Catalyst of Change

"Are you kneeling or not?" 

His head was ringing, knowing full well his sister would feel even worse if he did so. If he could get the medicine some other way—

BANG! 

His eyes widened as a young lad—a teenager no more than 13 years old—had his head blown during his moment of doubt. 

"YOU!!!" he yelled but his knees had long been weakened. With this catalyst, it completely gave way and he flopped down to kneel on the floor. 

"Let them go. Please." He said, gritting his teeth in anger, humiliation, and worry for his sister and his people. 

Unexpectedly, Higson laughed. "Nyahahah! Why would I?" He said, "Do you think I'm so stupid? Do you think I didn't see you were planning on doing something earlier? What? Kick me out?"

Matthew paled, and Higson's eyes turned red at his reaction confirming his theory. 

"I…"

"You will follow all my orders, understood? Like you always did." he grinned and Matthew's fist clenched.