Chapter Sixteen

I groaned as I shifted, the chains loosening now that the guards weren’t holding them in place. I looked and saw my mother with Melite and Europa just behind her. My mother was crying and the girls...they were both pale and looked horrified. Damn it. I didn’t want any of them to see that, to see me like this. Why would my mother bring them out here?

“How… how could he be so cruel?” Melite sobbed as Europa hugged her. I groaned as I moved to get to my feet. I had to reach out to stable myself on the wall. “Asterion…” my mother called out, rushing forward. “I’ll be okay, mother.” I nodded trying to reassure her. “I’ll be alright, girls.” I said looking to the distraught Melite and Europa. 

“Does he do this often?” Europa asked. I shook my head. “Not recently.”I assured. It wasn’t the first time I’ve been beaten. Probably won’t be the last either. My mother