Little lion man

Chapter Three: The Aftermath

"The funny thing is," I say with a sad smile, "I actually believed her." I stand up to my full height. Which I'll admit isn't much. Not compared to the dark skinned male in front of me, who was probably around six foot. "At least, I did for a while. The sad truth is that eventually, after a few years, I lost hope. Which was shortly followed by the sanity I've had to keep a tight leash on at all times ever since."

"What happened next?" the male, my sister's lover, asks of me. The curiosity he tries to cover up is betrayed by the small step he takes in my direction.

"That is, perhaps, a story best saved for another time. After all, it's already been forty-five minutes, and I'm sure Amber will be beside herself with worry."

"Right. Of course." he states, blinking and taking a step back as if he just now remembered not to trust me. That I was the enemy. I don't blame him, of course. It is hard to trust someone who's motives you don't understand, and it makes it even more difficult when the person in question has the possibility of losing his grip on his sanity at any moment. No, I wouldn't trust me either. In fact, his distrust may just serve him well in the near future.

"Come. Let's return you to your friends."

He nods, and we walk up the stairs leading from the basement in silence. We don't speak again until he goes to turn the knob on the front door. I grab his arm and hold it gently, using only enough force to keep him from reaching further. He turns his head to look at me, a question rising in his eyes.

"I need to know something. Before you all leave." I cut him off as he opens his mouth, probably to yell at me to get my hands off of him.

He silently nods, and I release his arm, allowing him to turn to face me completely.

"I need to know that no matter what happens, you will protect Amber. I know your end of the deal is to allow me to visit without harming me," I look up into his eyes with a burning intensity, "but if you are serious about my sister you will protect her from anything, including me. No matter what she says. If there comes to be a time where I lose control around you all, and Amber is in danger, do not hesitate to do whatever it takes. Whether that be through restraining me or dealing me a final blow. Do I make myself clear?"

He nods, appearing shocked by the sudden change from my normally fair calm disposition.

"I need to hear you say it."

"Yeah... I mean, I was already planning on that, but yeah. You're clear."

"Good," I smile once again "don't forget it." I reach forward and open the door, only to be greeted by my sister, who was most likely about to charge in after her lover, and her friends.

After one final exchange of words, we part ways for the moment. As they leave I stand in the doorway, watching them as they pass between the trees until I can no longer see them. I stand there a few more moments even after they're gone.

As I stand there I think to myself, reflecting on the events of my life. I cannot change the past. All I can do is look to the future. Even so, I smile to myself, turning to head inside, I cannot deny that maybe Mother and I aren't so different. After all, the desire for revenge is a basic trait that lies within everyone. What matters is whether or not you act on it. With that last thought, I step inside and close the door.

"Now learn from your mother or else spend your days biting your own neck"