Falsified (Tarnished Book 2)

25 Recovery

I was surrounded by enemies and defeated. I remained by the wall ignoring the aching in my hands and the slivers of pain shooting through me. This, all of it does not amount to anything anymore. My struggling is just a bunch of feigned identities. The scuff of boots paused before me and I glanced up at Ravela.

"I am not certain what is causing you this distress, but it appears you did not listen. You talk to nothing, and you run off."

I stared at my battered and bloody knuckles. "Just kill me. Someone needs to do it before I do something I will regret. Kill me!" I begged him.

"What?" Gavin's eyes grew wide.

"Please, I cannot risk the chance. You want to rid me of my distress then kill me now."

Ravela searched my eyes. "You are not of right mind, so I am not going to accept that. Your Highness, you do not value your life if you are willing to let someone take it from you."

I glared. "You play into his hands, so what makes you think scolding me will do anything to change this mess you started? I lost everything, but I am done being the one left behind."

"You gave up the battle because of someone pushing you to believe you will fail?" Ravela frowned. "It is disappointing to see you reduced to this mad ridden child."

"Mad? You think I lost my mind, but its right here." I stared straight at him, but he continued to frown. "This is my last resort because I have no idea what to do anymore. He wins every time I try to counter. He reminds me of my guilt. However, the worst part is watching him take everything from me before I can do a thing to prevent it." I got on my feet. "He toys with my emotions to the breaking point. That villain will kill you when he sees no use left in you and then he will make me watch my world tumble down because it amuses him."

"Who are you talking about?" Zazi asked.

"He killed them, and he will kill anyone to force my hand. Is that not right, Ravela?" I glared at him. "He is inside you. I have only seen that lifeless gaze on the dead. Your eyes do not shine or reflect light. He has control over you because you let him in, but I refuse to let him have his wish."

"Kid, you are not making any sense?"

I took a deep breath. "You have heard of the Corruptor of human hearts?"

Zazi and Gavin stared at each other. Then, they trained their eyes on me.

"He wedges his way into your head like he has been trying to do to me. He prays on your guilt and fear with promises of granting your heart's desire. Think of him as a devil." I sighed while I returned my attention to Ravela. "So, what did he promise you?"

"I do not know what you mean, Your Highness."

I scoffed. "You foolish man, you wanted power and guess what your son is dead because of it. All you did was ensure your gravestone."

"How dare you even utter an insult at His Majesty after begging him to slaughter you." Zazi joined in the dispute.

"Unfortunately, you misunderstand me. I disagreed with Eulis because he refused to see the error of his decisions. I lost my powers for a long time, but no one gave them back to me." His eyes narrowed. "No one offered me power, Highness. What you speak of is impossible in this day and age."

I thought he would be aware, but the truth is in his eyes. Taking him at his word would be a mistake, but he most likely believes that he is in control.