Skulls and Bones

Chapter eight

I was done crying.

I was done feeling helpless. When I woke up, I decided to test out standing. I could still feel the dull ache and I didn't know how long I was out for. I lost track of how long I was in the Underworld for. I swung my legs over the sides and winced when I felt a sharp pain. Whatever was in that arrow was strong. I slowly stood up and wobbled as a wave of dizziness washed over me.

I didn't know what it was, but I felt different. I didn't feel anything when I thought of Zain. I felt like I was lacking emotion and that was terrifying. I didn't think revenge was a strong enough word for what I was feeling. I didn't even know if I wanted revenge anymore. I felt a burning hatred, that was clear. I looked at myself in the mirror. My black hair was a little longer and much more messier. My black eyes shown with anger. I barely recognized myself.

I walked into the bathroom and took a long, hot shower. My mind raced with everything and nothing at the same time. I couldn't process a single thought. I was only in tune with the anger I felt and I welcomed it. I didn't know who it was directed to since I had a lot of reasons to be angry.

When I exited the bathroom, I put on dark clothing and tied my wet hair into a bun on top of my head. My skin was paler than usual which made it even harder to recognize myself. I looked out the window and wasn't surprised to see a sun out. I didn't think it was ever bright in this place.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," I called out unconsciously. I sat on the edge of the bed as Marc walked in.

Marc walked in, a sad smile on his face and his hand still resting on the knob. "Hey," he said softly without moving from his spot. I didn't respond. "How are you feeling?"

"Like someone shot me with an arrow," I replied. I studied him closely and saw he was using the knob for support and I frowned. "How are you?"

He seemed surprised. "I'm fine," he lied. "Just a little tired. I've been up searching for whoever could have done this. Whoever it was fell off the face of the earth." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Now I have to keep a close eye on every single person here."

"Even your brother?"

"Even my brother," he repeated with a deep sigh. I could see that just standing there was draining him. "Do you think you're up for a walk?"

"I should be asking you that."

He chuckled. "Come," he said, his eyes finally shinning along with the smile. "I want to show you something."

"Do you... uh... need help walking?" I asked as I stood up from the bed. Marc looked like he should be resting instead of coming to see me. And I couldn't deny that I felt concerned for him.

"I'm fine Amelia." Marc let go of the knob and walked out of my room before giving me a small smile. "See? I'm one step below running a marathon."

Shrugging, I followed him out of my room. "Before we go, can I check on my mother?"

"Of course," he replied before changing direction. I couldn't help but notice that his movements were slower. The arrow messed him up even though he was in his state. It's not like I was walking ahead of him, we were going the same pace. But I had to remember that he probably didn't sleep and was most likely exhausted. He wasn't giving his body enough time to heal. Guilt washed over me and I looked down. I was making him do extra walking and though it was to see the woman who raised me, it still felt wrong.

"Is something wrong?" Marc asked snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked up into his concern face and forced a smile.

"Nope. I'm fine." But he's not.