I double over, sucking in the air that Darren just punched out of me. His face holds too many emotions. Like a tormented sea of anger, betrayal, and sorrow.

I want to be mad at him. But I just stand there and don't do anything. I lost the right for Darren's respect the moment I took him from his home.

He's holding the fist he used to hit me like you hold back a misbehaving pet. But I watch as his shock melts into solid fury.

"I trusted you." Tears are dripping down his chin like tiny waterfalls of pain.

Pain that I caused and can never take back.

"Darren I'm so—"

"Shut up!" He yells, and I start to panic because someone is bound to hear him. "Just listen to me for once."

I take a step toward him, "Darren, please keep your voice down."

He's pacing in front of me as his bloodshot eyes continue to spill over.

"When we were little I told you I wanted to stay with the Anderson's, but you didn't listen to me. You said we can't stay with people who aren't our real family. So we ran away. But that just made everything worse! They separated us after that, and it's all your fault because you wouldn't listen."

The words are falling over themselves like a mob of angry people. Nothing I do or say can stop him now.

"And when I finally feel like I can belong somewhere again," he stops pacing and glares at me, "you show up and make me run away just like you always do!" He pushes me, and I stumble back a step. "Why can't you just let me be happy?!" He screams. "Mom and Dad are never coming back, so stop hating anyone who tries to take their place!"

Just then, the door of the stable swings open. It's a young man who I can tell is mortal because he's the opposite of glowing. His skin is sickly pale, like life is being drawn out of him.

We all stop and stare at each other. Actually, the man is only looking at Darren. Like he's ignoring my presence completely.

"Hey kid, cut the tantrum and get your butt out here before they see you're not working."

The reprimand holds little sting in such an exhausted voice. I can see the night sky fading into a pale pink. Morning could only wait on me for so long. Our time is up.

Darren is staring at the dirt floor, looking drained. "Roisín, I—I didn't mean... I—" He sniffs loudly, and I'm worried he's going to start crying again. I also know I need to get out of here before any Fae show up.

"That's not my name kid." The man says with a sigh. "Now come on. We already let you sleep in long enough."

Darren points at me and starts to explain himself, but the man cuts him off again. So after Darren gives me a strange look, he follows the man outside and leaves me alone.

As soon as the door closes, I curl up behind the pile of crates and let the repercussions of my choices rain down on me. Even if I figure out a way to get us out of this place, I doubt Darren will ever forgive me. And somehow knowing that scares me more than anything - even more than the fact that we could both be dead before this day is through.

<<————>>

I spend the early morning balled up on the ground, feeling more lost and empty than ever.

How did I let it go this far?

Accepting the truth about my past, that I'm an abandoned kid whose parents didn't want me, is something I know I've struggled with. To be honest, I guess I never even allowed myself to struggle with it because I blatantly ignore the painful reality altogether. Instead of facing it, I channel all of the hurt and confusion to making sure that no one ever hurts me like that again.

Running from foster homes.

Never keeping a boyfriend for more than a few weeks.

Being consumed by jealousy at the thought of Darren being adopted, and hating it enough that I had to basically kidnap him.

As I stare at my dirty feet and hug my arms around my chest, I feel like I'm reaching the end of the race only to realize there's no one left but me. I passed everyone by on my way towards freedom. Not only am I more trapped than ever before, but even if I can escape again, I have no one to share that freedom with.

Stop being sorry for yourself. You know what you have to do.

Wiping my eyes, I let my self-loathing fuel me to action. I stand up and my blood starts flowing faster as I start talking to myself like I'm my own personal trainer.

"It's time to ditch this Otherworld and get Darren to his new family." I take determined strides to the stable door. "It's time to save your brother and do the right thing for once."

As I step outside, I know sneaking around in broad daylight will only make me look like a criminal. So I grab a pail beside the stable and walk with purpose, hoping to blend in with the other mortals even in my joggers and cotton blouse.

A group of men are constructing some sort of platform in the grassy area between the castle and the forest. All of the mortals look beaten down and completely exhausted. It's no wonder none of them bother to run away. They'd never make it to the trees before falling with an arrow in their backs.

I think I see Darren carrying a plank of wood with another boy. Determination moves my pace faster, but not towards my brother. There's only one way to get him out of here alive. So I tear my eyes away from him and bite my tongue to keep my emotions in check.

