The Dark of the Core

I no longer see…the beauty that was inside of me…I searched deep inside…But there was no beauty to be found…Was there even any to start with...? It was a little past midnight when the door to the small room opened. She heard him walk towards her purposefully as the door closed shut behind him. She pretended to be asleep just like every other night. The covers of the bed were thrown off and she tried to suppress the shiver as his hand slid up the inside of the thigh facing him. He pushed her roughly until she was lying on her stomach. His fingers entered her, stretching and making her wet. The tears threatened to fall and she shut her eyes tightly as her body betrayed her. There was the sound of shuffling feet and the snapping of plastic. The bed sagged under her as another weight was added. She felt his cold fingers slip underneath the waistband of her shorts and pushed them down along with her underwear. His hands then rested on her derriere. After a few moments the only sound in the room was his groaning and the disgusting squelching sound as he thrust into her continuously. She felt a sting of pain as his hands came down hard on her behind. He then snaked one hand forward and squeezed her right breast hard through the fabric of her shirt. She wanted more than anything to turn around and scream at him for the part he played in her miserable life. However, it was his word against hers and she was nothing in this word, just another girl by the name of Skye Lowes. After a few moments, she felt him throb and pulse inside her causing her stomach to clench. He soon pulled out of her with a satisfied groan. Skye heard him shuffle and she could feel his presence hovering just above her. There was a still moment as he placed a rough kiss on her cheek saying the three words she had come to hate. He then exited the room leaving her alone with the tears. It has been the same routine every night for the last four years and every night she would feel more stained. Broken, beyond repair. She was alone. That was always how it was and she was certain will continue until the day she dies. Skye curled into herself and gently covered her body. Her hand moved slowly to her neck where a small black crystal hung on a silver chain. She tried not to cringe at the pain in the lower part of her body as she moved. Her body felt sore and tired and altogether foreign to her. She clutched tightly at the pendant and could somehow feel it absorbing all her pain and sadness. She knew that was impossible but it still made her feel at ease. The other comfort in the world was sleep. Only then did the pain and suffering go away even if it was just for a short while. She did her best to shut her mind down and willed herself to sleep. *~*~* When Skye opened her eyes, she was struck with a bolt of fear at the sight of darkness. However, she soon relaxed as her eyes adjusted to the darkness to reveal that she was in a cave and not in her room. She smiled slightly despite herself. Even though the pain was still there to remind her that this was not a dream, she felt at east. This was her happy place. A place where she felt bonded to and where she truly belonged. Slowly she pushed herself up into a sitting position and stood up unsteadily. Her body was screaming at her in protest but she ignored it and made her way slowly to the entrance of the cave where the daylight beckoned her. The cave she exited from was surrounded by a lush forest and was situated next to a small pond with a waterfall flowing into it. Skye moved herself towards the edge of the clear water. She caught sight of herself, her true features reflecting back at her. Her long straight hair was pitch black and the colour of her eyes was almost a shade of crimson red. This was who she really was. It was just a pity she had to hide it in the other world. Skye untied the black cloak from around her and slipped the violet satin camisole off her shoulders, letting it drop to the ground. She was now only wearing a black leather romper with black high heel boots reaching to her knees. As she moved her foot towards the water, the tip of the boot started folding backwards allowing her bare toe to dip into the water. She shivered slightly from the coolness before stepping cautiously into the water. Her clothing continued to dissolve slowly as she entered deeper into the pond. Once she was fully submerged to her neck she swam out towards the middle and leaned her head back to soak her hair. Skye closed her eyes as she enjoyed the calming atmosphere. But as her mind relaxed, only horrid memories made their way to the front and she stood up abruptly. She was frozen in place as the scenes continuously played in her mind. “No, Cayleb!” Cayleb merely smirked as he pushed her against the wall and held her arms tight on either side of her head. He licked his lips before leaning in and kissing her fiercely. She tried to scream and push him away but he just pushed her harder with his hips. She whimpered as one of his hands tore her blouse open and fondled her breasts. “You are mine, Skye! Only mine!” His pants came down and he entered her in one thrust. Her cry of pain fell on deaf ears as he lifted her up and dropped her back onto his c**k. Tears were streaming down her face and she turned her face to the side not wanting to see his face. “Please...stop this. Alex is