Pet - Chapter 12 (Patreon)

These people never stop celebrating. I stare out the glass, looking down at the thousands of Leviathan below that are screaming for their ruler. Why do they love him so much? Is it because of his mother? I can’t help but wonder what she looks like. And if she’s kind, or cruel like her children.

“Iris, move away from the glass.” I tense as Remus enters the room, but when I turn around, he only moves to the couch and plops himself down, on his back throwing his arm across his eyes. It’s the most human thing I’ve ever seen him do, and it scares me.

He’s silent as he just lays there, breathing. So I turn back to the glass taking one last look at the scenery and move away. We’re three days into the week-long celebration of Remus and his siblings. All the parties have been the same. Each time I got to see Jude, and he was placed next to me so we would get to talk, until Remus noticed that is and had us moved.

“If you had one wish, what would it be.” I jump as Remus’ voice comes out of nowhere. I look over to him and he’s staring at the ceiling. I narrow my eyes at his question.

“That you and your entire race would vanish from existence and give us back our planet,” I snap. Instead of him getting angry though, he laughs. Just a small curve of the corner of his lips.

“I forgot for a second who I was asking that question to,” he says calmly. I stare at him in shock. Something must be wrong with him because he’s never this calm. Or humorous.

“So if you still had the earth, what would you wish for.” He says. I’m quiet. I don’t even know what life would be like if they had never invaded. Would my parents still be together? Would I have more siblings? Would I be in college?

“I don’t know,” I murmur.

“I don’t even know what life would be like,” I say. Remus laughs again.

“If it were up to me, I would rid this world of all of you,” he says. I look at him in shock and see that he is serious.

“You do nothing but damage. To yourselves and each other. You never learn," he says. I narrow my eyes at him.

“Then why not do it. Why not just destroy us all and be done with it. Why waste time here, putting us and yourself through obvious misery,” I snap. He finally looks my direction, his purple gaze pinning me to the spot. A small smile graces his features, his white hair slowly falling freely with the direction of his head.

“What a marvelous suggestion, Iris. Maybe I will," he says. I don’t know if he’s teasing me, just to get a rise out of me, but I won’t let him. So I turn my back to him. I hear his deep laugh.

“Freedom is a silly illusion people put in place to control the indigenous. It doesn’t exist,” he says. I want to ask him why he is so grouchy today, but I know that if I do he might not like the fact that I am referring to him in that manner.

“What if I gave you your freedom, Iris. Where would you go? Your place of refuge was destroyed, your fellow members scattered.” Images of my girls flash through my mind, as does Margot’s lifeless expression.

“I would find somewhere else to go,” I murmur. I hear Remus move from his spot on the couch, and immediately sense his presence behind me.

“What would you do for your freedom, Iris. Would you fight for it? Kill for it, perhaps?” His hands close in on my arms, and he places a light kiss on my shoulder.

“There is a celebration, of slaves. To show off what we have you see. And as I recall, you were a fighter..” He kisses my shoulder.

“How would you like a chance to compete for your freedom?” I turn around, facing him, and he’s watching me knowingly. There’s a vicious smirk on his face. I know deep in my heart that there is a catch. I know it. But it doesn’t stop me from having the one thing Remus aims to kill inside of me. Hope.

“I see you would really like that.” He smiles. His gaze shifts over my face, and he reaches up running his fingers over my cheek lightly.

“I’ll make a deal with you. Show me what you can do. Impress me. Win. And I’ll release you. To squalor whatever little bit of freedom, you have left in your lifespan.” It sounds too good to be true.

“Can you do that for me, Iris? Can you win on your master's behalf?” he says. I nod my head slowly before he retracts the offer. Whatever it is that I’m about to do, I know that it can’t be good. And Remus must be pretty confident in himself to think that I won’t do it. But I would do anything to have some freedom. To be away from him for good. No matter how short my life will be. I’d rather die free than live a slave.

* * * * *

Remus is abnormally quiet. For once, it is him that is dressing me, and not the mindless slaves he has around. He’s dressing me in all white, in a strange material that I’ve never encountered before. But I don’t miss the symbol on Remus’ chest that is across my chest. The clothing fits perfectly to my skin, almost as if it's a second skin. And my stomach is revealed. I can see the pulse of Remus’ eyes. I can tell that he’s excited. But it scares me what for.

