Pet - Chapter 19 (Patreon)

I awake to a constant throbbing on the side of my neck. My mouth is dry, and my head feels as though someone took a hammer to it. A sweet aroma is calling to me; it's something I've never smelt before. I finally manage to peel my eyes open, and the ceiling comes into view. Remus' ceiling.

As soon as he pops into my thoughts, my mind draws immediately to what happened prior to my sleep. The ship, the mountain, my leap of death, and Remus losing control and... biting me. I quickly sit up, immediately regretting my decision. The room around me sways, and I feel like I'm going to vomit as a searing pain explodes from one spot on my neck.

"I'd take it easy if I were you." I jump at the sound of Remus' sultry voice. I turn my gaze to find him standing in the doorway, his stark white hair falling carelessly over his flawless face. He's wearing black for once. A contrast to the hue of his hair, and it stands out. My mouth waters at the sight of him. He is absolute perfection.

He pushes himself off the doorframe and begins walking towards me, like a lion towards his prey. I find myself itching in anticipation, just wanting his touch. But as he sits down next to me, and I look into those eyes, everything comes rushing back to me in a blur. All the suffering that he's caused me, my planet, and my people. Things that are unforgivable. Even as I remember these things, I can't bring myself to move away from him. His scent is like a drug to me, and I want more than anything to be close to him.

He places his hand against my cheek, and I close my eyes enjoying the warmth of his palm. My mind flashes. The same hands that broke my bones murdered innocence, and let Zaya take my brother away from me. I slap his hand away from my face in disgust as I recall all the reasoning behind my rage. And for once, Remus looks surprised. Then, his expression calms, and a smile creeps onto his face.

"I'm surprised you can resist me. Especially this early on in the process." He seems to be talking to himself more than me, but I don't care to hear what he has to say.

"I don't want you anywhere near me," I growl. Even I have trouble swallowing that lie. Physically, yes, I want him, but mentally, I still hate him. But even my brain is fighting me for an excuse to like him. I let my head fall in my hands as I pull at my hair, voicing my frustrations.

"Ahhh!" I scream.

"What's wrong with me?" I whisper, shaking back and forth. Something's not right. Something is different. I pick my head up and flinch in pain from my neck. I place my hand over it and feel the warmth emanating from it.

"Iris." Remus begins but stops midsentence. He seems to be thinking about something, then he leans forward, placing his hand over my neck where the pain is. Immediately a cooling sensation falls over me, soothing the pain in my throat.

"I lost control," he starts. His gaze travels to the spot his hand is covering, and he seems to be really focusing. He takes a deep breath, washing his features of any emotion.

"I lost control, and I hurt you. I bit you, and I almost killed you," he says with a straight face. His gaze travels to my neck, and I feel a warm sensation over the tender area.

"Don't toy with your life again, Iris," he says. I feel something, within me that is telling me that he's actually worried for my life, but as quick as it's there, it dissipates. I narrow my eyes at him, jerking away from his touch.

"Don't you see? I would rather die than spend another second with you. Congratulations, Remus you did it! You finally broke me. Isn't that what you wanted? To have me broken? Well, I am!" The more I scream, the more tears that are forming and falling.

"I... don't value life anymore.." I say sobbing.

"I have nothing to live for. Nothing," I sob. Remus is quiet, and I feel his hand slowly rubbing comforting circles around my back. I feel emotions, that are hard to decipher, then just like that they are gone. There is something that Remus is keeping from me, and I want to know what it is. I sit up quickly, slapping his hand roughly.

"Stop touching me! Stop acting like you care!" I scream. Remus is confusing me so badly right now. He looks actually hurt from my words. His face darkens, and for the first time since I woke up, the world makes sense. Remus grabs me by the arm, snatching me up.

"Me? Act like I don't care? I've extended your life how many times since you've been with me? I could have let you die-"

"You should have!" The room is silent after my outburst. This is the first time I've been able to voice my opinions openly, and for some reason, Remus has done nothing to stop me. Remus glares at me. He literally glares. He silently studies my face, and I feel a slight rage inside my body, stronger than any rage that I've ever felt, and it disappears leaving just my rage behind. He roughly shoves me, and luckily the soft bed catches my fall. He turns so fast and storms out of the room, leaving me all alone.

