Tortured Awakening (Book #1)

Chapter Twenty- Three

(Picture of Cordelia's dress)

I walked down the stairway, keeping my mind focused and making sure to act as casual as possible, despite knowing that I would be acting in ways that made me shaky. 

Of course keeping myself focused shall be easier said than done.

If I manage to slip up than who knows what I will endure.

However if I succeed then I will have the upper hand on Killian and his control will not be as intense.

I do wish that I had more confidence in myself, but that is a uncertain matter.

"Oh, Cordelia, I am glad you look well" Florence said smiling at me.

She looked as though she had been through some great pain.

"Are you well?" I asked, concerned.

She nodded "I have been through worse, so it really is no problem"

"I certainly hope so" I said.

"You look absolutely lovely, I remembering altering that dress years ago" he said, playing with a strand of my hair "is there any specific reason for the dress up?" she asked

I smiled at her "I am just on my way to speak to Killian"

Her smile dropped "Oh, why is that?"

I sighed "I just need to speak to him on a personal matter"

She nodded "I understand, please, do be careful"

I watched as she walked away and I took a deep breath, while walking to the library.

It felt as though there were something stuck in the back of my throat and I feared it would only make me fail at this.

I knocked on the door, waiting to get his attention.

Luther was there, serving him a glass of what I assumed was blood.

This was the first time I actually saw him. 

He looked lost and like he was hurting in so many way.

"Sir" he spoke.

His voice was raspy and he despite how young he looked, he appeared as though the stress of being here had aged him tremendously.

Killian turned and looked at me "Well don't you look ravishing" he motioned for me to enter "I knew that dress would look divine on you"

"T-Thank you, Killian" I said, trying to remain calm.

"Shall I retrieve a drink for you?" Luther asked.

Killian nodded "Get her something special" he nodded his head to Luther.

Something was off with the way he said that.

The man nodded and quickly walked past me, avoiding all eye contact.

He nodded and set his drink down on a table "Is there any reason you are surprising me with this visit?"

"May I sit?" I asked.

He nodded and motioned to the open space beside him.

"I wanted to thank you" I said, setting my hands in my lap.

He tilted his head "For what?"

"Everything. I feel as though I do not say it enough" I said, looking up at him.

He smiled "Well I appreciate it"

I hesitated, but put a hand on his thigh, forcing a smile.

He raised his eyebrow at me, probably as confused as I was.