Ominous future

Engagement

( Aurora - Runaway)

Ominis felt the words hit him like a punch in the gut. He pulled away just enough to look at her face.

"What?" he said, shock and disbelief in his voice. "You... you killed someone?"

"Marvolo told me that I killed one of his henchmen. Back then in forbidden forest..." her voice caught in her throat "they intended... I had to defend myself" she choked.

The information was difficult for Ominis to process. The thought of Elisse, the kind and gentle person he knew, being forced to kill someone to defend herself was almost too much to bear.

He cupped her face with his hands, trying to comfort her. "I understand," he said softly. "It was self-defense. It wasn't your fault."

"You don't understand!" she said in a raised voice. "I enjoyed it, the feeling of power.... Marvolo is right. I'm just like him. A monster!" she turned and leaned against the wall and sobbed.

Ominis felt a pang in his heart as he listened to her words. Elisse, the person he cared for the most, thinking she was a monster because she did what she needed to do to survive.

"You're not a monster, Elisse," he said firmly, his hands on her shoulders. "You had a fight-or-flight response. That doesn't make you a monster. It makes you a survivor."

Ominis gently grabbed her shoulders and slowly turned her towards him. He cupped her face in his hands and wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. He bent his head to her and kissed her.

Elisse was initially surprised by Ominis sudden kiss, but then a sense of comfort and security washed over her. It was a much-needed reassurance of his love and support, something she desperately needed in this moment of turmoil.
She melted into the kiss, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him closer.

This brief moment was interrupted by the cruel words, "So this is your boyfriend, Elisse? My poor blind brother?" he asked with a demonic laugh.

Ominis bristled at the mocking tone in Marvolo's voice. He knew his brother all too well, knew he reveled in pushing his buttons.

Without letting go of Elisse, Ominis turned to face Marvolo. "You have a reason for disturbing us?" he said coldly.

"Yes, brother, I wanted to ask you if you would be my best man at the wedding." he scoffed.
"Now get out! I'm going to pick up my future wife to announce our engagement." Marvolo said sullenly.

Ominis felt a rush of anger at the nonchalant way his brother spoke. The thought of him marrying Elisse, of them being together... it was like a nightmare come to life.
"Elisse isn't property to be passed around," he retorted, his hand still holding onto her, protectively. "You won't have a wedding to attend because this isn't happening."

"I won't ask her. It's all already agreed with our families. And she'll submit for better or for worse!" he shouted.

Ominis' hands clenched into fists. His brother's sheer insolence drove him almost to the edge. He was used to his brother's cruelty and ridicule, but this was a new level of viciousness.
"You won't lay a finger on her," he said in a low, menacing voice. "I will stop you. By any means necessary."

Marvolo laughed.
"Oh please, and how are you going to do that? Hit me with your blind club?" he laughed at his own bad joke.

Ominis's jaw clenched, struggling to control the rage that threatened to boil over. His brother's mockery was a fire to his gasoline.

"You underestimate me," he said through gritted teeth. "I've got more than eyesight on my side."

Marvolo was still laughing like crazy when Ominis thought of something. Marvolo was a very ambitious and proud man. Even as a child, he had to be the first and the best in everything. And Marvolo didn't like broken toys.
What he intended to do was risky, but he had to try.