Shattered Souls

Chapter 13

Chapter 13: In My Arms

Oscar stared at me, waiting for that reaction.

I stood still, unresponsive. His words tickled something on my chest. I am about to see him again. I am thrilled for what lies ahead and anxious at the same time. It's not like I didn't wait for this. It just doesn't seem right to celebrate now.

"You are still unpredictable, Lady Astra," he said after my long silence. He turned his back to me, poured another drink on his glass and walked towards the balcony again. "I thought what I had was a good news."

"Why did you agree?" I asked, breaking the silence.

Siya naman ngayon ang hindi nakasagot. Nanatili itong nakatingin sa labas ng kalkonahe at tila pinagmamasdan ang mga nasasakupan na kasalukuyang binabalot ng pangamba.

This scene is killing him in silence. There's nothing more frustrating for a leader than seeing his fellows in chaos and in fear. It is a sign of a failed leadership.

"Do you really see me as an ally?" I tried to open it again. "If not, you know your mother is right. You can use me as leverage. You are in a war and you should get every possible advantage."

"Why? Because I'm losing?" He let out a heavy sigh.

Suminghap ako. He's taking things in a negative way. The alcohol must be intoxicating his mindset. I should leave now before things get even worse.

I was about to step back when he turned to me. "How does it feel, Astra? How does it feel to be fought for? How does it feel knowing someone out there is willing to risk it all for you?"

His eyes struck me.

"You are the most crucial representation of my lost, Astra."

I ran out of words this time. I know what he's trying to say clearly.

It's too late to back out now. I might as well take this opportunity to clear the questions in my head once and for all.

"If Brix could set me free from being a slave, why can't you?"

He stared at me for a moment, digging the meaning behind my words. Nung sa tingin ko ay nakuha niya ang punto ko'y napailing ito. It seemed like he got frustrated even more.

"I see. You are freed now."

"Why can't you do it to Celeste?"

"You know nothing, Lady Astra. Lahat ng bagay ay may kapalit na minsan ay mas mabigat pa kesa sa 'yong natamo." From frustration, his mood went down to being concerned. "You are good to go now. I still need to rest."

"What do you mean?"

"Leave, please?"

Suminghap ako. Wala na rin akong nagawa kung hindi ang lumabas ng kanyang silid. Nakasalubong ko pa si Lady Grenda na papunta sa silid ni Oscar. Nilagpasan lang namin ang isa't isa na parang hangin.

What does he mean by that?

Hanggang sa makalakas ako ng Main ay iniisip ko pa rin ang mga sinabi ni Oscar. He's right. There's a reason why I am a slave and being freed is not a celebration. What cost it then?

"Astra!" Out of all the chaotic happenings, seeing Erikson from the crowds was a breather. "I've been looking for you around. Where have you been? Anyway, can we talk?"

Panadalian kaming tumiwalag sa ingay. Nung kami na lang dalawa ay hinarap niya ako. He also looked so anxious, probably about the sudden explosion of that news.

"Hindi na ako magpapaligoy-ligoy pa. Kung sakaling iimbitahan ka nilang sumama—"

"Too late. I'm already going."