Deviant Fate

34 - Pitiful

*Mature*

-Zinni-

I clenched my fists as I tried desperately to get it together. I betrayed him a second time. He's going to kill me. I tried my best to keep it secretive, but he doesn't understand! Obey Father or obey him! Who am I supposed to be loyal to?! Both of them hurt me if I don't obey. How am I supposed to keep them both from hurting me...

"Dismissed, Keerly." Father spit. Keerly glanced at me with sad eyes, but left me anyway.

"Zinni." Father's voice rang through my ears as I stiffened.

"Yes." I spoke quietly, but still kept my voice steady.

"Tell me everything." He said with darkness in his voice.

My eyes widened and my heart beat rapidly. He wants me to tell him about Gwen. I can't. Arowin will murder me and make it look like an accident. As children, he said he only hurt me because Father made him. He promised he wouldn't hurt me like that again. I trusted him. I guess my betrayal was enough for him to break that promise. Now I feared what he would do to me for telling Father everything. He would probably enjoy killing me.

And Gwen... poor Gwen. I can't endanger her more. I won't! I can't hurt her. It's not right. This isn't right!

A stinging sensation on my face left me feeling numb and motionless. Father's swift slap almost felt like nothing, as I've grown so accustomed to the violence.

I don't even stand a chance. This life I was given was always against me. I was never meant to be happy. Just pain. Suffering. A tool to help others get what they wanted. My flames were snuffed out quite literally since I was born. I've never been allowed to use my gift. I was threatened with death if I ever used my gift. Father wanted to make sure I would never use it against him. He abused me into the scared little girl I am today. He hates women I think. I think he hated that I was born. I think he gets enjoyment from hurting me.

"Speak now!" He shouted.

"She's Arowin's friend. He wants her. She ran away." I kept it short and monotonous.

Another sting. I felt my lip crack as it smashed against my teeth. I remained composed although I was scared. Very scared. What is the point of this? I'll be hurt either way. Father will hurt me until I tell him. Arowin will hurt me once he finds out I spoke. Either way, I'll be hurt. And so will Gwen. I have to try. Maybe I can hold out a while longer. Give Gwen a little more time to get further away. At least I hope that's what she's doing.

"Are you tempting me?" Father's voice bit with venom.

"No!" I shook my head.

"You will tell me everything." He yelled in my face with golden eyes.

I wanted to cry. I wanted to run. I didn't know what to do! If I lie he'll know. If I speak Arowin will kill me and Father will want to kill Gwen.

"Arowin found her. He wanted her —"

"Found her where?" He gritted out.

"In Narteria. He wanted her, but she didn't want him. Arowin brought her here for a short time. Then — then she escaped and that's why he's upset. Because he wants to get her back." I said leaving out all the details.

"Whose head does she want?"

"Probably Arowin's. She really doesn't like him. She has tried to kill him before." I spoke too quickly. I shouldn't have said that. It makes Gwen look threatening.