Sybil gripped my chin, forcing my head high. Her blue eyes bore into mine with such fiery hatred, and I knew she wasn’t going to let me go so easily. “You don’t get to tell me what to do.” She pressed her long nail into the cut along my cheek, digging it deep while I winced, tears dripping down my bloodied face. “You think you’re so tough, don’t you? So untouchable, hiding behind your boss.” She pressed harder. “But you’re not.” I noticed a quick flash of light out of the corner of my eye, which was immediately followed by a sharp pain in my left hand. I cried out, screaming as Sybil pushed the knife deeper into my flesh with a sinister grin.
“Sybil, what the fuck?” Montey shot forward and gripped her hand, still firmly grasped around the handle. “Knock it off! You got the keys—let’s just go!”
She clenched her teeth and nearly growled at him, twisting the blade as I cried out in pain. “No! I’ve had it with this freak ruining everything! Even now, she’s got her claws in you!” Montey ripped her arm back, taking the blade with it and I screamed, blood shooting across the room and splattering along Lavender’s face as I bit back tears. She screamed, wiping it from her cheeks as my hand bled onto the floor.
Token erupted into laughter and taunted her, and the two began to bicker, completely desensitized to how serious all of this was. Ryder rushed to Lavender and used his mask to clean her face, the three bickering and arguing amongst themselves.
Montey squeezed Sybil’s wrist, forcing her to drop the knife. He yanked her close and hovered over her with a stern look. “You’ve gone too far,” he growled.
She ripped her hand from him and snarled. “You’re wrong. I haven’t gone far enough. And if you try to stop me, I’ll fucking kill you.” Thunder boomed above as the power flickered again.
Sybil shot her head back to me and charged me, slapping me across the face. Everyone hushed and watched, shocked by how loud the impact was. “Even now, he still tries to save you,” she growled. My head slouched forward as blood dripped from my nose and cheek onto my lap.
“Please,” I wheezed.
Sybil gripped a handful of my hair and forced my head back. She coiled her arm back and slammed her fist into my face. My head dropped from her grasp and bobbed, dropping back down. Everything on my face ached and hurt, swelling and bleeding as she repeated the action at least two more times. Truthfully, I began to lose count as my head swirled around, my consciousness slipping faintly. And I lost my will to fight.
“You win,” I rasped softly.
Sybil stopped. “What did you say?”
I didn’t answer.
She leaned in close, tucking her hair behind her ears before gripping my wrists tight. “What did you just say?”
I didn’t answer, unable to fully form words.
Sybil moved her hands, digging into my palm and pressing her nail into the bloody wound. “What did you say?” she demanded. “Tell me!”
My head shot back with a loud groan. “I said you win!” I paused, too broken to fight. “Please…let me go…please.” My eyes raised ever so slightly to find Montey’s reddened from fighting back tears. “Montey…please.” Tears rolled down my beaten face. “Help…me.” And just like that, he looked away. And the last bit of love I felt for him dissolved.
Oh my. Things have really taken a turn for the worst now, haven’t they?
Zeth’s voice slithered around my brain as I struggled to keep my eyes open.
Sybil ripped her hands back and scoffed. “You dare say his name?” Her tone was filled with hatred and disgust, and I knew she wasn’t done with me.
Criss-s-s-sa. If there were a time to let me free, now would be it.
Sybil gripped my throat and dug her nails into my neck. “I’m sick of sharing the same air as you, freak. And I won’t share any part of him.”
“Stop,” I strained as she choked me.
Lavender suddenly spoke up. “Sybil…stop. You’ve done enough okay? This—this isn’t right.” She tried to rush towards me, but the twins held her back. She struggled between their grasps, shouting to Montey to help me, but he was too far gone.
Speak my name, and I shall save you, Crissa. Do it. Let me out.
Sybil tightened her grip as I tried to fight Zeth back. I opened my mouth to speak, but she only smiled and squeezed harder.
Do you not see, Crissa? The very humans who have continuously harmed you would see you dead. Whatever love and affection they once held in their hearts for you has been replaced with a deep hatred. Stop protecting them and take back your power. You came to me, seeking vengeance on them that night, your blood thirsty for revenge. Well, it is time to quench that thirst, dear Crissa.
Lavender forced herself free from the twins and ran to Sybil knocking her over, releasing my throat. I gasped loudly, coughing and gagging as the air filled my lungs. Lavender tried to peel the tape from my wrists, but it was no use.
“Crissa? Crissa!” My eyes fluttered to see Lavender standing before me. “I’m so sorry, Crissa. So sorry. I’m going to get you out of here, okay?”
My head wobbled a bit. “Lavender,” I whispered.
“Yeah?”
