Wat’s Wrong

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Life Isn’t Perfect

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Happily Ever After - Kaider one shots

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An Eye For An Eye + Part 2

Issues - more chapters are coming soon!

Description

1-NA Meeting

Warnings: swearing, blood, death.

Word count: 3536

Masterlist.

“The total number is; eighty three civilians dead, fifty one injured. We cleared all medical stations and left five for the ills. We scheduled a memorial ceremony in five days as you requested.”

She sat up in her chair and raised the glads to her lips, sipping the red wine.

“Good. What about the soldiers? How many?”

“Forty eight dead, thirteen injured.” Miller said and looked up. Her face said nothing however her mind was a storm. She couldn’t believe the numbers. She couldn’t believe that The East Nation would actually do that. She was aware of the thick hatred between the two nations, but slaughtering more than a hundred of her people, eighty of them civilians and forty of them soldiers of the Queen. She wanted to throw something — let out her boiling anger of the death of her people.

“Arrange presents and gratitude letters to all the mourning families. We will hold another memorial ceremony for the fallen soldiers.” She sighed as she realized there were going to be two official memorials hosted by the kingdom. The people were not going to be pleased about it. But it was the least she could do for now. The people will get to avenge those whom they lost in six days. The arena. There was a total of fifty two of the assassins that stayed alive, twenty of them will get burned for their sins and the others will go to the arena.

“Copy that, Your Majesty. Is there anything else you’d like my service in?”

“No, thank you, Miller. You’re excused.” She said and bit in her bread.

“Of course, My Queen.” He bowed and walked out of the dining room.

She sighed and downed yet another glass of wine. Not only did she have to deal with all the deaths, a dozen of buildings got destroyed by the intruders. She had to make sure the people had a place to stay and that the buildings will be built as fast as possible. Not as easy as it sounds. It’s been four days since all the chaos has happened. She still hasn’t talked to Kai — which she had to do sooner or later. As much as she wanted to just send him back to his land, she couldn’t. She needed to tell him exactly what will happen to his people and warn him about the people’s anger towards him and his nation. He didn’t deserve a warning, however as much as she hated to admit that, she knew he wasn’t the one to blame on what happened.

She took a deep breath and called,

“Kinney!”

Two seconds later Kinney entered the room and bowed to his queen.

“You called me, My Queen?”

“Yes, I did. Would please bring the emperor here? I’d like to chat with him.”

“Of course, My Queen.”

“Thank you, Kinney.”

After sipping some more of the wine she placed the glass on the table and took her knife in her hand. It was a small knife with a deadly blade. Her mother gave it to her when was twelve. She said that it was the one thing she had to always carry to remind herself of who she was. She hasn’t forgotten, but she didn’t care anymore. Her actions were for Luna and Luna only. She gave up so much for the people; for the country. She gave up the one thing she swore to never let go — she gave up on Kai.

It was her biggest regret. However, she knew it was the right thing to do. Too much was put at risk, not just for her. For the whole country. And even after she became queen, after all this years she still loved him dearly. He gave her hope when there was none, he accepted her as who she was regardless of where she was from. He was her everything, and when you give up on everything, you have nothing left. The doors to her office opened and Miller walked in, followed by Kinney and Kai. She straightened up in her chair and said,

“Thank you, Kinney, you may leave now.”

He bowed and left the room. Cinder took a second to observe Kai. Even though it has only been four days since they last saw each other, his facial hair has grown. He looked tired, the dark circles under his eyes giving him a weak look. He was wearing the same coat but different clothes underneath. He was handsome, that she couldn’t deny.

“Good afternoon, You Majesty. How are you?”

“I’m fine. As fine as I can be after being locked up for four days.” He said and sat down, something he has always refused to do.

“Yes, you’ll have to excuse me for that. I needed some space to think forward.”

“Of course.”

She took a deep breath, trying to clear her thoughts and focus on what she wanted.

“As you know, your intruders caused great damage to my country and its people, therefore we have captured a total of fifty two of them. Twenty will be executed for their crimes and the rest will go to the arena. Here is a private invite-“ she put the envelope on the table “-to the arena that will take place in four days, since these are your people-“

“No.” He cut her off with a cold tone. “You still don’t get it, do you?”

“Get what? That your people slaughtered mine? Get that the damage they caused will take weeks to fix? That there are dozens of families who are mourning? Get that sons lost their fathers, wives lost their husbands and so much more?” She snapped, her eyes widening in surprise of her own words.

“And I am deeply sorry for what happened but the arena is chaotic. You are teaching your people that avenging is the only way.” He said and got up.

“That is their only way. You have to understand, those people are angry, they are looking for justice, revenge. And I’m not going to take that away from them. Seeing the people that have slaughtered their loved ones suffer is the only way I can satisfy them, and me.”

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I understand the grief your people are in, I do. But the arena is not the way to treat this. Show them you can be merciful, that death is not all. Show them a different way; one with no violence.”

“I can’t do that.” She got up at well and leaned her hands on the table. “Changing my way of policy will show signs of weakness, cowardliness. If my people will start doubting, it will start a chaos. Then, I will have no control of what my people do in order to avenge.” She said and crossed her arms. He looked at her, as if she held all the answers to his problems. His eyes were hopeful - like they always were. He had always been the optimistic one, giving her hope and reasons to keep going. But now, his eyes were only making her weaker, not stronger. Not the way she needed to be.

“Then control them, make them listen to you when you say that these men will be punished but not through death and misery.” He continued, stepping closer to her. Miller didn’t step up this time, and she didn’t back away.

“I wish that I could do that, Your Majesty, I really do. But changing everything at this time of grief, anger and confusion is not a strategic move, and you know that.”

“Maybe it is, maybe this is the time to show your people that you are not a savage. That you can have mercy and not just cruelness.”

She chuckled humorlessly. There he was, thinking he could cause the change of the policy that had been running for thousands of years. However a part of her will always wonder what would have happened if she did change her ways and did try to find a way with no violence. She only wished it were true.

“These people don’t want mercy, they want revenge, not mercy for the guilty.” She started pacing, taking her wine glass and drowning the rest of it. “You think it is so simple to change everything these people have known for centuries, that I have known. Tell me, Your Majesty, if my people were to invade your country and murder your people, inocente children and brave men alike, would you not sentence them to death? Would you not want to get justice for your people?”

“I would, but if that came with the price of my people knowing nothing but violence, then no, I won’t. Because you see, I’m not like you. I don’t believe that killing people or sending the to the arena - I don’t know which is worse - is the solution. I don’t think that people are not worth saving-“

“I never said that.” She cut him off, getting tired of his lame acuses. She knew what he was saying was partly true, she knew that the arena was cruel, but it also brought justice to the guilty. Revenge for those who lost and suffered as a consequence of the sins that took place.

