Looking for the Light Through the Darkness

Chapter 8: A Touch of Shadow

I could hear the worried undertone of Victor's voice and I paused before slowly taking a breath. His words were genuine and I slowly let go of Avery's hand as Victor let go of my wrist. "Okay..." I finally agreed and looked toward Avery's direction.

"Are you sure Sang?" Her voice was nervous but neutral and I could tell she wasn't sure about my decision but I was. A mother's reaction was not one that should reflect against her son. Thinking of my mother for a moment I shivered and continued to keep my head bowed so that Victor could not see the scars on my face.

"I am sure Ave. I will catch up with you and Marc later." I smiled and with that the scent of lilies began to disappear as the sound of footsteps faded. Turning slowly back to the two male's in front of me I waited unsure as to what to do next when Victor quickly jumped in.

"Thank you Sang." His voice was deep but had a flair of spice to it as well. I smiled liking the sound of his voice and I could tell he was only a couple of steps in front of me. "I truly am sorry for Jasmine's horrendous behavior." I could hear the anger in the undertone of his voice and I was surprised to hear the name Jasmine once more. What child called their mother by her first name?

I paused and nodded my head silently as I heard the sound of footsteps moving back to the door I had come from. Shifting nervously, I kept my head down as though I was looking at my shoes when I suddenly felt the same callused hand touch my shoulder. Surprised I flinched a little and looked up toward Victor.

But to my surprise he didn't let out a gasp as he caught sight of the scars on my eyes instead he just squeezed my shoulder slightly. "Do the scars hurt?" He whispered and I bit my lip hard surprised for no one had ever asked me that.

I shook my head quietly and glanced back down. "Not usually." I responded carefully choosing my words. "Once and a while they do." I admitted and the sound of Mr. Blackbourne's footsteps returned and I looked in his direction.

He too did not utter a shocked breath at the sight of my scars but instead placed a soft fabric into my hands. Surprised, I found my sash back in my hands and I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you Mr. Blackbourne." I stated happily and carefully shifted wrapping the sash back around my eyes to hide the scars once more.

"You are more than welcome Miss H." He responded and I smiled happily.

"Sang would you mind if I guided you so that we can get those cuts cleaned up?" Victor asked politely and I nodded happily reaching out slightly for a hand. But to my surprise, I felt a slim but muscular elbow instead. A gentleman, I though and carefully wrapped my hand through the other's arm and allowed myself to be guided back down the hallway and into a different room

From this room I could hear the soft sound of violin music being played above us and I listened carefully. I recognized different melodies and as the music came to a stop clapping erupted. From down in the basement it actually sounded like thunder.

A couple of moments later, I was seated on a small wooden bench that was leaned against the concrete wall. Relaxing I stayed still and listened to those around me. Mr. Blackbourne was whispering instructions to Victor as to how to clean the wounds on my legs before he stepped outside to take a phone call.

"Sang?" Victor's voice pulled me away from the muffled sound of Mr. Blackbourne's through the door. "I am going to roll up your pants and take a look at the cuts." He stated and I could feel the air shift as he knelt down in front of me. With a nod, I bit my lip as he carefully worked the pant leg up to my knee.

With the cuts exposed to the air I could feel exactly where they were on my leg since they began to sting. Holding still, I heard a short breath of worry as the soft hands of Victor's shifted about over my legs. Shivering as I felt his fingers lightly touching my skin I soon felt a few bandages being wrapped around different parts of my leg.