Twin Eyes

Chapter 9: Gaerian, 1886

A month had passed since Nathan's attack on us. A month had passed since we buried Anderson. Mason decided to join the cause in his brother's place. I couldn't have been happier that I talked Richard into letting him join. He was adamant about him being too young, but I would have felt guilty if he had been left out of the fight that his brother dedicated his life to. I left Garrett in charge of training him in basic fighting techniques before I took over and taught him to fight with swords like his brother. My heart was still in tatters from the pain of losing not only a dear friend but also a close family member. The pain would never fully go away, I just couldn't wait for the day to arrive that it begins to dissipate.

I was headed home after a long day of strategizing with Richard and the others. I had moved out of headquarters to get a break and some time alone. Usually Will came with me, but I asked him to just leave me be today. A dark shadow crept within the shadows of my apartment building. My hand sought the dagger I had stored in my jacket. I took a deep breath; I recognized that scent. He has come for me again. However I would not lose this time.

"Come on out Nathaniel. I know you're there."

My brother stepped out into the moonlight. "Hello, sister."

"You are stupid and reckless for showing your face here."

He grinned. "I sense no danger. Not even that weak little knife you have clenched in your hand."

My eyes widened. How did he know?

"I came to deliver a message. From our father."

"He is no father of mine," I snapped. "He is just a piece of shit wearing my father's body."

"Tsk, tsk. That is no way for a princess to speak." He brought his hand to caress my neck. "I hate to hear such vulgar words slip from this beautiful throat."

"Don't touch me. I will never return to that place. There is nothing that could ever bring me to that place again. You have lost. The resistance has finally won out. Your heartless murder of Anderson accomplished that."

His eyes glinted. "Guess again."

Scoffing, I continued, "Now that we have everyone on our side, you and your precious Lord will crumble to the ground along with his stupid empire."

"Do not doubt me!" Nathan screamed. His hand on my throat began to squeeze tight, cutting off my air. "You're so weak if you believe that this is over just because you gained the support of the pathetic humans. What would they say if they knew their leader was one of us? Do you think they would follow you anymore?"

"Whether they have faith in me has no meaning to their desire to fight back. They now know that you and August are behind all their woes. Just because I started this spark, doesn't mean the people of this country can't make the fire grow."

His free hand slammed against the wall by my head. "We will gain control again!"

He ripped my eye patch from my eye and slammed his mouth against mine. He kissed me hard and rough. The air crackled around us. My body began to feel weak, like he was sucking all my power from me. No, please, don't. I couldn't move, I couldn't push him off of me. It hurt. My body wasn't responding. The words I tried to say were stuck in my throat. Will, save...me... My body slumped in Nathan's arms. I was no longer in control. Barely aware, I felt the last of my consciousness slipping away. Help...

***

"Wake up, darling," a voice whispered above me.

My eyelids fluttered as I slowly opened my eyes.

"Good Morning."

"Nathan."

My brother smiled. "Get up, Father would like to speak to you."