We arrive at a collesium looking building, and I can hear the familiar roar of the Leviathin. Remus pulls me along, as we approach the building. Once we reach the door, it opens without hesitation, and Remus pulls me inside.

I immediately bow my head, but not before I take notice of the slaves. All of them are dressed similar to me. Some of them have deranged looks in their eyes like they’re ready to kill. But I don’t miss the look of fear that they all have for their masters. All of us have chains and are being held in place by our masters.

Resentment rips through me. If I win this contest, I’ll be free to find the resistance and fight for their freedom.

Remus pauses and begins speaking to someone. It’s a man with black hair and black eyes. His eyes are scary as they travel towards me. Remus says something else, and laughs at something the man must have said.

The man with black eyes steps around Remus, placing his fingers around my chin and forcing my gaze up as he inspects me. I narrow my eyes at him. He opens his mouth saying something to Remus, which Remus smiles slightly too. The man squeezes my cheeks, causing my mouth to gape and he tries to stick his fingers in my mouth. Rage fires me up and I snap at him, trying to bite his fingers. He jerks them back, laughing in amusement. And says something to Remus.

Remus quips something back and the man walks away. Remus turns to me, his expression turning serious.

“Does freedom really mean that much to you, Iris?” he asks. I narrow my gaze at him.

“I would rather die than be your slave anymore,” I say. Instead of getting mad, he smiles.

“We shall see.”

The lights overhead flash on, causing me to tense. And when I look around me, I see that I’m in some arena-type room. There is glass surrounding me, and I see the faces of Leviathins everywhere. I look around in a panic and see that there are other slaves around me as well. Each is locked in place the same way that I am. We’re all in cages.

A voice sounds overhead, and I jump in confusion. He’s speaking Remus’ language, so I have no idea what is being said. I look around me in a panic, trying to figure out what is going on. Then, I see Jude. And he’s not too far away from me.

He’s wearing the same type of clothing that I am, except his symbol is different. and it’s red. I can see the resentment in his eyes. The platform that I am on raises high above everyone, and so does Jude’s as well as some other slaves that are in specific colors.

“Jude!” I scream out. His whole face changes and he looks around for me. Finally, his bright green eyes land on me, but I see horror etched into his features.

“Why would he bring you here?” he says more to himself than anyone else.

“What’s going on?” I shout. Jude looks around, and back to me.

“It’s a contest.” He looks back at me, full panic on his face.

“Iris, whatever you do, survive.”

Before he can explain any further, my platform is raised high until I am basically in the ceiling. I look around me in a full-blown panic. The doors below are opening, revealing more and more slaves? The floor below opens up, and Remus is slowly rising from below. There’s a spotlight on him, as he holds out his hands. He looks around as the crowd gets excited, but for what I couldn’t possibly imagine.

I look back to Jude, but he’s looking at Remus with hatred and rage. Remus says something else, eliciting a roar from the crowd, and I feel my platform being lowered. I’m on the ground, next to Remus trying not to panic. His purple gaze is burning bright with excitement.

He turns to me, grabbing me by the hair and forcing me to stand. His hand wraps around my throat, and fear courses through my veins as he stares into the depths of my soul. I haven’t seen this side of Remus in a long long time. He’s staring at me with pure hatred. Usually, his hatred is directed towards my race. But now, I can see his resentment. Towards me.

“You love to fight for your people. Give them hope?” His hand tightens, and I can barely breathe.

“When I found you, you were a warrior in your own right. Let’s see how much of that you are willing to use against your own people.” My eyes widen in shock, and he drops me. Against my own people?

“It’s time for you to see how the people you fight for truly are, pet,” he growls. His platform raises, leaving me on the arena floor alone. The ground next to me opens up to reveal a cart with weapons on it.

He’s going to make me fight my own people? I look up to Jude who is eyeing me with worry. He opens his mouth, mouthing one word to me.

“Survive.”

I look up at Remus, and he’s watching me with a blank expression from his throne. The crowd is going wild. I stand up and realize this is some kind of fighting gear. I’m clad in skimpy armor, with Remus’ symbol on it. This is a twisted game.

I grab two swords from the cart, standing my ground as the doors to the arena open. A woman walks in. Her gaze is filled with hate. Hate at me. I look at her body hoping to see an inhibitor on her, but there isn’t one. She’s completely in her right mind as she charges at me full force. She lunges her sword at me, but I dodge, gaining as much distance as I can.

