Hunted

Chapter 18

Important note: Soon, there's going to be a new pack introduced, so I was wondering if you guys had any names (male names obviously) that you think I could use, and if you had any idea for pack names. Especially the pack name. I like unique names but names that aren't so unique that you have no idea how to pronounce them. Or maybe an ordinary name like Cole, but spelt differently like Kol. So unique/alternative spellings. I'll dedicate a chapter to you or maybe read and comment on a book of your choice if I use your suggestions :D

Chapter 18-Azula's POV

“You’re so pathetic, Azula,” Dad sneered, circling me in the cave we’d once shared. I turned to keep him in sight, trying my best to ignore the pang his words caused. “So weak,” he continued, suddenly darting forwards and smacking me right across the face. I fell to the floor from the impact, crying out in pain. Dad laughed.

                “I told you this would happen!” he yelled, spitting in my face when I raised my head to look at him. I made no move to wipe it away, allowing the liquid to dribble down my face like a tear.

                “Please, Dad, I’m sorry!” I whimpered, cradling my tingling cheek.

                “You’re sorry?” he repeated, his lips twisting into a sadistic smile. “Of course that makes everything okay then, doesn’t it?”

                “I never wanted-“

                “Do you think I give a shit what you wanted?” Dad interrupted. “All I care about is that you left me. After everything I’ve done for you, after everything I’ve given up, you just left me!” He shook his head. “And for a boy no less.”

                “It wasn’t like that!” I cried. “It wasn’t like I had a choice.”

                “Don’t give me that crap,” Dad spat. “Deep down, you must have known what would happen when you went to meet with him, but you went anyway. You’re stupid Azula. You’re so, so stupid. No daughter of mine could be that idiotic.” My heart stuttered in my chest.

                “What are you saying?” I whispered, not sure I wanted to know. Dad’s eyes were cold when they met mine.

                “You’re no daughter of mine.”

                “No!” I shouted, jolting awake. Disorientation consumed me as I tried to get my bearings, my teary eyes flashing around the dark cavern.

                “Dream. It was just a dream,” I muttered, falling back against the soft material of the rug, an unusual luxury. I could barely feel the hard rock below to which my back had become so accustomed.  

                “Azula! Azula, are you alright?” Amias called.

I looked up in time to see him sprinting into the cave, his face the picture of panic. He knelt down beside me, cupping my face in shaking hands. His hazel eyes scanned over it, not becoming any less wild upon seeing no injury.  

“Are you hurt? Did someone try to touch you? I’ll kill them!”

“Amias? Wha-“ I shook my head, dislodging his hands. They fluttered in the air for a few moments, fretful, before they fell limp at his sides. “I-I’m fine.” Amias’ eyes filled with relief, even as they turned haunted.

“I-I thought t-that someone was... That they were...” Amias shuddered, clutching his hair in his hands hard enough to turn his knuckles white. “I was too late to save you.”His anguished eyes met mine before they slid shut. I felt my heart flutter in my chest, both at his words and at his expression. Not knowing what to say, I allowed the silence to lengthen.