Perfect Flaws

13. Forbidden Memories

(TW : This chapter has some gory scenes, and may trigger you)

Elijah

It's been a few days since Rhea left, and it feels strange. I wasn't attached to her or anything emotional like it, but I got somewhat used to the hazel eyes smiling at Nala every time she passed her.

Or the frown her face reflected as soon as her gaze fell on me.

It felt natural to me for an uncomfortable reason.

Regardless of the now empty space it once originally was, I have things to do, and it does not include thinking of a woman who is a queen full of inexperience.

Returning to my bedroom, I hastily look for my training gear. I figured I'd train with Dal at the center today, and continue with my target studying later.

My eyes slide over to my closed closet.

I open the door, and a knock sounds. I look up into the closet and see a tan cardboard box, leaning against the door. I sigh, looking down, immediately spotting my duffel bag filled with weapons, spare clothes, and hand wrap.

Grabbing my duffel bag I set it down on my bed, hearing shuffling against the closet door behind me.

Returning to the dim space, I hold the sliding door in place, pushing the box back up. Unfortunately, I have no luck.

Irritated, I decided to pull the box down completely.

I look into the box and see her stuff.

Two handmade charm bracelets with smiley faces, hearts, and bright colors all around. One was hers, one was mine. She made one for herself, Dal, and me.

Dal still wears his daily. He used to be teased by the rest of the recruits for having such a girly bracelet around his wrist, but he never cared.

I tried wearing mine, but it was a reminder of what I never want to be reminded of.

Her.

I look over at her sneakers filled with her drawings, and bored moments. Sneakers once covered in crimson blood.

An old silver camera decorated with cute stickers and gems.

Four small but thick journals filled with slightly messy handwriting styled in different color pens. Every discovery, every thought, every slight mission she went on.

Four of her favorite torn books, books she found thrown away from the previous owners.

A wrapped up collection of dull daggers she trained with, hardly ever an official mission.

A small square book of stickers.

Two hair clips, with a few strands of curly blonde hair sticking out of the coil.

A green fuzzy blanket she slept with every night.

An eleven year old girl, who should be seventeen now. A girl with poofy curly blonde hair, and deep blue eyes mirroring mine.

A girl, an orphan, and most of all, my darling little sister.

Flashback - Elijah (14 years old)

I swear Kinsley does whatever she wants. I try to reason with her, but she never listens, it's frustrating how alike we are.

I'm dealing with myself at this point. Even Dal tries, but he laughs at me, thinking it's funny, always saying "Now you know how I feel."

"Kins, please just listen, you aren't ready for this kind of mission yet. We shouldn't even have to do this," I explain to my little sister.

"It's not fair Eli! I should be able to go with you guys, I'm stuck here training constantly! Jab this! Jab that! Elbow higher! Shift your wrist!" She nags.