"Your tongue is sharp, Little Dragon. But my blade is sharper."
Vesta Melgren x Xaden Riorson
A/N Just a disclaimer, I don't own or take any credit to anything having to do with Fourth Wing. That all belongs to the Original Author Rebecca Yarros. Al...
Blood was rushing through my ears at the impact, my body falling to the side on my knees. My chest heaving as my lungs gasp for air.
The world was spinning, spinning, spinning.
I couldn't make sense of anything except for the pain.
Oh Gods.
It was everywhere. Racing down my back over scars long since healed, aching along my bones.
My skin burned. Like I was being cooked from the inside.
My fingers curled into fists, nails biting into the skin of my palms.
Not a sound.Not.A.Sound.
I would not give the bastard the satisfaction.
The General sighed in disappointment. "If you would just follow orders like I taught you, this wouldn't be necessary. Your pride will be your downfall, daughter."
My arms trembled as I sat up on my knees, hands braced against the floor.
Blood congealed within my mouth, coating my tastebuds with iron. I spat the glob out on the ground, decorating the stone in spattered crimson.
My shoulders shook in exhaustion as I struggled to fill my lungs with oxygen, my hands leaving the floor as I turned my glare to his face, his features twisted in disgust.
"Forgive me Father, it won't happen again." I managed to rasp between rattling breaths.
"You're damn right it won't. No blood of mine will be affiliated with such insubordination. You're not allowed to see a healer, those wounds are your punishment and you deserve to feel every minute of them. If I hear of you seeing one, this session will seem like child's play to what I will do to you. Now get out of my sight while I clean up your mess."
The countless lashes and burns along my spine roared in outrage at the shifting muscles. My shirt lay in tattered ruins amidst the wounds, reopening the ones that had scabbed over as I cut the rest off of my ruined skin.
I cleaned each one as best I could before my body collapsed in exhaustion. Eyelids heavy as I laid on my stomach, my shirtless back shivering in the cold drifting in from the open window.
Each movement, each thought, was an effort.
What was the point? What was the point in doing something good when all I got was this in return?
I wasn't meant to be a hero. I was raised to be a soldier, to follow orders without question. To be the best.
I have to be the best.
I can't be that when I don't follow orders. When I protect little Sorrengails against themselves. I can't be what my father trained me to be.
But I promised. I promised him.
My best friend, how I missed him.
Brennen.
I promised him I'd protect them, especially the little one. She was all alone.
Like me.
I promised and I never break my promises. I could do this.
For him, I'd do this.
All of it, for him...
-------------------------------------------
Hours. Hours he had worked on me.
For hours he whipped and carved and burned my flesh.
For hours he decorated my skin in blood and bruises.
For hours he reminded me how utterly worthless I was.
I suppose I believe him...
A/N I know it's not a long one, but I wanted to give some background into Vesta's life. I will continue to sneak some flashbacks in throughout the story. ;)
I love her so much and her story deserves to be told <3
Don't be afraid to comment! I love your guys' feedback and thoughts xx
