35. Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Five
Kalevala Darana
Sending Him On A Quest
Isit across from him and keep my hands folded so he can’t see them shake.
This body is mine again for the first time in centuries.
I’ve waited for someone to insult the enchantress for far too long.
Insulting her was the only way for her to give up so I could force myself back to the front.
Her only weakness. She truly is human at heart.
I remind myself that I’m free for now with every breath.
I’m finally back in control, but it won’t be long until she takes over again.
The man watches me as I carefully plan what to ask.
I can siphon some of her power to use and do the job for now, but it still won’t be enough to fix everything that's ruined. I’ve watched as she’s longed for Beau for centuries and hunted him like prey.
The sorry excuse for a human-being sits in front of me, locking in on my chest. I chose him because of that.
The way he preys on women. Because the obsession is already there, festering, waiting for permission.
“Elowen Briar,” I say, testing the name in my mouth, clearing my throat of nerves.
His eyes light up. They give off enough flicker that I think I may be able to pull this off as much as I don’t want to. “I know her,” he says. His voice is too eager.
I nod. “I know you do. She was your therapist, right? He shrugs trying to be smug, but I know everything there is to know about this guy.
Inside my head, the voice stirs. A low, irritated hum that crawls along my thoughts. Let me handle this. You’re being sloppy. Tell him to just fucking kill her, Kalevala. KILL HER.
I tighten my jaw. No. This is my body. You’re ruining my life.
She shouts inside of my head, causing it to ache. Stupid bitch! Let me back in. Stop pushing me away. It may be your body, but I am who they know. Don’t you think the headmaster will catch on soon enough?
I ignore her and lean forward instead. “I need you to scare her.”
He tilts his head. “Scare her how?”
“Enough that she knows you’re a threat,” I say calmly.
His smile grows. “And that’s all? Just scare her? Can’t I do anything else?”
“That is all,” I repeat, now using the parasite that’s wreaked havoc on my life and body. “You will scare Elowen Briar. Do not engage if Beau Drewitt is with her. You act alone. You perform this with witnesses. Clean scene. In and out.”
“Yes, Kalevala.” His eyes go blank and he blinks rapidly with no emotion to his face.
She laughs in my skull. You picked the wrong man for restraint.
I press my fingernails into my palm. This is the only option.
“She needs to be afraid,” I continue. “But unharmed.”
He considers this, eyes drifting like he’s already imagining her fear. I hate him for it. I hate myself more for needing him. Why did it have to come to this? “And the reward?” he asks.
“You will be compensated generously,” I say. “Whatever you wish as long as you follow the rules.”
I don’t dare say forgiveness. He wouldn’t understand it anyway. I didn’t specify how to scare her, but I know that he will do whatever is within his limits, which may be worse. The rotten spirit within me surges again, furious now. Let me back in, Kalevala. Now.
I voice back to her. I’m trying to figure this out. Please. Just stop. Please, just let me try to fix this. I know you don’t care, but I do. I love him. This isn’t right. It isn't how things should be. You’ve already done enough to ruin everything.
You are weak, she hisses.
“I am in control,” I answer out loud. “This is my body. Not yours. It never has been.”
The man leans back in his chair, satisfied, but confused. “You might be half fucking crazy talking to yourself, but I’ve always wanted her to notice me,” he says.
“You are not there to be noticed,” I snap.
He smiles anyway. “Fear is a kind of attention, chick.” Something cold settles in my chest. Seemingly, doubt, but it’s too late now.
I stand, signaling the end of our conversation. “Remember,” I say. “Only fear.”
He rises slowly, eyes never leaving mine. “She’ll fear me alright,” he promises. When he leaves, his words don’t leave my mind. Doubt shrouds me again. Worry seeping up through my skin, touching every inch of my body. I think, please don’t hurt her, Benny.
My head throbs forcing the other voice to stand down, using all my strength to keep her at bay in my body. “I’m buying time,” I whisper. And I’m going to fucking pray that’s enough.