Four Elements Book 3 - Sacrifice

Part 11

Camille held his gaze. She had been locked up here for nine long years with nothing but the books around her for company. And she knew them by heart, meaning even they didn't hold much interest anymore, because she didn't want to stoop to asking for more. But thinking of her son had gave her the strength she needed. When it didn't rip her heart to shreds, at least.

"What do you want now?" she demanded coldly.

Zorak didn't answer at once, merely looking down at her with his superior smirk. It always made Camille sick, and not for the firs time, she asked herself how she had ever found herself attracted to this monster. He'd done everything to ensnare her, true, but she'd enabled him too by not seeing through him.

"I thought you would like to know how our son is doing."

Bane's mother's fists clenched.

"He may be your blood," Camille snapped, "but he will never be your son."

"Oh, that I know," Zorak replied pleasantly. "But I still have plans for him."

Camille's glare turned icy.

"If you touch him..."

Zorak merely laughed coldly.

"What exactly could you do about it?" He demanded. "He doesn't even know you're alive."

And that was what caused Camille the most pain. She longed to see her son, hold him.

"And who's fault is that?" Camille demanded. "You were trying to take him away from me."

"And you refused to obey!" Zorak snarled.

"Listen to yourself, you disgusting pig. I am not someone you own or control. No living being is. Yet, you refuse to understand that."

"All I wanted was an heir!"

"An heir to your demon kingdom? Over my dead body. And besides, the way I understand it, you already have your heir."

The only thing with more venom that Camille's voice was a cobra.

"If you're referring to Zarias, he is no longer related to me in any way."

Camille snorted.

"Why, did the blood red sky and black castle not appeal to him? What a surprise. And just in case you were wondering, Bane would rather die than do anything for you."

The Demon Lord took a deep breath. To Camille's satisfaction, it appeared he was struggling to control his temper.

"I must admit, he does certainly inherited your stubbornness."

"I take that as a compliment," Camille said coolly.

Zorak let out a snort of his own.

"You would, wouldn't you?"

He turned to her again.

"You didn't always look at me that way," he commented.

"Because you deceived me into loving someone you weren't!" Camille retorted hotly. "And the only thing I don't regret about that is my son."

It took Zorak a lot of self control to avoid letting his anger interfere. He took a deep breath through his nose and paced the room a few moments.

"Speaking of your son," Zorak said, "I don't think he will be your son for much longer."

Camille's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

The smirk on Zorak's face told Camille he knew he'd broken through her guard. Of course, that was hardly difficult whenever Bane was involved.

"It means... your son's power belongs to me. And I will acquire it. And I know exactly how."

And he turned on his heel and charged out of the room, the door slamming shut loudly.

Andie and Bane made their way back to the car. In spite of herself, Andie found herself glancing around her uneasily. She had never been comfortable in cemeteries, and secretly hoped she didn't have to go to one again for a long time. So it was a relief when they finally reached the front gates and turned up the street. It had seemed silly to take both cars, so they'd driven over in Bane's.

They walked in silence, holding hands tightly. For the first time in several days, Andie saw an actual smile on Bane's face. A worn, tired smile, but it was there. And at the same time, he looked exhausted. Andie wondered when he'd last had some actual sleep, but dared not ask. She didn't want Bane to feel like she was babying him. She knew she'd hate it if it had been her. But she couldn't shake her concern completely, so she decided on a slightly easier question.

"Are you going to be okay?" she asked cautiously.

"I feel better telling you about it," he admitted. "I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you... I acted like a bit of a jerk, didn't I?"

"No, it's all right. I understand."

After all, she'd not been the easiest to be around not that long ago. She'd have been quite unfair to begrudge Bane for his recent distance. They fell silent for a few moments.

"Thanks for coming with me," Bane told her.

"Of course... I'm just glad you finally let it out," Andie replied as they reached the car.

"Yeah... My uncle doesn't like coming here. He says it's too painful." he said, starting up the path onto the main road.

"Bane... when we met, it was about this time of year, but... it didn't seem to upset you so much..." Andie commented cautiously. "... Tell me if I'm overstepping, but... what changed?"

Bane was silent for a moment, probably considering his answer.

"You, I suppose."

Andie stared at him in surprise. She didn't know what she could have done...

"Me? I'm not sure what you mean..."

Bane turned a corner before answering, glancing briefly at her.

"This time last year, I didn't have everything I have now," he explained. "I didn't know you or the girls, or barely, only watching you from afar."

He paused, though Andie couldn't decide if it was to gather his thoughts or to turn the tight corner into a busy street.

"And I guess I just missed her," he continued. "I mean, I always do, it's just... I realized I would have liked to share all the good things that happened to me with her, the way you share things with your parents. You know?"

Andie was so stunned, she couldn't speak for a moment. But at the same time, she could understand that feeling. She couldn't even imagine not having her mother and father to talk to.

"What about your uncle? I mean, I know it's not the same, but..."

A sad smile touched Bane's lips.

"Uncle Rob's great, for sure," he agreed. "I'll always be grateful to him for everything he gave me these past years. For all intents and purposes, he's my dad. And he absolutely deserves what he has with Lisa. But with all the best intentions in the world..."

"He can never fully replace your mother..." Andie completed. "Of course. I'm sorry, that was stupid of me to ask..."

"No, it was a reasonable question. We both loved my mom, it would make sense. But it's a little more complicated than that."

Andie didn't speak for a moment, unsure what to say. She couldn't think of anything that wasn't overused and She'd always seen Bane and Robert so close, it seemed unimaginable to think anything could get in the way of that... But she supposed grief was dealt with in different ways regardless of affiliation.

"Well, if you want to talk or call in the middle of the night, you're welcome to it, okay?"

Bane smiled and took her hand which he kissed, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Thanks, Andes."