Before I can grab my bearings, she’s on me. Shit, she’s fast. Her sword swipes right across my face, almost slicing it clean off. Luckily I dodge and raise my sword, trapping hers. The loud clash of metal echoes throughout the arena, and sparks fly from the contact. She’s strong too. I realize now why Remus was so confident in his bet. By killing someone for my freedom, I will prove him right. That every human is the same when it comes to survival.

“Stop, you don’t have to do this,” I grit out. She scoffs at me, and out of nowhere, a sharp pain ignites my side as she kicks me. I’m sent flying across the arena, dirt flying as I hit the ground. I’m coughing from the pain of that blow. I look up to find her slowly walking towards me.

“You’re a disgrace to the human race,” she spats at me. She’s standing above me and rears her sword down, but I roll away before she can run me through.

“Why are you doing this?” I hiss. She rolls her eyes.

“Why else? For survival.” She comes at me again full force, and our swords clash. She swipes at all my weak spots trying to slice my throat or my calves. But I wave off her attacks. Her sword runs up the length of mine, and I use that to my advantage, placing all my weight on my front foot, and balling my fist. I punch her across the face, sending her sprawling. The crowd goes crazy.

“You won’t survive by killing me, they’ll still be here!” I shout at her. She sits up, wiping her now bleeding lip.

“They have offered freedom. To be treated as their equal and live in their society, to anyone that can take you down.” I’m shocked. She’s willing to kill me, for freedom. To live alongside these despicable creatures that stole our planet from us.

“You’re willing to kill a fellow human than stand along with me and fight?” I ask in disbelief. She smiles at me, taking a fighting stance.

“You’re damn right I will.” She runs at me head-on, and I easily ward off her attacks. She gets more and more sloppy as the battle wears on. I stay on the defensive the whole time. I won’t let Remus win. Finally, I see the perfect opening, and I take the butt of my sword, and smash it into her temple, knocking her out cold.

I look up past the throngs of people, and at Remus. He’s watching me in amusement. Dread settles in the pit of my stomach, and I know that something terrible is about to happen. I look up to where Jude is, and he’s watching me with a grim expression. Remus holds his hand up, and silence falls immediately over the arena. He says something else, and the crowd erupts in a frenzy.

Remus looks back up at me, speaks to me directly.

“You may want to pick those back up," he smirks. I narrow my gaze at him, and the doors to the arena open again. I slowly pick up the swords, facing the doors as they open. No matter what they do to me, I refuse to kill someone. Remus is set on making me out to be like the rest of my race. Selfish in the face of survival.

My muscles tense as I ready myself because I know that whoever is coming at me now, will be someone much more fierce than the last person. Otherwise, Remus wouldn’t look so smug.

The crowd is silent, and I can hear the footsteps as my next opponent grows near. Everything in me shatters until there is nothing left as my eyes land on my next opponent. My next opponent is Leah. My eyes widen, and I take a step backward, tearing my gaze from Leah to Remus. He’s full-on smiling now. A wide smile filled with joy.

“Iris!” Jude’s scream tears me from my brooding, just in time to dodge Leahs’ sword. Our swords clash together, the loud ring acting as the bell to start the match. And the roars of excitement fill the air.

Leah has always been a formidable opponent, and now she isn’t holding back. I try and search her face and throat for some sign of her being controlled, but she isn’t. Out of nowhere, her fist collides with the side of my face, and I’m sent flying from the force. My body connects with the ground, and I cry out in pain. I quickly sit up, grabbing my sword and dodging it just in time. I quickly scramble to my feet.

“Leah!” I shout. But she’s going at me. Hard. She’s trying to cut my throat. She lets out a loud scream, and hits against my sword so hard I can feel it vibrating within my bones. She jabs at me, and I manage to knock the sword out of her hand. She lunges at me, hitting me in the stomach sending us both sprawling to the ground. Dirt flies around us, and I feel pain in my cheek. I lash out with my leg, hitting her and rolling over so that I am on top.

I wrap my hands around her throat.

“Leah, stop! Why are you doing this!” I scream. Her nails rake into my flesh, and she shifts us so that her body is on top of mine.

“For freedom!” she screams. She throws me off of her, and runs for a weapon, grabbing a sword. I have no weapon, and she begins swinging it at me. At my throat, my stomach, my legs, and my face. I dodge each attack.

