The Phoenix Society

Chapter 22

I shuddered, pulling my arms closer to my body as my bare feet padded through the cobblestone interior of the Estate. My body still has not gotten used to how cold this place always is. The Estate was quiet this time of night. The only sound came from the silent pitter patter of my feet as they filled the empty halls. I followed the light from the candles that hung on the wall, sending an eerie glow throughout the castle-like structure. Carefully I walked down the enormous staircase that descended into the Institutes entry way. I rubbed my sleepless eye.

Despite having Laken back, the nightmares still came back tonight causing me to have another night of tossing and turning. I finally gave up on sleep and have been wandering the Estate for about twenty minutes. I took a turn to the right, letting my feet lead me as my mind wandered from place to place. To be honest, the past couple of days has been a lot. Joining the Order, finding the Phoenix Society, Rider getting killed, getting my brother back...there was so much happening around me that I'm not sure my brain has had the proper amount of time to process the emotions I felt. I was angry, so angry, at everything my father has done. Killing those innocent people, killing Rider. I was ashamed to even be related to him.

My feet halted. I don't know what compelled me to stop here, but I did. I took a deep breath, then allowed my feet to take my body into the small room.

My eyes wandered around the small room taking it in. Even in the dark, I could see the make of the black grand piano taking up a sizable amount of space in the room, leaving only a small pathway to the bench beneath it. The moon shone through the large windows behind the piano, seemingly lighting a path directly to it, as if calling me towards it. My hand traced over the ivory piano keys as the memories of my mother playing beside me danced in my brain. I smiled at the thought.

Slowly, and ever so carefully, I moved the bench out, allowing myself to sit. I perched on the edge of the bench as I rested my hands on the glossy keys. It's been so long since I've sat at the piano, I'm not sure I even remembered how to play. Taking a deep breath, I pressed my fingers down creating a C chord. I smiled as I moved my fingers, playing another chord, then another. My fingers slowly started moving faster as the feeling of playing came back to me. The sound reverberated through the room in a comforting ensemble as I continued moving my fingers across the keys. While I was playing, it was like nothing else mattered. I let myself get absorbed by the music allowing myself to forget the events of the past couple of days. My fingers landed on the final note, then stopped.

I felt a tear slip down my cheek, then another, finally allowing myself to let down my guard. I hated Monroe for what he's done to us...to Laken. He has caused us so much pain. The only thing I wanted in this moment is to make him feel the pain he has made so many others feel. After a moment, I stood pushing in the bench. Then I left the room, like I wasn't even there.

I left my feet continue to pull me until I ended in the training room. Tears were no longer pouring down my cheeks. Instead, my hands clenched into fists. The only thing I felt right now was anger.

I needed to hit something.

I walked over to the corner of the room where three punching bags stood. I took my stance, then sent my fist flying. The sound echoed through the empty PIT. I hit it again with a grunt.

Right...left...jab...hook...My mind traveled to Laken asleep in my bed. I was unable to protect him. I left him alone, unable to protect himself, with that monster.

Right...left...kick...elbow...I thought of Jared, being tormented by Monroe, being forced to live, and fight someone else's battles. The more I replayed the events, the angrier I became.

Right...left...jab...kick...hook...Rider. Tortured because of me. Died because of me. As much as Banks can say its not my fault, it was my idea to find Rider.