FTR - First time reader
RR - Re-reader
ᝰ.ᐟ
I couldn't stop it. Trouble always found a way to cast me out of the comfort of my own shadows.
Every street I stepped on carried its own verdict. Whispers of a killer... a justice-bringer, threaded through the air like smoke.
Some threw parties, establishing their joy as they bellowed my name, their lips moving in prayer, grasping onto the last strings of hope that I'll save them. But not everyone bowed. Laughter followed me too, sharp and mocking...
What does a woman know about justice?
A woman as an executioner? Must be a bedtime story.
Men.
But not everyone praised the abomination I once was. Some cowered, their feet scrambling far from the murmurs of my name. I didn't blame them for it; I'd fear me too. Fear the monstrosity. Fear how the moment I'm face to face with a criminal? Every bit of my humanity slips away in nothing but seconds. The blood. The killing frenzy. Many want it. Very few can get it.
"Cel, the headmistress wants you." I slipped down, tumbling through the light sheets of fabric, my back stretching far as I rolled out onto the ground. I landed gently on the wooden floor, "Tell her, my trainings over. She can send someone else to be her pet." Smoothly, I stood out in front of her, closing the space between us as her minty breath fanned over my face.
"You can hide for as long as you want, but you'll never be able to outrun your duties." A small smile tugged at my lips. She was right, once you became a successor at COREs enlightenment of a spy school, duty would always find a way to latch itself onto your throat. Its grimy and sticky hands gripping onto you whilst whispering neverending chastisements into your ear.
I knew she was right. She knew I knew that too.
Then, I exhaled, the tightness of my chest fleeting as I let out a breath. My eye dropped down onto the corner of the room, a bright red ping going off on the laptop that sat on my desk.
I veered off, grabbing my water bottle as I sat on the plush chair. They were listening to me. Jeyrah wasn't here to be my friend. She was here to bring me back.
YOU ARE READING
My Mockingbird
Science FictionCeleste Ariti was born a daughter, raised a spy, and perfected as a weapon. Trained as both spy and executioner, she knows justice is a mask and loyalty never lasts. She broke free from a life of murder--but a mission gone wrong pulls her back in...
