Pity for the enemy

"Thank you… thank you…", Cassandra chanted while prostrating herself in front of Talia.

"Don't make a scene", Talia said. She wanted to sound stern, but her voice was shaking. She couldn't imagine the amount of torture Cassandra went through and Talia was conflicted about feeling pity for the woman who tried to harm Damon.

"Go back quickly. Aren't you worried that Serena and Feya will find you here?" Talia asked while waving impatiently.

Cassandra scrambled to her feet, breathed another 'thank you', and then disappeared among the bushes.

Talia covered her face with her palms. The image of Cassandra's horrid flesh was etched into her mind, and she wished to erase it. Or maybe not… maybe it should stay there as a reminder of what witches are capable of. And not just witches, many others would cause harm indiscriminately. People shouldn't be trusted. No one should.

"Talia", Yasmin called. "About Cassandra, let me explain…"