Shot in the Dark (book 2 of the Storm Chasers series)

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

The spot was shaded, helping the group hide. The trees sprouting around a decaying house was their spot. From far away, it looks just like a dark spot in the forest. It was just beyond the border of the grid, which contrasted with the cleared out area of the facility.

The area had guards looking around at any odd sound, which encouraged the trio to keep their voices low. Felidae sat on a decayed stump near the entrance of their hiding spot, giving signals on when they needed to be quiet. For the majority, they sat and waited.

Crow brought up many topics. He asked Raven to teach him how to draw a raven, which he failed at. Crow tried to explain how to play guitar, but got distracted and taught him how to sing. He found that Raven was really good.

Crow eventually brought up religion. More like Raven said 'Oh holy Aster' and Crow started to vent his frustrations. He felt as if the Asterox was dumb, in which it was.

"Look, most of the time it was praying and rituals. Some people did get something out of it. I don't know why Aster favored them. He doesn't favor me. I don't have anything special about me," Crow ranted, using his hands to emphasize his point.

"I didn't say that I agree with- '' Raven desperately tried to get a word in.

"Besides, everyone is crazy for the purity of women. In the Chronicle of the Elements, where all of the gods are listed, it doesn't encourage that! It's just a story about some kids trying to save their world. I don't even know if it's ours!"

"Well, if-"

"All Aster does most of the time is fawn over a girl, who is only hot literally, and cracks jokes. While I, a person who is trying their best to deal with a realistic situation, am trying my best. I don't even have powers, like he does! I get it, I've made mistakes. I never should have been with Deianeira in the first place! I wish I never joined the Asterox, and I wish I never told my dad to leave!" Crow almost yelled, tears welling in his eyes. He looked at Raven, shocked.

"Deianeira?"

"I am so sorry."

"Who is Deianeira?"

"She..."

"Hah. Now you've done it," Nightmare taunted. Crow closed his eyes, not wanting to look at the monster beside him.

"I didn't..."

"He's going to be so disappointed in you. Imagine if he knew that when you met him, you were taken? Not only to be tossed around and discarded a month after."

"I really tried."

"You were never strong. The only sickness that infected you was your pride. You never mattered. She proved that. She hated you, even though she loved you. I own you, because of her. She gave me you."

"I'M DONE WITH HER! She was a fool! I didn't deserve to be hurt by her! She was awful! I don't care that I wanted to be like a god. I never will be one! She was the culmination of all my mistakes, and I regret that she ever got in reach of me," Crow sobbed, balling up his fists.

"What did she do?" Raven asked, putting his arm around Crow. He could feel the memories start rushing back.

The glass on the floor. That harsh voice. The bruises and cuts that she left. The sweet words that filled her mouth, just to get him close enough to break. The fake hugs and kisses, making him feel sick. All of the days when he came back to the apartment and just wanted something real. All the times that he wanted to test the limits of his life. All the times that he thought it was his fault.