Saving Calen

9.

Aylah's POV

The tears won't stop.

I sit at the table with my father as he scarfs down whatever meal the cooks made. My appetite has been ruined for the second time today.

I cry as quietly as I can.

I can't seem to block out that image. His defeat when he was shown the papers.

Like a deed to a car.

Him being pushed to his knees and finally, his green eyes staring into mine as I branded him.

I branded him.

"Quit crying, sweetheart. He was quite literally bred for this." My father says absently.

I feel like I'm going to puke. I run to the nearest sink and empty the contents of my stomach. My hands shake relentlessly as I remember the smell of his burning flesh.

The sizzle.

The way he didn't make a sound, but was breathing far too quickly.

His body slumping over and being kicked to the ground.

I'm so lost in thought that I don't notice my father slink into the bathroom behind me.

He wrenches my hair back and makes me stare into the mirror.

"All this over a guard." He spits out as if it's beneath him to even utter the words.

I sniff and try to remain calm.

"Listen, you will treat him exactly as he deserves. If not, I will make you gut him from collarbone to pelvis. I will not have one of my family members associated with that kind of person."

He lets go of my hair.

"Now come. Eat." He says.

I smooth out my hair and mentally prepare myself.

...

Calen's POV

I pick myself off of the floor, grunting with effort.

Once I'm standing, I walk to her room and enter it. I stand in front of the mirror and examine my new decoration.

Nothing more than a piece of meat.

I dig a rag out from under the sink and hope that she won't mind. I start dabbing at the blood and tender skin before completely giving up and placing the cold rag over the brand. I put my shirt back on and hobble out to the chair.

I sink into it and take deep breaths, snapping the rubber band at a feverish speed.

Vibrations come from my pocket and I take out my phone.

An unknown number shows on the screen. I answer and tentatively put it to my ear.

"Hello?" I cringe as my voice comes out hoarse and weak.

"Calen?" 

My heart fills with relief.

"Calen is that you?"

I close my eyes.

"Yeah, ma. It's me." I answer.

A sigh of relief comes from the other end.

"Oh my heavens thank god. I thought he was going to kill you." She sobs.

I push down the urge to sob to her.

"No, I'm okay mom. Really." I lie.

"Why does your voice sound like that?"

I don't answer.

"Calen, what'd he do?"

I muster up whatever strength and dignity I have left.

"Nothing, ma. He's treating me well. You need to go before dad finds out." I say, getting ready to hang up.

"Wait!"

I bring the phone back up to my ear.

"Calen, I begged. I swear it I begged him not to do this. I'm sorry, son. I love you more than words. I'll find a way."

Tears spring to my eyes as I fight to stay emotionless.

"I love you too. Don't do anything to get you hurt. I'll be okay." I whisper.

I hear her sobs at the other end.

My lip quivers and my voice comes out a shaky mess.

"I have to go now." I force out.

"Be safe, son." She says.

I click off the phone and put my head between my knees.

I hear Aylah's footsteps coming up the stairs and I immediately scan her body for any injury. I let out a sigh of relief when I don't find any.

She looks at me, but it's different. Cold.

Her eyes snap away immediately.

She walks right past me and into her room.

My mind races. Maybe she really did like the power she had over me. Maybe I was wrong about her.

A few minutes pass. She throws open the door.

"Lift your shirt."

I stand and immediately do as she asks.

She steps forward and rips the rag off of my chest. I stifle a groan as some of my skin comes off with it.

"Don't ever take anything without asking again." She spits.

My eyebrows furrow but I quickly fix them.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Be ready by 9 am. We're going with Dorian tomorrow."

With that, she walks back in, slamming the door behind her and I'm left alone.

Utterly and painfully alone.