Mira's POV
I took a step back. "I... I'm sorry."
He took a step forward. I took another back.
He looked down at my neck. His nostrils flared. A look of pure raw hunger flashed in his eyes.
He leaned in. He inhaled sharply near my throat.
"You smell of fear," he growled. "And something else."
I gulped. I hit the edge of the table. I was trapped.
"I'll send the baths to your room," he said in a low voice. "You must use them."
"Okay," I squeaked. "I will."
I turned to leave. I needed to get out of there.
I saw it then. Dark veined lines creeping up the side of his neck. They pulsed like living things.
Suddenly the dagger at my back jerked.
It vibrated violently against my spine. It felt like it was trying to tear through the fabric of my dress. It wanted to fly out.
I gasped and slapped my right hand behind my back to hold it down.
Xavier's head snapped up.
"What is wrong?" he demanded.
"Nothing," I stammered. I pressed harder against the trashing metal. "I just... I feel itchy."
He nodded slowly. He reached for his coffee again.
The dagger surged. It was stronger now. It burned against my palm. It buzzed with a high-pitched hum only I could feel.
Xavier froze. He dropped the cup.
It hit the table and tipped over. The dark liquid spilled across the polished wood and cascaded onto the floor. The cup shattered.
The veins on his neck thickened. They spread to his jaw. His eyes turned a shade darker.
"Mira," he rumbled. The voice wasn't entirely his. "What are you hiding?"
I backed away. "Nothing! I swear!"
He rounded the table. He moved with unnatural speed.
The dark lines crawled up his cheeks. His pupils dilated until his eyes were almost black pools.
My eyes widened in horror.
He reached out. His fingers elongated. Dark sharp claws extended from his fingertips.
He swiped at my face.
"Master Xavier!" I screamed.
He didn't stop.
The tip of a claw grazed my cheek.
I felt the skin tear. A sharp stinging pain bloomed on my face.
"Master Xavier!" I yelled again.
He froze. His chest heaved. He pulled his hand back as if he had been burned. He panted heavily.
The door burst open.
The butler rushed in holding a phone.
"You have an important call, sir!"
Xavier groaned. It was a guttural animalistic sound. He squeezed his eyes shut.
The dark lines on his face receded. The claws retracted.
He opened his eyes. They were green again but filled with turmoil.
He looked at the blood on my cheek.
He mouthed the words. I'm sorry.
Then his face hardened.
"Get out!" he roared. "Immediately!"
"It's not your fault," I cried. I took a step toward him.
The dagger shook again. It wanted blood. His blood.
"GET OUT!" his voice dropped into that demonic register that shook the walls.
I didn't wait.
I turned and sprinted out of the room.
I ran down the hallway. I clutched the back of my dress.
Maya appeared from the stairs. "Mira? Why are you running?"
I ignored her. I bolted past her and practically threw myself down the corridor to the servants' quarters.
I reached my room and slammed the door. I locked it.
I fell to my knees. My lungs burned.
I reached behind me and ripped the dagger out.
It was vibrating in my hand. It hummed with a terrifying energy.
Then it stopped.
The engraved symbols glowed with a faint blue light and then faded.
I dropped it on the floor. I scrambled away from it until my back hit the wall.
"What are you?" I whispered.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Mira!" Maya's voice came from the other side of the wood. "Let me in! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine!" I yelled back. My voice shook.
I looked at the dagger. I couldn't leave it on the floor.
I grabbed it. The metal was warm now.
I looked around frantically. Under the mattress? No. Under the loose floorboard? I didn't have one.
"I'm worried, Mira!" Maya shouted.
The door handle jiggled. She was trying the master key.
"I'm okay!" I shouted. "I just need rest!"
The lock clicked.
Panic seized me.
I ripped open the wardrobe. I saw a small canvas bag at the bottom.
I threw the dagger inside and zipped it shut just as the door swung open.
I slammed the wardrobe door closed and spun around.
Maya stood in the doorway. Her chest heaved.
She walked up to me. Her eyes searched my face.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly.
I forced a smile. My cheek stung where he had scratched me. I hoped she didn't notice the blood.
"I'm fine," I lied. "I just... I almost dropped a vase. I got scared. I'm really tired."
Maya scanned the room. She looked at the bed. She looked at the floor. She looked at the closed wardrobe.
I held my breath.
She looked back at me. Her expression softened.
"Okay," she said. She returned the smile. "Call me if you need anything."
"I won't hesitate," I said.
She turned and left. She closed the door behind her.
I waited until I heard her footsteps fade away.
I rushed to the door and locked it again.
I let out a long breath. My legs gave out and I leaned against the wood.
I glared at the closet.
I walked over to it and yanked the door open. I unzipped the bag and pulled the dagger out.
"You son of a bitch," I cursed at the blade. "You're starting to become a huge problem. What do I do with you?"
I shoved it right back into the bag and zipped it up.
I had to get rid of it. As soon as I got the chance. And it had to be tonight.