In My Hands, Know Suffering

25: Square One

Sometimes, people couldn't really assure what could be going on to the others. Most often they'd try to pry when something interesting got caught up in the way. Others would see a gate to crash and take advantage of the kindness and vulnerability of such person.

In most societies where the greedy and the prideful drained the poor and the innocent, not much justice are given to those who truly struggle underneath them. Abrielle was seen innocent to a specter's eye. Someone else would like to argue to that, but only when Yustaine could actually see the entity.

To lose control of Castellone's body had become a regular thing every time he was near Abrielle. Being absent during those times, Castellone had no idea what had been going on and why he stared at nothing more often after having the odd feeling like he's been with someone. He wondered, on certain times, had he even killed anyone? Why didn't he felt weak? Perhaps he knew that Specter have already done what he was suppressing too.

He knew Specter had mastered taking control of the vessel that was his body anytime and anywhere. But the trigger that stood strong for him to avoid Specter was when Abrielle was around, when she was close enough. He had absolutely no idea what the entity had done to her. The only thing Castellone was sure of was that Specter coveted her. Specter worshiped her, almost like she was his daily bread, the one sole reason for him to live.

Castellone was currently about to enter the classroom when he noticed Abrielle close by. She was approaching and not because she wanted to, but because they had the same class in the same room. Knowing she now stood so close, he was expecting Specter to come out anytime now. But, he didn't. And Abrielle, being the one who was under his charm, or rather, the entity's charm, smiled at him. It was a smile that showed off affection.

Castellone furrowed his brows. What was with that greeting? Plus, he was wondering why she suddenly looked radiant today. He could have sworn he saw her blush before getting past him inside the classroom. It didn't matter that neither she or him said anything. They were settled beside each other in class anyway. He had all the time to ask her, but he would rather choose the lecture.

After taking his place at the back row of seats, he narrowed his gaze on her, who, looked up at him casually. There was no longer the hurt he once saw in her golden eyes. She looked...happy? Why couldn't he have figured that out earlier? Of course, anyway he twisted it, she did appear to be so. Why else would she look prettier? Why else would she smile at him out of the blue? Why else would she be blushing and wear a floral blouse that he never knew she had?

For some reason, Castellone felt insulted. Insulted because in all the time he knew her, she would never act, react, or dress that way in front of him. He never even linked, let alone think, that she would bloom into such a fine lady. Where was his world going with that?

As classes begun, he didn't really have the ears to listen to their lecture right now and took the time to talk to Specter instead.

"Hey, Specter."

Yes, Llone?

The sound of Specter's voice told him he was feigning innocence. "What have you done to her?"

Oh, nothing, really. I just showed her how you should be acting around her.

"I don't believe you."

Then don't believe all you want, haven't you noticed she looks livelier these past few days?

"What the fuck did you do to her?" That was Castellone's real concern. He wanted the old Abrielle back, although he had no reason to demand it, not to Specter, and especially not to her.