I held onto the bottle tightly, my knuckles turning white from the force of my grip, as I looked at Eris. It won't end here, I won't let it end the same way, I told myself, trying to suppress the panic rising in my chest. My heart pounded as the reality of my situation settled in. The room felt smaller, the walls closing in as her presence loomed over me like a shadow I couldn't escape.
Going with her would be worse than death, I thought, the memories of the past clawing at the edges of my mind. I could still hear the echoes of her laughter, the cruel words she'd whispered, the way she had taken pleasure in my suffering. The very thought of returning to that nightmare filled me with dread so profound it threatened to paralyze me. But I couldn't afford to freeze. Not now.
I have to get away. No matter what. My mind raced, searching for a way out, a sliver of hope that could lead me to freedom. I knew that Eris thrived on fear. She relished in the power she held over others, the way she could make them beg for mercy she'd never grant. But I also knew that her vanity was her weakness. If I could play into that, even just for a moment, I might create an opening—a chance to escape.
"Please," I began, forcing my voice to tremble. My eyes widened with feigned fear as I looked up at her. "Please, let me go. I… I can't do what you ask," I pleaded, my words barely above a whisper. I saw the flicker of amusement in her eyes as her lips curled into a smile. She enjoyed this—the begging, the pleading, the way people crumbled before her. She had always loved the feeling of control, the way she could make someone feel utterly powerless with just a word or a look.
But I wasn't powerless. Not this time. I had something she didn't know about, something that could turn the tide in my favor. My heart beat faster as I held the bottle behind my back, careful not to let her see it. If I could keep her talking, keep her focused on her own twisted games, I might have a chance to act.
"Really?" she asked, a smile creeping onto her face. "But you hit me. Shouldn't I retaliate for that?"
"You should, but… isn't there another way?" I asked quietly, using the skills she'd forced me to learn—lying.
"What else could I do?" she mused, holding her chin as she pretended to contemplate.
"I… I have an idea," I said, sounding reluctant, because I was.
"What?" she asked, intrigued.
"I… I've worked hard on these for a long time," I said, pointing at the poisons. "Destroy them. Do whatever you want with them," I suggested, and she started laughing.
"You want me to take out my anger on some fragile bottles?" she scoffed. That's what you love the most. I stepped back and looked down, hiding both hands behind my dress so she wouldn't notice the bottle I was holding. She turned and walked to the bottles, picking one up and smashing it on the floor. She did it two more times before getting bored, as I expected.
"This is not fun. You'll have to come with me after all," she said.
"But… those bottles are very valuable," I said, willing the tears I'd been holding back to finally come out, but they seemed nonexistent.
"They are?" she asked, pushing everything off the table. I pressed my lips into a thin line, suppressing the urge to laugh for the first time in a while.
"Those… my…" I sniffed, keeping my head down so she wouldn't notice I was lying. I hadn't had to do this in a long time. It doesn't feel good to be in this situation. I gripped my hand with my free hand, healing myself as I pretended to be upset about the poisons.
"Let's go. This is boring," Eris said. Just a few more minutes and I'd be out of here.
"What's that?" she asked, and I looked up. "In your hand," she said.
"I…" Oh no, why is it taking so long? Is it because I reduced its effectiveness? Now I regret my actions. "It's…"
"You were hiding one," she said, laughing. "Will you break it yourself, or do I have to force you?"
"I… they are…" I stopped talking when I saw her expression change. She covered her mouth and started coughing, and I knew she'd cough blood soon.
"What's wrong?" I asked, stepping forward, but I stopped at the door.
"What's… in… these bottles?" she managed to get out.
"I… they're my research," I said, gripping my hand tightly but still just healing myself. "I need to get help," I said and ran out.
I exhaled once I was outside and went in search of Tyler before getting to safety. I looked around but saw no trace of him.
"Where are you going in such a hurry?" I heard a sinister voice that made me shiver. I didn't turn; I just kept walking, but felt a hand grip me. If I moved any further, I'd die.
I turned slowly and met Euston's piercing gaze. He smiled and stepped forward with his hands in his pockets. He pulled one out and created a magic circle; an ice sword formed, and he pointed it at my neck.
"How did you get away from Eris? What did you do to her?" he asked coldly. I couldn't speak. I felt like my neck was being gripped, and I couldn't speak or breathe.
"Speak," he shouted, and I flinched.
"She passed out," I said.
"What did you do to her?" he asked again.
"Nothing," I said, looking down.
"You know what you've caused me, right?" he asked, changing the topic as expected. Euston sees people as objects he can discard easily. Once he doesn't need you anymore, he'll get rid of you. He acts like the ideal brother, but in truth, he believes his siblings are his most loyal dogs, as disposable as anyone else.
Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't patronize Walsh, but since he's gaining something, he'd go miles to get what he wants. Eris knows this, which is why she's obsessed with doing what he wants to make him keep her around. I was just a plaything that had a use at the time, to make them look good. Once that season passed, my torture began.
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
"You're coming with me. I'll send someone for Eris," he said, turning to leave. I can't even fight back.
I took a step forward, but someone pulled me back. I was surprised. I looked up and saw Bella standing there with a sword in her hand.
"We're lucky we expected this from you, kid," she said. Kid? "My lady, are you okay?" she whispered.
"Yes, thank you," I said, steadying myself.
"Who are you?"
"Not your business," she replied. Bella's posture wasn't right; she looked like she was leaning to one side.
"Bella, are you…" I didn't finish my sentence before she charged at him. She shouldn't do that.
Euston made the ice sword again and blocked her attack. Bella didn't look okay. I didn't know she could fight, but she looked like she was hurt on her side. If she's hurt, she's just walking into her death. She shouldn't do that for me.