Chapter 11: Him

Emilia had put herself up in a five-star hotel where no one asked her questions. The maid service knew not to bother her during the day and several of the room service employees had “hickeys” where Emilia had helped herself to their blood.

Hotels were so accommodating. She’d asked for triple-layered, sun-blocking curtains, and they’d been provided. She’d asked for the canopy on the bed to be outfitted with heavy velvet that wouldn’t let any light in, and they had made it happen.

The hotel room had been outfitted to be completely safe from the sun during the day. Emilia would close the window curtains, close the bed canopy, and then cover herself from head to toe with the thick down comforter. She knew how to protect herself against her greatest foe.

Every time the sun rose, Emilia would feel it pricking her skin like millions of needles. Then she would be overcome with fatigue. She’d have to hide away before her body gave out and her mind entered a dream-like state.