My plan to walk right into the castle gate is stopped when a guard points his spear at my stomach like I'm a stray sheep or something.

"You are supposed to be with the others in the kitchens."

I go with it, suddenly remembering something that I need to do before I find the King.

"Yes, I was just getting some water for... cooking things." I say, hoping he doesn't notice how I'm shooting lies from my hip, or that my pail is completely empty.

But he just nods and points the spear at the side gate that leads to the cellar.

"Hurry along then."

I do just that, trying not to trip over myself as I escape into the tunnel. The small gate is shut, and I tap on it until a pair of shadowed eyes peer at me through the bars.

"It's me." I say, hoping she'll recognize me. "I need to talk with the others."

Her face disappears as the gate creaks open. I thank her as I walk past, knowing she might appreciate it because—unlike the Fae—mortals like that sort of thing. She murmurs a small, "you are welcome," as she closes the gate behind me.

The smell of roasting vegetables and mixed spices greets me before I step into the kitchen. The somber mood that's usually settled around the room is now replaced with a mad frenzy as all the girls are chopping, stirring, and baking like they're competing in a cooking show on TV.

That's when I see the witch wandering around with her hands grasped behind her back, scanning the scene like a bird of prey. My instincts tell me to hide, but that's not why I came down here.

Walking up to the witch, I watch as she noticeably flinches at the sight of me. Staring at her scowl straight on makes me want to flinch away too.

"I'm here to help with the feast." I say.

That's when some of the girls start to notice me. I can hear their voices chittering like an excited bunch of squirrels. That is, until the witch screams at them to keep working.

"There is nothing left for any of you to be talking about!" She whirls around and silences them with her stare. "Tonight, we will feast on your labors while your mortal blood is sacrificed to purge the sickness from our land. So tell me, who has anything left to say in these final hours of your pathetic lives?"

All eyes fall back onto their tasks, and the only sound left comes from chopping knives or bubbling liquid. I swallow my snide remark as my fists ball up at my sides.

Lena was right. Her real nickname rhymes with witch quite nicely.

"And you." She turns on me. "The King has special plans for you." Her tone sounds... jealous? "Get back to the castle before I set you down with some real work."

"But that's what I want to do." I say, squaring up with her as she tries to sidestep away from me. "You see, I got tired of all the fancy stuff in the castle. I'd rather be here where I know I'm doing something that matters."

Her eyebrows raise, and it's the first time I see a flicker of surprise pass over her cold features. But then her mouth settles back into a hard line as she points to the table.

"Peel potatoes with the others." She barks. "And be sure not to cut your finger off. Your mortal blood will be spilt tonight, so not a drop too soon."

I stand at the table and one girl hands me a knife, but not before I catch a glimmer of confusion in her eyes. My hands start to shave the skin off of a chunky potato. I doubt I'll get scolded for how bad of a job I'm doing because the witch is pacing around the table, lost in a monologue about the art of food.

"Not a soul who sits in that castle stops to wonder at where the fine feasts come from. They command food, and the responsibility falls on shoulders such as mine. Few are capable of handling such a calling. And are we ever recognized for our services? Not a peep. But as a warrior in battle, I must remember to fight valiantly for my reward. Never give in to the enemy!"

As she rambles, I catch Markie's eye across the table. As a true warrioress herself, I expect her to roll her eyes as the witch's compares the kitchen to a battlefield. But Markie is glaring at me, the muscles in her arms flexing as she dices vegetables without looking down. I want to ask her what her deal is, but that's when someone grabs my arm and starts pulling me away from the table.

I look and see Lena's dark head of hair as she drags me into the back room when the witch's face is turned away. When we're out of sight, Lena spins around and grabs my forearms. A deep fear is reflected in her eyes.

"Why, Roisín?" She hisses, shaking me back and forth. "Why did you return?"

<<--------->>

Sorry for the delayed chapter! I've decided to go back to posting twice a week (probably Tuesday and Friday). Thank you for your patience and your support!

Have you ever had a fall-out with one of your siblings? It's not pretty, and sometimes can take longer to mend. But I think that's because it's harder to forgive someone when they are closer to us in the first place.

What do you think Roisín's plan is going to be to save Darren? Thanks again and be sure to click the star! :)