Chapter 76 CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX | BLOODMARK

Chapter 76 CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX | BLOODMARK
CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX | BLOODMARK

ASPEN

I sat there on the edge of the bed, my hands locked together, my head buzzing. Nothing made sense. My chest felt tight, like the air had weight. Every sound felt far away. Then the memories came back, sharp and sudden.

That night replayed in my head like it was happening again.

I saw him standing there. He looked exactly like Adrian. Same height. Same walk. Same face. My heart jumped when I saw him. I thought I was losing my mind.

“Adrian?” I called softly as I moved closer. “Is that you?”

He didn’t answer. He just stood there, quiet, watching me. I took another step. Then another. My heart was beating fast, but hope pushed me forward.

“Adrian, please say something,” I whispered.

Suddenly, he grabbed my hand.

I screamed and tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong. Panic hit me hard. My body froze. He laughed, loud and ugly, and with his free hand, he pulled off the mask on his face.

That laugh still rings in my head.

It wasn’t Adrian.

Fear crashed into me. I tried to run, but my legs wouldn’t move. I tried to scream again, to call for help, but my voice felt trapped in my throat. No one heard me. No one came.

I struggled harder. My chest burned. My pocket brushed against my hand, and I felt the knife there. I didn’t think so. I just acted.

I pulled it out and stabbed him.

Once. Twice. Again and again.

He fell, but I didn’t stop. I kept stabbing until my arm hurt and my breath broke. Blood was everywhere. My hands were shaking. My mind felt gone.

Then something else took over.

It was like I wasn’t myself anymore. My head felt hot. My body moved on its own. I grabbed him, and before I understood what I was doing, I was drinking his blood.

Warm. Thick.

The taste snapped me back.

“What am I doing?” I screamed inside my head.

I pushed him away and stumbled back, my whole body shaking. I looked at my hands, red and wet, and felt sick. I turned and ran. I didn’t stop running. I didn’t look back.

The memory broke, and I gasped for air, my chest rising fast. My hands flew to my face.

“I’m a monster,” I whispered. “I’m a monster.”

The door opened, and Ronan walked in with a tray of food. He froze when he saw my face. He rushed to me and sat beside me.

“Hey,” he said gently. “You need to eat.”

He lifted a spoon toward my mouth, but I turned away.

“I’m a monster,” I said again, louder this time.

“Aspen,” he said softly. “Look at me.”

“I killed him,” I cried. “I drank his blood. I’m not normal.”

He reached for me. “You’re not a monster.”

I pulled back. “Don’t lie to me,” I said. “I felt it. Something inside me is wrong.”

Ronan’s voice shook. “You were scared. You were attacked.”

“I enjoyed it,” I whispered, tears falling. “That’s what scares me.”

He went quiet. The room felt heavy again. I hugged myself tight, rocking slightly.

“I’m a monster,” I said one last time, and this time, it felt real.

“I’m a monster,” echoed. Ronan tried to pull me into his arms. I screamed and shoved the tray away. The plate hit the floor and broke. Food splashed my feet.

“Don’t touch me,” I yelled. “Don’t pretend this is normal.”

He raised his hands. “Aspen, breathe. Look at me.”

I laughed, sharp and ugly. “You want the truth? I sucked a man’s blood.” I pointed at my mouth. “I tasted it. I swallowed it.”

Ronan froze. His eyes widened. “Blood?” he asked.

I nodded and laughed again. “See? You’re shocked too.”

“I’m not scared of you,” he said.

“Liar,” I snapped. “Everyone is scared of witches.”

He moved closer. “You’re not a witch.”

“Yes, I am,” I screamed. “Say it. Say I’m a witch.”

He shook his head. “You’re hurt. That’s all.”

“Leave me alone,” I shouted. “Get out. I don’t want you here.”

He stayed. “I’m not leaving.”

I lost control. Words poured out. “I saw his face. I felt his skin. I drank him like he was nothing.” My voice broke. “If I stay near you, I’ll hurt you.”

Ronan knelt. “I can help.”

“You can’t fix this,” I cried. “Go. Please.”

He reached again. I slapped his hand away. “Go!”

A heavy knock cut the air. The door burst open. Boots rushed in. Three guards filled the room, weapons raised.

“Step back,” one said to Ronan.

Ronan stood in front of me. “She’s not well.”

“Move,” another guard ordered. “You’re under arrest.”

My ears rang. “Arrest?” I whispered.

“For murder,” he said.

Ronan protested. “There’s a mistake.”

They ignored him as cold cuffs closed around my wrists. The metal bit my skin. I laughed, small and broken. “See?” I said to Ronan. “They know.”

“Easy,” a guard warned as I shook.

Ronan’s face fell. “I’m here,” he said.

I looked at him. “Don’t follow me,” I whispered. “I’m dangerous.”

They pulled me up. The room spun. As they dragged me out, I thought of blood and masks and the dark. Maybe monsters deserve cages. Maybe this is where I belong.

I watched the hallway blur. People stared. Some whispered my name. Shame burned my throat. I wanted Ronan to turn away, but he didn’t. He followed until a guard blocked him.

“That’s far enough,” the guard said.

Ronan’s jaw tightened. “I’ll wait,” he replied.

I felt the cuffs bite again as they pushed me forward. Every step felt wrong. My head rang with one thought. If I stay quiet, maybe no one else gets hurt.

I lifted my chin and walked.

Inside, something cold settled. I told myself I would survive this. I told myself I would not drink again. I told myself monsters can learn rules. When the door closed behind me, I breathed once and held it.

Somewhere far, a bell rang, and I counted my breaths, promising to remember Ronan’s face, the light in his eyes, and the promise I couldn’t keep tonight, only in silence.