Running from Him by YH Yohi

Chapter 29: Unmasked

It had been four days since Pari last saw Arin. After he left that night, he locked himself in the study day and night. Taren or a maid came over to cook the meals, apart from that, Pari was all alone in the mansion. Every time, Pari asked about Arin, Taren always said the same thing 'busy with work'.

Lies. 

Arin holed himself up while Pari was left alone to deal with all the questions, why did he suddenly leave? What is he doing in the room? How long should Pari stay stuck on the island?

That day, she decided she had enough. The least she expected was to be acknowledged or informed, rather she felt like an abondoned doll thrown to the side. 

The dark ebony door stood in front of her. Pari was hesitatent to knock on the door, she began to fidget with the helm of her top. What if this proves to be a fatal mistake? What if she is walking straight into the devil's mouth? There was no telling what Arin do if he was in a bad mood. Pari already had a taste of that. Maybe waiting is the best option. But just as Pari was about to retreat, she felt warmth wash over her. 

The door opened and he stood there, looking as surprised as Pari was. The sun had already set and the fire in the chimney was slowly nibling away at the wood. His room was dark, the warm orange hue of the fire was all that illuminated it. Near the fire were two chairs with a small tea-side table beside, a deep ambre liquid bubbled in a glass. Arin was drinking. Pari breath picked up a hitch. It was a bad time. 

Dark, alone with a drunk crazy man- not the most ideal situation for any girl to be in. 

"Do you need anything?" Arin broke her line of thought. Though abrupt, it didn't sound rude. Rather it was soft, a tone used to talk to a child. 

"Y...yes" Pari stuttered. She was already one foot in the situation, might as well see it through.

"Come in"

Arin stepped aside. Pari took a minute before letting herself in. She walked stiff with hands plastered to her side as she quickly scurried to the chairs and settled in one.

"Did you eat? Shall i get you anything?"

"No"

"What did you need then?" Arin sat at the opposite side. He barely made eye contact as if avoiding her and it irked Pari. 

"I want to leave" it finally came out with a sense of finality. But all she got in reponse was a heavy sigh. 

"Can't" that was the last straw

"Arin! What is wrong with you? This is what I hate about you, you do whatever the fuck you want and expect everyone to bend to your will. I am living this island, even if I end up throwing myself in danger, I hate you!"

"Hate me all you want Pari, but you aren't leaving"

Pari got up furious

"For heaven's sake why?! Tell me Arin why?! Locking me up here won't mend our relationship, you are only making you hate you more. I'm going crazy here. I'm warning you, if you don't leave me...then i'll"

"What will you do? Go ahead Pari, TELL ME" Arin suddenly lost demanour. Pari noticed his baggy eyes, his slumped shoulders, his frenzied hair, he didn't look myself..far from the perfect Arin.

Pari calmed herself. What can she do? and it struck her

"I'll take away what you want"

"And what is that?" Arin looked bewildered. 

"My life"

Everything fell silent. Only the crackling on the charring wood filled the room. Arin face was blank, almost indescribable. Suddenly it broke into a small laugh.