The Things We Do (Under Editing)

Just a Pawn

Setting foot in Wraith's office again was just about the worst thing I'd ever had to force myself to do. It brought up old memories I'd tried so hard to bury, memories of rough hands, cigarettes against my skin, and old bruises long since faded. Most of the marks were gone, but I could still feel them, especially in the cold darkness of the room, which clung to me like a second skin.

I resisted the urge to claw at my arms in an attempt to scratch it away. I had personal reasons to avoid closing myself in a dark room with a dangerous person, but this time I wasn't the only one in danger if I tried to object.

"Miss Hohn."

I closed my eyes and clenched my jaw, forcing down the panic and ordering myself not to move. "Sir," I pushed out through my teeth.

Wraith took his time, leaning forward, resting his elbows on his desk, and steepling his fingers, casual as could be. "Are you feeling alright? You're looking a little pale."

His slight smile was nearly lost in the shadows.

"Completely fine." I nearly choked on the words, my throat feeling narrower with each breath.

Most of what I could see of him was just a silhouette, lit from behind by the small amount of light that forced its way through the thick cover of the window. The overhead lights gave off only enough like to technically be called "on". It was by the latter that I watched his smug look increase. He was toying with me.

"In that case, let's get down to business. Shall we?"

Or we could not. That would be cool too. We could just leave now and never speak to each other again. Please.

"It's been far too long since your last 'project' Miss Hohn. People are beginning to forget their fear of you. I want that remedied."

The ghosts of the past started grabbing at me again. Phantom touches raised bumps on my skin and I suppressed a shudder.

"Sir, I've upped my grades quite a lot since last semester. I don't need extra credit to pass anymore."

I should have kept my mouth shut. Wraith's smile vanished in an instant and he rose from his chair, circling his desk to stand in front of me for the first time since I'd met him.

"Are you trying to back down? Are you growing a conscience? What happened to being willing to do anything? What happened to 'Ramen, Red Bull, and spite?'"

He put a knuckle under my chin, tilting my head so I was looking up at him. My knees nearly bucked and a faint chuckle rang in my ears, but I wasn't sure if it belonged to Wraith or a bad memory. The low light of the room was giving the past a foothold to solidify around me.

It took a moment for me to sort out which situation was the one currently happening and who I was talking to.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to ignore the walls closing in. "Of course not, sir. It's just that I don't need the credit anymore."

Frowning, he asked me, "Did the article I sent you yesterday not get the point across, Miss Hohn?"

I gulped.

"Miss Cordell failed and was captured. I could not let her tell them anything. A worse fate awaits those who turn against me."

I knew what was coming next. He'd threaten the things I loved most: the people I cared about. These chains were newer than most of my others, but they were still familiar, and Wraith made sure they stayed heavy around my wrists.

"You see, this is what happens when puppets rebel against their master. I own you, Miss Hohn. There is indisputable proof of everything you've done to this city. More than that, I know where to find our family."

There it was. The family threat. I wasn't sure he'd quite realized how little I cared about most of my family, but his threat still included Seth.

"Of course, I could always go after those friends of yours as well."

This was the reason I hadn't run yet, the reason I hadn't bitten Wraith's finger, which still pressed lightly into the bottom of my chin. Whatever it took, I would keep my people safe.

Wraith leaned in, filling my vision. "I want this city to burn, and if you're not the one who sends it up in flames, then I will make sure that you burn too."

All I managed was a nod. The world was spinning and the air felt like gel. At a wave of Wraith's hand, I turned to leave, barely keeping my feet.

"And, Miss Hohn," my blood turned to ice, "something big this time. I want more than fear and a few injuries."

I could feel hands around my throat as I left the room. So, this is how we would fall.