Serendipitous Nexus: The Fateful Encounter (Part 6)

The night was grim, with Elijah and me tied to chairs in a basement. Regaining consciousness, I found Mara standing before me, bearing a plate of food.

My efforts to employ magic were futile, as the ropes had a counteract that nullified my abilities.

"I... I'm sorry. It's my fault. I should have listened to you and used the money you gave me." She explained to me that she didn't mean for this to happen. All she wants is to make Owen proud of her and her friends. But she told me that he got greedy and did not believe what she said that I was only a poor child. 

"It's fine. Don't blame yourself. You're just a kid. You are not responsible for this." I try to comfort her.

"But I'm worried about you. You should escape from this place." Mara try to think of something.

Elijah, bewildered by the situation, cried out in distress to get out from this scary place.

Mara tried to untie my hand and asked me to leave with Elijah. She was concerned about us. Mara worked to free my hands, trembling with fear yet determined. Her efforts to untie the knots struggled against her own fear.

"Don't worry. It'll be over soon." I assured her.

I remembered that the letter I wrote for him was a SOS message to rescue us. 

Abruptly, Owen entered, his rage flaring upon seeing Mara loosening my restraints. He unleashed his fury without restraint, pummeling her despite her youth. Mara's pleas and cries of pain resonated as his fists landed on her small form. He did not hold back his anger and beat her up with all strength despite her being just a child. He threw his fist and punched her.

Witnessing a grown man vent his anger on a defenseless child stoked my anger. 

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry… I'm sorry. Owen, please. Stop"

Her desperate apologies mixed with sobs, her frail body absorbing the blows meant for her. Owen's verbal assault was as brutal as his physical one, belittling her and hurling vile insults. Imagine an adult using his full strength on a 6 year old kid would be hurting so much. 

"You monster! Let her go!" I scream in anger while feeling frustrated to see the bastard that is responsible for all those scars and bruises on these childrens' bodies.

"You want me to stop? Give me money then! Give me your money!" Owen shouted like a crazy lunatic.

Mara crumpled to the ground, shielding herself from further harm. The room resonated with Elijah's cries, a backdrop of his terror.

Owen reveled in his sadistic display, enjoyed letting his anger out and cursed her for being a useless child. He told her that she was just a whore child that was thrown up as no one cared and loved her.

His verbal abuse and physical violence further ignited my anger. I was feeling emotional and I could feel my blood boiling with bloodlust.

"You vile piece of shit! I WILL KILL YOU!!!" I swear at him and curse Owen with anger.

A surge of power emanated from within, shattering the ropes that bound me, a testament to the rage that coursed through me. Owen's restraints dissolved under the onslaught of my magic, the rope, the magic item is unable to contain its intensity.

In the midst of my power, my consciousness wavered, and my memories grew hazy. I recall releasing Elijah from his bonds and healing Mara. Yet, my recollection grew fragmented, and my awareness slipped. 

"Brother… Brother! Stop!" The familiar voice of my brother, Elijah, echoed in my mind, pulling me back from the abyss.

…

I try to open up my eyelids that feel so heavy.

The next thing I realized I was laying on the floor. 

I found myself sprawled on the ground. Pain seared through my body, yet my concern for Elijah compelled me to rise and search for him.

"Eli… Eli!" I turned around and I spotted Elijah embracing Mara, their faces etched with terror. 

My attempt to approach them triggered their retreat.

"What's wrong Eli? This is me, your brother." Their fearful reaction hinted at something I couldn't fully comprehend. I scanned the room, my gaze falling on Owen's lifeless form sprawled on the ground, his blood pooling around him.

"Oh no, what have I done?" Rushing to Owen side, I checked for a pulse, my healing magic taking effect as I detected a faint rhythm. Panic gripped me, my thoughts racing as I grappled with my actions.

The sensation of blood trickling from my nose registered, my hand instinctively moving to wipe it away. My balance wavered, and the world spun around me as darkness encroached.

"Brother! Your nose!" Elijah's concern mixed with alarm as blood stained my hand. My body grew weak, and before I could react, I collapsed to the ground, consciousness slipping away once more.