I snatch one of the pillows from the bed, and throw it at the wall, screaming as loud as I can.

"I hate you!"

* * * * *

Silence. That's all I get lately. The slaves with their inhibitors silently take me through my days. Remus left a few days ago. I don't know where he went, or how long he will be there. But if I'm being honest with myself, I'm sick and tired of these blank stares and empty minds around me. I'm sick of everything. What's the point of life if the weak are meant to die. In this life, the strong conquer without conscience, because they can. They've never experienced life from the other side.

I'm staring at my naked body in the mirror of the bathroom. My arms and legs are no longer scrawny and boney. My body sports no bruising, no sign of any kind of trauma that I've suffered in the time of my captivity. My hair is now to my upper back. I push my hair back over my shoulder and look at the spot that's been throbbing the past few days. But when I look, it's just my flesh. There isn't even a sign of him biting me. But the pain is still there. I stare it down, trying to find something, anything, but it's just my flesh.

I can't help but wonder how long my life is going to be like this. How much longer must I suffer. Even if I wanted to, I can't do anything to hurt myself. Remus made sure of that. I look to my left where Ruth is standing watching me with a blank expression. Even when I go to sleep at night, they are watching me. I'm under constant surveillance, and I hate it.

I walk past Ruth, and the door opens to the bedroom. I walk silently to the closet, pulling a shirt over my head, and stop dead in my tracks when I realize what I'm doing. I'm in Remus' clothes. I'm wearing his shirt, and the fabric is up to my nose as I inhale his scent. A scent that I hadn't realized I craved and longed for so bad, until this moment. Everything in me screams at me to take it off, and walk away. But I don't like that. Not one bit. So against my better judgment, I walk to the bed, laying down and snuggling to the closest thing I can get to Remus.

I'm staring out the window once again, trying to understand my feelings. How can I have gone from absolutely hating something so much, to having inner arguments with myself about him? Hearing nothing from him these past few days has been absolute torture. I find myself wondering if I hurt him with what I said. I meant every word of it, but even so, my whole being yearns to be near him.

My mind wanders to my brother. He was unconscious when Zaya literally dragged him out of my life. I wonder if she's torturing him. I don't understand the connection between these people and torture. Why do they love to see those that are weak suffer at their hands?

I tense, for once I know. I know Remus is in the room. I slowly turn my gaze, and sure enough, he's there. My heart beats fast in my chest, and my palms begin to itch just to touch him. I want to run across the room and tell him how much I missed him, and beg him never to leave me again, but every time I look into those eyes. Those emotionless indigo pits of hatred towards the human race, I remember why I hate him.

"What did you do to me?" I snap at him. He doesn't speak as he strides across the room towards me. He's standing over me, looking down into my soul, and places his hand against my cheek. He doesn't smile. He just stares, his face not moving an inch. If I couldn't feel his warmth, I'd assume he was nothing more than a statue.

Finally, his gaze drops to my chest, and he places his hand over my collar bone. I can feel the bones lightly grazing as if he's manipulating them to his will. I flinch in pain as my bone shifts the tiniest fraction.

"Your attitude has gone on long enough," he says. I still at the sound of his voice. It's detached. Cold. Any patience he's had with me is gone.

"You may not value your life, but I know of someone whose life you do value. Did you forget, Iris?" He says as his hand slides down further, both of them wrapping around my waist, and pulling me flush against him. My mind is filled with fear, but my body is screaming for him.

"Did you forget about your brother, who is at the disposal of one of my top generals?" he says running his finger underneath my chin. A chill runs down my body. I open my mouth, speaking words that have been bothering me since he snatched from the only life I knew.

"Why me?" I whisper. He seems to be thinking about the answer and finally leans down, placing a searing kiss on my throat. The same spot that's been bothering me, and I feel a sharp jolt through my body. Not a bite, but like an electric shockwave.

"Why not you?" he murmurs.

* * * * *

This dress is beautiful. Which can only mean one thing. There is some kind of celebration going on tonight, and Remus wants me there. I'm sitting in front of the mirror as a servant I haven't seen before does my hair. She is obviously Leviathan, with her pitch-black gaze and stark beauty. Now that my hair is long enough, someone is actually styling it. I flinch in pain each time she runs that brush through my hair.