“But you are acting like it. You are showing them that if they do one wrong thing, one sin, they deserve to die. And that’s just not true.”

“So murdering inocente people is just one wrong thing? One slip? These people are guilty for murder, they will not be spared. But I am, in fact, giving them a chance to fight for their life, to show that they are worthy to live.”

“Can’t you fucking see?” He raised his voice, making Miller more alert of the Emperor’s closeness to the Queen. “You are punishing them for murder and then making them kill even more people, their own people, for what? To fight in the next arena? Or perhaps to be locked up for the rest of their lives. Think about it, Your Majesty,” he said mockingly, “you are just pushing them to doing more and more sins. And you claim that is justice? Eye for an eye is a joke.”

She refused to meet his eyes for a few seconds, knowing full well he was right. On the other hand, if she really did spared those lives, her people will not be happy. She knew that anger, the will for revenge. She couldn’t let herself take the only chance they had of avenging away from them.

“Get out.” She said quietly. Her tone wasn’t angry, it was calm. Because she wasn’t angry, she was confused, needing space to think.

“Your Majesty-“ Kai started, but she quickly shut him up. “Miller, please escort His Majesty back to his chambers.” She requested, still not meeting Kai’s eyes.

“Of course, My Queen.” He said and walked over to Kai, gripping him elbow. Kai tore his arm away from his grip.

“You’re just going to lock me up again? Why? Are you afraid I’m right? You know I am. Showing mercy doesn’t make you weak, but ignoring the truth when it’s laid right before you does.” He said harshly before walking out, not sparing her another glance. Miller followed after him.

She was confused, angry, torn. She didn’t know what to make of what Kai has dropped upon her. He was right, that she knew. She returned to her office later, deciding to clear her mind. She couldn’t stop thinking about what Kai said. She wanted more than anything to listen to him and end the cycle of violence that has been running in the country. She could, playing the right tactics she could do it. But at what cost? Unlike her mother, Channary, she wasn’t a reckless ruler. Her mother did not care about Luna, and did nothing to improve it. Cinder was determined to change that. And she did.

The civilians liked the way she ruled, they liked her. She was a beloved queen. And she knew that once she would change her way, they would follow. But out of loyalty, they wouldn’t agree with her. Of course, there were people who objected to her rule, to her system. She wanted justice to them too. But it wasn’t possible, she knew that. She needed to get her mind back on track, to see what was her next move. She needed to remind herself of what happened. Could she actually consider changing her whole way? Taking mercy on those who slaughtered her people? She was weak to even think that.

A knock on her door drew her out of her thoughts.

“Come in.”

Miller walked in, bowing. “Oh, you don’t have to do that. Please,” she gestured to the chair that sat in front of her desk, “sit down.”

He sat down, placing his gun beside his feet. “I wanted to talk to you and I hope you know I mean no disrespect.”

“Of course, you know your opinion always matters to me.”

“I think the Emperor is right, our way is nothing but violence. We are punishing murderers by making them kill each other. Is that really what you want to show our people?”

“I’ll be honest with you, I think you’re right. But it is way too late to do anything about it.” She straightened up in her chair and fixed her ponytail. “Would you please have the Emperor released?”

“Of course, My Queen.” He said and got up, taking his gun with him.

“Thank you, Miller, for sharing your opinion with me. Just know I have the best interest of Lunar in mind.”

“I do, Your Majesty.” He said and walked out of the room.

Cinder took a deep breath and leaned back in her chair. A part of her was afraid that Kai would hate her forever. Because there was no way that she would cancel the arena and let all those people live. They were guilty, and only the guilty deserve to die.

________

Four years ago.

She walked through the giant field, breathing in the sweet air and running her fingers along the flowers. Her shoes were dirtied from the wet mud she walked on and her dress had brown spots at the ends but she didn’t care. She stopped walking, leaning her head back, letting her hair flow in the wind. She opened her eyes go the beautiful blue sky, there were a few clouds but not enough to drop rain or to block the bright sun.

“Your Highness!” She heard being called from afar. At first, she pretended not to hear it, not wanting to deal with anything during the peaceful moment. “Your Highness!” Was called again. This time, she turned her head to the source of the voice. She spotted her guard, Alden, standing right before the field. She groaned and started walking back. That was it, a total of fifteen minutes to relax herself from the exhausting life she lived.

“What is it, Alden?” She asked once she got close enough for him to be in her ear shot.

“Your mother is looking for you, Princess.” He said and bowed. She shook her head in disapproval. “How many times do I have to tell you? You can call me Cinder. I call you Alden, it’s only fair.”

“Very well then, Cinder, please let me escort you to Her Majesty’s chambers.” He said and offered her his elbow.

“I will love nothing more, Alden, thank you.” She said and took his elbow, the two of them starting to march towards the palace. Although what she said, she did not want to see her mother at the moment. She loved her mother dearly, however she could come off as quit a handful sometimes. Her childhood wasn’t filled with love and affection, but Alden made it easier. She had known him since she was a little girl. He always kept her company and made her life in the palace more bearable. He wasn’t the only one she had though, her cousin, Winter, was her best friend. If it wasn’t for her, Cinder would be sure to have already jumped off of her window.

They reached the royal chambers, however the two guards that were normally stood by the door were gone.

“Where are the guards?” She asked and turned to Alden.

“I don’t know, it must be a privet meeting.” He said, yet she could hear his doubt in his voice. He stepped forward and opened the doors, letting her walk in. Her mother was there, in her bed, and her aunt standing beside her. Winter was also there, standing near the table.

“Well, hello, Princess. I’m glad you could make it.” Her aunt greeted. “Oh, I see you brought the boy toy with you.”

Alden turned his gaze to Cinder, questioning. “It’s okay, just wait for me outside, please.” She said, attempting to smile at him after her aunt’s rudeness. He nodded and bowed, but before he could walk out of the room, Levana spoke up.

“No, that’s okay, he can stay here. We won’t be long.” She turned back to Levana, her gaze falling to her mother.

“What happened, why is she lying here?” She asked and stepped forward. She noticed Winter’s pained look, the girl couldn’t even bring herself to meet her eyes.

“I’m afraid your mother has fallen sick, she dies this afternoon.” She replied, yet no emotion was written on her face.

“W-what?” She stuttered, trying to make sense of the words. “She’s dead?”