my fiancé a-and you are my brother.” He did not speak but instead thrust harder and faster, his panting loud in her ears. She felt him grow and stiffen inside her and expected him to finish but was surprised when he pulled out. His arms unceremoniously released her causing her to collapse on the ground from lack of support. Before she could comprehend it, hot trails of a sticky white substance squirted out onto her face and body. “I never took you as a sister. Besides we are not blood related. You are not family to me.” Skye cried out as she scrubbed her face and body in panic. Just the thought of his c*m caused her to scream again and scrub even harder. Her long nails caused deep scratches around her body and some of her older scars started to bleed again. The water around her started to turn a light red in colour as her blood merged into it. It’s everywhere! I can’t get rid of it! She ran out of the pond, her clothes and boots appearing instantly on her body before heading into the forest blindly. Suddenly she heard a loud growl from behind her but it did not slow her down. She continued weaving through the trees until she entered a clearing full of flowers that was on the edge of a cliff. Even then she did not stop and just when her feet were about to leave the ground, something tackled her from the side causing her to fall amongst the flowers. She screamed and struggled under the mass. When it was evident the mass was not letting her up she gave up. Then she started crying. I hate him! I hate them all...Why can’t they just die...? At her thoughts, a sudden surge started to build up within her. She felt power, strength like she could take on anything but as quickly as it came it disappeared when she heard a whimper. The whimper was soon followed by something moist on her face. She tensed almost immediately but soon relaxed. She didn’t even realize the mass was no longer suffocating her. After a few moments, her sobs slowly started to subside and she looked beside her into the amber eyes of a grey werewolf who was lying beside her. The amber eyes were sad as they took in her tear-stained face and self-inflicted wounds but were also filled with concern. “Diego...” Skye whispered softly as she raised a hand towards the grey werewolf that was twice her size. The beast leaned its head into her outstretched hand, nuzzling it. She gave a small smile as she leaned her head back against the ground. Diego had been her only companion and friend in this world of Annenion. He had been with her from the start, from when she freaked out over how her features started to change and when she discovered her powers till now. The silent protector, the vigilant guardian. She was utterly grateful for him. When a slight breeze blew across the clearing, Skye shivered slightly and snuggled closer to Diego. A very low growl sounded deep from his chest. If Diego wasn’t a werewolf, Skye would have thought he was purring. How she wished that he could be in both her worlds and not just in one... Time passed quickly by and soon Skye realized that the moon was out. She looked around her with the panic starting to rise inside her. Diego felt the sudden change of mood and raised his head just as Skye sat up abruptly.  “I don’t want to go back! I want to stay here! Please, Diego! Keep me here!”  The wolf whimpered helplessly before growling as Skye dug her own nails into the palm of her hand. “If I have to, I will keep myself awake.” Skye said with determination in her eyes even as she felt dead tired. Diego moved closer to her and nudged her until she turned her eyes onto him. He moved down and gently licked her clenched fist. After a few moments, the blood was gone and the wound was closed. Tears were in her eyes and they dropped down onto the ground silently. “Why? Why is life so unfair?” Skye muttered the same question she had been asking herself for the last seventeen years of her life. Diego nudged her again until she fell back against his body. He laid down allowing Skye to use his warm body as a pillow.  “Save me...please” Skye pleaded in a whisper before she felt her consciousness start to slip. As her mind was about to shut down, she could just feel herself being lifted and placed on something soft, warm and furry then the cool of night air blew her hair. It was almost as if she was flying. *** The alarm on the bedside table went off at around six in the morning. A hand shot out to switch it off quickly before it woke the other members in the household. That same hand then fumbled on the bedside table for a pair of glasses. Tossing the covers off herself with her other hand, Skye arose and put on her glasses. She felt the familiar pain in the lower part of her body and bit back tears. Forcing strength into her legs, she stood up and walked awkwardly to the en-suite. She did not want to live in denial but this was her reality. Turning on the tap for the shower but not getting in, Skye walked towards the mirror. The reflection that stared back was a large contrast to what was in the pond in Annennion. The current her had hair that was a dirty blonde and her eyes were a dull brown colour behind the glasses she wore. However, it was just a disguise after all. Lifting her hands to her head, she gently unclipped the wig letting the long black hair hidden underneath free. The glasses came off next, revealing the piercing crimson