Remnya

Darkness and silence.

Those were Remnya’s only friends in her agony. She lay on a gelid metal bed with her limbs restrained by unyielding locks, cutting through her skin like knives. The reek of decay, merged with the scent of damp, filled her nose in what seemed to be the bowels of hell.

At times, Remnya slept and dreamed of childish memories until nightmares woke her up, screaming and crying as she remembered her misery. Her blood was fresh and cold, dripping from her open wounds.

How long had she been lying there?

Her eyes had gone dry from crying. She thought of Brisa and Zeo. How much she wanted to hug them and feel their warmth. Were they even alive? Remnya would’ve traded her life to make sure they lived. Not even the pain in her body could overshadow the pain in her heart, but she refused to cry another day. It was pointless.

As usual, her feelings were pointless.

Even her fire had abandoned her. Every time Remnya tried to summon it, only sparks spat from her numb fingers. Two devices that felt like tight leather gloves around her hands suppressed her powers.

Silence.

A door opened, and an intense light burned Remnya’s eyes, assuring her she was still alive.

Soft steps drew closer, and a long shadow loomed over her. Remnya’s heart raced as she tried to discern the face of what seemed to be her grim reaper.

Has my time come?

“Drink, little girl,” a soothing voice whispered, pushing a straw between her dry lips.

No, it’s not my time yet.

Remnya sucked through the straw with all her strength, putting out the fire in her throat.

“Easy there,” he said, taking the straw away.

“I’m thirsty!” Remnya yelled, cocking her head to reach the water source.

“You need to take it easy, or it’ll be bad for you.”

Remnya clenched her teeth. “I don’t recognize your voice.”

“You don’t know me, but I know you, young lady.”

The man stepped aside, allowing the light to reveal his face. “My name is Danny. I was one of your servants.”

Only then, Remnya recognized him. Long blonde hair and a delicate face. She had seen him around Viper a lot before. “Why are you here?” she asked as confusion invaded her mind.

“You need water and food. That’s why I am here,” Danny replied, smiling as he approached the straw again.

She took a deep sip before he took it away. “Why would they allow you to be here?” Remnya was panting, the pain pulsating against her insides.

Danny let out a deep sigh. “Let’s just say, Cassius trusts me.”

“Cassius? You mean Viper.” Remnya scowled. “So, you’re with them.” Her thirst was suddenly gone, and anger rose through her chest.

“I can’t blame you for hating him, but I do know Cassius is not as bad as you think.”

“He’s a monster! Just like his brother, and probably, you’re the same!” Remnya glared at him and then closed her eyes, jolting against the metal restraining her wrists, drawing more blood.

“I’m sorry,” Danny murmured, pressing his hands against her forearms, trying to stop her reckless movements. “I don’t expect you to trust me, but please allow me to help you.”

“If you want to help me, free me!”

Danny’s lips tightened. “I can try to convince Cassius to free you from this horrible place, but you need to promise me you’ll keep your powers suppressed.”

“Even if I promised that, you wouldn’t believe me . . . “

“You’re a good person, young lady, I know that. But if I free you, and you do something reckless. I won’t be able to protect you anymore.”

Remnya took her time to digest his words. Why was he trying to help her?

“No one can protect me,” Remnya murmured through gritted teeth, and in anger, she tried to kick against the metal restraining her legs.

Only then she realized her body had died from the waist down. Remnya had convinced herself it was a nightmare, but glimpsing at her motionless legs, she understood it was real.

“I can’t feel my legs anymore . . . “ Remnya confessed as hot tears filled her eyes. “Do you think I’ll run away? I can’t even do that!” Tears trailed down her face, landing against the cold metal.

Danny leaned closer and scanned her face and body, grimacing at her horrible wounds. “Please, don’t try anything reckless.” With trembling hands, he drew a remote control from his pocket. “If you behave, I promise you they won’t hurt you.”

Remnya lifted her irritated eyes at him. The young man was honest, no doubt, and stupid too. She nodded.

“I used to be terrified of Cassius, but . . . “ Danny pressed a button, and the first lock opened around her right wrist. “He’s shown me he’s not a bad man. He’s thousands of times better than his sick brother, and much better than Ronner too.”

“Is he, uh? Why am I here then?” Remnya asked bitterly and bit her lower lip, feeling how hatred filled her heart.

“You were on the verge of death when we found you. He saved your life.” A clank resounded in her ears, and the second lock opened. Her hands were free. “But he was too afraid of your powers, Remnya.” Danny rushed to cradle her hands between his and rubbed her wrists and fingers, easing the pain with great ability. She felt how the blood flowed again through her veins.

“I’m sorry things went this way.” He unlocked all the remaining locks at once.

Danny wrapped his arms around her back and carefully eased her body from the platform, helping her to sit up. He began to massage all her muscles and joints. Remnya could feel his tender touch, relieving the pain, except on her lifeless legs.

“Is Brisa okay?” Remnya murmured, sniffling and wiping her tears as she stared into his eyes.

“She seemed okay to me, better than I imagined.” Danny grabbed a damp rag and cleaned the blood from Remnya’s arms and legs.

“Can I see her?”

