The Awakening

Chapter Seven

Avelon had come to the realization that she absolutely hated doing the dishes. Absolutely despised it, not because of the actual work she had to put in, but because of the time she had available to spend rummaging through her own thoughts as she washed and cleaned and packed. Rinse, think, repeat.

A growl escaped her lips. She was frustrated beyond measure.

Ever since she had left Uisce with Balor, all that she could think of was her new life as a slave. Balor consumed her thoughts entirely, so much so that she had completely forgotten her own life, her own birthday. Her birthday had been the day after Balor had retrieved her, and it had never once crossed her mind until now.

A day after the day that altered her life completely.

Soapy hands, silence and racing thoughts were all that she had at that moment. Silently, sombrely, she grieved her own life, her life before Balor. Her birthday had not been too important to her, as the day itself had been nothing particularly worth remembering. The day did not bother her. No, it was the fact that she had given up on herself so quickly that had her spiraling into self-loathing.

Tears mixed with the water in the basin. Her throat had burned from her silent sobbing. Very rarely did she allow herself to feel the way she felt in that very moment. To allow her feelings to crush her before she could continue. Normally she would find the time to release pent up emotions during bathing, but since travelling to Teine she had only cried once during the trip.

She had no idea how much time had passed since she walked into the kitchen. Nobody had checked on her, not Balor and certainly not Brianne, and although she was thankful for it, it bothered her.

What did they expect from her? What was Brianne's problem with her? She hated the constant questions consuming her. The fact that she had been crying for Gods know how long and that she felt utterly weak was even more bothersome.

As a last cry of frustration racked through her body, she threw a plate into the basin in frustration, shattering it completely. She would not allow herself to think of whatever consequences that shattered plate would bring, as she stared at the broken pieces littering the basin. With a shaking hand, she opened the basin tap and angrily splashed water onto her face. An attempt to clear her thoughts and ease the swell she felt of her cheeks. She could feel the warmth in her face ease slightly, but not entirely.

She leaned heavily onto the basin, taking deep calming breaths while gathering her thoughts. All while trying to listen for any footsteps or sounds emanating from outside. Nothing. She was met with utter silence, apart from her own breathing. She winced at the thought of her sobs echoing through the halls. However hard she had tried to keep quiet, some muffled sounds were bound to escape her. The thought horrified her.

Her head turned to the side and her eyes lingered on the kitchen entrance. She debated whether to head back to the room or wait. Was Brianne testing her? She quickly dismissed the thought. She cast a quick glance toward the almost spotless kitchen, and then at the broken plate that littered the basin. Torchlight flickered against her skin, beckoning her to leave the kitchen. Suddenly she pushed herself from the basin, standing upright. She was done, no more waiting. With one swift thought, she stormed out of the kitchen and retraced the path she and Brianne had walked.

She had not slept since her arrival, and her body screamed for rest. Fatigue clouded her mind, but determination drove her forward.

Time had slipped away unnoticed, but the flickering torches along the hallway confirmed what she already knew. Most of the palace had retired for the evening and it was well passed sunset. The palace lacked a considerably noticeable number of windows. She wondered whether that was Balor's way of keeping things hidden.