26. Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

Iris

I still hear the screams. The agony and suffering fill my head, haunting me even in the darkest corner of my dreams. The begging and pleading rakes against my skull, permeating itself within my mind, not allowing me even a moment of peace. My body is paralyzed as I try and wake myself up, but I can't. I'm choking on my own breathing, unable to move my limbs.

I'm trapped.

"Come back to me, Iris."

I know that voice. And as much as I hate to admit it, I revel in the sound of it. It entices me out of my slumber, giving me the slightest bit of euphoria as I follow it to consciousness. I know that once I reach consciousness, I won't like what awaits me. But my brain doesn't understand that. It only wants to follow the voice. The world slowly comes to life around me as my dreams fall away. My eyes flutter slightly, opening to reveal the familiar surroundings of Remus's home. The original home I found myself in when I came into Remus's care. The floor-to-ceiling windows are slightly dimmed but still open to reveal the world beyond. The familiar trees are slightly below the level of this place, the tops painting the view green.

I feel a pleasant sensation on my exposed back. It's warm and gentle, like kisses. That's what it is, kisses. I moan softly, tensing as a familiar chuckle fills the air.

"There you are," Remus murmurs.

It takes a moment for my brain to catch up with what's happening around me, my vision slowly sharpening to focus on the white strands surrounding me. The screams that haunted my slumber suddenly register as I remember the events before my blackout—the massacre of the rebels.

The power that Remus emitted...

I dip my face into the pillow as dread slowly grips my throat. I've always known Remus was powerful. It's been an intuitive thought process with his small demonstrations of power. But the brute strength he released without moving a muscle… just the thought has me trembling underneath him.

"... Is he... Did you...?" I can't find the strength to finish my sentence. I know that if he did, there's nothing I can do about it. Clearly, there's nothing the rebels can do about it either. I watched them fire at Remus with weapons specifically created for him and his race, and none of them came close to touching him .

The heat of Remus's body consumes me as he leans over me, placing another soft kiss along my shoulder blade.

"Do you really think I would put so much effort into reuniting you with your long-lost sibling, only to snuff his life out?" he scoffs lightly, rolling me over so that I am facing him. His bright purple gaze is calm as he looks down at me with a new emotion swirling in his eyes—one that I haven't seen before. The pulsating rhythm of the energized symbol that rests on his body moves ever so slowly as he looks down at me.

"You think so little of me," he jokes. He reaches for my palm, pulling my knuckles to his lips as he speaks.

"I gave you a task, and you executed it wonderfully. Even when the time came for you to turn on me, you didn't. You truly understand now, don't you?" he asks, studying me.

My eyes widen as his words find meaning in my head, and I find myself nodding slowly. When Cypress and the rebels had their weapons and armor aimed, I urged them to stop. I begged Cypress to leave... not to fire his weapon. Not once did it cross my mind to fight.

Not once.

"I..." I trail off, not knowing what there is to say.

"It's okay, Iris. You did well."

Everything I've done, everything I've sacrificed, is all for nothing. I've failed. I've failed the human race, I've failed Margot, I've failed Jude, I've failed my brother. I've failed.

Jude silently steps behind me, placing an eccentric vase filled with water next to me. I look away from him to the array of plants that Remus has in his courtyard. Among them is Margot's plant. Even in his rage toward my betrayal, Remus kept it alive. I silently pour the water over the plant, watching as the soil absorbs the liquid.

Remus was able to create a flower out of thin air and fuse Margot's essence with a plant. Remus was able to single-handedly wipe out a group that was taking out Leviathan towns. Remus has been patiently dealing with the resistance during his time on Earth, but I fear what will happen if they push him too far. And with the capture of his brother, I don't think it will be much longer now.

His words are burning in my skull.

"You truly understand now, don't you?"

Do I? I slowly hold my hand up, and it's still trembling as my mind tries to come to terms with what I saw. I've been able to survive Remus this long only because he's grown "fond" of me. Fear of him is beginning to take hold of me and my actions. Can he truly be unbeatable? If that's the case, then why is he dealing with humanity in such a way? Why not just wipe us out and be on his way like he's done other planets?

I release a breath trying to calm my nerves by studying Margot's plant. It's grown taller since being planted here, and my eyes widen when I notice a few buds have begun to sprout. I slowly reach for it, drawing my hand back at the last second when I notice Remus in the reflection on the glass. I turn to face him as he steps into the courtyard, a lazy grin on his lips. He's dressed in his usual all-white attire, and his hair is held out of his face in a tight ponytail. His gaze is intense as he approaches.

He rotates his hand in the air, and I watch in awe as an iris appears. He then gracefully kneels to accompany me on the ground, holding the flower out to me. I study the flower before eyeing him warily.

"When can I see him?" I ask softly. Remus thinks about his answer as he brings the flower to his nose. His eyes roam over the plants, lingering on Margot's before he takes a seat next to me. He's silent before finally speaking as he studies the flower.

"My weakness is my siblings."

He focuses his eyes on the sky before looking back at me with a smile.

