His Innocent Sera

Lying in bed, her vacant eyes remained fixed on the ceiling while silent tears

rolled off her temples. Hours had passed but she hadn't moved from her spot. His venomous words kept echoing in her head, piercing her heart like a poisoned whip.

You are my slave

I own you. Every breath you take is because I allow it.

You don't have a choice. You never did.

You are nothing without me. No one else would even look at you.

Act smart and I'll show you why you shouldn't have.

He never missed a chance to dehumanize her. But today, he took his cruelty to next level. How could he do that? She lost her first kiss to her bully, stolen without remorse, without an ounce of guilt. Her heart squeezed painfully as she reminisced. She had dreamt of sharing it with her soulmate. With someone who would cherish her, not use her like a tissue paper. Someone who would love her unconditionally.

She had already brushed seven times, bathed twice yet the phantom of his hands and mouth still crawled over her skin.

Something flew in through the window and settled on the bed's edge. She turned her head to find a pigeon edging closer. It cooed, tilting its head as if asking what ailed her. She longed to be a pigeon too. Life would have been so much easier. Expectantly, she glanced at the window only to find a bunch of pigeons there. She wasn't surprised.

Reaching out, she gently caressed its wings.

"How do you all figure out?" she asked the voiceless creature, confused and curious. She would never understand how they sensed her sorrow every time. This wasn't the first time they had visited her. Every time she felt low, her family might not be with her but they would show up. They were her true friends. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she fondly patted the pigeon.

Another pigeon landed on the bed. It opened its beak and a few grains of rice rolled out, scattering on the bed. She smiled at their sweet offering, momentarily forgetting about her grief. They had brought her food.

She was smiling but tears still kept rolling down. These mute creatures were the only ones who cared about her existence. They were the only ones who ever showed her kindness.

"Thank you, little angel," she accepted the offering wholeheartedly. She couldn't help but wish she was one of them too. She wished to be anything but a human. Being a human wasn't easy and on top os that being powerless was nothing short of a crime.

In no time, she was surrounded by several birds. They roamed around her room, sat over her study table, inside her shelf like they owned it. She didn't mind it though. In fact, she loved their company much more than humans. She talked to them for a while before they left for their nests, leaving her alone again. Finding her alone, the shadows closed in on her again.

She decided to skip school today as she didn't want to see his face. Her dad and Dyson left, leaving her and her mother alone. She did all the household chores and some extra to distract her mind. He had called her five times since morning but she didn't answer. She had run out of her endurance power.

She was asleep when the doorbell rang out, startling her. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes groggily. She had been up all night so she didn't realise when she fell asleep while reading. Removing the book from her chest, she climbed down the bed and headed downstairs to open the door.

She cracked the door open and fond Hannah standing before her, carrying her bag. A smile lit up Sera's face upon seeing her and she opened the door wide to let her in.

"Hi, I was wondering if you would like to paint today," Hannah asked, brimming with excitement. Sera found her very adorable- the little girl she had never been. How could she say no to her?noveldrama

"Of course, come in," Sera side-stepped to let her in. Hannah grinned widely.

"Yes!" she threw her fist in the air, earning a giggle from her. Grinning, Hannah added, "I am so happy Nate came up with this idea. I've wanted to paint so long with you."

The mention of Nate caused her giggle to die instantly. She looked over Hannah's shoulder and saw him approaching them. His cold eyes were locked on her as he came closer, stride by stride. A sickening sensation twisted in Sera's guts. Her mind raced trying to figure out his intention.

He came to a stop beside Hannah, his gaze intent on Sera.

"Won't you invite my sister in?" he asked after she didn't speak for a long moment. Sera swallowed and stepped back.

Hannah skipped her way into the house. Nate remained at his spot, assessing her appearance.

"Tell her to go to your room," he instructed her in a low murmur. She paled. "Why?" she asked, wary of the answer.

"Do as I say," he said before strolling in with his oppressive aura.

Sera reluctantly locked the door and closed her eyes for a moment before

opening them and turning on her heels.

Nate and Hannah were seated in the couch.

She advanced towards them, putting on a fake smile and said, "Hannah, you go

to my room. I'll make you your favorite chocolate shake."

"Okay," Hannah beamed before shooting a glance at Nate and asked, "You're leaving?"

Nate also rose to his feet and said, "I'll be off now." His gaze lingered on Sera. "Come and pick me up at 8," she instructed before skipping her way up the stairs. As soon as they were alone, Nate shifted his gaze to her. A tense silence dominated the air.

"I am thirsty," he broke the silence, his intense gaze fixed on her.

'I..I'll get some water," she stuttered before sprinting towards the kitchen only to hide from his gaze.

She was pouring water in a glass when she suddenly felt his presence hovering behind her. A moment later his arms circled around her waist, she turned rigid.