Chapter 5: Roll or die (2)
As their son was being absolutely pummeled down, Favian's parents had found themselves in the comfort of their bed, each of their naked bodies covered by the blankets. Sweat trickled down their skin as they snuggled together.
Svetlana's head found a snug spot on Laurence's expansive chest, her long black hair creating an abstract masterpiece on his stomach and chest. Laurence, meanwhile gently caressed her head as if reassuring her, while his eyes admired the beauty that was his wife.
In the quietude of their bedroom, unaware of their son's unfortunate beatdown filtering through the walls, the ground, the vases, and the bottles... the couple shared their intimate moment. Svetlana raised her head, gazing into her husband's eyes, a question lingering in her expression. "Do you really believe Favian will change?" she asked.
Laurence, with a stoic demeanor, responded, "I have no choice. If he doesn't change willingly, I'll find ways to make it happen. We can't let him ruin our family." As Laurence spoke, Svetlana's eyes began to water, a silent plea for another way. But Laurence, resolute in his decision, gently reassured her, "Whatever you have in mind won't work this time. We have to be firm for his sake and ours."
Svetlana wiped away a tear and asked, "What if he resents us for it? What if pushing him too hard only makes him rebel more?" Laurence sighed, his expression pained. "I know it won't be easy. But we can't let him continue down this destructive path. Tough love might be the only way to save him from himself."
With a deep breath, Svetlana nodded reluctantly. "I miss the boy he used to be. When did he start to change?" Laurence held her hand, his grip firm yet comforting. "I don't know. But sometimes, the hardest choices lead to the best outcomes, the sooner we start the better it will be."
Svetlana turned to Laurence, curiosity in her eyes, and asked, "What do you think he'll do with the money you gave him?" Laurence snorted in response. "Knowing him, probably drinking it away right now."
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Favian's POV:
Caught in Lucas's grip, I felt the forceful yank of my collar propelling me towards the wardrobe. "I am still waiting for an answer," he muttered as he walked towards me. The impact with the wardrobe was jarring, my back colliding with it, causing the structure to crumble and splinter under the force. Wood shards scattered around as I found myself sprawled on the floor.
Crazy bastard won't let me even speak, how am I supposed to answer if you continue to hit me? Breaking me from my line of thought, Lucas delivered a final kick to my stomach. However, to his surprise, I managed to raise my hands with three fingers extended. Confusion crossed Lucas's face, halting the pummeling assault for a few precious moments. It was a brief respite that I welcomed, gasping for air and seizing the opportunity to gather my thoughts.
Coughing and snorting blood from my nose, I managed to get back on my feet, leaning against the wall. A sharp pain and a distinctive crack hinted at something wrong with my shoulder. I just hoped it wasn't broken. "I -cough-cough- damn if you hit strong," I rasped, gathering whatever bravado I could muster. "I can give you three good reasons to let me go," I continued, meeting Lucas's gaze with a smirk, despite the pain radiating through my body. Lucas, with a smirk of his own, decided to indulge me, halting the relentless beating.
"Well then go ahead, humor me I suppose?" He said with a smirk. Despite the pain coursing through my back, I managed to stand tall, locking eyes with Lucas. "Glad to do it, but before that, is it not strange that no one entered the room even after all of this?" I winced from the pain, but Lucas remained silent, his curiosity evident in his gaze.
"You see, I personally instructed each servant inside this castle not to enter my room this night, no matter what happens or how many things are broken," I explained, attempting to maintain a semblance of control. "Why are you looking to die so much?" Lucas tilted his head, taking deliberate steps toward me. It was clear he wasn't thrilled with my display of bravado.
"Because I wanted to make sure no one disturbed us. I needed enough time to explain myself, even if it meant enduring more torture. You see, I like life, and I find death too boring to be entertained. So, I specifically went around the guards of the household and informed them that, in the slightest chance that I would disappear, the next morning would bring a small visit to your family, unsettling them. Predictably, they made a ruckus, but one stern gaze from the heir of this land put them in line like a disciplined fleet."
"I could kill you right now and escape with my family," Lucas declared, standing inches from me as he unsheathed his sword. "Sure, you could, but do you really think they will be able to escape? I mean, you may even get out of the county, but once word gets out that you killed a noble, everyone vying for favor with my family will certainly keep an eye out for you, you will most certainly escape but your old folks? Nah, they won't." I retorted with a smirk, some of my teeth missing and my mouth bloodied.
Lucas grunted before delivering a punch to my stomach, sending me sprawling to the ground. It seemed my plan was working; he understood that killing me wouldn't be as easy as he initially thought. He is hitting me because he knows I am right; this is working.
"You think you can kill me and get away? Go ahead, but remember that your family won't be so lucky," I taunted him with a wicked grin, blood dripping down my chin from my injured mouth.
Ok time to make him see reason now "Listen carefully, because I will only say this once. I will repay you and your family for every penny of damage I caused. And as an apology, I will give you all of my personal wealth." I gasped out between labored breaths, determined to make him see an alternative.
"And what is your third reason?" Lucas demanded. "I will stay away from Elenoir forever," I declared boldly, knowing it was the truth. "She can be your wife or your concubine for all I care, you can fuck her, marry her , I don'-."
But Lucas's hand met my cheek with a resounding slap, a warning to watch my words. "Don't talk about her like that," he snarled, eyes blazing with fury.
Foolish boy. Can't he see that she is nothing , compared for what he can achieve? "Fine," I muttered through gritted teeth, hiding my determination from his piercing gaze.I would make him pay for this, that's for sure....
"So what is your decision?" I asked, ready for whatever would be the end of this meeting
Without answering, Lucas grabbed me by the hair and forced me to meet his intense stare. "You will deliver the money to my parents tomorrow," he commanded coldly before delivering a swift headbutt that left me sprawled on the ground, and leaving
As I lay there alone and bloodied , laughter bubbled up from within me. It was a twisted response to the pain and humiliation, but I couldn't help it.Instead of grimacing in pain, I erupted into laughter.
As the laughter mingled with the metallic tang of blood, the voice of the original Favian echoed in my mind, dripping with disgust. "What are you laughing about? Don't you see your sorry state? Do you really like groveling down like a dog?" he sneered in my thoughts.
"I rolled the dice and I won," I replied amidst the laughter and blood, comprehending that my death had been postponed, at least for the moment. The last look Lucas gave me hinted at a waiting game, a chance for him to dispose of me discreetly without stirring up any unnecessary trouble.
"And I eagerly await it; next time we will fight I will be the one hunting you down, Lucas, I will let you know despair and kill that bitch in front of your eyes," I muttered as I laughed and rolled to the ground.
Meanwhile, for the real Favian who was so gladly insulting me, well, I had plans for him, and along the way, they might just help me survive in this strange world. After all, a good debtor always returns the favor given, and stay certain I will too. Count your day, Lucas, I refuse to be your stepping stone, and you instead will be mine.....