Danny averted his eyes. “I don’t think that’s possible for now . . . but I’ll talk with Cassius about it.”

“Thank you,” Remnya muttered, taking a deep breath as he removed the gloves around her hands. I wonder if I can use my fire again. Her eyes scanned the young man in front of her. He looked so small and vulnerable. It would just take a good punch to send him unconscious, and then she could find a way to escape. She knew Skado was wounded, so all she had to do was take Viper down.

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And everything would be over.

And everything will be over . . .

A small flame crackled in Remnya’s right hand. Danny widened his eyes, flinching away from her as fear spread across his face.

“I’m sorry, Danny,” Remnya mumbled, aiming her fire at him.

“Remnya?” Danny murmured, trembling and pupils dilating as he took one step backward. “Please, Remnya . . . I know you’re hurting and think there’s no other way out of this, but,” He gulped, “I also know you’re not like this.”

“Am I not?” The fire spat sparks, and the heat increased, lighting the whole room in a flickering crimson glow, caressing Danny’s face.

“You’re not like this . . . “ He shook his head, pleading for mercy.

Remnya chuckled weakly. “You’re right,” she said, her voice fading as the fire vanished.

“I am not like this. I don’t want to be like this . . . “ Remnya’s voice cracked as all the accumulated grief hit her at once like an avalanche of pain and sorrow. Her eyes turned into a stream of tears racing down her cheeks.

Danny wrapped his arms around her and caressed her bruised back. Her whole body trembled as she tried to muffle her sobs against his shoulder. He didn’t say a word, but a hug was all Remnya needed at that moment; the warmth of another human being, not willing to hurt her.

“I’m not a monster . . . I didn’t want to do it . . . I never wanted to hurt anyone . . . “

“I’m sorry!”

*°*°*

Brisa

A tear trailed down Brisa’s cheek, but she quickly wiped it away.

Be strong, she repeated, even if your heart falls apart.

The orange glow of an ancient hearth flickered on Brisa’s glistening eyes. She was sitting on the ragged couch of a discrete living room. The furniture was scarce and old, and a thick layer of dust covered the black floor tiles. Danny paced over the place, carrying plates and cups between his hands. He filled a mug with green tea and offered it to Brisa, who took it with a suspicious glance.

“The young lady is recovering well,” Danny assured as he covered a couch with a clean blanket, hiding bloodstains. He sat. “And I’ll do everything I can to help her.”

Brisa’s hands trembled with anger as she sipped the hot tea steaming against her nose. “You were with them all along.”

Danny straightened his back and brushed a strand of hair off his face. “No.” His sky-blue eyes halted on hers. “I met Cassius long ago when Persen used to frequent the mansion, but I had no idea about all this.”

“Now you do, yet you support them.” She glared at him, swallowing the last drop of tea.

“I don’t support this, but this is a situation none of us have control over,” Danny replied, his voice and lips quivering. “Would it be fair for me to say you support Ronner, too, Brisa?”

Brisa clenched her fists and sprang from her seat. “It doesn’t look like you’re being forced to do any of this!”

He gritted his teeth and lowered his gaze, locking it on the floor. His voice trembled, “I didn’t choose this either. What can you do when the person you love is trying to destroy himself?”

Brisa slammed her hands against the glass desk. “Stop him! I don’t care if he destroys himself, but don’t sacrifice innocent lives because of your fucking twisted love!”

Cold silence.

Tears trailed down Danny’s cheek. “And you think I’ve not tried? Every single day?” He sniffled. “I kept telling him to stop, that this was a mistake, that his brother would carry everyone to hell, but he never understood. Cassius truly believes he can do the right thing, despite this chaos.” Danny stood and walked up to Brisa. He leaned a trembling hand on her shoulder. “I’m doing everything I can . . . but I am just a man. None of us chose this fate. You have no idea how much I’ve cried for the past nights, for the past months.”

Brisa took a deep breath and grabbed his hand. “We’ve always been pawns in a game played by monsters.” Her voice was soft but with an edge to it. “But I need to help Remnya . . . “ Brisa buried her nails into his skin and glared at him. “And I will do anything it takes for her.”

Danny tightened his lips and bobbed his head.

Heavy footsteps coming from a doorway made Brisa flinch and return to her seat. Danny rushed to wipe his tears with a handkerchief and forced a smile across his face.

Viper walked into the room, scowling at every corner, deep eye bags under his irritated eyes. His stone face softened at the sight of his man.

“Have you been crying again?” Viper asked sharply, trying to hide the concern in his tone. He stood in front of them.

“Yes, but don’t worry. It will pass,” Danny assured, beaming at him.

Viper caressed his cheek and scanned his face with piercing gray eyes. “It’ll be over soon.” His voice was soothing now.

“I trust it will.” Danny gripped his hand.

Brisa was gaping at them, unable to believe Viper’s behavior. He almost resembled a human being.

“She’s coming soon,” Viper said, his voice recovering its powerful rasp. “Get ready, Dan, and remember everything I told you.”

Danny bobbed his head, and Viper returned a smile before striding out of the room. Brisa’s eyes were wide open when Danny turned to face her.

