Neglect
1200 Words
“All my life, I’ve been a runt, a virgin with no wings to fly. I’ve always wondered what it’d be like, giving myself to someone.” - Enoma Pearl
…
“Gah, don’t look at us like that.” The girl sitting beside me said. “Whatever, you’re seeing is a coincidence, I promise. My younger sister needs the Games. Our pack thinks she’s frail and sick. Our parents think this is the only way to prove herself.”
“Oh,” I sighed, even if my head told me it seemed they had everything planned out. “I’m Enoma, she is Marina. What are your names?”
I spoke for Marina with an aim to not say too much, yet…
“I’m Destiny, my sister’s name is Angela,” she said.
“Nice meeting you, Destiny. It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Angela.” I replied with a half-hearted smile.
“Thanks, Enoma. My sister can’t talk now, I’m sorry she didn’t reply.” Destiny said, raising my suspicion further.
“It’s fine,” I replied, staring with wonder at what was really going on.
“Yes, she does this sometimes when the waves contact her chest.” Destiny explained, adjusting her sister’s clothes. “The cold affected her while we traveled here.”
“I’m so sorry, will she be fine?” I asked only for Destiny to stand up carrying Angela and putting her in her arms.
“Yes, but this should be faster,” Destiny said, sitting down trying to warm her sister.
If I didn’t know better, I’d say this was part of the Games and someone was trying to get to me. They probably knew I had an older sister and would bond fast with Destiny.
“Okay. Nice.”
I said with a shrug which made Marina giggle discreetly, placing her palms on mine.
Like my spirit animal, it was almost like she noticed. I made an effort to remove the hints from my face, with a quick exhale.
My eyes scanned among the girls on the train, who were sitting, talking amongst themselves. They seemed eager and curious, so was I.
“So tell me about yourself,” I said to Destiny who stared at me.
“What do you want to know?” she asked openly.
“More about you,” I uttered, wondering if my introvert side was obvious.
The only bond I was used to was with Elena, other than that my friend experience was short-lived.
“Okay. Careful though I might rant a bit,” she said.
“Sure, that is allowed,” I said with a smile, trying to dismiss the suspicious feeling that lingered through me as she held her sister in her arms.
“I’m Destiny, the daughter of our pack’s Beta. I’m good with knives, I hate the sight of blood, and I love needlework,” she said.
“I commend your skills with knives, Destiny, but why do you hate the sight of blood?” I asked.
“I witnessed a loved one die in front of me and I wasn’t able to save her,” she said. “My mom.”
This time it was a whisper.
“I’m so sorry,” I said genuinely, knowing what it was like to not have your mom present.
“Thanks.”
“Losing someone hurts, how did you cope?”
“I’m not. Just with the thoughts that she’s in a better, honourable place.”
“You know,” she continued. “In my district, it’s an honor to participate in the pact. We, females, are trained for it all our lives and whoever comes back unscathed, gets honorable posts,” she explained.
“Have you met your Master yet?” she asked.
“Yes, but I figured it’s only a figment of imagination. Whooshing… and powers… that can’t be real?” I blurted, waving it off.
“Of course, it is real,” she said, one hand on my shoulder. “Look, you need to take this seriously. Whoever you’re paired with is your Master, he is your one way ticket out of here.”
…
Growing up in Crestwood taught me a lot. That people were divided into ranks. I found myself in the lowest rank, due to my dormant wolf, entangled no matter how much I tried to pull away.
As Destiny revealed those words, these thoughts prevailed in my head.
My one way ticket out of here. It meant one thing. I wasn’t going to come out of the Games if I didn’t cooperate with Daxon.
My Master.
The train came to a halt that instant. Swaying my head a bit, I noticed some men in navy blue attire with firearms in their hands.
“Those are the Blues,” Destiny whispered discreetly, “Father told me they control the weaponry. They are the sixth in command in the Kingdom’s hierarchy.”
That instant, one of them who seemed like their leader stepped forward saying, “Welcome San-“
“Hm, hm,” the train operator reacted.
“Ladies I mean, welcome miladies. Quickly step out in lines, the Masters have been waiting!” The Commander said.
The door suddenly opened with him waving, almost like he was ushering us. The minute the girls stood up, I watched Marina’s mouth twist in a pout.
“Enoma...” she trailed.
“Keep close to me, hold my hands if possible,” I said, hoping the worst didn’t happen once we went in.
Destiny guided Angela on the floor rubbing her shoulders, slightly.
“We do not know what awaits us inside there, you must be strong so they don’t suspect,” she whispered to Angela.
I arched my brows curiously yet moved accordingly with the girls and Marina. Destiny followed suit, with her sister.
Just as we came down, I looked around noting we were passing a narrow alleyway. Through tall gates, a dark color, with ancient inscriptions on it.
Some Blues led the way, with some right behind us. Just as the alleyway came to an end something flashed across my face, making me flinch raising an arm.
Some set of people in Green attires ran through with jotters and paper. Destiny immediately paced up to meet me, saying,
“Those are the Greens, fifth in command; they always snoop for news to sell to the highest bidder.”
“Over here, Sands look at the camera!” they exclaimed. Confusion was written on each of the girl’s face as flashes came in.
Just as I wondered why the called us Sands one of the women cooed,
“Oh, poor things!” she exclaimed, “They don’t know the meaning of the titles yet, you’ll get a handbook soon, no worries-”
“Over here!!” another Green flashed.
The commander halted in front of a gigantic purple door, with dark patterns and sharp ends at the top.
He moved to open the door but hesitated turning to face us.
“Behave yourselves, if you want to survive, Sands,” he said with a stern look. His hands immediately took both handles of the doors opening them wide.
- Writer
