Everything That Drowns Me

Chapter 11

*Eliza's POV*

Breakfast was amazing. Besides the fact that I was being stared down at by everyone other than Sally.

I shrunk down into my seat and the rest of them continued eating, watching me when they got the chance. I moved the pancake crumbs around on the plate with my fork. I never knew food could taste this good. It's not that I wasn't fed (except for a few cases). It's just that alot of people sucked at cooking.

I zoned out for a bit, until I looked up and saw everyone staring at me. Even Sally.

"I'm sorry..." I mumbled.

"Sorry for what?" The man with the carved smile asked.

I shrugged slightly, moving farther down in my seat.

"Come on." Ben said, standing up. I stood up and followed him, fearing what might happen if I refused. He walked me through the mansion, turn after turn. Finally, we came to a wooden door, smaller than all the rest. He opened it and pushed me to a walking pace. The door led to a dark hallway with an uneven floor and damp walls. Finally, the hallway came to an end, where a small cell-like room was located.

"W-what're you going to do?..." I asked with an uneasy feeling.

"Nothing. I just need to talk to you."

I nodded and he began.

"Listen... The people here aren't used to mortals. The only thing your kind is good for is target practice. So you can imagine how hard it is for then to grasp the fact that you're staying here for a while-"

"A while..." I repeated.

"Yes, a fucking while. End of story. Now here's my advice. If you can, try to be their friend... But if they don't want to, then lay off. I can protect you for a while, but not all th t-"

"Protect?" I said causiously.

"Am I speaking fucking Spanish? Why do you have so much trouble listening?"

"I-I don't! You just don't make sence!"

"I make perfect sence!"

"No you don't! One moment, you're cutting me and hitting me, and the next, you're giving up your bed so I can have a good night's sleep! I don't unders-" He cut me off by slapping his hand over my mouth. His gaze was feirce.

"I was trying to be nice... But if you prefer me this way, then so be it."

I stood my ground as he lifted his hand. He reared it back, but stopped, watching me.

"You know, you wouldn't have survived long..."

"Why's that?"

"Because you don't run." He shoves me down. "There are two types of survivors. Cowards, and fighters. Which one are you?" With that, he kicked my stomach. I gasped and curled up in a small ball, trying to protect myself as much as possible. He kicked me again and again, but I still didn't move.

"Get your ass up and fight me!" He yelled.

"N-no..." I struggled.

He growled and punched the wall, before leaving. What was his problem? Slowly, I stood up, struggling not to fall over. I made my way through the long hallway and to my luck, Ben hadn't locked the door. Slowly, I turned the corners in the mansion, but I couldn't find my way back. I felt my lip, and pulled back my hand to see blood from where he had beat me. My vision was fading slightly and I was growing weak. My head was hurting and my ribs felt like they were going to break. With the last of my strength, I pushed open a large door. I saw white light, and then nothing.