Madilim...
Masyadong madilim ang paligid ko ngayon kung kaya't wala akong makita.
Nagpalingon-lingon ako sa aking paligid nang biglang maramdaman ko ang isang kamay sa aking balikat.
"Octavia. "
Suddenly, the room was filled with lights and my sister Ereina, the first goddess, was beside me.
Napatingin ako sa suot ko ngayon na isang magarbong ballgown. I hated parties but I could never decline family occasions.
"Father has been waiting for us already. It's time to go down," she smiled warmly.
"Kailangan ko ba talagang pumunta?" Napasimangot ako.
"Of course. " Inaayos niya ang aking gown. "They can't miss their favorite daughter."
"As if. " My thin, close lips broke into a snort, dripping with sarcasm.
Tumawa siya. "Totoo naman ah?"
"Paboritong pagalitan siguro. " I scoffed.
Hindi ko mapigilan ang aking sarili na magbuntong hininga. "Minsan hindi ko sila maintindihan ngunit mabuti na lang may mga kapatid akong mababait katulad ninyo. "
Lumingon ako sa kaniya.
"Oh, come here. " Yinakap niya ako nang mahigpit.
Napangiti naman ako at yumakap sa kaniya pabalik. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na may kapatid kang palaging nariyan para sa iyo.
They mean everything to me.
"You are the greatest gift in our lives, Octavia. The very key that holds this family," she whispered.
Bigla namang nagbago ang paligid. I found myself at the center of our hall. Guests stood crowding the entire place. The golden chandelier lit up the ballroom with its many candles as I watched the swirl of gowns of dancing couples.
" I will not marry Phoenix, Father!"
Rage filled my entire system. I can't believe he planned this behind my back.
"I already gave them my word. You were long betrothed to him. My decision is final. " He laid his back on his throne.
"It was your word, not mine, " I spat. "How could you be so selfish?"
"What's the matter, young lady? You two have been friends since you were young. And besides, his father is one of the most trusted members in the council."
"I do not see Phoenix in that way, Father, " umiling ako. "You did not tell me this was an engagement party!"
"Your marriage is already expected. I order you to marry him-"
"For once, would you fucking think about how I feel and start acting like a decent father?! " I saw how he clenched his jaw.
"Octavia!" mother chided.
"Akala mo ba hindi ko napapansin ang ibang pagtrato mo sa akin? I am also your daughter, Dad! Ni minsan ba naisip mo naman ang nararamdaman ko? I always strive to win your approval. I've been the obedient and perfect daughter you have always wanted me to be despite your constant insults and degradation but this is too much, " I gargled.
BINABASA MO ANG
The Last Of Her Kind
Fantasi|| THE SIREN || "You don't know me." She can never run away from her past for she is the last hope. Celestia Academy is in a middle of crisis ever since the gods and goddesses went silent. Five years have already passed ever since "the thunder". No...
