12. STAKING A CLAIM

ELIO

My hands were shaking. Glass tears covered my eyes as I writhed in anger. I felt as if the anger would burn me then engulf the whole world. I stared at the streets passing, stared ahead then at my hands because I did not know where to look. I did not know what to feel because a million parts of me were shredding apart. I could not breathe, my hand moving up to my throat. I wanted to squeeze it in. I lowered my hand back, bending over the seat with the car seeming to shake itself. I wanted to scream so loud. Just to let the anger out but I decided to hold it in.

Each breath taken blew to the fire that was already deadly. Someone would pay. Someone had to pay. I stared straight into the review mirror, my driver stepping on the gas. I was in no condition to drive, my car left in Lethu’s driveway.

The darkness settled and took root around but I could barely even see. All I craved was blood. All I craved were screams and death.

My heart had never drummed so hard. My skin was hot w