” Arthur explained.

“How did you know it was me?” I asked my voice almost a whisper.

“I had some people watching their base when everything happened.”

“That could be anyone.”

“My dear sweet dead walker, no one can control a single ghost, let alone an army, but you,” he smiled, making my throat go dry, and as if on cue, one of my ghosts brought me a can of soda to drink. I thanked them, to which they bowed, then walked away. I grinned sheepishly, opened my drink, and took a sip. Once I had my fill, they came back to take it.

“You saved the captured, so I am in debt to you. It was my job to take care of them.”

“Its fine.” I smiled, not wanting to tell him that it was an accident.

“I wasn't asking, I was telling you,” he replied with a weak grin to which i nodded, unsure of what to do. We stood there in silence, something buzzing between us, or maybe it was just the gate being electrified.

“That’s not the only thing still on the table. My other offer stands, too,” he smiled with a grin to which I rolled my eyes, walking away.

“If you need anyone to talk to about taking another life, I’m always here for you,” he stated, which made me freeze, but I couldn’t look back at him. I stared at the floor.

“Thank you,” I replied in a small voice, and I could feel the tears falling. Two days away from my normal life, and I have already become a mass murderer. I killed someone’s brother and son, maybe someone’s father. I keep putting Liam’s face on that boy from last night. If something like that ever happened to him, I would end whoever did that.

“I won’t lie. It doesn’t get any easier, but it's a necessity,” he assured. That set me off. The idea that this wouldn't be the last time I would have to do this. I started breathing fast while my chest tightened.

I felt arms wrap around me, telling me it's ok, calm down. I couldn't my mind raced, I became someone I would never recognize. Someone I would cross the street to avoid. I wish I could wake up in my bed to hear mom and dad reassure me it was just a bad dream. I want Ethan and my friends laughing, saying it was all just a joke.

“Focus on my voice,” a comforting voice stated. I should have looked to see who it was, but I just leaned into them, wishing I wasn’t hurting this much. They held me tighter to them, and I grasped onto them even more.

“Deep breaths,” the voice stated, and I listened. After a few minutes, I pulled away to see i was in Arthur’s arms. His gentle voice sounded nothing like him. I glanced at the gate only to realize it was raised already.

“Thank you.” I whimpered, not caring to sound strong anymore.

“It’s ok.” He smiled sadly. I tried to get out of his arms, but he tightened them around me, not letting me leave.

I sighed and decided to lay my head on his shoulder.

“I never killed anyone before.” I blurted out.

“How do you feel?” He asked sincerely. The kindness in his voice cracked the wall I built.

“I feel empty. My family, friends, and boyfriend all betrayed me within a few hours for no good reason. They sent me to a place they knew nothing about, only for me to end up murdering a small town of criminals.” I laughed bitterly, the anger rising in me again. I couldn't meet his eyes, but I could feel that I summoned a few more ghosts. Dam it. I need to get a hold of my emotions, so I took a few deep breaths.

“It’s awful for everyone to turn on you like that. Did they even hear your side before they decided?” he asked, rubbing my arm.

“Of course not.” I cried, trying to keep my anger at bay, not wanting to add even more to my army.

“Im sorry,” he stated. My eyes met his beautiful, deep red eyes. He started to lean down to me, his breath smelled of mint. I froze as he wrapped his arms around me a little tighter.

“Those people who threw you away don’t deserve you,” he stated, holding me tight to his body. His breathing tickles my ears, sending a shiver down my spine.

I didn’t know what to say; he didn't really know me. He moved his lips from my eyes towards my mouth.

“I wondered where you went. I guess I shouldn’t have been worried.” Elain yawned, making me jump. Itried to push him away, but his strong arms held me.

“Maybe you should. She’s in the arms of a bloodsucker,” he grinned, nipping my neck.

“Im her friend, not her mother,” Elain stated flatly, heading toward the coffee.

“It’s not like that!” I yelled after her, but I knew she wasn't listening.

“Not yet!” Arthur added with a wink, and I swung at him, but he caught my arm.

“I know what I have in my hands, unlike your previous humans in your life,” he grinned, kissing the hand he caught, then letting it go. I didn't know what to say, so I stuck my tongue out at him, then followed after Elain while he laughed.