EVONY

When I woke up the next day, I cringed at the sudden pain that surged through my body. Everything hurt, and I didn’t know how I was even able to sleep.

I attempted to sit up and tried to remember what had happened yesterday; the burning pain in my backside reminded me.

I had upset my father and Kai. So much so that after Kai left, my father had dealt his punishment ruthlessly.

When he was done, I was a bloodied mess, and Ethan had to fix me up to the best of his ability. I must have passed out in the process.

I looked down to see my torso completely covered in bandages. Was it really that bad? Sighing, I attempted to get out of bed. I gritted my teeth, trying to bear the pain.

I slowly made my way over to my dresser and looked at myself in the mirror.

I was sickening to look at. My long black hair was a tangled mess, and my eyes not only looked tired but shallow as well. A large bruise covered my right cheek. A hard slap could do that to you.

I just hoped it would heal completely in a few hours. He hated me going out looking like I was hurt, even if he was the cause.

I just wanted to get out of this house and go to my little cabin for some peace, but it seemed like I wasn’t even allowed that.

I couldn’t leave hunched over like a cripple; he wouldn’t have allowed it. I didn’t think even Ethan would; he would force me to rest in bed.

I was sure I needed it, but I couldn’t rest when I was stuck in this house.

I took a deep breath and stood tall, ignoring the pain the best I could. I brushed my hair until it was straight and not so messy. I then washed my face with cold water to freshen up.

I dressed myself in sweater, jeans, and boots. With them on, my entire body was covered, so at least no one could see my injuries. Now I just needed to hide my pain. I looked at the clock.

It had taken me an hour and a half just to dress.

I sighed and left my room doing my best to walk down the hall with one hand on the wall. My back was burning alongside all the other aches and soreness of my body.

I moved past a few doors and looked into the kitchen to see Ethan completely distracted by his own thoughts with a look of despair on his face.

When he noticed me, he immediately stood from his chair and rushed over.

I flinched at his sudden approach, and he stopped in his tracks, looking guilty as if responsible for the PTSD I was having.

“I-I'm okay...” I whispered and avoided his gaze. I hated his look of pity. “Can we go? Please?”

He looked at me, and I could see he was conflicted, but he eventually sighed and nodded. He grabbed his coat and led me outside before we walked out into the woods on our way to my sanctuary.

We made our way away from the rest of the pack and toward the border. This heavily wooded area was mostly barren of life, so not many patrols came by.

We reached a small house surrounded by a garden. Because this place was rarely disturbed, the flora flourished and grew quite wildly.

There wasn’t much variety in the garden, but there were some wild white and blue flowers, some herbs, and red berry bushes. This place was calm and relaxing, and I really enjoyed it.

I stepped inside the small worn down cabin. It had a nice loft bed, but I never got to use it since I was never allowed out of the pack house at night.

There was also a desk and bookshelves with jars and bottles filled with herbs and books of all kinds.

I made my way over to the desk and smiled slightly, but it was quickly replaced with an agonizing flinch as my injuries reminded me of their continuing existence.

“Evony! I knew this was a bad idea! We shouldn’t have come out here! You’re too badly hurt!” he exclaimed and rushed over to help me. I sighed.

“I needed to come out here anyway to get a salve. Just grab some bandages and cloths for me while I get the herbs from the garden.”

He nodded and started looking through the cabinets for the medical supplies that were stored here. I stepped outside and took a deep breath, smelling the wonderful aroma of the surrounding flowers.

I then made my way to the back of the garden, where it was the wildest and where a small pond was situated. I picked some leaves from the herbs I needed and went back inside the cabin.

I then proceeded to turn these herbal leaves into a paste with some water and certain oils using the mortar and pestle. Ethan placed a few pillows down on the floor as seats.

“Let me apply it this time.” I looked at him for a moment, then nodded. I couldn’t do it anyway.

I removed my sweater and turned my back to him, my arms covering my chest. As he removed the bandages, I stared at my pale skin.

How could I keep living like this? I closed my eyes and sighed. I had a feeling I wouldn’t have to much longer. This life of mine would end soon. One way or another.