“Yes, you can ask Winter if you don’t believe me.” She said and motioned to her with her hand. Winter was still with her head down but her eyes finally met Cinder’s.

“It’s true, I’m so sorry, Cinder.” She said, her voice breaking.

“But I didn’t even know she was sick! How could she be dead already?” She didn’t raise her voice, but shock and bits of anger were threatening to explode out of her.

“I’m sorry, but there’s nothing we can do now.”

She felt two drops of tears fall down on her cheeks, she immediately wiped them both with her hands. She walked to the bed, kneeling down and taking her mother’s lifeless hand.

“Mother..” she whispered. “I love you.” She squeezed her hand that was already cold. Her mother was cruel and careless, but not towards her. As Alden told her, her mother was a whole different person before she was born. Cinder had changed her completely. A loud gunshot made her jump and yelp. She turned around and saw Alden laying on the floor, blood looting from his chest.

“No!” She screamed and ran to him, pressing her hands to his wound. She could see her reflection in the blood, frightened and weak. “No, please don’t leave me.” She cried as she pressed harder, but it was no use, he was already dead. She turned to Levana, holding the gun. “What is wrong with you?! He was inocente!” She yelled.

“I couldn’t afford any witnesses.” She said before aiming the hun a Winter. “And I can’t afford to lose the crown. Not to some stranger,” she shot Winter in the head, making Cinder scream, “and not to my niece.” She aimed the gun at her. She couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. Shock going through her body over and over again, completely paralysed under her aunt’s glare. Mother is dead, Alden is dead, Winter is dead.

She suddenly became aware, and her survival instinct kicked it. She leaped back, running as fast as she could towards the door. Levanta shot the first shot, the bullet grazing Cinder’s hip. She groaned loudly in pain and ran to the table, flipping it over to use it as a temporary shield. Her eyes flickered to Winter’s body, her eyes were still opened. She quickly removed her gaze, instead focusing on her crazy aunt that was currently trying to kill her.

She screamed as she felt an agonising pain in her lower back. An idea popped in her head, a rather dangerous one. If she was going to die, the least she could do was fight. She moved as fast as she could to Alden’s body, quickly fetching his rifle, hissing against the sharp pain. She had shot a gun before, Alden taught her. She took aimed and pulled the trigger. The kick wasn’t that bad but it took her seven bullets before she finally hit Levana. First bullet hit her stomach, second near her chest. She fell back, her clock dropping on the floor. Cinder ran and kicked the gun out of her reach. Her aunt’s eyes were on her, filled with hatred.

“I-I should have killed you w-when I had the chance.” She said and coughed, blood spilling from her mouth along with her wounds.

“Well you didn’t, guess that was a mistake, wasn’t it?” She said, crouching down closer to her face. “They were innocent, not guilty. You only kill the guilty, only the guilty deserve to die.”

“Your mother taught you that?” She coughed out.

It is Marshall’s birthday, so please let us join in a moment of silence to appreciate everything that that man has been through and everything that he’s done. Happy birthday, my love😘

And now a huge thank you to him for being an inspiration for hundreds of thousands of people, for giving them hope. For being an example of how you can rise up, even if you’re at rock bottom. I appreciate him and everything that he has accomplished so much. He is the best writer, rapper and artist this world even had. He has shown us that he is the number one king in the rap industry over and over again, always coming back stronger. I personally take so much from him, from all that he’s done. I truly believe that he is god of rap. So thank you, Em, for being the best rapper of all times and for being the real Slim Shady!

Issues, writer - @linhcinder686

Warnings: swearing, drug use, mentions of cancer, mentions of abuse.

Word count: 3053

Masterlist

Description

Cinder woke up to the familiar smell of maple and pancakes, old memories of when she was 15, running down the stairs to greet her mom and little Peony for breakfast ran through her mind. She smiled at the thought. It seems as if the good days were nothing but a sore memory.

She reached to her right to find the bed empty, Peony must've woken up earlier. She sat up and rubbed her eyes, feeling her growling stomach. Seeing as she didn't bother eating dinner the day before, she was hungry.

She took her phone and looked at the time, 13:42. She fixed her ponytail and got up, walking down the stairs. The old wood squeaked under her weight, alerting her mother and sister of her presence. Adri was cooking pancakes while Peony setting up the table. She smiled at her.

"Oh, hey. I didn't want to wake you, knowing that you had a shift last night." She said and reached to hug her sister.

Cinder hugged her back and said,

"Thank you Peony, I really was exhausted."

"I still don't get why you work at night." Her mother stepped in the conversation.

"I work at night because Carlos is usually here." She said and sat down next to Peony.

"And?" She urged her.

"Really, mom?"

Adri didn't reply. It wasn't the first time she questioned Cinder about her working at night. She always played inocente as if she didn't know how much pain and misery Carlos was bringing into their lives.

"I didn't have pancakes for a long time." She said, trying to change the subject and brighten up the mood.

"If you lived here, you would eat pancakes every Wednesday." Adri said, in what Cinder liked to call, her judging voice.

"Well, I had to start my own life sooner or later, I chose sooner."

They ate in a comfortable silence, the only noise filling the room was the silverware hitting the plates. She felt the slight awkwardness but chose to ignore it. She reached for her glass and took a sip, feeling the cold water run all the way down to her stomach.

"Peony, don't you have school today?" She asked.

"Yes, but I wanted to have a little quality time with my sister." Peony said, smiling at Cinder. Cinder smiled back at her and continued eating. God, how she loved that kid.

They soon finished the meal, not another word passing between the three. Eventually Peony had to get ready for the day, leaving Cinder and her mother to clean up the breakfast.

"You need to spend more time with her." Her mother said and put down a glass in the sink for Cinder to wash.

"I try, but I mostly see her when she calls me crying, asking for me to come home." She replied as she washed the glass.

"And why do you think she asked you to come home?" Adri asked.

"Because Carlos is either acting up or throwing unnecessary punches." She replied and dried her hands with a towel. She knew that her comment would piss her mother off but she needed to know how bad things were, because apparently when things are right in front of you you can be oblivious.

"It is not your job to take care of that. I've got it under control." Adri said and crossed her arms, fixing her posture. She hates how she always tried to put up a good front, pretend as if everything was fine and solvable, even to your own daughter.

"Really?" She raised her eyebrows. "And Carlos hitting you in front of Peony is you being under control?" Cinder raised her voice, feeling the exhaustion and frustration hitting her in full force.

"Do not yell at me. I don't care how much your life is messed up, I am still your mother."

"And I'm not a child anymore, unlike Peony, who is 15 years old, mom. She is only a child and already has to deal with all of this. It isn't right and you know it and I know it. The only difference is that I'm actually doing something about it."