"As the oldest, it's my job to protect them. Xion has always been stubborn, barreling ahead and earning her respect. But Ezra... he's always making rash decisions hoping to garner the same respect Xion holds." He leans back, angling his head toward the sun. His eyes close as he speaks with a soft smile.

"I've always been proud of him. He's overcome... so much. Especially growing up with Xion and me so far ahead of him. I was just never able to properly show him. I treated him like a child, making him increasingly reckless, trying to win my approval. Xion and I just... hovered too much." He releases a soft laugh, holding out the flower to me, and I take it from him, totally entranced by his sudden vulnerability.

"I remember when we were young, he made a wild pack of tryps 1 so angry just to prove that he was strong enough to fight them on his own. We ended up having to bail him out of it. Like we always do." Remus's smile slowly disappears.

"But now, I fear the worst. He has jumped headfirst into his own plan without concern for the repercussions. And with the advancement of these weapons, I can't find him. I'm terrified that I won't be able to bail him out of this one." Remus finally looks at me with a serious expression. "I tell you this because I understand the importance of family. And I envy you for being able to connect with your brother again," he says.

I'm in shock as he reaches out, pushing a stray hair behind my ear. His hand drifts to the locket around my neck, and he studies it for a moment before looking back at me."You can see him if you'd like."

I blink in confusion at his out-of-character compassion. This is Remus. The same Remus I watched devastate the rebellion. The Remus that enjoys human suffering, my suffering. The same being that lacks emotion and feeling and manipulates people. But somehow, he is telling me I can see my brother. A human that not only threatened him but is a leader in the rebellion?

"You're serious?" I ask.

He nods his head. "Very."

If this week has taught me anything, it's that Remus doesn't do things just to be nice. He has a purpose. He always has a reason. I shake my head in disbelief.

"Why are you doing this?" I ask.

He raises a brow, feigning confusion.

"What?"

I narrow my gaze at that.

"You know what. You've never just given me anything. All you've ever done is take from me. Why are you letting me see him?" I ask. Remus's expression morphs into amusement as he takes me in. He leans forward, angling his head to better look at me as he smiles.

"You wish for me to retract my statement?" he asks.

I shake my head.

"Of course not. You're just never this kind to me. I don't understand why you're being so considerate," I say. I expect him to lash out or grow aggravated, but he doesn't. He laughs. Not his usual scoff or shake of his head, but he tosses his head back, letting the sound wash over the courtyard. Once he calms himself, he looks at me.

"As I told you this morning, you've done well. As vile as you paint me to be, I am a fair ruler." He places his hand against my jaw, running his thumb over my cheek.

"I like to see my pet happy occasionally. Just think of it as an opportunity," he says.

His tone catches me off guard, a chill running up my spine at his words .

"An opportunity?" I ask. He nods his head, his smile turning cruel.

"Your brother is a high-ranking, commanding officer in the rebellion. He understands the inhibitors, Iriel's and possibly others' betrayals, and Ezra's whereabouts. He is the only rebel I showed mercy to. The only one."

I suddenly feel my heart beating against my chest as his words overwhelm me.

"So, this can be your last opportunity to speak with him in his sane mind, or when it is time for me to speak with him, he'll understand the gravity of the situation he has created for himself."

He places a light peck on my lips before standing to exit the courtyard. He pauses in the doorway, looking back at me with a cruel grin.

"Good luck."

Part of me wants to run into the room, screaming with joy that my brother is alive and well. For years, I thought my family had left me and that I was all alone in this world. But as it turns out, I'm not. My brother sits in a room within these walls, waiting for my arrival.

The other part of me, the logical part, wants never to set foot in that room. I know that once I do, my life will shatter in the most primal of ways. I will have to convince my brother to turn his back on humanity for the sake of himself. And I know that he won't. He will want to continue to fight for them. It's like Remus said. He's a commanding officer in the rebel army. There's no way he would turn his back on them for anyone. Especially his sister, whom he hasn't known for several years, and had already abandoned prior to the invasion.

I look up as Jude comes to a halt in front of one of the doors. I worry about what I'll find on the other side, my hand coming up to clasp the locket that rests around my neck. I glance at Jude's emotionless expression, feeling my heart ache at my place in this war. Every time I tried to stay on the side of humanity, I ended up hurting those that I cherish the most in this world. Whenever I close my eyes, I see Remus deflecting the rebel's weapons before massacring them with power beyond our comprehension.

I remember the first time I ever met Remus. I tried to blow both of us up with a live grenade. And yet, I am here. I tried to attack him with a knife, but the steel was too weak to penetrate his flesh. There are no sides. There's only Remus and his patience. And judging from his words before sending me to my brother, he is at the end of his rope.

I suck in a deep breath staring at the door. I finally find the nerve to push it open, revealing my brother. He's still in his battered armor that did little to protect him against Remus's wrath. He's also sitting in a chair with his hands locked into the armrests. His eyes are closed, his breathing even as I step into the room. I take the moment to take in his features. His dark hair is wild and tussled, and I know that if he opened them, his eyes would be the same color as mine. I vaguely register that Jude has also stepped into the room, moving to the corner to observe silently. As I approach, Cypress still doesn't move, but I know he's awake. I can tell by the way his fists are clenched.