I look at her in the mirror, and she looks very focused on what she's doing. She may actually be the first Leviathan I've encountered that isn't hurting me for the very purpose of being Remus' pet. She finally finishes and adorns my hair with beautiful jewels.

"There! All finished," she says. I smile softly at her enthusiasm. She's really proud of her work. She spins me around so that I am facing her, and begins lacing up the dress that I am wearing and applying the proper accessories.

"You know, you are the first being that Lord Remus has taken as a pet from any world he's conquered," she says. I have to bite my tongue. I'm very much aware of that, and everyone makes it clear to me how much they hate me for it.

"Like everyone else, I wondered why Lord Remus took a pet, from Earth of all places," she says. She looks at me now as she speaks.

"But I can see what he sees in you," she smiles. I stare at her in confusion, but she just stands over me, moving my stray curls out of my face.

"You're his light," she says simply.

"It brings me joy to see that he's finally found it," she says smiling at me. "Our Lord deserves to be happy. Even if he doesn't see it yet. He takes on so much for his people." She moves to put makeup on my face.

"That won't be necessary, Priyall." Remus walks into the room, already dressed in his regal attire.

"I don't want that on her face," he says as he walks towards me. He looks amazing in his clothes, he looks like the king his people are proud of. My mind drifts to what she said about him though. About how much he takes on for his people. What could she have meant by that?

Remus places a soft kiss on my cheek.

"You look stunning," he says, and the way he looks at me, I actually believe it. For once, he's looking at me not in hate, or anger, but adoration. As if he truly does appreciate my looks. I blush immediately and look away not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing me uneasy because of his words. I hate him. And I don't need to forget that.

This is a very beautiful ball. The decorations are amazing, and the people are all dressed to the T, making their best impression for their ruler. I don't know what it is that's being celebrated, but whatever it is, is a big deal. These people are genuinely happy to be here, and they are celebrating Remus. Each time he steps by them, they bow, and judging from their facial expressions, they are excited in their conversation.

Remus even seems at ease. He smiles and nods, expressing his joy in return.

The night drags on and on, and I don't miss the stares people are throwing my way, but even more surprising than that, Remus has his arm around my waist the whole night, keeping me glued to his side. Sometimes when he's talking he absentmindedly rubs his hand up and down my side, but he always keeps a hand on me.

Remus eventually pulls me to the middle of the floor and begins swaying me. My nerves are shooting through the roof because I can't dance. Remus doesn't miss a beat though. He wraps his arm around my waist and hoists me up, placing my feet on top of his. The bottom of my dress fans out enough that the world around us can't really see the trick. I look up at Remus with wide eyes, and he's looking ahead of me, but I don't miss the twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"What is this for?" I ask quietly, tired of being in the dark.

"It's a celebration," he says simply.

"Of what?" I ask.

"The end."

I'm almost too afraid to ask what it's the end of.

"Of what?" I whisper so quietly, I'm surprised when he answers.

"The resistance." My hand tightens in his, and I immediately try and push away from him, but he's holding me tight to his chest.

"Ah. Ah. Ah, Iris. This song isn't over," he says. I want more than anything to get away from him. And fast. I want to run and scream, kick and figure out why. Our last hope has ended? How is that even possible?

I'm looking around the room, trying to find something else to focus on when I see my brother. Zaya is speaking to someone, and she's on his arm. And I don't miss the scar on the side of his face. I don't miss the wariness in his eyes. I gasp.

"Andrew," I whisper. Remus hears me and stops our dancing. And to my utter shock, he walks towards Zaya.

"Do not touch him, Iris," he says. We reach them, and his eyes brighten when he sees me. He moves towards me, but Zaya yanks him back.

"No, no, Drew, she says. I bite the inside of my cheek at her nickname for him. I hate her. Andrew looks like he's fighting an inner battle, and chooses to go against his better wishes. I almost cry in relief. He's much smarter than I was when I was brought to my first ball and provoked by my master.

Zaya and Remus begin speaking in their language, and all Andrew and I can do is stare at each other. Andrew gives me a small smile.

"You look beautiful," he silently mouths to me. I smile. At least he isn't completely destroyed. But even though he looks sad, I can still see fire within him. And I say a silent prayer that it doesn't get him killed.

Zaya and Remus say their goodbyes, and we continue with the night.

Someone comes up to Remus and tells him something. He looks to me, leaning in.