That silenced Adri. Cinder knew she hit a soft spot, but she didn't care. She has tried everything with her, and since reasoning, talking and basically showing her that Carlos was nothing but an arrogant, violent asshole, she needed to argue with her. Just like with everything.

Footsteps coming closer drew her attention to Peony walking in the room, dressed in jeans and a yellow flannel.

"What did I miss?" She asked, looking between the two.

"Nothing important." Cinder shook her head. "Wait here and I'll go get my shoes and then we'll go to my apartment to watch a movie, okay?"

"Okay." Peony said, grinning.

Cinder climbed the stairs, put on her boots and took a deep breath before getting down. Fighting with her mom was intolerable, always bringing down.

"I'll bring her back in two hours." She said as she opened the door, Peony beside her. Adri didn't say anything and just nodded.

They got out of the house and in her car. Cinder turned on the engine and put on her seatbelt but made no move further.

"How much did you hear?" Cinder asked and turned to look at Peony, already knowing there wasn't any chance she didn't hear the conversation.

"Everything. And I'm not a little child, Cinder, I can handle some things."

She put the car on drive and hit the gas.

"I know you are not a little child, but that doesn't mean you have to handle all of this. It isn't normal. You should not worry about those kinds of stuff. You should be worrying about boys and clothes."

"I am."

"Really?" She questioned, stealing a quick glance at her before turning her eyes back to the road. "Any boy who caught your attention?"

"Yes. His name is Heath. We've been friends for a while now."

"Is he hot?"

"Yes."

"Good for you. Have you kissed yet?"

"What? No. He doesn't even know that I like him."

"Why? Aren't you guys friends?"

"Yes, but like I said, he doesn't know I have feelings for him."

Cinder giggled and turned left towards the street of her building. She was happy that Peony was crushing on that boy. It was good to know she had a distraction from everything that was happening at home. She wanted Peony to have a better life than she had, she deserved that much if not even more. She wanted her to have all the things she didn't, to not make the same mistakes she has made along the way.

When Cinder was in high school, Adri had just married Carlos and Peony was only seven years old. She remembered how she didn't invite any of her friends home because of how things were, not that she had a lot of friends. She had Winter Heyle who was Cinder's closest friend, but they drifted apart after graduation and the last time she saw was at her wedding. She had Iko too, but she moved away to college and they never kept in touch. As for dating she didn't in high school — or at all, she just didn't see the point.

"I think you should tell him." Cinder said as she parked the car.

"I honestly don't think he likes me back."

"That's impossible, Peony. Have you looked in the mirror? You are the most beautiful girl in that school. You're sweet and kind, any guy would be lucky to have you."

"Thank you, Cinder, that means a lot." She said with a smile.

"However, I need to make sure whether or not that guy deserves you."

"Here we go." She rolled her eyes.

They got out of the car, entering the almost empty building. It was noon so everyone was at work. After climbing the stairs they got to the door and came in. Cinder placed her keys on the table.

"I'm going to take a shower, make yourself at home." She said and walked in the shower.

She took off her clothes and stepped under the hot water. They felt good on her skin. There were moments like these that she could close her eyes and relax, letting all the nerves and disturbing thoughts go away. Her head clearing, the water running down her body soothingly. Just the thought that Peony wasn't having it all that bad relaxed her. She closed her eyes and sank into the feeling of relaxation, running her finger through her messy brown hair.

After getting dressed in some cargo pants and a white tank top, her hair pulled up in a ponytail, she got out and saw Peony sitting on her bed, texting someone. She walked towards the kitchen and pulled out a beer and apple juice. She put the apple juice on the table for Peony and sat on the couch, opening her beer.

"Who are you texting?" She asked.

"Oh, just Heath. He's wondering why I didn't come to school today." She answered, not looking away from her phone.

"Sounds to me like he's into you."

"Yeah, yeah." She said, taking the apple juice and sitting next to Cinder.

"Here." She said and handed Peony the beer. Peony took a sip and handed it back to her.

"You want to watch something?" She suggested.

"Yeah."

They watched a couple episodes of Friends together, a normal show for a normal moment. In her life, normal wasn't something too common. So when she experienced something normal, like watching TV with your little sister, she cherished it. It almost felt peaceful. But Cinder knew she could never feel peaceful. There were too many things she had to worry about before she felt even the tiniest feeling of peace. However, she learned to face the fact that peace won't be coming her way.

After a few more episodes, Cinder's phone vibrated. She checked it and saw a message from Adri saying,

'Peony has to study because she missed school. Please take her home now.'

She sighed and turned off the TV.

"Hey! Why did you do that?" Peony asked.

"Mom texted. She wants you back home."

"Why does she have to ruin everything?" She groaned.

"She's not ruining anything, Peony, she wants you to study because you missed school. Now get up." Cinder said and got up, Peony followed after her.

She drove Peony to the house, nothing but a little small talk passing between them. Cinder parked the car and waited for Peony to get out.

"You're not coming?" Peony asked and took off her seatbelt.

"No, I'm sorry sweetie."

"Well, at least walk me?" She asked.

"Fine." She sighed.

They got out of the car and walked in the house. Cinder said her goodbye and went out. She sat on the stairs of the porch, lighting up a cigarette. She stayed there for a while thinking about her life.

What the fuck was she going to do?

Peony is going to graduate in two years, and then what? When Cinder graduated she didn't go to college; she didn't have the money. So she just messed up her life, made bad decisions that only hurt herself. She wished she could take it all back, but she couldn't. The only thing she could do was get back on track with her life; get a better job, stop with the drugs and stay out of trouble. But if she would do it, it wouldn't be for her.

It would be for Peony.

She needed to have a stable life for her, to get better for her. There were too many times when there were troubles at home and Cinder was lying on the floor of her living room, high. She couldn't help Peony. And that was what hurt the most. Not the fact that she could go to prison, again, not the fact that she had no money, and not even the fact that she could die from overdose. But it was Peony. She was the reason Cinder needed to get clean. Because she wouldn't be able to take it if Peony would end up like her.

"Sitting there, thinking about life. What could be more Cinderly than that?" Cinder jumped at Thorne's voice.

"What are you doing? You scared the hell out of me." She said and turned to him, he was standing to her left, leaning against the stairway railing, his arms crossed.

"Sorry, my bad." He said, smirking at her.

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes.

"Want some company?"

"Be my guest."

He sat down next to her, lighting his own cigarette. They sat there for a while, her head was filling up with worry again.

