Human Fire

Punishment

The next day I woke up from a knocking on my chamber door, only a few people new where I slept.

I opened the door to see none other than Rhysand. "Rhys!" I yelled and almost tackled him to the ground.

"Hello Phoenix." He chuckled. He was like an older brother to me, he had taken care of me since I got here and would visit from time to time to keep me company.

"What brings you here, do you want something to eat?" I asked motioning to the bread and fruit on my kitchen table.

"Well I haven't visited in a while and I was worried about you." He said walking over and grabbing an apple.

"You don't have to worry about me." I said making a sandwich for myself.

"I heard you fought a few Adders last night?" He asked biting into his apple.

"Yeah, it was a quick fight though so Amarantha will give me a punishment tonight." I shrugged

"What did I tell you about a quick fight?" He said raising his voice a little

"I know you're worried about me but it won't be that bad she might just have me beat for a while." I said shaking my head and eating my sandwich

"I don't like seeing you hurt Phoenix." He said lowering his voice.

"I know but I'll be fine." I said hardening my voice hinting that I wanted to change the subject.

"Fine, anyway I wanted to give you this since I couldn't last night. You're finally 19!" And he handed me a leather wrapped book and a wooden box.

"Rhys, you didn't need to get me anything!" I said opening the book to find blank parchment for me to fill with drawings.

I gasped and ran my fingers down the page, feeling the smooth paper. "Now open the box." Rhysand said

When I opened it I almost couldn't contain my joy. In the box there was 5 new paintbrushes, pigments, and charcoal pencils that I new must have been hard to find

"Oh thank you!" I almost screamed, lunging on him again wrapping my arms around his neck

"Of course, I'm sorry I missed your birthday yesterday." He said hugging me back

"I'll let it pass one time because you brought me paint." He chuckled at this

"I have to go service Amarantha now, I can't be late." He said his voice low

"It's so early though! She can't do that to you!" I said angry

"Just remember, we'll get out one day and you'll get to see Velaris." He said smiling

"That would be a gift, but I don't think I'll live long enough for that, however you all are immortal so maybe you'll get too." I said sadly thinking of my few memories of the outside world

"Never say that," He said grabbing my shoulders and looking me in my eyes. "You'll get out of here one day and you'll see Velaris." He said lowly

"I really want to Rhys." I said acting hopeful

"Good, I'll see you tonight after your punishment from Amarantha." He said turning and walking out the door.

"If only you knew how much I want to see Velaris." I whispered to myself sadly

Hours later I stand in the middle of the arena waiting for Amarantha to give me my punishment.

"As you know I hate a short fight, it never lasts long enough me I must cut the entertainment short." She said in her venom laced voice that made me think of only snakes

She continued, "However I found out a little something last night. It seems..." she paused smiling down at me. "That I have missed your birthday, officially 19 as of yesterday. And don't we all deserve a gift for a birthday?" She asked standing up from her pedestal, the doors began opening to reveal a metal post and an mean looking Adder with an evil glint in its eyes.

"So tonight you'll get a whipping for every birthday that I've missed." She said smiling. "And because I missed so many, and extra gift will be bestowed to you, a beating sounds like a wonderful gift dont you?"

The Adder grabbed my arms and tied them to the post, it ripped my shirt off, the damp air causing a chill to go up my spine. All I have to do is stay calm and don't make a sound. I think to myself getting ready for the sting of the whip.

I heard a crack right before I felt the hot metal tip of the whip against my back. Blood trickled down my back as the audience cheered.

I hate all these Fae. The sick enjoyment they get from seeing others in pain. They can all rot.

I stayed silent and glared at Amarantha. She would see no pain from me.

Once the lashes were completed, and my spine was in tatters, the Adder untied my arms and threw me to the ground.

I stood, and straightened my back despite the burning from my wounds. I gave Amarantha one final death glare as I walked back through the gates and into the hall.