The Khigir Hunters

20. Self-Served Defeat

I was just reading how the shopkeeper's wife suicided out of a window when someone knocked at my door. Fyodor Dostoevsky's "A Gentle Creature" has been my favorite book from childhood, edifying a hard lesson on narcissism. You see, after his first wife killed herself due to his unrelenting narcissistic love, his new wife was bound to do the same. It was grim yes, but very insightful.

"Yulia? Dinner's ready, come on, open up!" A muffled voice called on the other side of my door. Despite not having a lock, I appreciated whoever it was because they had the decency to not barge in. On the other hand, I was annoyed because I wanted to be left alone. With a sigh, I got off my bed and opened the door to see an impatient Jay. He wore loose grey sweatpants with a white top and had his arms crossed. Typical unhappy brother stance. His star necklace lay flat against his chest.

"About time!" He dramatically exclaimed, "I was sent here to get you but goddamn, I didn't expect it to be this hard." His mocking green eyes found mine. I internally groaned, feeling the return of my headache inflicted by Bree. I tried so hard to push it down by drowning myself in books, but low and behold it's back to the fucking surface.

"I'm not hungry." It took all my self-control not to lash out. Jay cocked his head to the side, processing my words.

"You're not hungry?" He repeated, clearly not buying it.

"No." I clarified with a snarky attitude.

"Well, that's too bad sweetheart." Jay shrugged. "I'll just have to make Leon bring you down himself." He began walking away, obviously in no mood to argue. Now that stopped me.

"Wait!" I called, running after him. Jay turned towards me with a shit-eating grin. He knew he won. "I'll be down in five minutes." I acquiesced with a sigh.

"There, that wasn't so hard." Jay teased. He suddenly stepped forward to pat my cheek. My left cheek.

"Ah!" I jerked back, placing my hand on top my concealed bruise.

"Fuck! Yulia, are you alright?" Jay reached out to me, but I scrambled away like a frightened child.

"Stay away!" I demanded, retreating into my room. I slammed my door shut and wished I had a freaking lock. Why was that so much to ask for? A gentle tapping sounded at my door.

"Yulia?" Jay's voice was coated in worry. I gave him no response. I was standing like a deer caught in headlights in my room. There was no point in hiding, it was useless. "I'm coming in, okay?" Like I have a choice. Jay slowly opened my door, looking a bit like a lost puppy. He sauntered towards me, scratching the back of his neck. "Is uh," he cleared his throat, "is everything okay? Did you-"

"I'm fine Jay. I'm fine." I grit through my teeth, nearly hissing.

"Right..." Jay said sarcastically, shaking his head. He smiled grimly and let out a pained chuckle. "You know, you disappear as soon as we get back and shut yourself in your room without a word." He took another step towards me. "Now you have a fucking bruise on your face that you tried to hide from us, with what, makeup?!" Jay raised his voice and held up his concealer-covered palm eye level with me. I tried to remain cool despite my eyes widening at being caught. He took slow steps in my direction until he was directly in front of me. "Care to explain yourself, sis?" His opal eyes scanned me over, daring me to answer.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I crossed my arms, surprised over the fact that I didn't stutter.

"Bullshit." Jay exasperated. He was pissed off now. "Was it Javier?" He pushed. I remained silent. "That red haired bitch?" Silence. "Or was it that chick with black hair?" Nothing. "Answer me, Yulia!" He ordered. I jumped at his sudden outburst. Tears quickly welled up in my eyes from my fragile state.