"I don't know what I'm gonna do." She finally said.

"About what?"

"Everything." She shrugged. "Peony is going to graduate and whether I like it or not she is going to have to go to college."

"What about your mother? Doesn't she have some money for her?"

"No. She had some for me but she used half of it on food and I wasted the other half on drugs when I was 19." She leaned her elbows on her knees, running her hand down her face.

"That's a shame. And Carlos? Isn't he rich or something?”

"Not rich, but he definitely has some money, but he will never waste it on Peony. He doesn't care about her."

"That asshole. I honestly don't see why your mother is still with him." He said, shaking his head.

"You and me both." She said and exhaled out the smoke. "I mean, I know she stays with him for the money, but for what cost?”

"If you ask me I think she should get a job and dump his ass." He said and took a hit.

"What about you?" Cinder asked, not wanting to keep talking about her mother's bad life decisions.

"What about me?"

"How are things with you?" She turned to look at him.

"Oh, uh, things are good. My mom was discharged from the hospital today and is in home care." He said and looked away.

Thorne's mother had a brain tumor and his father wasn't talking to him since he dropped out of college. He kept visiting his mother as many times as he could, but she was still dying.

"That's good news. Did you visit her at home?"

"Nope. My dad wouldn't let me and my 'drugged attitude' get in the house." He rolled his eyes, taking another hit.

"But it's your right to visit your own mother."

"Do you really think he cares?" He asked sarcastically. Though it wasn't even in the slightest funny.

His father was horrible. But not his whole life. Like her, Thorne didn't grow up in a wealthy home. However, his father held a lot of pride. His parents managed to put him in a fine school, his grades were good, but not great. Thorne graduated and went to college. He finished his first year with not so good grades and barely made it through the first semester. But in his second year he dropped out, and his father was disappointed in him and cut any connections he had with Thorne.

Cinder was about to say something when a fancy car passed by them and parked in the driveway of the house next door. From the car, got out a handsome man in a suit. He had dark hair but that's all she could gather from far away.

Thorne whistled.

"What do we have here?"

Cinder didn't reply and just stared at the man. He looked lost. He clearly didn't belong here; with his suit and car.

"Mercedes S-Class. That boy is rich as fuck." Thorne said.

"How do you know which car he has?" She asked and broke her stare to look at him.

"I wanted to get one of these but didn't have the money."

The man seemed to be looking for something, but not finding it. He went up to the porch and knocked on the door, but no one answered. He looked around and spotted them, sitting on the stairs. He started walking towards them.

"Let's see how that's gonna go." Thorne said.

"Let me." Cinder said.

"He's all yours."

He stood in front of them, only then she could see his brown eyes.

"Hey, uh, can you help me with something?"

Cinder got up and walked to him, inhaling her cigarette and blowing it in his face. He cringed. She smirked.

"Yes. How can I help you on this very fine day, sir?" She asked.

He chuckled nervously and said,

"It's just Kai, thank you. I was wondering if you know where the real estate agent woman is?"

"Real estate agent?" Thorne asked, standing beside Cinder.

"Yeah, I'm the guy who is buying the house there." The man — Kai — said and pointed to the house just a few feet from there.

Cinder wanted to laugh. That rich man, with the Mercedes S-Class and the suit, wanted to buy a house in this street. It almost sounded like a joke.

"You, are buying that house? In this street?" Thorne asked, as if reading her mind.

"Yes. Now, have you seen the real estate agent?"

"No. We haven't seen her." Cinder said, shaking her head.

"Okay, thank you." Ha said and walked away to his car, driving off.

"Well, that was weird." Thorne said.

"Yeah."

Cinder wondered what he could possibly want with this place. Was he actually going to live here?

"What? Got a little crush there?"

"What? No. What are we? In second grade?" She said and started walking to her house.

Thorne just laughed and pulled out his phone.

"It's almost six, aren't you supposed to be resting?"

"Yeah, I should probably go home." She turned to him.

"Okay, have fun."

"You're not gonna stop by?"

"Nah, I have a date."

Cinder chuckled.

"A date? Who is the victim now?"

"Hey! She is not a victim. Her name is Jenifer, and she is smart and funny."

"Like all the other girls who you slept with and never called back?"

"Oh, shut up and go to work." He rolled his eyes.

"I'm going." She laughed.

I just posted the first chapter of Issues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m soo fucking exited and I cannot wait until you all read it! I’ve worked hard on this book and I really hope you’ll like it!

Here is the link - 1-NA Meeting!

Enjoy reading and make sure to follow me on Wattpad (linhcinder686) for weekly updates and more!

Issues, writer - @linhcinder686

Warnings: swearing, drug use, mentions of abusive relationship, abuse, suicidal behavior, addiction, prison.

Word count: 1665

Masterlist

Description

"My name is Cinder and I'm an addict."

"Hello, Cinder."

"I'm 24 years old. I've been using for 7 years now. I've been arrested 26 times for drugs, theft and violence. I'm here because I'm a drug addict and I don't want to go to prison."

"Why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?"

"I just did."

"Well, maybe something a little more personal instead of just plain facts?"

What could she actually say?

The truth?

No.

A lie?

Yes, but what lie?

Cinder has told so many lies about herself to ignore her past and present that she didn't even know what she could say.

The last six years in Cinder's life have not been a hoot. With her stepfather, Carlos, at home, always fighting and beating up her mom. Her little sister, Peony, who was only 15 years old and already drawn into this mess of a life. Her mother who was...well, Cinder didn't really know what she was.

When she was younger her mom told her that she and Carlos loved each other, but over the years she understood that it was a complete lie. Her mom is with Carlos only for the money, but why go through all this?

Why scar your 15 years old daughter?

She didn't know.

She could remember every time Peony called her crying, asking her to come to the house because Carlos was acting out. She always came, always took care of things, even when they were hard.

Cinder left the house 5 years ago when she was 19 years old. It was hard. She had to work most of the day and night. However, after a while, she realized that working at day couldn't work due to the emergencies at the house. So she worked at night and slept during the day. She worked at Pitz's Bar. It was good, the money was enough for the rent to her apartment.

Growing up with her stepfather was unbearable. He was a very violent man and seeing her mother so defeated and helpless made her feel like she should have done something to protect her; to stop her pain. There was that one time when Cinder stole Carlos's gun in the middle of the night, she was on the verge of killing herself and ending it all at once. She felt as if death was her only option. That was when she started doing drugs, at age 17. It started as one or two cigarettes a day, just to relax herself and make everything go away for just a little while. But soon, with her life getting out of hand, Cinder got addicted to that feeling — the distraction the drugs provided.

