✓ | The Altered Version (Fate's Transgression Series, #2) [UNDER REVISION]

TAV 34: Danger's Near

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: Danger's Near

Clarinette | Liana

I felt like my world would collapse any moment because of the amount of weight I have to bear for the statement I heard. It is not enough to say that my feet went numb, for my entire reasoning dried out.

I looked him in the eyes and waited for him to say that it was a joke. I didn't move, I didn't part my lips, and If I could count the idea that I didn't blink, it is because the shock from his explanation slowly entered my system.

And then in the next moment, I can't seem to find my voice. I stood there shut, frozen, and malfunctioning. My entire system stiffened, and if it weren't for his Graces' quick reflexes to catch me, I might have sprained my ankles.

I felt my knees go weak which results in me falling. He caught my weight and held me tightly.

Hindi pa ako naka-recover sa nangyari at biglaan kong naaninag ang ilang mga naka-itim na winter coat sa harapan namin.

Lahat sila nakatingin sa gawi naming dalawa, at isa sa kanila ay lumapit. I noticed my hostility hadn't turned on, and it is because I knew who it was before he even removed the cloth covering his mouth.

"Teirro!"

Kahit hindi ako makatayo ng maayos, pinilit kong abutin ang pigura ni Teirro para siilin siya ng yakap. Vyrre accompanied me towards the Butler of Silverstein, and I immediately closed the distance.

"It is good to see you again, your grace."

Hearing his voice was a cue for my tears to fall effortlessly. Kumalas ako ng yakap sa kanya at hindi nag-atubili na sampalin ang kaliwang pisngi nito.

Umalingaw-ngaw ang tunog ng sampal at agad rumihistro ang gulat sa mukha niya.

"What a cute gift, isn't it, Teirro?" Vyrre said, and released a mocking laugh. "Clarinette told me she'll slap you hard once she sees you. I don't want her agony to reciprocate on me."

"What is that for, your grace?" tanong ni Teirro sa akin. May pagtataka ang mukha niya habang marahan na hinawakan ang pisngi na ngayon ay namumula.

"For everything," I said. "Sa pagsulsol mo sa Duke, sa mga kasinungalingan mo tuwing tinatanong kita kung alam niya ba ang ginagawa ko, at higit sa lahat..." sinampal ko siya muli gamit ang isa kong kamay para sa kanan niyang pisngi "dahil hindi mo ako sinundan noong pumasok ako sa bukana!"

"It wasn't in your nature to harm yourself with your decisions, Madame. Hindi ko akalain na gagawin mo 'yon, at sinabi ko sa 'yo na pumasok ka sa kotse, bakit hindi mo ginawa? Naging kasalanan ko pa!"

Napasimangot ako sa sagot niya. My point backfired and Teirro didn't even catch the essential part of my rampage. Magpapakipot sana ako sa Duke para ako naman ang pagkatiwalaan niya, subalit nakalimutan ko ata na balimbing talaga si Teirro.

"Kahit na, you said you'd protect me in the absence of the Duke."

"I did my best to find you after the fire receded, but there are Crawlers in the forest, Madame. Hindi gusto ng Sheriff na i-sakripisyo ang mga opisyal para lusubin ang teritoryo nila. Believe me, I tried my best to find you."

Kumalma na ako. I was just acting like I was hurt and it already affected Teirro. What I did was justifiable, he may look hurt but he deserves it. Dapat sana sinuntok ko nalang e.

I know it wasn't Teirro's fault and it was clearly a sin I have to carry. I acted on impulse, I let my emotions control me which led us today.

"Ano ang ginagawa mo dito?" biglaan kong tanong. Dumako ang tingin ko sa ibang mga kasama niya. "Maliit ang kubo para i-accommodate kayong lahat, at hindi din sinabi ni Vyrre na darating kayo kaya hindi ko na kasalanan kung maging yelo kayo d'yan."