Crimson Queen

Sin

I sat in a cell. My back was pressed against the warm wall and my knees were all the way up to my chin. Rays of sunlight streamed through the high bar window above my head. The throbbing pain of my wrist was all but pushed to the back of my mind. My clothes were stiff and I could still smell the iron. I felt disgusting and unclean. I wanted to wash away all the blood and dirt off my body.

As the only resident in Kanya's jail, there was little to worry about in terms of my safety. We didn't have many murderers. Mostly anyone placed in here hadn't paid their taxes on time, were caught thieving or had caused a commotion while drunk. I was in an entire new category.

The Sheriff had taken away my sword and probably placed it in the armory. However, the only thing on my mind was that I had no defense in my favor. I wasn't going to deny killing Kate but I was going to say she was one of many who were participating in the disappearances and she was beyond saving. Once a human became a familiar there was no turning them back. Even the vampire who created them couldn't turn them back. All that was left for them was death.

When a familiar died, all the effects of being a vampire's slave were erased. Kate had died a monster but she had looked like a human. It was up to me to convince them. My wrist would help making a compelling case and I did have those two men. However, they hadn't seen the fight between us and I was doubtful they would testify the reason they were out so late. This could prove the end of me.

The opening of the single door, leading in and out of the cell room, resounding through the walls. A set of heavy footsteps walked down the stairs. Keys clinked together with every step coming closer and closer to my cell. The Sheriff stopped in front of my cell. I looked up at him.

"You have a visitor," he said.

Who would want to visit me? I thought. The Sheriff grabbed the keys from his belt and unlocked the door. It squeaked open. I stood up and walked out of the cell. He didn't tie my hands or even attempt to restrain my movement. There was little I could do with my injured wrist and besides, we both knew I wasn't going to escape. Where would I go in the middle of the day?

The cells were located in the very back of the building occupying almost half of its area. The Sheriff led me to one of the interrogation rooms close to the cells. He opened the door. There was a Priest sitting, inside waiting. He had to be none other than the Priest from the Vatican. There was a cup of steaming liquid in front of him which either had to be coffee or tea. I couldn't be certain. I could smell its sweet scent and my stomach clenched in hunger. I groaned. I hadn't eaten since lunch time yesterday.

"Take a seat," the Sheriff said.

I walked into the room. The door was closed and locked behind me. The room was a small one with more windows than I would have expected. It was bright and I could feel the warmth on my skin. The room was square in size with only a wooden table as furniture with two chairs on opposite ends. The Priest sat in one of them.

The Priest was a thin man wearing purple robes with golden buttons and a rosary around his wrist. His hair was long but thinning and it was pulled back in a ponytail with a ribbon. I couldn't really determine his age from his paleness and thinness. It was like a breeze could tip him over at any moment.

I walked to the chair and sat down. He was strange that Priest. Earlier, when the Sheriff and his men had walked me into town, the townsfolk had been appalled by my appearance. Some had even called me a monster. The Priest, however, didn't look surprise at all by the blood on my clothes. He might not look like much but he had to have a thick skin. He had to have dealt with vampires and familiars before. He would have to believe some measure of my story.

"State your name," the Priest said breaking the silence.

I was caught off guard. He had a strong voice despite his weak appearance.