"I've been taught that girls have no value, and he's the only one who assures me that I do."
Soleil is a girl. A young woman. A female. She couldn't hate it more, because in her society that cursed gender makes her expendable.
The war that was wrou...
But this has to work. I know it will. These people are like me, these strong women know they are made for more than this place has to offer.
I'm too glad to be worried when I'm dragged down the steps and through the empty hallways. I don't even pay attention as I'm hauled like a rag doll. I hear heavy footsteps behind me, along with hushed curses as the noise of the crowd dies away with each foot of distance.
I know I'm in deep shit, but it's nothing I can't get out of. I've always been a rebel, but it's never stopped me from doing the right thing.
Pride takes hold of me. I know I've done right by Fray, and he would be cheering me on if he were here to see it. No matter the cost, it's worth it, it's beyond worth it. Fray would do the same for me. His people need help, and I'll do anything in my power to make a difference.
Not only that, but I know we will all benefit from this. There's a good life out there for anyone who's brave enough to leave what's familiar to them.
"You stupid little bitch. What have you done? Do you have any clue what you've done with your twisted lies?" It's President Garick spewing the hateful words in my face.
I quickly realize we're not in his office. We're by my window, me and Fray's window. It's the most secluded part of the school, so it makes sense. But it feels wrong to be here now with Garick and his men. It's like it's tainting this place that's supposed to be special.
"They're not lies. It's the truth, and they deserve to know it. They deserve to have a choice in this." I plead, but the President just clenches his jaw and shakes his head. The grip on my wrists gets tighter.
"That's not your decision to make, little girl." He growls. "You had so much potential here, and now you've ruined it over some stupid fantasy? The best life you could have is right here, so why would you choose to mess it all up?"
A fleck of spit hits me in the face while he shouts, and I cringe away in disgust. It's time he knew just how wrong he is, and how awful this whole place is.
"I met someone, his name is Fray, and he's going to be my mate. He treats me well, and he doesn't want anyone else but me. And you know what.. he would never make me feel worthless like this place does. He takes care of me."
Garrick's face pinches up. He's infuriated. I rant further, my heart bursting with love and hate all at once. Love for Fray and his people and Elodie and my Momma, and hatred for Garrick and every other worthless piece of trash under this roof.
"I've been taught that girls have no value, and he's the only one that assures me that I do."
The men are completely silent, they cannot believe that someone could believe something so outlandish. To them women are simply objects to be used, not actual people. The fact that my claim is so incredibly crazy to them is proof that something is deeply wrong here.
"You've overstepped this time. And we won't let this go unpunished. Everyone here needs to know what happens when you disobey our rules." Garick's voice is remarkably calm, and a foreboding sensation climbs my spine.
One of the men steps out from behind me, and I realize it's my Mom's husband, Paul. He glares at me with a shake of his ugly head. He looks back to Garick with desperation in his eyes.
"Please, Garick, just let her live and I'll make her my newest wife. I can tame her, I promise I can." My step Father begs. Suddenly I feel sick.
So my fate is either die or become his wife? I would prefer neither, but if I had to choose, I know which I would pick.
"No, Paul. She's gone too far this time. We can't let it slide. She needs the ultimate punishment." The President explains.
I pale, thinking that surely they're joking. They wouldn't kill me. There's no way. They're just trying to scare me.
But, when I see the look of disappointment on Paul's face, I start to really freak out. My body bucks and my mouth flies open to scream with all my might. The stranger holding me from behind clamps a sweaty palm across my lips to seal in the noise.
"Tie her hands, and get your best knife. I'll meet you by the old bridge." Garrick instructs, and Paul nods quickly. Our leader stalks off to the woods as his goons do as they're told.
Tears burn my eyes, and all I can think about is how much I miss my alien.
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I know I'm evil for the cliffhanger, but I'm working on the next chapter now, so don't worry :)
Any thoughts or predictions? Comment and let me know!