“Iris, fight back!” I hear Jude scream above me. But I can’t. Not against one of my girls. We fought for each other, we had each others backs. And we would die for each other. But now, freedom was the heavier price to pay.

I jump to the left, rolling in the dirt and scrambling for a sword.

“I won’t fight you!” I scream. Tears are falling down my face.

“Then you’ll have to die!” she screeches. Those words kill me. Could Remus be right? Are we really all the same when it comes down to it? She lunges at me, and this time I don’t raise my sword to fight back. I drop it, closing my eyes and waiting for the pain. Silence. I open my eyes, and gasp in shock. Remus is standing in front of me with a look of anger on his face. My eyes immediately wander behind him, and I see the blade of Leah’s sword in his hand. There’s no blood, and he doesn’t look to be in any kind of pain.

“Wha-” I trial off, not knowing what to say. A loud ring echoes throughout the arena, and Leah gasps as Remus snaps her sword in half. He turns on her, snatching her up by the throat. I know what he’s about to do the moment he places his hand on her. I’m quickly scrambling towards him.

“Remus, no-” I’m too late. Leah’s body drops. Lifeless. He let’s go of her body, and it drops to the ground with a heavy thud. The people in the arena go wild, chanting Remus’ name. My eyes don’t move from Leah’s lifeless body. A loud scream escapes my lips, and I run at Remus, aiming to attack him.

“No!” I scream.

He snatches me up by the collar, and brings his hand down across my face, causing stars to dot my vision, and the ground to meet my body quick. I cry out in pain as the force of impact causes the breath to leave me. I roll over in pain on my back, staring at the ceiling, and Remus comes into my line of vision.

He shouts something, and I hear the unmistakable sound of a cage being lowered. Remus Snatches me up by the hair, and grabs a sword, thrusting it into my hands. My eyes widen as I see Jude.

“Do you want him to die, Iris?” I look from Jude to Remus in horror.

“Please don’t do this,” I whisper.

“Please, Remus I’m begging you.” He smirks at me.

“Win the next round, or he dies.” He shoves me, hard so that I fall flat on my ass. I look to Jude, and he’s watching me in a panic. My gaze travels back to Remus who is already walking away from me. He’s moving towards Jude, who he grabs roughly out of his cage, and takes the chains, latching them to the ground. He’s immobile in the middle of the arena with no way to defend himself.

Remus looks back at me, a knowing smile.

“Choose, Iris," he growls. He turns away, and his gaze never leaves mine as he steps atop the platform that raises him to his throne. I look back to Jude in a panic, moving to him. He’s also panicking. I’m crying tears as I move towards him. I try not to think about Leah. The pain of losing her, and the betrayal.

“Don’t do it, Iris. Don’t give in to his sick game," he begs me, but I see the fear in his gaze. I shake my head.

“Jude, your life is more important than my pride,” I say. I turn back to the doors and panic settles in as I realize what’s happening. It’s not just me against someone. There are four of them. Two men, and two women. They walk out of the dark tunnel, weapons dragging, and evil grins on their faces.

I look back up to where Remus is. He’s watching me in complete amusement. My grip on my weapon tightens. And I empty my mind.

“I won’t let them touch you,” I say. They’re on me. Charging at me like a bunch of blood starved heathens. I’m so busy defending myself, I don’t realize that one of them swing at Jude. I move just in time, my sword clashing with the woman's, inches above Judes throat. I push with all my might, throwing her off balance and she stumbles backwards, losing her balance which is the perfect opening for me. I swing my sword, catching the thin flesh where her jugular vein is. Panic settles over her features, and I know she’ll be dead within thirty seconds.

I move to the next person that is the biggest. If I take him out my chances will be better. As soon as I turn, I dodge. A sword comes inches from my throat. I catch a glimpse of another a little too late, and feel the searing pain of my arm being cut. I take my sword, throwing it will all my might, and it lands. Right in the largest mans chest. He collapses, in pain.

“Iris!” I hear Jude scream, and turn just as the woman comes swiping at me. I doge once, twice, three times. She stabs her sword, aiming for my heart, and I dodge to the side using her weight against her. I grab ahold of her throat, kicking her in the stomach. I have no weapon, so with bare hands, I snap her neck. She drops. I bend over, picking up her sword. It’s just me and another man.

