Cost Of The Crown

Chapter 9

Daveigh's POV

My eyes fluttered open, and I felt like I had been run over by a train. My throat was throbbing, and it hurt every time I swallowed. I hadn't eaten in a while, so now I had a choice to feel the pain of hunger or the pain of swallowing as the brand Dare left on me burned on my skin.

I looked in the mirror, to see that it looked like a tattoo, only burned into my flesh. It was in a shape of a crown. That was his symbol. He even got that tattooed on himself, on his right bicep. And now it was on my throat, for everyone to see.

"You're awake." Kade sounded shocked. I looked over at him as he entered the room, throwing his arms around me. "I can't believe you're actually here."

I said nothing. I didn't know what to say. Good to see you? Hey, glad you're still alive, I barely am?

I shouldn't pity myself. I am lucky that I'm alive. I am lucky that they got me out.

"Are you all right?" Kade asked. I nodded, bringing a hand up to my throat. It still hurt a little when I touched it. I ran my hands through my hair, staring at my unrecognizable reflection. Dare changed me. I was paler, and more frail. On top of that, I was jumpy. I was never jumpy.

"Will you say something?"

I glanced down at my wrists and ankles. "They still haven't found a way to get these off yet, have they?" It was supposed to be humorous, but nothing about this was funny.

"We're working on it," Kade said grimly. "Until then, just—"

He was cut off by the door bursting open and Ash throwing his arms around me. "Whoa, hi," I chuckled, pulling away slightly.

"Sorry," he mumbled. "It's just, you're here and... you weren't before."

"I know," I whispered, looking at the floor. Ash raised his hand and brushed his thumb over my new scar.

"His tattoo," Ash murmured softly. I nodded up at him.

"Got any scarves, or turtleneck shirts?" I asked, laughing slightly. Still, it wasn't funny.

"You should eat something," Kade said.

I shook my head. "It hurts," I said, touching my throat. "Every time I swallow, so I'm not going to eat for a bit."

"How long have you gone without food?" Kade knitted his eyebrows.

"It's been three or four days," I admitted.

"There you go," he decided. "You need to eat."

"He meant that as a question with a please at the end," Ash said awkwardly, clearing his throat. I tried not to grin.

"Listen, do you want to fight hunger or do want to fight me?" Kade raised his eyebrows. I sighed, giving up.

"If I scream, it's your fault," I told him.

"I'll gladly take the blame if it means you'll eat." Kade said. He and Ash led me down out of the room and down to the cafeteria, where I was immediately wrapped in a hug by Malakai and Theia.

"I was so worried about you," Theia sighed, holding me tighter. I didn't know what to say to either of them. I didn't think it was going to be this hard.

"Come on, you're probably hungry and exhausted." Malakai pulled me away from the others, giving me his own hug. "I missed you," he whispered.

"I'm being forced to eat," was my response. What was wrong with me?

Malakai cleared his throat, trying not to look hurt. "Right, of course." He handed me a plate, containing a hamburger. I hadn't seen of of those in forever. No matter how much it hurt, I ate it anyway, and managed to avoid screaming.