For Her

Prologue

I can't...breathe.

It hurts so bad.

Please...stop...I...I can't breathe. It hurts so bad.

Everything was dark, blurred, unfocused so horribly Maxi couldn't be sure she was seeing clearly. Lost in another plane that was dark with different shades of darkness all around. The air felt like nothing against her but a weight along her bare skin that felt cold and numb and yet, stung badly, like salt on a wound.

Her eyes drifted downwards, her body feeling like it was moving over waves, she wanted to cry out but just the thought of expanding her lungs made her chest twinge painfully and her throat go raw.

There was silence from the rapid air all around and suddenly the world shifted, a harsh tug and she hit the ground hard from high above, her body shaking painfully as she clutched her arm. A crack of twigs made her ears ache warily as every nerve in her body tightened and she used her elbows to hold herself up, despite the ache all over and despite the pain she wanted to succumb to, she refused to do so.

I will not falter. I will be brave.

Her body sought to drop like a sack of potatoes on the ground but she raised her head, meeting the sinister eyes that sneered down at her as she forced her eyes upon him, refusing to show fear as she glared fearlessly at him.

I am the Lady of Anatol and he will learn once again what it means to cross Riftan Calypse.

"R-Release m-me, now!"

He only grinned, his eyes glinting dangerously as he crouched down in front of her, a glint of steel in his hand that made Maxi's skin shiver numbly but she forced herself to keep her eyes upon him, her body trembling slightly as the cold steel suddenly but ever so gently glided beneath her chin and he leaned in closer and whispered softly.

"I still can't understand a word you're saying." Maxi swallowed, feeling the tip of the dagger touch her throat ominously as he grinned wider. "But now, there is no one here who can speak for you, my lady."