"I'll kill you."
“No!”
I was about to stumble but unfortunately behind me was nothing but the wall, averting eyes, I could feel his keen eyes fixed upon me, lingering with amusement I resented deeply.
“Scared?” He asked temptingly, putting his both hands beside me, leaning dangerously closer. I couldn’t reply, just looking down with thundering breaths in the dark room.
“Well… Sky was right… you truly are pretty.”
He mused with a horrifyingly wicked laugh before pulling away and providing my vexation some serenity.
“Why are you doing this?” I asked, moving as far as I could from his devilish form taking joy out of my misery.
“I love inducing fright in your veins.” He smirked atrociously.
“Because, My Dear…”
Lifting my chin with his index finger he spoke the truth which I was unable to understand at that moment.
“One day this will be your only source of sanity.”
Incapable of grasping his words, I let out a low pitched sound as he went to the bathroom.
...He was right, this fear was my leash…
I was leaning on the wall, staring at the bed in repulsion, almost growling at the disgusting thought of sharing it with him but I didn’t have much choice and judging his dominance, he would force me one way or another.
“Staring won’t help, you have to sleep.” He teased from behind, taking his delight out of my scare.
Looking away with a flushed face, I quietly sat on the bed and laid down, facing the wall, covering myself with the blanket to not confront him.
My heart began to race when I sensed him laying beside me. I began to shake, curling my toes in dismal but his voice came unaffected.
“Sleep. I won’t do anything.” But your existence is enough to deprive my sleep!
After barely getting any sleep, I woke up the next day before him and decided to look around the palace. It was early morning, I smiled to myself finally having some alone time.
Thankfully I remembered the way to the kitchen so I made myself a cup of coffee and went to their courtyard asking the servants.
Inhaling fresh air which warmed my heart, I looked at the graceful flowers, indulging in my company alone because at this point humans were despicable.
The screen of deceit was so perfect that I began to call it my life while in reality all of it was a mirage. I lived my whole life in a lie…
No matter how much I try, I can’t forget what Zaniel did to me.
Both of them were explicitly evil, I wish I had a way to take vengeance upon them.
I truly want to show them hell for stealing my life and it’s not possible until I found a weak spot-
The moment this word came to my mind, Sky came running to me,
“Cinzel! You’re awake.” The cutie pie grinned, holding her hand out to shake.
“Good Morning.”
“A very good morning to you as well.” Found it.
I grinned and shook hands with her. Zaniel’s full focus on me and now I have to find a clear path.
“See Amanda? I told you, She doesn’t hate me.” She said without thinking.
Her caretaker Amanda gasped, “What are you saying? Apologize. I am so sorry, Madam, she is just a child.”
Bewildered by her reaction, I just bent down on my knees and asked, “Who told you I hate you?”
“Promise you won’t tell.” She said, making a pinky promise, I smiled and made a pinky promise with her, “Promise.”
She moved closer and whispered in my ears, “I have heard step-moms are cruel.”
I couldn’t help but to chuckle at her bluntness and pat her head, “There’s not like this. Why would I hate such an angel?” I asked. She grinned and nodded.
“Why the way, who told you that?” I asked but Amanda spoke up, “Everyone must be awake by now, let’s go for breakfast, Sky.”
“No. Wait.” I smirked, turning to Sky, holding her hands, “Do you wanna be friends?” I asked.
She smiled radiantly and nodded. “So tell your friend who told you.”
“Amanda.” She grinned and the glare I send in her direction showed the power I unwillingly hold over everyone.
“W-What are you saying, S-Sky?” I laughed and got up, taking Sky’s hands.
“Do you wanna play after your School?” I asked sweetly.
“Really? Will you play?”
“Sure.” I smiled as we both walked out.
She led me to the dining hall where everyone was present. Prince Sir on the head of the house chair, dressed up in his mighty form and Ayle family, Astrid with her kids.
Greeting everyone and gaining astonished looks from everyone we sat down.
“Did you know Papa Cinzel said she would play with me after school.” She told him excitedly.
“Really? Good for you.” He smiled, tipping her nose. This girl was my only source to control this beast or else nothing but afflictions awaits ahead.
After Sir and Sky left, I was left with time to think what I should do and after countless thoughts I found myself at one point, my only medium to gain enough power to stand up against them.
“Glad to see you get along with Sky.” Astrid smiled.
I was sitting on the steps of the courtyard. The center was covered with stained glass, leading down to the sitting area. We were sitting on its steps instead of seats, she was hesitant at first but soon agreed.
“What faults does that little kid have that I neglect her?” I asked, looking down, hugging my knees.
“She never knew parental love. Brother barely makes time for her, she doesn’t even have a mother.”
And that’s why Amanda can brainwash her the way she wants. I thought and hummed.
“At least he loves her a lot.” I mumbled. “Hmm, still, at a point she will realize the lack of attention when she grows up that he was never there.”
“Leave it at that time.” I sighed.
“Anyways, I gotta go. Minnie and Jake wanted me to bake cookies for them before they returned.” She smiled, getting up and leaving to make cookies for her ten years old twins.
I smiled and waved at her and the moment Zaniel saw me alone, he came.
“Don’t. Don’t come near.” I put my hand, gesturing to him to stop.
Last night's confrontation with Prince Sir still haunted me and I didn’t want any trouble because of him.
“Relax, I am not doing anything.” He told me calmly, sitting in the farthest corner across from me.
“Empty, isn’t it?” He asked, looking at me.
“Most alluring things are hollow from inside. A ruse.” I mocked, staring back at him.
“Better late than never.” I laughed, “It would never come until you showed your true colors. You will continue to use me and I wouldn’t even know.”
“Who would deliberately break the heart of the person they love?” He asked sadly, leaning to get a clear look of my face but I scoffed and rose from my seat.
“It wasn’t love, Zaniel. Just your urge for power blended with the desire to have me.”
“Cinzel please listen… it’s not what you think, I truly connected my heart.”
He tried to call me but before it would turn into melancholia, I walked away without paying heed to it, knowing to an extent, it could prick my soul badly.
Living here was going to be hellish…