Chapter 69: Imprisoned pt. 2

I know, I want to say, but words refuse to strangle out of me. So I clutch his arm like I’d drown if I let go. Which I just might, given how hard my tears are coming. He holds me back harder, and after a while, the safety of his arms eases me back to myself. The choking whimpers slow as the room around us comes into sharper focus.

“What was it?” he asks gingerly when I’ve almost got myself together. “What did you see?”

“I was imprisoned. Azriel, it was so dark. My chains…” I hold out my hand, almost surprised not to see the open wounds on my wrist. “It was awful. Then a man came… no, not a man… a vampire.” He stiffens at the distinction I draw, and part of me wishes I could take it back. But the words are said. The only thing to do is own my instinctual fear of the supernatural and keep going.

“What did he look like?” His gentle probing tells me he’s not too deeply hurt by what I’ve said.