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Pain stung the left side of her face but before she could even open her eyes, Manolito was already there, pulling her up roughly. “There, there, I told you not to move unnecessarily, haven’t I, my dear? Haven’t I taught you anything?”
She whispered, “I’m sorry.”
“I know, I know. You won’t do it again, will you?”
She shook her head even though a part of her knew she would do it again. And she would keep on doing it until Manolito finally snapped and killed her for good.
Don’t fucking say that, brat. Don’t lose hope.
She closed her eyes to Helios’ voice.
Don’t shut me out.
I’m just so tired, Helios. I don’t know what to think of anymore.
Just think of me. Think of how much you love me, and how much I love you. That’s all you need to think about.
I just want this to be over.
Remember what the motto of Afxisi is?
MJ frowned. Afxisi meant ‘rise’ and...
A story to tell, a tragedy to overcome, and a...cage to break free from.
Yes,her imaginary Helios said fiercely.I was meant to break you out of that cage, so stay with me a little longer. Wait for me.
Dimly, MJ felt Manolito’s men pushing her forward, and she started to walk. Someone shoved a bouquet of dead flowers in her hands and she took it. She tried to shut everything out, tried to focus on the words of Helios in her mind.
Yes, she thought jerkily.She had to stay alive. She had to wait. She had to believe.
As they went down into the dungeon, MJ averted her eyes from the couples inside the cells, blocking out every cry of pain because she wouldn’t be able to bear it, knowing she couldn’t do a thing to help the other women.
She was suddenly forced to stop midway towards the hall at the end of the dungeons, where she and Manolito were supposed to take the vows between Master and his offering. She listened without really hearing as Manolito greeted the occupant in the cell with unusual warmth.
And then—
No.
It couldn’t be.
Surely it wasn’t him.
Manolito yanked her forward, and as she fell to Manolito’s side, the man started caressing her silk-clad breast. “This one is a new recruit of mine,” Manolito was saying. “I don’t plan on disposing of her, but if what my lovely daughter says is true, then perhaps she will be a fitting gift for you. She’ll give you two a wonderful fight. She’s a fierce one, this girl.” Manolito tipped her chin up. “Right, my dear?”
MJ managed a nod.
“Now, now, don’t be too obedient. You’ll be giving me a bad rep with that.” When Manolito made her turn towards the people he was talking to, that was when she started to struggle. Something inside her screamed at the thought of having to see the truth, of confirming that what she heard was indeed real—
“See?” Manolito murmured in approval. “A fighter, just lilke I told you.”
No matter what she did, her strength was puny against his, and soon Manolito had forced her to face the others. The first one she saw was an ash blonde woman, half naked, blood running down her back and thighs. But she had a cat-ate-the-cream smile playing on her lips, as if she relished the fact that she was bleeding.
Slowly, MJ lifted her gaze to meet the man standing next to her.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Helios.
