Torn: Sequel to Ruthless

Chapter 4

Artemis

The day after Tavia is taken by the Capitol, I sit on my bed, motionless, trying to sort through the whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind. Questions come at me faster than I can answer them, each one more confusing than the last.

"Artemis!" My mother's voice cuts through the silence, sharp and insistent. "The Tribute Parade is starting soon! Come downstairs!"

With a deep breath, I drag myself off the bed and make my way down the stairs. The house feels unusually quiet without Tavia's presence. Once I settle into our plush couch, the tension in my chest loosens slightly as the Parade begins on the screen.

I gasp aloud, partly in surprise, partly in relief. There they are—Tavia and Apollo, riding in the District 2 chariot, flashing smiles to the crowd. Apollo wears a gleaming white and gold Roman-style toga, looking every bit the Capitol's darling. And Tavia... Tavia is something else entirely. She looks stunning. Sexy, even. Powerful. Dressed in a golden crop top lined with jewels, and a matching gladiator-style skirt, she radiates confidence. Her curls flutter behind her. I can't help but feel a pang of envy and pride all at once.

I stop paying attention to the rest of the parade, but I notice a boy from District 4, his gaze fixed on my best friend. I can't blame him. She does look hot.

Rowan

I miss Octavia. More than I ever thought I would. I hate admitting it, but it's the truth. She's been the one constant through everything—the one person who has helped me face every challenge, even when I didn't realize it. Now that she's gone, I feel adrift, like I'm lost in an ocean without a lifeline.

Lilith, surprisingly, is handling it better than expected. She's still grieving, of course, but she's slowly coming back to herself. It's a relief to see her moving forward, even if it feels like I'm stuck in place.

Vulcan is quieter than usual, his worry heavy in the air. But it's Mom who I'm really concerned about. Ever since Tavia was taken, she's been a shadow of herself. She hasn't slept, barely eaten. It's like the light's been drained from her.

"Guys!" Lilith's voice suddenly rings through the house, clear and sharp, breaking through the heaviness. "Octavia's on TV!"

I don't even think. My feet move before I can stop them, and I nearly trip over thin air as I rush into the living room. The floor seems to shake with every step I take, my heart pounding in my chest. When I finally reach the screen, my breath catches in my throat. There she is—Tavia—smiling and waving from her chariot. Apollo stands beside her, and for a fleeting moment, I almost feel at ease.

But then I remember: there are other people in the room with me. And I can't break down in front of them. Not now.

I turn to see Mom, her face crumpling as she watches her daughter on TV. A sob breaks free from her, a sound I haven't heard in days. It's a sob of relief, of longing, of love. And then, for the first time in what feels like forever, I see her smile.

Vulcan and Lilith rush to her side, wrapping their arms around her, and I join them, holding on tightly. In this moment, with Tavia's image on the screen and Mom's tears on my shoulder, it feels like we're all piecing ourselves back together, bit by bit.

This chapter is REALLY short, but I didn't really know what else to put in it. If you can, please give me some feedback, particularly on things I can improve on. Thanks!