It helped her escape and forget the crappy life she was living, even if it was only for a few hours. It helped when she lost hope; when she just couldn't take it anymore.

But not even the alcohol and drugs took away the fact that she was alone. Yes, she had her sister and her mother but her sister was only 15 and her mom was not exactly the person Cinder was able to have a heart-to-heart conversation with.

So she started hooking up with guys that hit on her at the bar, getting high with random people at parties. At that time she didn't feel like herself, she felt as if she were living another person's life — acting like another person. She lost control. And then she met Carswell Thorne.

They met under very weird circumstances; she was at her apartment when she got a phone call from Peony, not explaining anything, just telling her to come home fast. She immediately got in her car and drove off. She found the door locked and heard Carlos and her mom fighting, but she knew there was more to it.

She tried to kick the door open, but it didn't work. She tried everything she could, but the stupid door wouldn't budge.

Then she heard a voice behind her saying, 'looks like you could use some help'. She turned around and saw Carswell, or as he would prefer to be called, Thorne. She moved aside, seeing the sledgehammer in his hand. He crushed the lock within one strike. She didn't even thank him and just ran inside, knowing there was no time to waste.

They soon became friends. It took her 7 long months to trust him, but after 4 long years of friendship, having each other's backs, she trusted him with her life. They helped each other, at good and bad. She finally felt like someone was hearing her; like someone truly cared. Their friendship meant the world to her.

"My favorite color is blue." She said, causing the other people to laugh.

"Well, that is something." Said Scarlet, her AA consoler. She was only two years older than Cinder but seemed to have a respectable amount of life experience.

"What do you take?" She asked, a smile that was supposed to be warming on her face.

"Let's see," she sighed, "I smoke joints, blunts, cigarettes, marijuana. I take cocaine, meth, heroin, molly, benzo, I took LSP 10 a few times.." She trailed off.

"I see you have some experience."

"You could call it that." She shrugged.

"When was the last time you used?"

"Two hours ago I think." She said and leaned back in her chair.

"Are you aware you are not gonna use from now on, right?" Scarlet asked.

"I'm pretty sure I know that."

"You said you were arrested 26 times. When was the last time?"

"Two weeks ago, that's why I'm here."

"Have you served time in prison?"

"Yes."

"How much?"

Cinder's time in jail was not something she liked to talk about. So much happened when she was away, and she couldn't do anything about it. Peony called her when she could, but Carlos banned her from visiting, the jerk. And the only person that did visit her was Thorne.

"2 years." She said. If this occurred two years ago she would have looked down at her hands, trying to avoid all eye contact. But she wasn't that person anymore. As much as she hated admitting it, prison changed her.

"And when was that?"

"About almost a year ago."

"On what grounds?"

"Assaulting an officer, stealing some cash and drugs." She said. She was ashamed of it. What she did was reckless and stupid, and she regretted it, so much.

"Do you have a current job?"

"Yes, I'm a bartender." She nodded.

"Do you have anything else you would like to share?"

"No."

"Okay. Thank you for sharing, Cinder."

"I would've said my pleasure, but.." she rolled her eyes.

Scarlet chuckled and moved to the next person.

"What's your name?" She asked the guy who was sitting next to Cinder.

"Noah."

"Hello, Noah.”

—

Cinder parked her Nissan Versa 2013 at the parking lot near her building. She got into the old architecture and climbed the stairs since the elevator was broken again.

She got to her apartment and put the keys inside the lock, only to find it already open.  She would have freaked out, but Thorne did text her he was coming by. She opened the door and walked in.

Thorne was seated on the raw couch with a joint in his hand, his head leaned back.

"Finally. How long are these meetings supposed to be?" He asked her and lifted his head up.

She took off her coat, leaving her with her cargo pants and a white tank top.

"I have no idea. But today was the introduction so everyone was talking about themselves." Cinder said and sat down next to Thorne. She took the joint from his hand, put it between her lips and inhaled, letting the smoke blow as she exhaled.

"Aren't you supposed to not smoke?" He asked and took the joint from her.

"Yes, but I don't care about what I am supposed to be doing." She said and took the joint back.

"You do you." He shrugged.

They sat there for a while, smoking the joint. They were these moments that Cinder cherished the most; the relaxation warming her on the inside, without all the stress her life held.

"Do you have a shift tonight?" He asked her.

"Yeah, it starts at ten."

"So you have three hours?"

"Correct." She nodded.

"I'll swing by at eleven."

"Okay."

Another useless conversation between the two, though they were Cinder's favorites.

—

After what seemed like a lifetime, Cinder finally finished her shift.

It was 5 am and Cinder was so exhausted from all the stupid drunk people, she almost forgot she was staying at her mother's house. It was Tuesday and Carlos was out on some business trip and he won't be back in almost two weeks. Which was a relief. It wasn't something uncommon, he has a trip almost every two months, and those were the only times Cinder stayed at her mother's house.

When she got to the house, she parked her car at the place where Carlos's car was usually parked. She went up the stairs to the porch and opened the door as quietly as she could.

She got inside and examined the place.

Nothing has really changed since the last time she was here, but it still held a lot of memories. She looked over to the couch, remembering the many times she slept there when she was 17 and too afraid to tell her mother that she was drunk. Somehow, the more time she looked at the place, the more it pained her to see what her family and life have become.

She looked away and quickly went up to Peony's bedroom, passing her old bedroom that was now Carlos's office.

"My name is Cinder and I’m an addict. I'm 24 years old. I've been using for 7 years now. I've been arrested 26 times for drugs, theft and violence. I'm here because I'm a drug addict and I don't want to go to prison."

That's it. That's how Cinder Linh would describe herself even after all she's been through. She started from the basics, age and name, and then went to what that has been her reality for the past 5 years. Drugs. Even the word itself sounded so strange coming out of her mouth. But when she thought about drugs, instantly the familiar feeling of desire came over her. If you didn't know that part of her - the addiction - you would think she had her life under control. Living in her own apartment, working as a bartender, having friends and family who loved her. That way, it almost sounded perfect. But it was far from it. However, her condition was not an irreversible one. Even though she felt as if there was no way back from her actions, one person makes her see the good in her and in her life. That person makes everything less horrible, that person changes her life without her even knowing. The question is how. She trusted no one, right? So how did that person come into her life so quickly?

We all have issues, but the question is how do we solve them.

So.

Just wanted to let you all know that I am publishing the first chapter of Issues this Thursday! I’m sooo exited for this!

About weekly updates, there will be. However, they will be on Wattpad most of the times. Although it will take a few weeks and a few more final edits.

