Heart of the Empire

her reflection, she noticed a weary 28-year-old woman with under-eye dark circles, a stark contrast to her once energeti

rough from sleep deprivation,

om, saying, "Yes, I'm awake." "Wha

eling paint, while the linoleum floor showed stains and signs of wear. She

led into the kitchen, his eyes tired and blo

opened the can and emptied it into a pot. I can attem

ey? You think that pitiful job of

the stove. She knew better than to argue. Her job as a waitress at t

could have more money if gamb

ain's voice was abrupt, causing Jenif

lied. "I'll attempt to work an additi

ze. How dare you speak disrespectfully to me, Jeni

illing with tears. I under

nter. He smirked, saying, "That's an improvement." "Quickly finish

and observing as he devoured them eagerly. She kept a small po

while eating, "I requi

utiously, "Wh

ook out a stack of bills from his pocket. The men must n

a beat. "Kain, where d

Don't ask questions

d tucking it into her apron poc

ng his jacket. "Good. And remember, if you

y exhale and retrieved the money from her pocket, gazing at it. It was the largest amount of mon

e clients were impolite, the gratuities were limited, and she felt pain in her feet fr

uring a short pause. "Are you alright? You appe

ile. "I'm doing well,

to talk to," Lisa said, offe

, I'm here," Lisa said, gi

lied, though she knew she couldn't share the

her apron pocket. The streets were dark and empty, and she

d the money in a loose floorboard beneath the bed,

y valuable possession she owned was the necklace left to her by her mother. She

r cheeks, "I desire your presence." "I am uns

s shouting abruptly woke

Kain's voice roared through th

shed into the living room, where Kain stood, his face

ist painfully. "What's wrong is that I c

Jenifer said, wincing as his grip

demanded, shaking

Jenifer replied quickly, hoping to calm him

Jenifer followed, her heart pounding. She watched as he tore

ed, stuffing the cash back into his poc

trying to keep her voice steady.

out of my way today. I have imp

of relief and dread. "Okay, Ka

oor. "And do not consider exiting this fl

wn her cheeks. She found herself stuck, without any escape route. Howe

ce's cool metal gave off an unfamiliar warmth, making her feel a sensation she had never ex

he hers glowed and a young lady looked out the window as