The Alchemist's Starling

Cartaphilus...

Chisa's POV

For the first time - in a long time, I was sleeping peacefully.
No sleepwalking.
No nightmares.
No Flashes.
Just innocent sleep, and I embraced it willingly.

I didn't want to wake up...
I didn't want to face him again...
Why couldn't I just die in my sleep?
It would be a far nicer fate than this...

With a sigh, I slowly open my eyes. In the dim light, I can make out the dusty bookshelf and the grey tiled floor. I'm in that living room again... but how did I get here. I'm clutching my knees to my chest, hugging them tightly. I always used to sleep like this - it made me feel safer.

My throat burns when I swallow. I lift one of my arms carefully and gingerly feel around my neck with my hand, wincing at the discomfort it causes me. I'm sure my neck is purple and swollen with bruises - perfect.

My arms are throbbing, reminding me of the agony he put me through. I glance down at them, surprised to see my wounds covered up with snowy white bandages. Did he do this? It doesn't matter, I don't trust him. He terrifies me...

I feel broken because of him...

My eyes scan the room for his presence - to my relief, Joseph isn't here. I shift slightly, realising that I'm curled up on the sofa. But... my head is raised slightly, the surface isn't soft enough to be a cushion or a pillow...

Suddenly, I feel someone's fingers running through my hair before their hand rests on my head. There's only one person this could be...

My breathing hitches and I immediately try to scramble off the sofa, desperate to get away from him. I only get to place one foot on the ground when his strong arms wrap around my torso, pulling me to his chest. I writhe in his hold, crying out. The wound on my face sears with pain as my features contort. My eyes sting as tears overflow - but his grip stays firm.

"Shh, shh. Everything's fine, puppy. I'm not going to hurt you."

His voice sounds gentle... and genuine...

No.

He's lying. That's all he ever does. I can't believe a word he says.

"No! Let go of me! Please..." my voice cracks as I continue to struggle against him.

I hear him sigh. Then, in one fluid movement, he captures both of my hands under his arm which has snaked around my waist. He uses his free hand to grab my chin, applying pressure, not enough to hurt, but still enough to force me to turn and lock eyes with him.

I gulp, trembling with fear. His eyes are emotionless, adding to my unease. What's he going to do? I'm scared... someone help me! Joseph's hand moves up my face to cup my left cheek. The pad of his thumb brushes against the cut that will surely scar, making me wince under his touch. He presses his forehead against mine, mumbling incoherent words under his breath. My heartbeat spikes at his strange actions.

Instantly, an unusual sense of calmness washes over me, making my tense frame relax into Joseph's chest. My green eyes widen. I would never do this willingly... he must have cast a spell on me! I try to resist the spell, causing my body to jerk away from him - yet again, my efforts were in vain, as Joseph tightens his hold on my waist, waiting for me to give up.

Eventually I do, giving in to the power of the enchantment. Joseph shifts my weight so that I sit comfortably on his lap with my head resting on his shoulder. Unfortunately, the magic didn't change my emotions - I'm still afraid of him.

"There now, puppy. I apologise for the drastic measures I took, but you really didn't give me any other option."

I can't even speak - I just sit there willingly, like a doll. But my heart is hammering inside my chest. I feel so helpless... he could do anything to me right now and I can't defend myself. He strokes my hair a few more times - his poor attempt to calm me down. His hand travels to my back, where he proceeds to rub it gently. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, he places his hands under my arms, lifting me up and repositioning my small frame so that I'm facing him, straddling his lap. Joseph appears to be unfazed while I feel very uneasy.