The Enchanting Rapture (#1)

Chapter 38

Annika

     They were patient for a few more days, waiting for her eyes to recover. She sighed one of relief when she could finally see lucidly. Though it was nice having to lean on Soren, which involved plenty of physical contact. 

     The time had finally come.

     She was soundless as she stood next to Soren. The quietude had fallen over the hundreds of thousands of people. No one dare make a noise. They were waiting for what was to come next.

     On the platform, beside Annika and Soren, were the people that earned their spot: Inferno, Rouhem, Tynan, Matteo, Mave, and even King Brexon had come to this monumental event. The time had finally come for Zyhed and Malani to die. 

     Oddly, it was a sunny day. The sky was healthy with blues and the thickness of white clouds. A beautiful day for a much needed execution. 

     "Come, Siren, it is time," Annika whispered to the man she had come to love fiercely. She intertwined their fingers together. The warmth of his palm against her was overwhelmingly strengthening.

     He nodded in response and cleared his throat. Annika knew that he was not reluctant but perhaps shocked that this day had finally come. She certainly felt similarly. Together, they stepped forward to address the people of Might Empire. 

     Wind blew with the help of Annika, carrying Soren's thunderous voice over the citizens of Might Empire. "Your former King Zyhed has been charged with treason. He is also charged with the murder of former King and Queen of Animal Kingdom, as well as other vile violations against the Animal Kingdom royalty. This does not exclude the countless others he has viciously tormented within his ruling career. He has oppressed Might Empire long enough. His reign must come to an end. He is far too much of a danger to the people, and for that, he shall be killed. Does any object?" Silence followed. 

     "You ungrateful cunts!" Zyhed screamed, though he was thoroughly weak. His shoulders were slumped, and even his eyes were dimming, draining of any hope. Soren nodded his head, signaling the guards to drag him forward. The woman and man dressed in dark blue did as instructed.

     Zyhed attempted to struggle yet was too weak to do so. He was beaten down more than he could ever properly recover from. There was no energy left to be used in him. 

     The guards forced Zyhed to kneel before the crowd. The throng of people erupted in a flurry of curses and violent shouts, wishing for the worst to plague him. Each in some way, shape or form, had been wounded by his cruelty. The thin male was quivering, yet he did not explode. Annika was glad that she could not see his face. Would she see regret? Hatred? Amusement? It didn't matter either way.

     When Annika had first come to, she was overwhelmed by darkness, by the passion to have her revenge in the most feral way. She was tired of being violated, of being abused. And she did want to be on the other end. She did want to be the person which caused pain. And when it happened, she felt no better afterwards when Malani was broken down to nothing but weakness. 

     Annika did not want to join the ranks with the other terrible monsters. She could not be what her painful experiences usually formed. The desire to be above her tormentors was higher than the need for revenge. 

     Not even then could she find the will to be upset on her own behalf. Though it was simple to be defensive for those she cared for. Especially Soren, of course. She would be that monster if it protected her love. 

     Soren gestured for Malani to be brought over. Her curves were sharp rather than luscious. She was in a state close to her father's. It was tragic as it was bothersome.