orbs underneath. She often wondered what would happen if she walked out in the street looking like she did. Most probably would give people a heart attack and the police would be on her case. Walking back to the shower, she moved under the hot water and closed her eyes. The mist from the water was almost suffocating and the spray burned every inch of her skin. However, she paid little attention to the pain. All she knew was that she felt unclean. Grasping the body sponge, Skye began scrubbing her body. Her movements were gentle to begin with but they soon turned feverish as the memories invaded her mind again. She could hear him moan her name. She could feel his hands all over her and the feel of him inside her made her want to throw up. Dropping the sponge, Skye sank to her knees with a strangled cry and clutched her head between her hands. She stayed that way, with the hot water spraying down on her for almost an hour. When she finally emerged, Skye’s skin was raw and red and she felt light-headed. Dressing in her uniform that was hung on the back of the bathroom door, she then placed the wig firmly on her head. Taking her glasses, Skye walked back into her room, took up her school bag and exited the room. The house was isolated with the occasional snore from one of the rooms as she passed by. Skye’s room was located in a deserted part of the house, furthest from everywhere else so it took her longer to get to the front doors. Her stomach growled softly and as she passed the kitchen she debated whether to eat or not. However, the mere thought of food caused her stomach to turn so she quickly turned away and exited through the front doors. The morning sun blinded her for a moment when she stepped out causing her to squint and sway on her feet slightly. She knew it was still too early to go to school as it was only seven so Skye decided to wander aimlessly.  She was shocked when her feet brought her to the front of her best friend Faith’s house. Hesitantly she brought a hand up to press the doorbell. The sound ran throughout the house and hurried footsteps approached the door. It swung open to reveal a girl in pyjamas with short chestnut hair. The girl’s eyes widened when she took in Skye’s appearance and her expression became one of utmost concern. When she saw the concern in Faith’s expression for her, Skye broke down. She tensed when Faith enveloped her in a hug before ushering her inside the house and upstairs. After arriving in Faith’s room, the two girls sat down on the bed. “Skye, talk to me. I’m right here.” Faith said softly to the trembling girl trying to keep her voice calm. Skye shook her head and clasped a hand over her nose and mouth to stop from crying out. “Cayleb…again.” Skye managed to stutter out between sobs. Faith immediately stiffened and felt anger flow through her. She had only met Cayleb once but from what he had done to Skye, she only had pure hatred for the guy. Cayleb was Skye’s older brother though not related by blood. Skye was found as a baby on the doorstep of the Lowes. At that time Michael and Annabelle Lowes already had one daughter and one son. Annabelle wanted to have another child of her own, however, Michael wanted to focus more on his business so he adopted Skye into the family instead. This caused a rift between his wife and him. Even to this day, Annabelle Lowes still does not acknowledge the existence of Skye. As Skye grew up, Michael and Annabelle’s son, Cayleb fell in love with her. When Michael announced Skye’s engagement to the son of one of his business clients, Cayleb became obsessed over Skye. He watched her in the shadows for many years before finally deciding to take things into his own hands. “What did he do?” Faith asked trying to keep her voice calm. “I-It was horrible! Just like it has been for the last f-four years!” Skye shuddered and trembled even more. “Skye, you have to tell someone! They are breaking you physically and mentally!” Skye abruptly sat up with fear in her eyes. “Do you think I don’t want to tell anyone? I do!” She gasped out on the verge of a panic attack to which her friend hurriedly rubbed at her arms trying to calm her down. “But who will listen to me? The Lowes are wealthy! They can make Cayleb look innocent while I would be the one at fault!”  Faith was about to open her mouth to speak when she saw the scratch marks on Skye’s arms. “Skye, what did you do?” Skye looked down at her arms then back to Faith. “I tried to get rid of the feeling but I couldn’t! No matter how hard I scrubbed, I could still feel him!” She exclaimed with a disgusted look as she rubbed her arm roughly. The movement was soon stopped when Faith grabbed her hands with tears in her eyes.  “You promised me that you would never purposely hurt yourself!” Skye seemed taken aback at the anger in her friend’s voice and she unconsciously cringed back. Faith suddenly realized her mistake and released Skye’s hand apologizing frantically. Skye shook her head as she kept her eyes down and bit down on her lip hard from a nervous habit. “I needed to feel clean again, Faith. I know I am already stained but I just wanted some sort of comfort amongst it all...” Faith stayed silent knowing in her current state Skye would not listen to her. Instead, she gently placed her arm around Skye’s tense shoulders and rubbed her soothingly as the two of them cried together.