“Unfortunately, we got a guest tonight,” he admitted, sitting next to her as defeat spread across his face.

“A guest? Who is it?”

“You’ll see soon.” Danny twisted his lips and caressed Brisa’s hand. “For your own safety, don’t say a single word. She doesn’t like it when people talk.”

Brisa swallowed. She had too many questions but preferred to follow the simpler rules and do as he said. She had learned to remain quiet and pretty a long time ago.

A stained clock on the wall marked midnight when Viper rushed into the living room. He wore his classic black suit, and his long hair was perfectly slicked back.

“You look so handsome, Cassius,” Danny said, winking at him as he adjusted his tie.

“Shut up,” Viper replied, hiding a smirk.

They waited next to the entrance door and peeked outside through a narrow window.

“Remember what I told you. Remain calm and no eye contact.” Viper leaned closer, narrowing his eyes until Danny nodded.

The roar of a car filled the night. Viper rushed to unlock the door and adjusted his suit to welcome the unknown visitor.

A gelid gust of wind hit Brisa as the door burst open, and then black leather boots slammed against the floor, raising a cloud of dust.

A tall lady stood under the doorframe, frowning as Viper and Danny bowed to her. She wore all black. Tight leather pants fastened by a thick belt; its buckle was a five-pointed silver star with sapphires. A heavy coat fell to her ankles, and a star-shaped emblem sparkled with a blue gleam on her right shoulder. Her hair was short with the color of amber, and her eyes, lifeless.

“Captain Alayna, welcome,” Viper said politely and grinned.

She rolled her eyes and swept the room with a quick glare, ignoring them. “This is a pigsty.” Her voice was sharp and deep.

“I apologize, my lady, but we had no time to clean. We barely made it out of the mansion alive.”

Alayna scoffed and paced around the room. Finally, her lime-green eyes landed on Brisa like a punch. “Is this his girl?”

“Yes,” Viper replied, glancing at her.

Alayna walked up to Brisa and loomed over her with a contemptuous gaze. She looked like a giant. Brisa’s throat closed as her heart tried to escape her chest; that woman’s presence reminded her of Skado.

“She’s a simple human woman!” Alayna exclaimed, disbelief and mockery in her voice. She crouched to look into Brisa’s eyes; her orbs were two needles piercing her soul. A bead of sweat rolled down Brisa’s forehead when she noticed a horn sprouting out from the left side of her head.

Alayna sneered. “So, this is the reason Ronner will die for?” She guffawed, her teeth sparkling in yellow and silver.

Viper forced a smile and nodded. “She’s carrying his spawn too.”

“Interesting.” Alayna stretched her arms and tilted her head, cracking her neck. “Well, I honestly don’t care. We came here for what’s ours.”

Viper’s face changed. “With all due respect, that wasn’t the deal.”

Alayna scowled. “We agreed to help you kill Ronner, and we’ll take your mansions in exchange. Sounds pretty simple to me.”

Viper straightened his back. “My father had a long history of mutual cooperation with you. He helped you rise among the ranks of The Hunters.” He cleared his throat as the tone of his voice raised. “We never requested anything from you, despite the countless favors you requested from us.”

Alayna darted toward Viper like an arrow and snatched his neck, slamming his body against the wall. “Are you telling me we owe you?” She gritted her teeth as her eyes penetrated into him. Danny flinched and took one step forward, but Viper ordered him to stay quiet with a glare.

“No,” Viper grumbled. “I’m just asking you one favor. You have so much more to win here.”

“Such as?” Alayna increased the pressure against his neck. “We can take your fortune and your life. All it’d take is a word from me.”

“Yes, but,” Viper gripped her wrist, struggling to push her hand away. “You can’t defeat Debrin Kavram without our help.”

Alayna released his neck, dropping Viper on the floor. He coughed, gasping for air. “I’m listening,” she said with contempt.

Viper chuckled. “No matter how strong you are, you need money to fund a powerful army.” He stood up, caressing his neck, where a red bruise had formed. “You also need power over the masses. Your army has strength, but lacks power and money. If you attack Debrin Kavram, what do you think will happen?”

Alayna’s face was stone.

“With Ronner’s money and our help, you’ll be able to buy wills, opinions, and warriors. Who knows, you could even find a pure Nephilim out there.” Viper smirked. “How many armies do you think we could build? I might become the future governor of this dirty town, and I can use my connections to open the gates for your army. You need us, Captain Alayna.”

Alayna stared at him for a moment, twisting her mulberry lips. “Very well.” She spat on the ground next to Viper’s feet. “Let’s see if that’s true. First things first, we need to eradicate Ronner from the face of Earth.”

“It should be easy with your help.”

“I wouldn’t underestimate that bastard. He took down an entire army alone.”

“He’s probably wounded. He stands no chance against you, trust me.”

“I hope so.” She clenched her fists, glaring at Viper. “That asshole needs to pay for what he did to me . . . “

“He will . . . with every drop of his blood.”

Alayna returned a look of contempt and began walking toward the door.

“One more thing,” she said, halting under the doorframe. She glanced over her shoulder at Brisa and smirked.

“We’ll take his bitch with us.”

*°*°*