I finally stand over him, reaching out slowly to touch his cheek. There's still a small smear of blood on it.

"Cypress," I whisper his name just as my hand comes into contact with his cheek. His eyes fly open, and he lifts his gaze to look at me in shock. He takes me in for at least thirty seconds before finally opening his mouth to speak.

"Iris? I thought... I thought he..." he trails off, unable to complete his sentence as tears form in his eyes. He silently leans into my touch as sobs wrack his body, and I pull him into an embrace, enjoying the warmth of my brother. He's normal temperature, as humans should be. I didn't remember what he looked like growing up. We were all so young in my mother's locket that time wiped me of any memory of my brother in person. But here he is, grown and alive.

"No, I'm here," I say softly. I feel bitter hatred toward Remus at this reunion. I can see and speak to my brother, and yet he's trapped in a chair, unable to hold me. Remus's mercy is a cruel side to be on.

"How did you escape? How did you find me?" he asks. Now it's my turn to cry. I silently step away from my brother, sitting in the chair across from him. He's watching me in confusion, and I suddenly find myself unable to look at him .

"He owns me... Remus does," I say softly. A silence overcomes us as he processes this news.

"Remus, as in the Leviathan leader?" he asks. I nod my head, my vision blurring as more tears spill from my eyes.

"Then why were you in the town? Why were you at Iriel's?" he asks.

"Remus sent me under the guise of delivering something. He knew Iriel was a traitor. He knew you would be there. He even knew about the attack and how high of a rank you are in the resistance. And now, he wants me to convince you to give him the information he needs," I say.

"And why does he think I will give him information?" he asks. I look up at him, feeling my chest swell in bitter sadness. The hope that he has is apparent on his face. It's the same level of hope I once had. That drive and fight for freedom. But as Remus said, it is an illusion. I can see why Remus saw me as naive. How could I have ever thought someone like me could beat him?

I let out a bitter laugh, looking at my brother.

"He knows you won't willingly, but he'll take it from you anyway. This is just so I can speak to you one last time as yourself... before he makes you just like Jude," I say softly. Cypress's eyes widen slightly, and he studies me intensely, finally seeing my broken self.

"Iris, what happened to you?" he whispers. I smile softly.

"I just finally see now," I whisper. It's taken a while, but I finally see. Remus is the most patient creature in existence. He wields unfathomable power, and yet he deals with humanity on our own level. I think of all the times I openly disobeyed him, and he watched me entertained, toying with me because he knew just how helpless I truly was. He likes to watch things crumble. I shudder to think what would have become of me had he decided he was no longer interested in my lack of obedience.

All this time, he's been toying with me, letting me believe I had freedom and a chance.

"Iris, we know how dangerous he is. We handled his brother just fine. The rebels won't take lightly my being captured. They will do something about it," Cypress says, pulling me out of my thoughts. I look at him in confusion.

"At what point did you think that Remus's brother and him were the same?" I ask. Cypress doesn't respond immediately. He grows quiet thinking about my words.

"Do you know why Remus is looking for his brother so much, Cypress? It's because out of him and his sister, Ezra is the weakest. Ezra is the one they had to help out of issues. Ezra is the one who makes rash decisions. Do you really think you stand a chance when they both have a sister out there who is ready to come and avenge them should anything happen?" I ask.

"But Iriel—"

"Fuck Iriel! He can't deliver any of his promises, don't you get it? He's using all of you! He knows the Leviathan race would never back this... suicide mission! He's using you and all of your resources to fight against Remus. Why do you think he fled when the attack happened? Where was he when this great battle was about to ensue? He took off the moment he realized Remus was involved!" I shout .

"Do you know nothing about this society? You and your resistance are being played!" I add. Cypress eyes me, clearly finding offense in what I'm saying.

"So what do you want me to do, Iris? Turn my back on my entire race? Stop fighting against the Leviathan because you're scared?" he snaps. Silence overcomes the room, and I find myself glaring at him as the rage I've pushed down comes barreling to the surface.

"Yes, Cypress. I'm scared. From the moment they arrived, I've been on my own. I watched our parents die within hours of each other. I was left alone at ten years old! For thirteen years, I watched the world crumble, never knowing what actually happened. I fought every single day for my life just to be able to wake up and do it all over again. I fought every single day ."

"Remus came and destroyed our refuge within an hour. And I still fought him. I took his mental and physical torture, and I fought. Not only did I suffer, but the girls I fought with suffered at his hands! I spied, I sacrificed, I loved... and I lost. I lost Jude. I lost Margot. I lost everything and everyone to Remus. I've seen what he can do by simply looking into my eyes. I've seen what he can create with a wave of his hand. And I've seen what these... innovative weapons do to him. Nothing !" I hiss.

I shake my head as more tears spill down my face.

"I've seen the creature you're battling up close, and you don't stand a chance. So yes, I am scared... and you're a fool not to be."

1. Wolf-like animal of their world