Requital

CHAPTER 5

DEIANIRA

It's the day before the celebration, and I haven't seen Tar since he kissed me. Apaay and I are worried. We are always together. I've been to his house to ask his mother and father where he could be, but hes never around. They always say hunting or training. I dont understand. We were so happy a few days ago. He told me he felt the same. Why won't he see me? "Deianira, father says,"Did you go into the village for your dress yet, my sweet? If you haven't, you should take Apaay with you and you both pick out one." Apaay lives with only her mother. Her father died in battle when she was just eight years old. It's hard for her mother. She has two other children younger than Apaay. She is always taking multiple jobs to feed and clothe them. Apaay even takes on odd jobs. she's always watching her siblings. Mother and Father always try to help when they can, and I love them even more for it. He hands me some money to get both our dresses, and I hug him in thanks as I walk out the door. I go and get Apaay from her home and we set off.

"I just dont know what Ive done wrong" I say, "We actually kissed Apaay he told me he loved me back, weve known each other for so long how could he just ignore me like this." "There has to be a good reason" she says, "He would never do anything to hurt you. He is coming of age tonight, you both are. He is the chiefs son and he will one day take his place. His father is most likely getting him ready for that." Yes that has to be it. Im worried over nothing. Tonight he will find me and we will dance. We will finally become one.

Apaay and I are getting ready at my house. She picked out an elegant blue dress that flowed out below mid thigh. She braided her hair in a long braid down her back with little pieces tucked behind her ears. I picked out a light rose colored dress that matches my one red eye. Im leaving my hair in soft waves down my back and painting my lips a striking color to go with everything. We both chose to wear flats. Im nervous, I dont know how Tar is going to react to seeing me tonight. Weve never been apart this long. Does he even want to see me? "Hey, everything will be okay De De. Tar will see you and drool, he will take your hand to dance, then you both will slip away and become what you always were supposed to be."

We walk into the meeting house. Its where they are holding the party. There are lights strung everywhere, blooming beautiful flowers on every table. A village band is playing a slow tune while couples dance on the makeshift dance floor. I look around for Tar, I see his mother and father but I dont see him where is he? All throughout the night I dont see him. I dance with my parents, Apaay, even his parents and still no Tar. Was everything the other day a lie to not upset me surely it isnt? Its then I feel someones hand grab my own and start dragging me back out the dance floor. Its Tar, hes here but hes different... His eyes a once warm caramel are black as coal. He looks angry and hes dragging me along as if he doesnt want to. "What? Tar," I say "are you okay, where have you been, has something changed." I bite my lip and wait for the worst but he finally looks me in the eyes, his caramel returning just for a moment with his smile. "Yes, Im truly sorry. Father had me training and was teaching me the ways of being a chief." I can tell hes lying I know him well. I just nod and we reach the dance floor. We dance close looking into each others eyes for a while until he finally says, "Come with me" and I do. He takes me to our special place, our tree. He helps me sit and has a look on his face like he wants to say something, but I speak first. "I've been so worried about you. I thought I came on to strong, I thought we both felt the same. Im sorry if I've overstepped. As long as I have you as a friend, I will be alright just forget everything I've said." I take his hand but he pulls away shoots up and turns his back facing me. His breath is ragged, he wont look at me what have I done. Finally he turns and looks at me. This Tarkik , this is not my Tar. I feel the air change and he smiles this evil smile and he pounces. He kisses me, devours my lips. I try to pull away but he grabs some of my hair and pulls me closer. I eventually relax, this is Tar after all my best friend. He would never hurt me. He starts to grab at my dress, he rips the bottom a little. His dragon will awaken soon so thats why hes acting this way. Dragons can get rough right...? He rips my panties off and starts to touch me where no other has touched. It feels nice and I go to touch him to and he lets me. He lays me down on the ground and hikes my dress up. He hovers over me and looks at me. Warm pools meet my gaze once again and he pushes inside me. He takes me slow, makes love to me. All while looking deep into my eyes. This is it when he will claim me. The time for him to become a man is now I know it. "Happy Birthday, beloved," I say. "Happy Birthday Dieanira I love you." And then black eyes greet me once again. He goes faster to the point of pain. "Tar you are hurting me." But he doesnt listen, he keeps going at a brutal pace. He finally stills and finishes inside me. I dont move, his teeth elongate and he acts as if hes going to mark me. He looks at me with eyes that flicker black and brown until he pulls out and jumps away from me. It hurts oh my gods it hurts what is happening. He gives me his back once again. "Leave," he says "leave this village and never return." What is he saying? "Tarkik?" "No! Leave now I reject this mate bond, you are exiled from the Martimus lands. Never return if you value your life." Every word pierces my heart, I can't breathe much lest stand. He really means it. When he turns around all I see is hatred from his gaze. I dont think I just run. I run as fast as I can. I need to get away, just away far from here. I can't say goodbye to mother and father, to Apaay. He made that very clear. My heart feels beaten and defeated. All I've ever thought all I've ever known is gone in an instant.