Chapter 46

Franklin's POV

I barely held on to my consciousness after stabbing myself with a sharp stick. I wasn't sure what happened after.

The next morning, I checked every part of the forest just to be sure I didn't kill Scarlett. When I was done searching, I lurked close to the Academy, but she didn't show up. Not once did I see her all through the hours I spent there.

I eventually gave up, and made my way back to the house.

Why did I even think she'd understand anything about me in the first place? Why would she come back after all I had put her through? I could have killed her.

“Why didn't she listen to me?!?” I blurted out my thoughts. “If she had just left the numerous times I begged her to, we definitely wouldn't be having this problem.”

I hissed, kicking a whole tree to the ground. I looked down at the roots, and it only fell easily because it had been hurt before.

I kept pacing round the room, and no matter the amount of things I tried, I couldn't get Scarlett off my mind. She was in there every single moment, and I just knew that I was finished.

I grabbed books to read, but I could barely get past the first page. I tried hunting, but even the slowest rabbit escaped my speedy hands.

I went back home, and I started making dishes. I got annoyed and irritated by my current state. I shouldn't be living like this, regardless of the situation.

I made several delicacies and served myself. I sat at the edge of the table, sincerely hoping and praying that Scarlett would show up.

The night came, the sky darkened, and the moon shone bright in the sky, probably trying to spite me. I sat at the top of a tree where I could easily see Scarlett leave the Academy, but she never showed up.

I waited and waited, disturbed by every noise made, every movement, and none was Scarlett's.

I scoffed when the lights of the Academy finally went off.

“She has probably come to her senses, and just doesn't want to see me again.” I sighed, alighting the tree, and walking back to the house.

Why would she let herself get so close to a beast? Why would I even let her get so close to me? Why would I let my guard down so easily?!

I ignored all my thoughts and just focused on my walk back to the house. I immediately remembered my night walks with several palace maids, and the sexcapades behind the royal infirmary.

I had an unbelievably handsome face, and ladies never seemed to stop falling at my feet.

“But now, I've been reduced to nothing!!” I yelled, hitting the tree closest to me.

The grounds shook, and the tree also did.

“Something annoying you?” Jon's voice rang through the air, and I immediately turned back to look at him.

He was standing close to the house, all alone, looking at me calmly.

“Why are you here?” I asked, and he shrugged.

“Do I really have a reason to come and see my son?” He asked, and I scoffed.

“You had no reason to come see me for three good years.” I growled. “Why now?”

“Look Orion…”

“Don't call me that!” I snapped, feeling the anger in me rise. “Was this the only way?!”

“Huh?”

“Was this the only way to save everyone?!” I growled, feeling my anger rise by the minute. “Couldn't we have done anything else?”

“C'mon Franklin, you know I did everything to save the family!” Jon said. “I tried to take it upon myself, but it didn't work.”

“And you stopped working on a way to save me!” I snapped. “You banished me to this lonely and sickening life just to save people that think I just randomly died?!”

I hit another three , and Jon shifted back, giving me space to air my grievances. I wanted to tear him apart, but I wouldn't do that to him.

“I never stopped working hard.” Jon said. “I called all the sorcerers and witches, but none of them had a solution.”

“Why the fuck do I have to suffer for the crimes that some goddamned ancestors committed?” I yelled.

“The whole system is messed up Franklin, and what I'm doing right now is to make sure that it doesn't happen to anyone else for generations to come.”

“So, why are you here?” I asked, seeing no reason to be bothered any longer. Scarlett was definitely now showing up again. And although I was going to ask him for every bit of help I could ask for, I couldn't risk blowing her cover.

“I came to say goodbye.” He said, and I nodded.

“Well, make sure you at least bury me when I die.” I hissed. “I deserve that at least.”

“Who knows? You might just not have to.” He said, and I shook my head.

“If staying alive means remaining in this body, I'd rather go.” I growled, remembering the several times I tried to kill myself. It would only hurt for a while, and then I'd come back alive.

The worst recovery I had was cutting off my head. It took a great deal of three painful days to grow a new one. I gave up almost immediately after that.

“Orion…” he called, but I didn't react, “I wish things could have happened differently.”

“Don't bore me with vain apologies, just leave.” I growled , and he nodded.

He walked past me, and kept walking.

“Wait!” I growled, and he immediately stopped walking. “Kiss Elizabeth on her right cheek for me.”

Jon nodded, and continued walking.