Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 135

 Dark. Everywhere, dark. My vision swallowed by darkness. Like a bottomless pit of darkness stretching endlessly. And it's cold.

 It wasn't as simple as closing one's eyes or wearing a blindfold. This darkness, this deep blackness, was beyond such measures. It felt more primal, like it could halt the optic nerves, obstruct light from entering the retinas, causing complete blindness.

 The feeling of extreme cold intensified the experience too. Held in an uncomfortable position, my body freezing, only the sound of my trembling breath echoed. Unfortunately, making a sound was impossible.

 "I heard your story."

 A child's voice pierced the darkness. Fear caused my body to tense. It was the sweet, melodious voice of a haughty and arrogant young girl.

 "You used to be a laborer, right?"

 I held my breath at the girl's comment. Knowing this fact, knowing the content, suggested it wouldn't end there.

 "And you were even that woman's attendant, right?"

 Her tone was mocking, as if she was making fun of her sister to no end. A tone of complete contempt for a family member. It was hard to believe such words were spoken by a child.

 "Just a peasant's child, yet you were treated grandly, right? Don't you think?"

 Giggles filled with malice and disdain. It felt more like veiled coercion than seeking agreement.

 "Is that ugly woman, so dried up and unattractive, really my sister? A sister by blood? Spare me the jokes. Disgusting."

 Truly, her disdain for the other was evident. Dismissive, scornful. As if even mentioning it would dirty her mouth.

 "I am nothing like that woman. Everything about me is different. That's why everyone should respect me. They should revere me. They should... honor me."

 She declared her superiority repeatedly, emphasizing how she should be treated. It was almost obsessive, even possessive.

 As if starved, as if thirsty.

 "So, you see? This is proper discipline. A show of affection for those under my care."

 She laughed. Mocked. The young child asserted her legitimacy, like a teacher reprimanding a defiant student.

 "Aren't you lucky? If not for my father's appointment, it wouldn't be this easy, okay? Be grateful."

 A cruel and harsh declaration chilling my core. Fear of death consumed my mind. My body trembled to the core, separate from the cold.

 "Well then. That's all. You all should show me more affection."

 The outburst was silent, but a flood of malice rushed in, repeating endlessly. And then, and then...

 ...

 ...

 ...

 "Whoaaaaa!!!??"

 My own scream pulled me from the darkness. My heartbeats pounded fiercely. The thudding of my heart echoed in my ears. Drenched in sweat, my whole body shivered, and my vision wavered. Frantically looking around, I saw my familiar room...

 "Tomobe!? Are you okay!!? Can you hear me!!!??"

 My shoulders were suddenly grasped, and I recoiled, but before me stood the person I trusted most. Despite her urgent expression, her presence alone was reassuring.

 Relief washed over me, and with it, a surge of emotions. Tears welled up uncontrollably, and I couldn't fake a flushed face or suppress sobs.

 "Ugh...!!"