Warnings: swearing, mentions of death.

Word count: 3003

Masterlist

"......and therefore we will send twelve men there, ready to shoot." She said and leaned her hands on the table. Kai's head turned to her immediately.

"No. You can't do this, you can't just kill my people." He said. Cinder looked at him and chuckled.

"Your people invaded my country. It is my duty to protect my people by sending there soldiers." She said while not breaking their eye contact. It all started a few days ago and she couldn't believe it has come to this. Fifty earthens have broken into Artemisia three days ago. Cinder guessed they were only people banished by the Emperor, but they weren't. Miller has confirmed this morning that they were up to no good. She then called a meeting with the Emperor to set the record straight and had him come to her land instantly. He came and well, they were not getting closer to an agreement.

"I know, but it doesn't mean you can kill them." He argued and took a step closer to her desk. Although she was behind it, Miller raised his hand and stopped Kai from taking another step closer to the Queen. She nodded to Miller, he leaned his head down and stepped back.

"Here are my terms, Your Majesty," she said and got up from her chair, "if you open fire — I open fire, if you fight — I fight. I am not looking to kill your people, but if they want a fight, I will make sure they get one. However, if they will stay where they are and not make a move against us, I will do nothing." She finished.

"Fine with me, but tell your men to stand down." He said.

She took a deep breath and said,

"As I said, I will not send them back, but they will not make a move until they have to. Nevertheless, they are staying there for the people's protection."

He sighed and sat in the chair placed behind him. He ran a hand through his hair and closed his eyes shut tight and opened them.

"Fine."

Cinder could hear the desperation in his voice but ignored it. He needed to know that these were her terms. Period.

"Good." She sat back in her chair. "I'm glad we could come to an agreement."

"This isn't an agreement. You shouldn't send your army to kill my people." He argued. She was done with this, she had bigger problems to deal with besides the Emperor's opinions on basic politics.

"Again, they are not there to kill your people, they are only there in case something happens." She said and rolled her eyes. "Now, can you please just accept this?"

The two doors to her office were opened by Windsor, one of the guards. He walked in and bowed to his Queen. She nodded her head.

"You asked for me, My Queen?" He asked her, maintaining his eye contact with her. Although she knew some of her people feared her, Cinder made sure that everyone would be able to look her in the eyes.

"Yes, I did, Windsor." She said and leaned her elbows on the desk. "Would you please escort the Emperor to the private chamber we have arranged him?"

"Of course, Your Majesty." He said and went to take Kai's elbow. Kai moved away from him and turned to Cinder.

"You can't just lock me up here, I will not walk straight into your trap." He said and stood up.

"I am not locking you up. You are here as my guest, Your Majesty, not my prisoner." She said. "So please, go with Windsor, let me show you a place you can rest in."

"I want to be kept updated about the situation out there. These are my people you are talking about and I will-"

"That's enough, Emperor." She raised her hand. "I will keep you updated, but remember that those people that you count as your own are the same idiots who started all of this."

Before he could respond Windsor took him out of the room, closing the doors behind him.

"What now, My Queen?" Miller asked.

"Please," she pointed to the chair, "sit down." He sat down and she answered his question. "Now, we will wait for the things to come, besides that, we can do whatever we want."

"Well, there is-"

"Miller. This is Sergeant Nigro. Miller, do you read me?"

A voice interrupted him. He pulled out his radio and pressed the button.

"I read you, Sargeant, what happened?" He asked.

"They attacked. They killed seven people, five injured." Cinder's eyes widened and she froze. They attacked. Her heart quickened its beating and her breath caught in her throat.

"Copy that, are they soldiers or civilians?" He asked and looked up to meet her eyes. Once he noticed the look on her face he knew what this meant.

"Civilians. They are out for the other sectors."

"Wait." He said and turned to Cinder. "What do I tell him?" He asked her.

"Tell him to wait. In the meantime, bring here the Emperor." She said.

He got up. "Of course, Your Majesty." He said and bowed to her.

"Thank you."

He got out of the room. Cinder let out a sigh and leaned back in her chair. She couldn't just open fire on them, even with what she said, the last thing she needed right now was a war. She knew she couldn't do anything to hurt Kai's people but it didn't matter. She needed to prove her stand and if she had to do that in order to make sure it happens, she will.

The doors opened and two guards walked in, followed by Miller and Kai. She cleared her throat and stood up.

"Thank you, Kinney and Tobias, you may leave now." She said. The two guards bowed and left the room. "Your Majesty, I hope you've rested a little."

"I did." He responded. "May I ask why I am here?"

"Of course." She said and pointed to the chair. "Sit down, please."

"No, thank you."

"Suit yourself." She sat back in her chair and leaned her elbows on the desk, crossing her arms. "You are here because I wanted you to know before I give the command." She took the radio that was placed on her desk and pressed the button. "Nigro, do you read me?"

A few seconds fast before his response came.

"I do, Your Majesty."

"Good." She locked her eyes with Kai's as she said, "open fire, stop them and stop this madness."

Kai's eyes widened and his face gone pale.

"Copy that, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Nigro." She said and put down that radio.

"Are you serious? You can't just shoot them." He said.

"I can and I did." She said and slowly got up from her chair as well. "I told you what will happen if they attack, and they did. Seven dead, five injured. All by your people. Now tell me, why shouldn't I fire back?"

He looked at her and said nothing. She knew he thought the same — how couldn't he? She was right and he knew it.

"Just don't shoot to kill, they are not bad people." He said.

"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, Your Majesty. I presume you know what that means, right?"

"I do." He nodded.

"That is our policy. You get what you give, and if you escape it, congratulations." She smirked.

"Well, it doesn't have to be that way, Your Majesty. You can spare their lives. Take them as your prisoners. But please, just don't kill them." He said, stepping closer to her desk. "Please, you don't-"

She took a deep breath and said,

"I will not hear another word about this, Emperor. They are your people. Your people, your responsibility. You seem to have forgotten that. Then let me remind you." She straightened herself. "Anything that involves your people — involves you. They invaded my land, it is your responsibility to solve it. You say I'm attacking your people, but I'm only protecting mine. You dare ask me to take mercy on them? On the ones who slaughtered my people?" She raised her voice. "I must say, Your Majesty, you have quite a nerve."

"I admit, I may have been unfair with my requests. But you say that you've changed this place — that you made it better. But the way you run things around here, your policy," he said mockingly, "is even more unfair than my requests. You kill people, make them fight for their lives and watch it like some psychopath. You really think there isn't a problem with it? You're just like Levana, if not worse." He said, his voice laced with venom. Her jaw tightened with the last sentence. She felt herself getting angrier and angrier, waiting to lash out. But she held herself back and just glared at him.

