Chapter 153 - Flashback

"Nova, if you learn to behave I wouldn't have to hurt you," Eli says reaching out to me. I flinch at his touch as he pets my head like he actually cares. Eli's blue eyes and dark black hair used to be attractive to me. He used to look like a hot greek god, but now? 

Now he was just a monster who broke me and locked me into a cage. I've always been alone but when I met the attractive Eli in college, I fell head over heels in love. He said all the right things at all the right times and was even gentle and caring when I gave him my first time.

It wasn't until a year later that things had started to change. It started out with small remarks, no longer allowing me to hang out with friends, no going out, and no telling him no. It happened so gradually that I hadn't really noticed it.

I hadn't noticed how much he had isolated me and controlled me. Things only kept getting worse and when I finally did tell him no? I was beaten. I've never been hit by a grown man before... not by someone who claims to love me. 

After he beat me, he cleaned me up and took care of me like he wasn't the one who just did it and then forced himself on me to 'make up'. I cried the whole time. I then bid my time. I would obey him, sleep with him and make him happy while I set up my escape.

Even when I did everything I was told to do he would still lash out at me or come home drunk and pissed. I can't tell you how many times I had to wrap my own broken ribs as I silently cry behind closed doors.   

I almost didn't get away, he almost caught me. The memory still haunts me... Once I did escape, I took self-defense classes and hid as if my life depended on it. In a way, it kinda did. Eli came from money and if I'm not mistaken, his father was just like him. I clench my fists again as I look up to the heavy grey clouds above me. I do my best to shove the memories away from me but Eli had left a huge wound that has yet to really heal and Bai Lei just touched it.

I look down at my hands and laugh without humor. If I had the power I have now... I probably would have killed him just like I had done to those men on the street. I pour some power in my right hand and watch as the black energy comes to life. 

I killed them... I actually killed people... No, I killed monsters. I watch the black energy dance around my hand with curiosity. Should I be worried that I'm not more disturbed by killing them? I kinda wish Zhen was here to talk to... but to be honest, I'm not upset at all. I'm happy I was able to kill those sick bastards.

How many women have they raped and killed? I clench my fist and watch as the black energy grows. I pull my sleeve down and look to the bloodred markings. I have no idea who that woman was I met in my nightmare but one thing was clear, she gave me a gift.

What had she said? 'You have to stop him... you must' My smile grows as I start to connect things, now knowing what I need to do. I don't recognize the woman but I really must thank her. I now know how to fight these monsters.

I can't just walk into the Under Realm and walk up to the King but if I get myself 'kidnapped' and brought to him personally? Heh... I have a score to settle with him but I need more power. I struggled to absorb the three men on the street. 

I felt them fighting against me so I had to devour the two first before taking on the last guy but I did feel stronger after killing them and absorbing them. I think I should start looking for these monsters and start killing them one by one. 

They currently walk around like they own all the Realms, not caring who they hurt and kill so it should be easy to start picking them off one by one. They think they're at the top of the food chain, little do they know that a new predator has now appeared.   

With the element of surprise, I should be able to take a large number of them out. Thank goodness I killed all three of them. I don't want word to get out about how I killed them... When a large shadow falls over me, I look up to find Bai Lei looking down at me with concern.

I feel like the biggest ass... "Are... are you okay?" I ask with shame while quickly looking away. He sits in front of me and says "Look at me." I turn to face him with guilt but he just reaches out and strokes my cheek while saying "I know you don't want to talk about it but when you're ready, I'm here." 

My eyes burn as tears blur my vision "I'm sorry..." I say with a tight voice. Bai Lei quickly pulls me into his lap and holds me close as he says "Don't apologize for being hurt. I'm fine as long as you're okay." His strong hands bring me comfort in ways I've never experienced before. 

I lay my head on his strong chest and cuddle close to him. For some reason, I always feel safe in his arms. Like I'm something worth protecting. I want to protect this, to protect this man and his kingdom. I feel like this world is the world I want to live in and spend the rest of my life in.  

I slowly open my eyes as he gently strokes my back the way he always does. I will do everything in my power to become stronger to protect the ones I love and care about. I finally have something called home... something like a family. May God have mercy on my enemies, because I sure as hell won't...