Splintered

Chapter Fourteen: Tend the Flame and Worship the Ashes

Words escaped Hazel at the sight of Augustus Trask, appropriate words, at least. Ones that wouldn't leave her tongueless if she let them loose. Despite her voluntary muteness, she couldn't control her glare. Her vision sizzled over the features of the orchestrator of her brother's demise. Co-creator of her waking nightmare. Her limbs filled with a sensation so hot white that to call it hate would be insulting to the word. If Snow was the devil, what did that make the man before her?

In the few months since she had seen him last, Augustus appeared to have taken on an air of authority that hadn't been there before. He crossed the train car as if he owned it. Hell, he probably did in some perverse way.

Hazel's teeth ground as she fought to rein in her reactions. Scanning the faces of those around her, something peculiar caught her eye. They were equally surprised.

"Mr. Trask," Indira started, "How unexpected. We weren't aware you would be joining us."

Bellona shared an unsteady look with Sable, "Neither were we."

Augustus's teeth were almost as fiercely white as Gaul's. His lips stretched a fraction wider as his dark bronze eyes settled on Indira, "Well, Ms. Lovegood. I am here to supervise. Ensure that everything...goes as planned."

"Hobby of yours?" Hazel bit out. Augustus's eyes flashed, and his scrutiny zeroed in on her. He is lucky my new gift is in my bag.

Leo's breath brushed along her shoulder as he positioned himself at her side. The pace of his breathing quickened like he was preparing for confrontation, though it wasn't obvious whose safety he should be more concerned with.

Before Augustus could respond, Festus cleared his throat. Her former mentor seemed to be fighting a glare of his own. "Indira and I are here." He gestured to the numerous peacekeepers, "She has two hand-picked guards, a war hero- they've assigned a legion for hell's sake. I doubt your supervision is necessary."

"Think of it as Doctor's orders," Augustus smirked. Figures. "Besides, she also felt it would be beneficial and informative for me to see the tour, given my new role."

"Sounds like she just wants you out of her hair," Festus replied.

Augustus's mouth twitched as Indira glided between them, "I apologize. Mr. Creed is just a little irritable from the long journey."

Hazel couldn't help herself, "Mr. Creed does tend to get more honest when he is tired."

Festus shared a look of slightly entertained solidarity with her. Indira pursed her lips, sending sharp looks at the both of them.

"Despite how you feel about my presence," Augustus straightened his shoulders, his chest pushed forward like a robin displaying its colorful chest feathers. "There is another reason I am here."

The train car grew silent as he reached into the deep pockets of his jacket. With a twitch of his lips, he pulled free a leather case. It was stained the color of fresh blood.

Hazel frowned at the vague familiarity of the object. Augustus strode several long steps closer and her muscles tensed of their own accord.

Clearing his throat, he stopped his advance when he was an arm's length from her. Raising the box between them, he nodded for her to take it. "For you."

Great, more secret, mysterious, mildly threatening gifts.

"No, thank you." Hazel was as rigid as if she were frozen. Leo's sigh washed over her senses at her refusal. "There is nothing you could offer that I would ever want, Mr. Trask."

"For now, perhaps." Augustus tilted his head at her hostility.  "But, not to worry... it's not from me."

Somewhere beside her, Indira let out an exasperated breath. "Hazel dear..." she prodded.