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And not just any bodies, but the bodies of those I condemned to death by not choosing them. By choosing Roman Barinov.
My empty heart fills with sadness and sorrow and hate and grief as I watch the books burn right alongside of the two young corpses.
Before the flames melt away his features, I recognize one of the faces.
The Radulov boy.
In the fire, his long hair almost looks blonde. But that image is quickly singed away, along with all of the daydreams and fantasies I’ve shielded myself in over the years.
These books were my one escape from the harshness of this life.
… They were also my last connection to Mother.
Mama.
She left these books to me. A final gift that sparked my love for grand, romantic tales.
Now, she’s dead. And our stories burn to ashes.
There’s nothing I can do but watch.
“Be strong, Sophia,” Castor mumbles, his tender touch holding me tightly.
Cold tears have started to stream down my burning cheeks.
“We all make sacrifices,” Father says, his eyes fixed on the bonfire ahead. I’ve never felt so alone before. “This won’t be the last sacrifice you have to make. But it will be the one you remember the most, the one that makes you stronger. It must make you stronger. Or else you will end up being consumed by the flames. Understand?”
Finally, he looks at me.
… And for the first time in my life, it feels like I truly look back at him.
The fire burning my books has spread to my chest, and I glare back at my father with hate in my eyes.
He smiles.
This is what he wants.
Another monster. Just like him.
Fine.
That’s what he’ll get. A monster. A black widow who captures princesses and sends boys to their deaths. A demon who doesn’t dream. A ruthless queen.
His daughter.
Sophia Xiphias.
Somehow, fueled by hate and anger, I manage to tear myself loose from Castor’s grip.
But I don’t run towards my books. They’re as gone as my mother. Instead, I run into the dark house. Away from my decisions. Away from my family. Into the shadows.
That’s where I belong.
But it’s not going to be dark for long. Because I’m going to burn everything down. I’m going to light up the darkness with my fire, just like Father has told me to.
I’m going to devour the world.
God help whoever gets in my way.
