“It’s possible because you’re a Hybrid you will just be merely Mundane.” Her tone is so cold, and I shouldn’t allow it to break my heart the way that it does.
Why do I feel this pang of hurt, like I’ve… failed her? As though I’ve disappointed her for being born what I am. Isn’t that her fault?
“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to.” I have no idea what I’m even saying. It’s as though I’ve lost control of even my speech.
When she smiles, I have to admit, Idon’tlike it. It’s not the kind that warms my heart, but instead turns it to solid ice. “We can fix it. It’s alright, dear.”
She turns to walk away from me, and when I look ahead of her, my gaze lands on the butcher block of knives. Her hand grips the handle of one, and as she drags it out, the faint, frictional rasp as it edges out feels like it drags on for an eternity.
The subtle, resonant thunk as it’s released from the dense wood, makes my heart skip.
Once more,hissing.
“T-Tali?”
“No, please… call me Mom.”
I swear she’s right in front of me as I blink, then a sharp pain rips through my ribs. It’s so unbearable that my scream bursts out instantly.
“No, no, don’t scream.” Her hand that isn’t holding the knife reaches up toward my face and I shove both of mine against her chest. “It’s fine, you’ll be fine…”
She doesn’t even move, but I do while screaming. “Help me!”
I fall onto my butt, my head flying back as my hand shakily rests overthe burning hole in my stomach. The gushing of blood pumping against my palm has my body turning cold.
I’m going to die…
She drops to her knees in front of me, grabs my throat, and pierces my stomach. I’m certain my body has gone numb because there isn’t as much pain as the first stab.
“Please, someone help me!” I scream again, my tongue feeling tight. A warm, metallic tang coats my mouth with a slightly thick, iron-like taste.
Tears blur my vision as she sits up and gets to her feet. I’m surprised I can even lift my hand, yet I do, and I reach out.
“Help… D-Don’t do this…”
When she laughs, IknowI’m going to die. I can’t stop my scream, and it isn’t the volume that tells me it’s loud, but the way my body shakes. My ears pop and I wretch into a curled position on the ground.
“Help! Help me, please!”
“When she’s awake, come get me.”
I have no idea who she’s talking to, but when I finally stop my cries for mercy, I settle my head onto the floor. Before my eyes roll back and everything goes black, I see two almond-shaped eyes that are dark and menacing. They’re muted red and rimmed with a bright yellow.
Then I hear hissing accompanied by receding footsteps.
Hiss.
She left me for dead.
Hiss.
My own mother left me to die.
Hiss.
Psychotic… bitch…
“Oh my Gods!”