I then realize my mistake. They spread me. He takes off towards Jude. And I’m too far to defend him.

“Shit!” I hiss. I take off towards him, but there’s no way I’ll reach them in time. So I snatch up the sword, and throw it. He expects it, and dodges it easy. He reaches Jude, raising his sword. Before he can swing, Zaya is there. With her fist through his chest. She yanks her hand back, and the man drops lifeless.

She whips her gaze towards me, and If looks could kill I would be dead. I feel heat behind me, and know immediately it’s Remus.

“It seems you lost, pet.” I look to Jude, and he looks at me. His gaze is filled with so much pity. I feel tears brim my eyes as the weight of everything that I just did settles in. My legs are suddenly weak, and I drop to my knees, looking around at the dead bodies. I did that. I don’t have the energy to scream. So I just hang my head, and cry.

* * * * *

I’m staring at nothing. My gaze won’t focus. Each time I close my eyes, Leah’s lifeless body appears in my head. Am I just like them? Selfish?

The slaves are dressing me. They’re dressing me in lingerie that is basically jewels. Not a stitch of fabric resides on me. The top is very low cut, with a diamond chain that rests above my breasts and around my throat. Since that arena, I’ve been numb. I did what I did to protect Jude. Does that make me a bad person? I tried to talk to them. I tried to convince them, but they wouldn’t listen to me.

“Has my pet's fiery spirit been doused?” Remus’ voice comes out of the silence, and I look up to see him dressed in his regal attire. I don’t say anything. Has it? Am I finally broken?

“Leave us.” He snaps to the slaves. They immediately stand and leave us. Remus walks closer to me, until he is towering over my small form. And to my utter horror, a tear falls down my face. I tried to keep them in, but they come one after the other. Remus is silent.

“How can you be so evil,” I whisper. My voice is shaking. I look up at Remus.

“Why do you hate me so much?” I ask. He gives me a curious glance, and takes a step closer to me, grabbing my hand.

“Because,” he latches something onto my arm. “You are human.” He looks in my eyes as he says it, and walks away. I look down to see the damn bracelet on my arm.

The building we arrive to is a massive black building, with no windows. It’s scary as it looms above us, getting taller the closer we get. Remus has a hold of my chain that’s latched to the cuffs around my throat and arms. I can hear the deep vibration of the music as we get closer. Once we reach the door, it opens without hesitation, and Remus pulls me inside.

The hall is dark. And warm. And there is a strange smell in the air. I’ve never smelt it before whatever it is, and it makes my body warm on the inside. Remus quietly pulls me down the hallway, until we reach another door. Even now, I can barely stand on my feet. I’m swaying slightly, my eyelids growing heavy.

Remus doesn’t seem to notice, or maybe he just doesn’t care. But the door slides open, revealing a room filled with Leviathan. Instead of being below Remus, they are all in the same room as him. And they don’t act like the other people do. Starstruck and obsessive. But they still bow and shout praises as he enters the room. I immediately bow my head, but not before I take notice of the slaves. All of them are dressed similar to me. Revealing clothing. Even the men have on little to no clothing. All of us have chains, and are being held in place by our masters.

Normally, I would feel some sort of resentment, but I can’t. I can’t feel anything other than this pleasant sensation rippling through me. I raise my eyes slightly taking in Remus’ form in front of me. I feel no resentment towards him. Only... lust?

Remus pauses and begins speaking to someone. It’s a man with black hair and blue eyes. Remus says something else, and laughs at something the man must have said.

What is going on? I can’t do anything. I can’t move. I can’t think. Each time I try and think of something else, my mind gets too muddled. Remus tugs lightly on my chain, causing me to stumble forward. My eyes drag over the room, and I take note that some people are watching me with strange expressions.

Remus finally reaches his destination. He takes a seat on the large couch, and pulls me down on top of his lap. There are guards on either side of him keeping people from entering the area he is in, but that doesn’t stop them from looking.

I can feel the heat from Remus’ skin, and it makes me even more hotter.

“What did you do to me?" I manage. But my voice comes out a stifled moan that sounds more like,

“Whaaaniin yuuuu mee”

Remus chuckles beneath me, pulling me close to him, and licking a spot on my throat. Pleasure ignites inside of me, and I shudder on top of him.

“I can see the drug in the air has already taken effect,” he whispers into my ear.

“Don’t worry, pet. I’ll take good care of you.”