25. Home

He took the child out of her arms, the warmth of the house embracing him fully. He looked around the house, it was well maintained and luxurious in a simple but classy way.

A man in his mid twenties came into the parlor where they all stood. He was of a big build with rugged features and green eyes like his mother. He looked at Yue with suspicion and walked towards him while looking at him intimidatingly.

Yue looked him in the eye refusing to back down from the fierce battle of intimidation. His mother slapped him on his back "I am very sure this is not how I taught you to behave with guests" she said hitting him continuously when he persisted. "Maa" he said finally looking away and trying to dodge her hits.

"You will be courteous to my guest, and introduce yourself" she said, both her hands on her waist. Yue watched in amazement as the man nodded his head in agreement and stretched out his hand to Yue for a handshake. "I am Zarc" he said watching his mother from his side eye.

"I am Hei Yue" he replied shaking hands with Zarc. Zarc squeezed his hand glaring at him when no one was looking before letting go, forcing a fake smile onto his lips.

*** ***

The place was dimly lit, an ebony skinned woman, in her late forties with a huge crown resting on her head sat on an elevated throne while many others sat on the chairs below in silence. They were her council, waiting quietly as she pondered over an issue they had brought before her. Elise appeared before the people, Emma in her hands, and the council began murmuring as she threw Emma onto the floor, causing Emma to fall on her knees before the throne. Elise stepped back, the whole place quieting down, and everyone standing to their feet as the woman stood up from the throne and walked towards Emma.

She slapped Emma across the face when she reached where she knelt. "Don't you know how to greet your aunt?" Emma looked up at her, the hatred in her eyes unshielded from her aunt's eyes. "If I do, would you let me go?"

Many people inhaled deeply, shaking their heads in pity at what she would go through for her choice of words. Emma's demeanor changed quickly on remembering the torture she had been through before. "I...I...i am sorry aunt. How do you do? Its...its good to see you again." She stuttered helplessly trying to redeem herself, but it was already too late.

Her aunt signaled for Emma to be dragged away and walked back to het throne, sitting down, and signaling the others to have their seats . "No. No. Please no. Aunt I am sorry. Please." she screamed pleading furiously as she was dragged out of the hall to the torture chambers by Elise, with some male guards following closely behind her.