The hell I want to stay in

Chapter 28: Sacrifice

"Beg for my forgiveness, Eveline!" The witch demanded, grabbing you tightly by the collar of your dress. "You are stupid!"

"I'm not going to apologize!" You screamed back, kicking in the air, gaining superhuman bravery, a strength you didn't know you had. No, you weren't going to stoop any further, you didn't want to apologize. "I will do anything to make your life a fucking hell!"

"You are a very bold bitch," Miranda hissed, letting you fall to the ground, with angry, bloodshot eyes. "I think you are not aware of the seriousness of your situation."

For a moment, lucidity and rational thought returned to your head. It wasn't your life that was at stake, it was Donna's. You couldn't die, Miranda needed you. But Donna... Donna was expendable, a bargaining chip to make your behavior exemplary.

"I..." You murmured. "I'm sorry."

Miranda raised her eyebrows at your radical behavior and a wicked smile spread across her face.

"Wow, it seems that you have come to your senses," she said amused, realizing the fear in your eyes, realizing that you had remembered the things that were at stake. "That's the way I like it, little bird."

"Don't do anything to Donna, I... I'm begging you," you said, bowing your head, lowering your gaze in a gesture of humiliation, of false devotion.

"But how cute you are, Eveline," Miranda whispered laughing, lifting your chin so that you could look into her eyes. "You would do anything for her, right?" She asked, with a different tone, like she was incredibly disgustingly jealous of the lady in black.

"Yes," you said dryly, noticing how the vision in front of you was blurred due to the tears.

"Okay, okay..." She murmured, releasing her grip, moving away from you. "Kneel down and beg for forgiveness."

You, sighing, starting to get too tired of everything, obeyed, feeling a humiliation that was not comparable to any other in your life.

"Mother Miranda," you sighed, feigning a neutral tone, something that was impossible. "I beg you to be kind enough to forgive my actions."

"Very good, little bird... But that's not enough," she said with the same crazy look, walking a step closer to you. "If you want me to forgive you, you're going to have to try harder."

"What can I do to grant your divine forgiveness?" You asked with tight lips, your fists white with anger and frustration.

"Do I notice a certain irony in your words?" Miranda asked, studying your gestures, realizing the way you spoke, the furious expression that was hidden in your gaze.

"No, I'll do whatever you want," you said, closing your eyes and taking a breath, trying by all means to sound sincere.

"Well, that gives me some ideas..." The witch said with dark eyes, getting even closer.

"Your wishes are orders to me," you said disgusted, avoiding thinking about what she was implying.

"You are so special, Eveline... I wouldn't want to waste you," she said, bringing her hands to her priestess clothing. "I hope you don't make me regret it and... What?"

Miranda turned sharply, staring at the laboratory door. It seemed like something had caught her attention. You, determined to close your eyes and await punishment, didn't realize it, opening them when the contact took too long.

Her eyes had abandoned evil. Her gaze had been lost between the walls of that laboratory. She seemed disoriented and confused, approaching the door with a frown.