"I'll be back," he says just as some guards stand near me. He walks away with the man, not looking back. I'm looking at the Leviathan around me when a sudden commotion happens. It's barely noticeable at first, just a few dishes crashing. But then, a loud scream happens. And more, and more. Until there are people screaming in terror. And the people screaming are the Leviathan. I look trying to find out what's happening, but someone snatches my arm, and my heart jumps. I'm yanked into a familiar pair of green eyes.

"Andrew?!" I scream. He nods, pushing something into my hands. I look down to see a gun in my hand. He kneels down and begins slicing at my dress, cutting away the thick fabric as the commotion grows louder, and louder, and louder. Now people are running and screaming.

"What are you doing?" I ask in a panic. He throws what's left of my dress to the side and I see that he's freed my legs.

"We're busting out," he says with a smile.

"Where's Zaya?" I ask breathlessly.

"Dead," Andrew says quickly as we slip through the crowd.

"Andrew, wait!" He comes to a halt, looking me in the eyes. His gaze is wild.

"Look, Iris. I can't explain everything right now. But we're getting out. The gun is a new weapon developed. It will do the trick. It will kill them," he says quickly.

"Now, let's go." He seems to know where he's going, so I follow him. And as I look there are what I'm assuming to be rebels attacking Leviathan. And winning. I feel excitement blooming in my chest. I feel hope. I feel joy. And along with the people around me, I let out a battle cry of excitement. Remus was wrong. It isn't the end.

"Iris." I hear my voice, as clear as day. My blood freezes in my veins. Remus is standing in the grand hall, glaring me down. He's angry. My arm jerks roughly as I realize Andrew is still yanking me. He stops too when he sees.

He pushes me behind him, protecting me from Remus. Remus narrows his gaze. Andrew raises his gun and fires. But like he did when the rebels attacked, Remus freezes every bullet mid-air. He doesn't speak.

"Iris, go. Follow the rebels. I'll hold him off." Andrew says.

"No. I'm not leaving you," I say quickly. Remus laughs. He actually laughs, and it sends a chill down my spine. But he still doesn't speak. He attacks. He comes at us full speed. I know, in my heart I know he's about to murder my brother, right in front of me. And Remus is so inhumanly fast, Andrew won't know what hit him.

But somehow, I can sense him. I know where he is. I know how fast he's moving. I quickly reach for the sword Andrew has sheathed, praying that it has the same capabilities as the guns. I catch Andrew off guard, pushing him hard out the way.

"Iris!" he screams. But I only slow my breathing and watch with the sword drawn in front of me, aiming for Remus' heart. He smashes into me, full force, and I hear his grunt of pain as the sword pierces his flesh. He's going so fast that the force of our collision knocks me off of my feet. We're airborne, and I'm going to hit the ground before he does. With his weight on top of me. But it's as if the world tilts, and at the last second, Remus takes the brunt of the impact, me landing on top of him with the sword still lodged in his chest.

I quickly jump up, in shock at what I've done. Remus is looking at me in shock too. He opens his mouth to say something, but only coughs and blood comes pouring out of his mouth. He's bleeding. Remus is bleeding. I stabbed him. I scramble away from him, beginning to feel a slight ache in my chest. But I can't look away from Remus' gaze. His eyes narrow, and he reaches for the sword, placing his hand around it tightly, but when he pulls, he flinches in pain, and I feel a sharp jab in my chest.

He looks down at the sword and back at me, more blood pooling out of his mouth and wound. He bares his teeth and screams. It's not at all human. It's like an animalistic roar. I have to cover my ears.

"Iris!" I look up to see Andrew running towards me. He looks shocked and worried, He begins checking my body for injury, and he's screaming at me for doing something so stupid. He slowly helps me up and when I look back at Remus, he's staring at us. It's terrifying. I grab the gun from Andrew, and stand up from my spot, walking to Remus standing over him.

I aim the gun at his chest, looking him in the eyes, and he stares back. It's a challenge. And I won't back down. Not this time.

"We're going to destroy every last Leviathan on this planet, and there will be nothing you can do about it. I hope you rot in hell," I growl out. Remus' face is blank, and slowly a smile cracks his features. Then he laughs. He laughs like a mad man. As if it's the funniest thing he's ever heard.

I pull the trigger, emptying the canister into his chest.