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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍 : 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐒
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I wasn't sure what on Earth had possessed me to yell at Karlheinz, let alone strike him across the face. After sitting in the silence, my anger had faded, replaced with misery and fear. It had been foolish that I allowed my emotions to get the better of me in a castle full of demons who could kill me without sparing half a thought, and especially with Karlheinz of all people.
The longer I spent in my room, the more afraid I became. My actions certainly wouldn't go without consequence.
A sharp knock resounded on the bedroom door and I felt the hair rise on the back of my neck in response. Was this it? Had Reiji finally come to finish me off for slapping his father? Or had Karlheinz announced that I was of no use to him anymore, and now one of the brothers was outside the door waiting to drain me dry? It was reassuring, though, that if whoever was standing on the other side was really intent on my demise, it was unlikely they'd bother to knock first.
"Come in," I called out softly, glancing at the candles on the bedside table. I suppose though that if worst comes to worst, I could at least try to use it as a weapon and chuck it at them. Although even then, I doubted I'd last more than a minute.
The door opened and Reiji stepped inside, carrying a tray with a teapot and two of his beloved teacups.
I was paralyzed by fear at the sight of him, recalling the last interaction I had with him and the large collection of toxins he kept in his study gave me a slight idea of where this might lead; death by poisoned tea.
Reiji shot his sharp eyes at me and set the tray on the small table in the room. "I would've expected that you could at least try to maintain proper composure. Although I suppose a healthy dose of fear is warranted given your actions yesterday." A hint of a wicked smile played at his lips and an unpleasant shiver ran down my spine.
"Reiji, I..." My voice cracked and I felt like I was choking on the knot in my throat.
He held up a hand as indication to cease whatever miserable statement that was about to come out of my mouth.
"I will discuss your punishment for your behavior later, for now-" he gestured to one of the chairs at the table "-take a seat. "
I quickly scurried to the chair and sat down, being sure to keep my spine straight, so my posture wouldn't be commented on. While my anger at Karlheinz hadn't simply vanished, my fear was enough to keep it at bay. Whatever fiery impulses had driven me to lash out yesterday, was now a just dying whisper.
