Forgotten

-Chapter 16-

I haven't left my room since Leo revealed what he had done to the person I loved most in this whole wretched world. I couldn't believe it. I know he hated me and wanted to hurt me. But key words are HURT ME. Not anyone else. Not Ina. She was so sweet and so innocent. She wanted to see the whole world. 

The sobs erupting from my chest hurt more than any wound Leo could adorn me with. If I would've known he would go this far I would've kept to myself. I should've known he would use the ones I love as a weakness. I couldn't help but blame myself for my cyborg friend's untimely death.

The cries racked my whole body. My trembling limbs making the entire bed rattle. I hated him so much. So very much. Ina was gone. And Aries was still missing. Probably locked up somewhere being starved or things I didn't want to imagine. I can't believe I have to wait another four months until we are wed to finally murder Leo. It was going to feel so, so good.

Night turned to day and day turned to night again. It was now two in the morning of the next day. My entire body was weak, and I felt completely drained. I had no more tears to shed. My stomach growled and my throat hissed with dehydration. I stumbled down to the castle's large kitchen, the wound on my thigh still handicapping my usual speed-walk. I opened I ginormous fridge in search of something to satisfy my cravings. Oh wait, the only thing that would do that would do drive a knife so far down his throat-

I settled for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The combination settling easily in my empty stomach. The castle was eerily quiet and dim with all the lights turned out besides the glow of the open refrigerator. Every now and then I could hear the soft patter of guards' footsteps patrolling around. I haven't even been bothered to check in on Angelo I had been so distracted by my grief. I hope he is okay.

I walked over to the giant window above the kitchen sink and glanced into the moonlit yard. The castle grounds were truly breathtaking. I felt myself fade in an out of consciousness as fatigue hit me like a train. I hadn't slept in over twenty-four hours. Taking one last glance around the giant green grassland, my eyes fell on the castle's strip of dumpsters. Specifically, the strand of glowing purple hair that stuck out over the edge of the nearest one.

Bile rose in my throat, and I swore I was going to throw up. But I had to see her. I had to say goodbye.

Sneaking outside was surprisingly easy, all the guards focused on what might be coming into the castle. I used the shadows and hugged the castle wall tightly to conceal my frame from being seen as I made my way to the dumpster. I had made it.

I hesitated looking in. Terrified to see the remains of my closest friend. But I had to. Grabbing onto the edge, I hoisted myself up and glanced in. The entire dumpster was full of broken cyborg parts, but my eyes zoned in on a specific head. Her teal eyes were locked open, the wires burnt at her neck. Seeing Ina like this made it truly dawn on me how fake she really was. 

But her personality was so very real. Something shiny glinted under the moon's soft glow from her neck socket. Lifting the heavy head and turning it upside down I noticed a small chip implanted into the side of her jawline. Picking it out carefully, I held it up to the sky, hoping to see it better. S-13. That was the label. Her personality chip. Hope gleamed in my chest for the first time in two days. There was still a chance Ina was alive. 

...

I had gotten back into the castle again, rather easily. I finally let myself sleep; Ina's chip tucked safely away. If I could just fine Aries, we could implant it into a different drone's body. Leo thought he could underestimate me, and he thought wrong. Again. When will men's ego every falter and make then realize the truth? That women are always right?

The next morning, I awoke with a newfound confidence, more than eager to start the day. I started off by finding Sofia. She was doing her usual morning patrol, which was very good. It meant she didn't feel the need to hover by Angelo's side.

"Sof!" I called as I ran up to her. "How is he?" I asked. The smile that spread across her beautiful face was such a relieving sight. "He woke up last night. Doctors said he'll be fine and just needs a few months of recovery." The sigh I let out was extremely loud and noticeable, but I didn't care. "Thank fuck." I muttered and Sofia laughed in agreement. Everything was finally turning around. That was until I walked back into the castle and ran into Mr. Shithead himself.

"Hello, trouble," I scowled but my stomach inevitably fluttered at hearing his deep, velvety voice after a while, "your red headed friend has been asking for you."