The Unfortunates(9)
The distinct sound of metal clanging against metal demands my attention and I risk a look over my shoulder. A rather large man sticks four metal poles into bright, red hot flames. He waits for a few minutes, scratching his bald head to kill time. Finally, his chubby knuckle-less hand grasps a pole and retrieves it from the fire. I gasp when I see the glowing red Sario lion and instinctively grab fistfuls of my dress. Beside me, Thirteen whimpers and I snap my head in her direction. She’s looking over her shoulder, too, and she’s not happy with what she sees. Her blue eyes flick to mine and I give her a small nod of reassurance. I unclench my dress in an attempt to make her feel more comfortable. It doesn’t work, and if she hasn’t got a grip on herself before Master Kade gets here, I’m worried they’ll put her out of her misery. Bang. A bullet to the head will solve the problem.
Silence and mock strength is the only way to get through this… or at least I hope it is. It’s the only tactic I’ve got. Trumpets sound off an interesting tune—I know the rest of the Unfortunates at the camp heard it. I remember all of the times I heard the trumpets when I was growing up. In the beginning, they excited me and I imagined all of the food and pretty dresses and dancing… now? Now they’re too close for comfort. The crowd of Fortunates turn in their chairs. I know I should drop my eyes to the ground, but I don’t. I scan ahead and watch as huge double doors pull open and four men in stylish suits stroll out. The crowd claps as the men make their way down the pretty path lined with green bushes that are sprouting pretty cream flowers. I’m more transfixed on the flora than what was really happening, and if it wasn’t for the nagging voice in my head telling me to look at them, I wouldn’t have noticed Master Kade watching me. I freeze and air from my lungs catches in my throat. He wraps his long, thick fingers around his tie and tightens it slightly. There’s no expression on his face, but I see the warning clearly in his eyes. I drop my gaze to the floor in front of me like I’m supposed to. I don’t dare look up again, not until Kade’s hand slips under my chin and he grips my jaw. I try not to pull away or wince as he tilts my head up. He turns it from side to side for the crowd to acknowledge. They ‘ooh and ahh’ at me like I’m some kind of possession. I hate it. I’ve never felt so worthless in my entire life, and coming from an Unfortunate, that’s saying something.
When he releases me, I drop my gaze to the varnished stage floor. Choked sobs leave Thirteen and I ignore them—not because I don’t care—I ignore them out of fear… I can feel the warmth from Kade’s body enveloping me and I’m sure if I push back, I’ll feel him against me. I take a deep inhale and release it slowly, then I hear a slap on the wood. I whip my head to Thirteen, but she’s no longer on her pedestal. She’s a tangle of limbs and mustard fabric on the floor. The spectators chuckle and the sound twists my stomach. Instinctively, I step forward to help her, but Kade’s large hand snatches my wrist and he holds me in place. My pulse thrums hard against the veins in my wrist; I know he can feel it.
“Leave her,” he orders under his breath, squeezing me to the point of physical pain.
“I can’t just leave—”
He grabs a fistful of my hair and subtly squeezes until my scalp burns. I wince, inhaling sharply. Thankfully, nobody is looking at us. They eagerly watch Thirteen as the Fortunate that stood behind her slaps her hard across the face. The sound reverberates around my skull and makes my chest ache.
“You can do better?” Kade whispers, using my words. “Prove it.”
My throat becomes thick with sobs, but I grit my teeth and prevent them from spilling out. I can’t fight this. Not today. “Okay.”
He releases me as Thirteen pulls herself to her feet. I keep my head down and avoid eye contact with her. I don’t need to look at her to feel how distressed she is, though. Shut up. I beg her. Don’t make it harder on yourself. Not only do I not want her to make it harder for herself, but I don’t want her to make it harder for me, either. I know I’m not going to be able to sit here and do nothing forever. One day, I’ll step in to help her and take the punishment myself.
After a few more minutes, and a few more ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs,’ I hear the sound of metal biting together again. I hold my hands in fists behind my back. I’m first up… the first to be branded.
“Turn,” Master Kade orders. I turn on my tiny pedestal, careful not to fall. The branding man hands Kade an iron stick and I watch Kade casually weigh it in his large hand before he lifts his intense gaze to mine.