Escaping Fate - Ja'far X Reader

Chapter 5

Cordelia frowned, searching his eyes, "That may be, but I don't believe that to be the case this time. What is it that you want today, Dolus?"

"What happened to Father, Cordelia?" Dolus sighed, smirking, "Fine," He leaned back in his chair, hand on his cup, "I am here for something, but I am yet to ask you." He continued, "I want (Y/n) back." 'What?!'

"And why is that?" Cordelia's eyes went wide. "I've only had her for a few months!"

The senator smiled, "It's simple, I—"

I felt a tap on my shoulder, bringing my attention away from the conversation, "(Y/n), what are you doing here? You should be off to the market by now!" I jumped, snapping my head back to Eira. I nodded and followed her to the kitchen to get my basket and grocery list.

I lingered around the market for a few extra minutes, just taking in the afternoon air and the smell of the food stalls around me. After deciding it was time to head home, I made my way through the streets, avoiding eye contact with those around me. I caught a glimpse of the other boy from that day at the auction, medium height and dusty white hair. I blinked and found that he was also staring right back at me; it seemed that we were lost in each other's eyes. People walked between us, but our gaze remained locked. The loud noise of the market became muffled, and the ground began to sway from under me.

Soon enough, I broke from our trance. Once I had, I found that the boy was already gone. How long had I been standing there?! Soon realizing that I had already spent too much time dawdling, I made my way back to the Zenon household. I was greeted by an angry Cordelia and the head servant.

"What took you so long?" Cordelia seethed, "I was about to send for someone!"

"Madam, I think it's time to take her to your father." Eira sputtered fearfully, shrinking away from her mistress' angry energy, "We can't keep him waiting forever..."

"You don't think I don't already know that! (Y/n), come on." Cordelia ordered, "Ugh, I really don't want to deal with this." Mumbling as she turned on her heel, I trailed behind her quietly, unsure of the situation.

"I know you're confused, so I'll explain once." I nodded and she continued, "Dolus pisses me off sometimes." We turned the corner and into the main hallway, making our way to the library. " It's not my business to tell you about what he wants," she sighed, stopping in her tracks, "But I do believe you have a choice this time." Her hand met the bridge of her nose. "I argued with him on this; so be grateful that you might get out of this in one piece." I nodded, wanting to ask her what was happening.

"Hey," She whispered in my ear as she opened the door, "Remember to aim for the head." Pushing me into the room, she slammed the door shut. My chains tangled, and I fell to the floor. My face hit the tile with a loud crack. I groaned, pushing myself up onto my knees. I rested one of my hands on my forehead and blinked a few times. Ow!

"Clumsy entrance, slave." An arrogant voice echoed throughout the room: Dolus.

I looked up, wanting anything but to be alone with him again.

"Stand up, you look ridiculous." His voice sank into the room, an evil man hiding beneath his smiling face, "And look at me when I speak to you." He ordered, our eyes meeting.

On my feet, I anxiously stood my ground, "We have something to discuss, slave." Dolus crept, tracing books on the shelves on the wall, "If your answer is, unflattering . . . well," He trailed off playing with the hilt of his sword, I knew what he was implying. I nodded my head and he continued, "My daughter seems to have convinced me to give you a choice, just like the last one."

"I want you as my next doxy," He smirked, "I had too much fun with the last one, she fell off the roof." I took a step back, not even fully processing the question.

My trained demeanor broke. That, I would not stand for.

"What?!" I yelled, "No way in hell!"

Dolus's fist propelled into my jaw, almost knocking me down. His hand gripped its way through my (H/l) hair, pulling it harshly. I did nothing. No sound, nothing. I was used to this.

He furiously threw my head to the floor, landing a sharp kick to my stomach. The air left my lungs, gasping. The senator continued to strike me, taunting me to get a rise out of me. I drifted out of my body moments later, shutting myself down. It took me years to realize that I was capable of feeling emotions. I could feel pain, but I could also choose not to feel it. It was as though I was outside myself, peering within. Watching my pain from the perspective of my abuser. I was an empty shell raised to be a punching bag. I was no longer a person, no longer a (C/p), I was a slave. This was my life.

This was my fate.

A crack thundered through the room, and I was brought out of my dissociation by the excruciating pain exploding from my fully broken arm. I blinked away tears, breathing heavily. Noticing my lack of reaction, Dolus backed away from my beaten body, "Do you not feel pain, you worthless freak?" He wound his foot back and attacked my ribs with another harsh kick, "Ha! I see, I spent all that money on a monster." He kicked me again, "A monster. You hear, slave? You're so broken in, you can't even feel pain!"

He went for another kick. This time softer, like a kid poking something dead with a stick. I caught his foot with my hand, "I'm the fucking monster?"

"My pain is an illusion." I snarled, "Hit me! Hit me all you want! I don't care, I've lived this way all my life." I staggered to my feet and held my broken arm. Dolus backed away fearfully, "Pain is nothing, Senator."

"So hit me all you want, you pathetic man," I yelled, "The only thing you'll do is make this monster even stronger!"

I stood my ground, unwavering under his angry gaze. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was in control. I did not notice the guard who snuck into the back of the room. Everything went blurry as I felt a hard, dull impact on the back of my head.

"You are a monster," Dolus said as I fell onto the ground, "Which is why you will remain in chains."

Everything went black.