Black Magic

Chapter 26: Thomas' Abuser

In the oppressive confines of General Matt's grand estate, a young servant named Thomas endured a relentless torrent of abuse and torment.

General Matt, a man of unyielding authority and sadistic impulses, took pleasure in inflicting pain upon his hapless victim.

Every day, Thomas was subjected to a litany of indignities. Matt would berate him with vile insults, strike him with his riding crop, and inflict wounds that left Thomas writhing in agony.

Yet, amidst all this suffering, Thomas maintained an unwavering cheerfulness.

One evening, as Matt sat in his opulent drawing room, sipping fine wine, he summoned Thomas. A mischievous glint in his eye, Matt proposed a cruel test of loyalty. He demanded that Thomas hold a glass of wine and kill a dozen bunnies, one by one.

Thomas's heart sank as he realized the macabre nature of Matt's demand. He had never killed an animal before, and the thought of spilling innocent blood filled him with horror. Nonetheless, he knew that he had no choice but to obey.

With trembling hands, Thomas stepped outside into the moonlit garden. As he approached the first bunny, its soft fur and twitching nose evoked a pang of pity in his soul. But remembering the consequences of disobedience, he forced himself to raise the glass and smash it against the helpless creature's head.

Bunny after bunny met the same gruesome fate, their bodies strewn across the lawn. Thomas's face was a mask of disgust and despair, but he continued his grim task, knowing that his life depended on it.

When he had finished, Thomas returned to the drawing room and presented the bloody evidence to Matt. The general's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he praised Thomas for his  loyalty.

"Good boy" He said.

Thomas walks away, breathing heavily.

Astrid stumbled through the grand entrance of the mansion. She had been locked away against her will, trapped in a world of darkness and isolation. But as she entered the familiar surroundings, her eyes fell upon Thomas, and her heart sank.

Thomas stood before her, his face marked with bruises and cuts, evidence of the cruelty he had endured in her absence. 

Pain etched across her features as she took in the sight of his injuries, her heart breaking at the thought of what he had endured on her behalf.

Tears welled up in Astrid's eyes as she approached Thomas, her voice trembling with anguish. "Thomas... I'm so sorry. I had no idea... I didn't know how cruel my father could be. This is all my fault."

Thomas, despite his injuries, mustered a weak smile. "Oh, Lady Astrid, there's no need to apologize. It's not your fault. I would endure a thousand bruises if it meant keeping everyone safe."

His words, laced with warmth and resilience, tugged at Astrid's heartstrings. She couldn't fathom how he could maintain his cheerful spirit despite the pain he had endured. 

With gentle hands, Astrid began to tend to Thomas's wounds, her touch careful and filled with tenderness. She did her best to ease his pain, offering him comfort amidst the turmoil that had enveloped them both.

As she worked, tears continued to stream down her face, the weight of guilt heavy upon her shoulders. "Thomas, I don't deserve your kindness. I never should have let this happen to you. I should have protected you."

Thomas let out a soft chuckle, wincing slightly at the movement. "You've always done your best, Lady Astrid. Life has its challenges, but we face them together. And besides, you know how stubborn I am. A few bumps and bruises won't keep me down for long."

His playful words, even in the midst of pain, brought a bittersweet smile to Astrid's lips. It was a reminder of the strength they drew from each other.

Astrid finished tending to his injuries, her touch lingering on his cheek. "Thank you for your  support, Thomas. You are the light in the darkest of times. I promise, I will do whatever it takes to protect you from harm."

Thomas's eyes sparkled with a mixture of gratitude and determination. "And I, Lady Astrid, will be by your side, no matter what challenges we face. Together, we can overcome anything."

As Astrid finished treating Thomas's injuries, a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. Despite the pain he was experiencing, he couldn't resist the opportunity to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

"Ah, Astrid, you truly have the hands of a skilled healer," Thomas remarked, his voice filled with playful exaggeration. "I feel as if I've been touched by an angel."

Astrid couldn't help but let out a small laugh, her tears mixing with the sound. "An angel, huh? Well, I hope my angelic touch didn't hurt too much."

Thomas pretended to clutch his heart dramatically, a grin spreading across his face. "Oh, the pain was excruciating, I must admit. But I endured it bravely, all for the sake of your impeccable nursing skills."

Astrid playfully rolled her eyes, a mixture of relief and amusement washing over her. "You're quite the charmer, Thomas. Even in the midst of your injuries, you still find a way to make me smile."

Thomas shrugged with a smirk. "What can I say? I've got to keep the spirits high, even if it means cracking a few jokes while being patched up."

Astrid gently patted Thomas's shoulder, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Thomas. Your resilience and ability to find joy in the midst of adversity inspire me. I'm lucky to have you by my side."

Thomas winked, his playful demeanor still intact. "And I, Lady Astrid, am the luckiest servant in all the land to have such a kind-hearted and beautiful lady to tend to my wounds."