In Flames Lie Darkness (Incomplete Fist Draft)

Chapter 4

"Very well." He looks at a guard with more equipment than the others. My guess is he's in charge of the others. "Bring the boy forward." A pit in my stomach forms as the large man picks him up and harshly puts him down. He groans in pain. "Good." Mr De Christofalo praises.

"Now kill him."

"But, sir, this is my so-" The guard's eyes go wide as he speaks. I guess that's Asher's dad.

"Do. It. Or you will join him."

Right at that moment, I could have sworn I saw the guard's soul leave his body, because after that his movements were hollow, as if it was just a shell doing things. I suppose it makes sense. I wonder what I would do if I were in such a horrifying position?

The next couple of seconds feel like they were in slow motion, as thoughts of what Asher had said flash in my mind like a movie, where Sabrina's screams were the soundtrack. He had said he was going to change things. He had a dream he was going to follow. He had a future, which is all gone now. Why? Why him? What did he do to spite the universe? Nothing. He hadn't done anything. But now I'm watching as the guard takes out his gun and pulls the trigger. It happens in an instant, but I don't think I'll ever forget Asher's expression right before he dies. I've only known him for an hour, but without him, we would be trapped right now. He gave us hope. That's gone now. Now, his face is frozen in that damn expression. It's some mix of sadness and fear and disappointment, but the thing that angers me the most is the relief I can see.

He knew he could die, and he didn't care. He threw his life away, and for what? He was at least a little bit happy with the situation, and I can't forgive that. Why would he betray us, betray me? Why? Why give away his dreams to the people he knew wouldn't care?

'That's it. Keep wondering. Feel that anger.'

Slowly I feel that familiar warmth again, but this time I don't question or fight against it. I just let it happen, and I can feel myself slip away. I'm not myself anymore and I don't care. What's the point of this world where bad things happen to good people, and monsters go free? What's the point of it all? From my father's release from prison, to Rose's death, to Delilah's disappearance- So, so many things happen to the pure while the damned get away with their horrendous actions. Why? The people around me tell me to let go of these thoughts, but I can't. I can't let go of this idea, this knowledge that even if I was a good person, I could die just like that and nobody would know or care. My existence would be gone, and no one would remember me. What's the point of being good then? What's the point of making the right choice?

'Exactly!' Red's voice has transformed, it's more shrill now. More monstrous. I know I should shut her up by now, but I don't know how. She's going to hurt them, I know. I don't know how I know, I just do. I also know I can't stop her. I should try though, because these thoughts aren't true. I know that.

Or do I?

I mean, Asher was talking about how he wanted to change the world. He wanted to get rid of the corrupt people here. Well, Red can give me the power to. With her, I could get rid of all the monsters in the closet. Maybe things could be different if I indulge her, just this once. Afterall, what's scummier than a person who would kill their own son?

And just like that, it's like I've let go of a rope. I know I'm doing things but I have no control over my actions.

I feel myself stand up, melting the handcuffs away. I step into the puddle of Asher's blood as the room turns silent and the guard aims his gun at me. In a dizzying flash, I'm suddenly in front of him, my hand reaching out to slash at him. He hurries to pull his trigger, but it's too late. My hand is through his chest, holding the heart I didn't think he had. I crush it as his body falls to the ground, next to his son's. Through all of this, Mr De Christofalo has been frozen in shock, his mouth wide open. I would have loved to take a photo. I would call it 'Monster Witnesses His Creation.'