✩𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 - 𝐀 𝐬𝐨𝐛 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲✩

𝐗𝐈

Red's Pov

The castle sat before us, its jagged silhouette casting ominous shadows over the hills. The cold stone walls seemed to absorb the sunlight, creating a spine chilling feeling that made the air itself feel heavy. I tightened my grip on Chloe's hand, feeling the warmth of her palm against my cold skin. The lump in my throat was suffocating, but Chloe's steady presence gave me some feeling of comfort

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Chloe said softy.

I squeezed her hand in return, trying to gain some kind of courage. "Yes. I need to do this. It's time to tell her that I'm done."

We had decided to return to the castle of my mother, the Queen of Hearts. Chloe's mother had sent her royal guards with us, a gesture of security that now felt more like a burden than a comfort. As the guards led us through the castle's massive iron gates, the memories of my past traumas surged back, each step forward pulling me deeper into the darkness.

The ceiling was high, supported by columns that felt more like prison bars than architectural feats. The vast space was eerily quiet, save for the echoing sound of our footsteps. Chloe's presence was a small light in the otherwise oppressive dark , her eyes scanning the room with a mix of curiosity and concern, after all this was her first time in the castle.

My mother appeared, her grand attire contrasting sharply with the sinister aura she carried with her. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, met mine with a coldness that sent a shiver down my spine. There was no warmth, no recognition of the daughter she had abused and neglected. She was a queen in her own right, but to me, she was the embodiment of pain.

"So, you've finally decided to grace me with your presence, after your little tantrum a few days ago" she said, her voice dripping with hatred.

And you've brought a companion. How charming." She added.

"Mother," I began, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm here to tell you that I've had enough. I don't have any love left for you. I've endured too much, and I need you to know that."

Her eyes narrowed. "Is that so? After all this time, you think you can come here and make demands? You've always been a disappointment, Red. Always. And now you have the audacity to bring a stranger into my presence?"

Chloe's grip on my hand tightened. I could feel her anxiety, her fear for me. I wanted to turn to her, to find comfort in her eyes, but I knew I had to face this alone.

My mother's expression twisted into a smug smile" What is it you want from me? Your pathetic attempts at self-assertion? You think I care about your feelings? You've always been a mistake a burden on my crown."

Her words cut deeper than any blade ever could. I took a shaky breath, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.

"I want you to understand that I am done with this. I can't take any more of your cruelty." I spoke.

"Cruelty?" she spat, her voice rising in anger. "I have given you everything. And this is how you repay me? With defiance? With disrespect?"

Her rage was so apparent i could cut it with a knife . In an instant, she lunged at me, her hand striking my face with a force that made me stumble backward. Pain exploded across my cheek, and I heard Chloe's gasp behind me. My mother's face was twisted in fury as she grabbed a plate from the dining table and hurled it at me. The plate shattered against the wall, sending shards flying, and I barely managed to dodge the pieces.

"Look at you," she screamed, her voice breaking. "You're worthless! A pathetic excuse for a daughter! And now you're bringing your disgraceful choice of partner into my home. How dare you?"