Crowned Compass ✓

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 47

I jumped out of the wagon angrily and ran to the front of the stampede.

My uncle pulled the reigns of his horse and everyone stopped before me.

"You've got five seconds to get back inside niece."

"Or what will you do?" I cried, "Kill me?! Burn me alive like you did my brother? Your own nephew?!"

He hopped down and stormed towards me. I backed away and turned my head immediately.

"Look at me," he growled.

"Look at me!" he yelled, and I cried harder, turning my face to meet his gaze.

"These people are soldiers! Not all of us can make it home and sing kumbaya."

I shook my head, "We could have saved him! You could have dragged him out like you did m-"

"Do you hear yourself niece?! If I didn't do what I did we'd all be dead! You aren't the only one with people you care about. Look behind me!"

I turned my head again and he grabbed my arm to force me to look at all the miserable warriors on their horses. Some were beaten and bruised, others had lost a friend and even a leg.

"Hate me," he spat, "but I'd rather lose my own nephew than a whole army of good men."

I jerked my arm from his tightening grasp, "You're a monster! You broke your promise to my mother! You have no heart!"

"It is war!"

Of all things, I thought, of course he'd say that.

"I lost my son," he whispered suddenly, "The only child I had. You can't see it, but I'm hurting just as much as you are."

I laughed through my tears, "Don't even."

I had lost my best friend and both of my brothers all in the span of this little time.

I didn't even know how to keep going, but he didn't shed a simple tear.

"I'm leaving," I said plainly.

My uncle got back on his horse, "If that be the case. Never return."

"You bet I won't!" I scoffed and walked away.

Adonis rushed out and my uncle stopped him, "Let her be. She's chosen already."

He stood there and watched me walk away. His throat was hurting as he held back his tears.

All he wanted to do was scream my name, but he knew he couldn't.

● ● ●

I had been traveling alone for a whole week. I hadn't eaten and I felt restless due to the uncomfortable grass I slept in.

Guilt kept rushing through my veins. It's all because of me, I thought. All I wanted was the best for everyone, and in return, I lost people most precious to me.

Who was next?

Vio appeared beside me, as he always did when he thought he could manipulate my mindset.

It would only be a matter of time before it would weaken right into his hands.

"Just give up, my little mouse. I hate seeing you this way."

I looked up into his gold eyes, "Don't lie to me."

He lowered his voice, "I mean it."

"Get away from me."

He bowed and backed two feet away from me.

"I mean leave!" I screamed and threw a knife at him.