Page 48 of Pieces of Halves

“How did you know about me? That I was with Jacob.” I let my mind calm a bit.

“That was easy. Convenient actually. Someone – my own son, as it turns out – was asking a lot of questions, and I have people everywhere,” she answers, her shoulders straight and a smirk on her face.

“You didn’t know Jacob was your son until you saw him at the castle?” The question is more of an obvious statement.

“No, I was tracking you.” She looks at me, her brown eyes turning black. “Jacob was a mistake of youth.” Her hands glow flaming red as she balls them at her sides. “Keep moving.” Kicking me, she sends me stumbling again.

“What do you want to do with the hearts?” I prod.

“You already know what. They will help me bring the downfall of your father,” she responds, her tone changing to something lighter.

The downfall of my father would be wonderful, but what will come of me by the time that happens?

“Yeah, I’m sure your group of followers would love that,” I comment.

“That is the only reason they follow me. They believe that the kinds of you are an abomination,” she snaps, and I force myself not to jump at the harsh tone of her voice.

“And of course, you are the savior that will rid the world of evil.” I scoff.

Evil is in the heart. It is not defined by what kind of being one is. Sofia and my father are at war with each other, but both are the same.

“Soon enough,” she mumbles and goes silent.

The rest of the way is quiet. The woman is delusional with hate. I could ask why she despises vampires so much to keep her talking. Instead, I focus on leaving a trail. The forest floor is mainly grass and twigs, but on occasion, there is a white, little daisy –Bellis perennis.Every time I see one, I step on it and crush it with my foot. I don’t know if Jacob will notice, but it’s something.

With every passing minute, dread fills me. There is not much that I can do against my father or Sofia, but if I cannot escape or kill them, I will find an end to my suffering. No matter what it may be. I have healed and learned to be happy, I will not let my father take that away from me.

I am mid-step when Sofia comes from behind me and puts a knife against my throat while her hand holds my tied wrist. She is not gentle, pressing the blade firmly into my skin, letting it sting and choke me just enough to force out a cough.

“Tell Victor to come out with the hearts of Thomas and Alexander or she dies,” she yells.

Alexander was good to me when my father was away. There is a ping of guilt in my chest – he will lose his life because of me. I don’t see anyone, so I focus on listening. There are a few slow heartbeats and themovement of soft footsteps. A few seconds later, there is silence. After a minute of waiting, Sofia lets out a long breath and kicks me behind my knees.

“We wait here,” she says as I fall to the ground.

She unties my hands and steps away from me as if I have a disease that she can catch. The thoughts swirling in my mind are heavy as I find the courage to do what needs to be done. Jacob will be looking for me, but will he make it in time before my father takes away the wonderful memories I made last month and fills my mind with the monsters again? How long until I start screaming in my sleep? How long until there is nothing but a shell left?

No. No more.

Sitting on my knees, I turn my head to scan Sofia for any weapons. She is right; I am not yet skilled enough to kill her. Plus, she will expect my attack, but if I can end my life, that will kill a few birds with one stone – Sofia won’t get the hearts, and my father won’t get me. My chest tightens with the idea, but I don’t have any other options.

I could try to extend my wings and fly away, but I will not be fast enough. With an inhale, my mind scrambles for another plan – something other than my death – but I don’t know what else I can do to stop this madness.

Sofia paces, throwing distasteful glances my way. Her black pants tug up a little, and I notice a blade tucked in her leather boot. It is not large, but it will do the job.

Closing my eyes, I pray and hope Jacob finds me before I have to resort to such measures.

“Sofia!” My father’s voice booms through the trees, and I stop breathing.

No.

If I trained harder, I would be able to fly away. Gritting my teeth, I brace myself. Sofia moves to me and shoves her foot against my shoulder, pinning me to the ground. Dull pain spreads across my upper body, but I stare at the leg that has the knife in it.

“Show me the hearts!” Sofia yells.

I inhale. This is the end. I will die with happy memories. My life will end with me knowing that I was loved, and my body cherished. At the end, my heart and soul healed.

“Give me my daughter!” I hear my father’s voice.

---