Useless

PROLOGUE

I try to ignore the itchiness of the blindfold that keeps me from knowing my surroundings; ignore the rope that cuts into my wrists. I breathe slowly in, and out. I know what I am in for- I do not deserve this. They tell me my thoughts are selfish- that this is all for the good of the society- but I know the truth. I know this is not my fate- I stand for something more.

I stand for equality, for justice; I stand for love and for my Mabel and I to be able to live the lives we can only dream of. She, too, has not conformed to the ways of the High Priestess' twisted society- yet, she must continue her role as a lesser priestess, at least until we find a safer way to a better option.

Every sound is an echo. A distant harmonious hum, that I can only assume is the chanting of the High Priestess' evil, fills what sounds to be a vast hollowness. It is accompanied by footsteps, I'm unsure how many, but two distinct pairs grow louder and clearer, as they approach one speaks. I guess my time is soon.
"Anneliese, I will escort the sacrifice. I believe Madame needs some assistance with the previous boy." I hear. My heart skips a beat.... Mabel.
"Alright then, Mabel." Anneliese says, seeming somewhat skeptical.
 I listen as her footsteps die away. 

"Mabel?" I whisper.
Suddenly, I am almost knocked over by the force of her. She entraps me in a tight embrace, kissing me fiercely. I kiss her back, passionately- I want this moment to last forever. Rationally however, I know it can't, but at least my last moment will be a happy one.
The hairs on my neck stand on end when her tender touch brushes over my skin, her delicate finger hooking under the fabric over my eyes. As the cloth lifts, the darkness does with it, and my eyes slowly adjust to the dimly lit room. And there, amidst the poor lighting, I can finally see her: emerald green eyes, glassy with tears.

Seeing her here, seeing her this way brings devastation to every inch of my soul. She is not the way they want her to be- yet she plays on with the charade in fear for her life. Though, I understand why she would be frightened- our love could get her killed. She cannot be with me and I cannot be without her, so maybe my death would benefit us both. 

She reaches a delicate hand up to touch my face... but stops.
Motioning for me to hush, her eyes widen in fright, "The... the ceremony, it's almost complete. She'll be here soon."
Mabel pulls out a small dagger from the folds of her robes and starts at the rope binding my wrists together, mumbling to herself over and over again, "There's no time.... There's no time! I just need... some time... please." 
My hands are free and I caress her face, "W-what are you doing, Mabel? This is too risky!"
She pushes my hands down and passes me a small hand drawn map.
"The exit is here," she whispers, pointing to a spot on the map, "get out of here, and escape this place. You have to run! Take this knife and follow the map- the guards will chase you and you have to protect yourself. You must survive or I will not." She slips the knife into my hand.
"No.... Mabel! I can't leave you behind!" I protest.
"You have to... Noah, I love you more than you will ever know, and I can't stand the thought of you not being here. But, I believe you have the power to help change this society. The power to return the society to how it used to be- to how it should be! Noah, you have to run!"

I pull her close, burying my face in her long, copper curls.
"You're my world, Mabel," I whisper.
"And you are mine," she says, pulling away. "That's why you have to promise you'll do this for me."
"But I need to be here, I need to know you'll be safe!"
I hold her cheek in my palm and she places hers over mine gently, with a forced smile.
"I'll be okay! I can handle myself."

She forces my hands off her and pushes them away.
"Promise me!" I hear footsteps, gradually getting closer. "Promise me!" She repeats, pleading for an answer.
"I promise."
Mabel looks into my eyes -desperation and grief clear on her face- and whispers, "Now!" She shoves me away, sending me back a few steps, "Run!"
"I will come for you Mabel! I swear it." I turn on my heel and run. 
A loud thud sounding behind me clouds my judgement but I keep on, tears blurring my vision, turning my surroundings into a muddy mess. I will find safety, and I will keep my promise to Mabel. The countless corridors continue around every corner - each one like the last. Just as hollow, as empty; my footsteps bounce from wall to wall, the echoes dancing through air stained with the thick, metallic smell of blood.