‘You have some explaining to do’
‘Yup, this one is under the control of a vampire, stronger than the others. Must have been there recently’
‘Somebody come get Java! Help us!’
‘Java, please. Dont.’
STOP!
Java curled into a fetal postion in her bed, she covered her ears with her palms and squeezed her eyes closed. It wasnt supposed to be like this. She was just trying to help them.
Her heart ached, “Why does this keep happening to me” she let out a quiet sob.
***
“You are my favorite, Java. Do you know why?”
She remained silent. Marzana continued to stalk around her, monologueing while tossing and playing with a knife. She knew better than to speak, better than to make eye contact, better than to risk angering the one who kept her leashed.
“.. you are just so obedient.”
Marzana stood infront of Java, the cold tip of the blade pressed under her chin encouraging her to look up from the ground.
“Now,” Marzana flipped the knife around and offered Java the handle, “show me just how obedient you are.”
***
The blood trickled from her hand into the bowl. The amount no more than the usual cuts she’d make for the Grand Tree or to the land when the folkwise demanded it.
She wrapped her hand and they escorted her from the room into a private study. It was for the best she didn’t see the Lady consume her blood.
Sygrun and her had talked in depth the importance of this research against Alu. The cost of a little bit of blood meant nothing when the reward was to protect her people. Her home.
***
“Java-” Reason clutched their stomach and began to throw up foul rot. She watched for a moment before tense heat washed over her again. Another command from the Lady.
Now, where did Sygrun go?
She giggled and danced around the chaos. Upon seeing her fellow guild mate her hands moved swiftly on their own. A new trick she had just picked up to combat the Vulgaris. ‘Arcane Burn’
The betrayal in her eyes pierced Java in the chest. Wait, she was hurting them. Clawing for her discipline she tried to stop herself. Her blood boiled, her body again moving on command.
Forced to be obedient.
***
3 days had gone by and she couldn’t get out of bed. She couldn’t face them, she could only hope they’d forget.
“I’m so tired.”
