We'll Let The Fires Just Bathe Us

I scoffed and followed him around. I couldn’t believe he didn’t tell me because if the house was going to be filled with people who want to take advantage of me, I’d like to know beforehand.

“There’s angel boy.” Amy smirked in a quiet voice. We turned around.
“Dash.” Jack greeted in a slightly cold tone.
“Barakat.” She replied with the same edge in her voice.

Matt Flyzik called Jack over and he left me with her but I wasn’t afraid.

Though I didn’t get too strong of a dangerous vibe from her, I still wouldn’t dare cross her.

“Tell me, Alex. Did he threaten to reveal your species? Or is he keeping you because of some sick sense of pride?”
“The latter, he’s really a pain in the ass.” I replied, glancing over at Eliza to see she was alright.
“Believe me, I know. He’s been a pain in my ass for the past century.” She rolled her eyes.
“From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry. It must’ve been miserable.”
“Oh it was. Now go return to Jacky boy over there before some demon picks you up.” She advised.

I nodded and returned, a new question rising in my brain.

When she and the other rulers saw that my soul was white, Why didn’t they do anything? Why didn’t they send their demons after me?

I followec Jack over to Matt Flyzik.

“There he is!” Flyzik smiled at me.

I rolled my eyes and he laughed.

“He seems better behaved.” Flyzik remarked.
“Nah he’s just tired. Had quite a workout didn’t you Lex?” He said, slapping me on the back hard enough to remind me how strong he was.

As if I'd forgotten.

“Shut up.” I snapped.

Jack shoved me to the ground with one hand.

“He’ll learn eventually.” Flyzik shrugged.

I tried to get up but Jack pushed be down again making me huff and cross my arms.

“Yeah but in the meantime I’ve got to keep an eye on this one, he spat right in Mark’s face.” Jack laughed.
“And lived to tell the tale. Impressive.”
“Just because I saved his ass.”
“You’re the one who apparently invited him over in the first place.” I snapped from on the floor, trying to get up again.

Jack kicked my side making me lay on the floor but it was really more of a push because it didn’t really hurt.

“Stay.” He snapped strongly, knowing if he used a firm voice I’d have no choice.

I audibly groaned in frustration but he ignored me and continued talking. I sighed and looked up and to my right, checking on Eliza. When I saw her, I tried to jump up but I couldn’t. I noticed a demon eyeing her and she obviously noticed it because I could see how nervous she was. I gulped.

Maybe he’ll leave her alone?

Yeah, no. He walked up to her and took a grape from the plate, looking her straight in the eye as he crushed it between his teeth. I tried to jump up but my body locked up making me fall on my side.

Damn it Alex! Get up! She needs you!

The man brushed her hair away from her face and she tensed. I tried again but I couldn’t do it.

“J-Jack. Please. Please let me up.” I begged, not taking my eyes off her.
“Shut up, Alex.” He said nonchalantly.

I glanced at him to see he wasn’t paying any attention. He probably knew exactly what was going on but was choosing to let it happen. I gasped and looked back at her. The man took another grape and held it to her lips, forcing her to eat it. I tried to get up again but fell. The man took the tray out of her hands and placed it on a nearby table before stepping closer, running his hand down her neck. This time there was no failing. I outright refused to obey what every nerve in my body was telling me to do. I jumped up and tore the man off of her before standing in between them, shielding her from him.

“Don’t you fucking touch her.” I snarled.
“Why you little-“ The man started, approaching me probably to beat me to death.
“HEY!” Jack’s voice snapped.

Everyone turned but I didn’t take my eyes off the man.
“Alex. Show some respect.” Jack said.

I was about to explain that he was about to hurt Eliza but I knew that would bring her into it and make her the focus of all the attention. So instead, I kept the attention on me, knowing that it could easily get me killed. So I took a breath and practically signed my own death sentence.

“Never.” I spat, glaring at him.

By now, everyone was staring at us and they started laughing when Jack stomped forward and brought his hand around my shirt collar. He raised his fist and hit me. For a good five seconds, I didn’t know which was was up and which way was down. I shook my head and realized I was on the floor. Eliza was backed up against the wall in fear. I internally sighed in relief. She was safe. But not for very long if I didn’t keep the attention on me. A few drops of blood fell from my mouth and onto the floor. I chuckled as I stumbled to my feet. Jack stood before me, glaring. I swayed in front of him but gained balance. I knew that after that hit, I probably had no sense of coordination so I didn’t spit in his face, but rather the ground before him and conveniently, I hit his shoe.

The demons let out a chorus of “Oooooh”s

I took a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever agony Jack was going to inflict. The look he gave me sent chills to my bones. He pushed me to the ground and the second I hit it, I took my chance and mouthed the word,

“Go.”

to Eliza because I knew Jack couldn’t see my mouth. Jack came around in front of me and kicked my face. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched her dart upstairs and away from the crowd. Now it didn’t matter what happened to me. She was safe. Jack reached down and grabbed my throat and squeezed it enough to completely cut off my airway. My hands shot up to his, trying to pull them away as my lungs screamed for oxygen. I seriously thought he was going to strangle me. I really did there for a moment. But the second before I passed out, he released. I rolled over and coughed, clutching my throat. Jack pushed my shoulder with his foot so I was on my back again and placed his foot on my chest.

“That’s only a taste of what you’re getting tonight.” He spat before grabbing my shirt collar and dragging me out of the room, down the stairs, and into the cells he has.

I was thrown into the one that used to hold the woman who Jack killed to summon the other Rulers.

“Jack-“ I tried to speak but it came out as a pitiful rasp followed by coughing.

He glared at me again with such hatred and anger that chills ran through my body before he slammed the door shut.

And I was alone

Notes

title cred: Love Like War by All Time Low ft. Vic Fetunes

oooo what's jack gonna do when everyone leaves?