"You will not disrespect The Queen in such way." Miller said, glaring at him too.

"It's okay, Miller," she raised her hand to stop him, "if the Emperor thinks our way is bad, then let's prove him wrong." She said, not taking her eyes off of Kai.

"Nevertheless, My Queen, he can't speak to you this way."

"I agree, he can't. And that will cost him his requests." She said and picked up the radio.

"Nigro?" She said to the radio.

"Yes, My Queen?" He answered.

"Move to G position. Shoot to kill, we are no longer looking for prisoners." She ordered.

"As you wish, My Queen."

"Wait-" she quickly said.

"Yes?"

"Leave some survivors, we need a few for the arena."

"No." Kai gasped. "You can't do this, just kill them, they don't have to fight-"

"Miller."

Miller stepped forward and said,

"That will be enough, Your Majesty."

"Did you copy that, Nigro?"

"I did, Your Majesty."

"Thank you." She put down the radio.

"I need to speak to you, Your Majesty." Kai said. "Privately." He looked over at Miller.

"Miller, leave us." She said. She wanted to know what exactly Kai had to say to her that couldn't be heard by her second. Again, her curiosity got the best of her.

"Of course, My Queen." He said and bowed before exiting the room.

"You used to hate it when someone called you 'My Queen'." Kai said once Miller left the room.

"I'm their queen, it only makes sense for them to call me that." She said.

"You've changed." He said, looking her up and down. "You're less you, you're more queenly than a few years ago."

"Well," she looked at him, doing the same thing he did to her, noticing his long dark coat and fingerless gloves he always wore, "five years as a queen changes you. I assume you know what I mean, right?"

"I do. I'm just trying to find where exactly we parted. What we had was strong enough to hold-"

"But it wasn't strong enough." She cut him off. "And whatever is that happened between us is long gone behind us."

She saw a little spark of disappointment in his eyes. She knew that subject hurt him as much as it hurt her. They broke up because of their nations, and because she was the next to rule hers. She didn't want to end their relationship. She loved him, she still did.

"You're right, you are the queen of Luna, I'm the emperor of The East Nation, it was doomed to fail." He said and looked down.

"So, what is it that you wanted to speak about with me privately?" She asked him, wanting to switch the subject.

"Right." He cleared his throat and looked up. "Look, I'm sorry that I said you're like Levana because you're not. Nonetheless, you have to understand that killing them all isn't the solution."

"I'm not killing them all." She said.

"Yes, but you're sending them to the arena and that's not exactly sparing them."

"I don't want to spare them. They acted against my people, that can't go unnoticed."

He walked past the desk and reached her side, standing close to her. She took a deep breath and pursed her lips. They hadn't stood this close since four years ago. It was quite weird standing close to him, yet still familiar.

"Please, let me send someone to go there, make order in this mess, I can solve this. This doesn't have to end like this." He said with a look of passion on his face. Stars, how she loved that look. It was the same look he used to have when he told her he loved her for that first time. It almost had the same effect on her.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but I cannot let you do that. An eye for an eye, that is our way. I can't just ignore that and do whatever I want."

"I know," he stepped closer to her, "but please, don't send them to the arena."

"I can't do that-"

"Please, Cinder, I'm begging you. If you want to kill them — then kill them. But don't send them to the arena."

"It's 'Your Majesty' for you." She said. Him calling her by her name was new yet old. It brought her to a time when she was happy, when she felt whole. With Kai.

"My apologies, Your Majesty. I did not know it bothered you."

"It does."

Silence filled the room, both of them stared at each other. She thought of how much she missed his brown eyes, his dark hair, running her hand through it. Before she could move away, he leaned down and kissed her, wrapping his arms around her waist. His lips. His soft, talented lips. They had the same effect on her, and that effect made her kiss him back, tying her hands around his neck. He pulled her closer, letting his hands wander down her back. When his hands reached her backside she pulled back, knowing why he kissed her. She couldn't believe he'd do that. But most of all she couldn't believe she actually fell for it.

She stepped back and pulled the chip from the back pocket of her jeans.

"This is what you want, isn't it?" She asked him and held the tiny chip between her fingers. He didn't say anything and just looked down. She smirked. "I knew you played dirty I just didn't know you'd stoop down to this level of dirty." She walked to the end of the table, placing the chip on it. "Tell me, why do you want this?"

He didn't answer but looked up at her. She saw the slight regret in his eyes. She knew better than to be affected by them.

"You want to know my tactics, don't you?" She laughed and stepped closer to him, taking the chip.

"If you want it so bad, here," she put the chip in the front pocket of his pants, "take it."

She locked her eyes with his and felt the tension between them. He didn't move but didn't break their eye contact either. Without noticing, they both slowly leaned closer, not breaking eye contact. She was lost in his eyes, and she knew it. Nonetheless, she let herself get lost in them. His warm, copper brown eyes that she loved.

"Your Majesty?" Nigro's voice came from the radio cut the moment. She looked away and took the radio.

"Yes, Nigro?" She said, not looking at Kai.

"We have a problem, a big one."

"What happened?"

"There are more earthens, at least eighty. They are attacking us."

She gulped and said,

"How many deaths?"

"Seventy six dead, thirty injured. They are mostly civilians."

She froze. Seventy six dead. Seventy six people — her people — were dead. She couldn't believe it. Her shock soon turned into anger and turned to Kai, glaring at him with anger. His face showed surprise, but she couldn't care less.

"Nigro."

"Yes, My Queen?"

"Blind up an OG line, make sure to not let anyone cross it. Switch to an H position and kill as many as you can. I want them dead." She sneered, trying to maintain her anger.

"Copy that, Your Majesty."

"Good. Bring the injured to the medical station, I'll take it from there."

"Okay."

"Thank you, Nigro."

She put down the radio and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself before she tore this place apart.

"Your Majesty, I had no idea-"

She raised her hand and cut him off.

"Miller!" She called. Not two seconds have passed and Miller stepped into the room, bowing before the queen.

"Yes, My Queen?"

"Please take His Majesty to his room and lock him up." She ordered.

"What-" Kai protested but Cinder was quick to cut him off.

"And lock his little bitch Torin in there too." She added.

Miller nodded and grabbed Kai's elbow, dragging him out of the room.

"And Miller?"

"Yes, My Queen?" He turned around.

"Make sure to hurt Torin a little bit while you're at it." She smirked.

"No!" Kai yelled and struggled against Miller's grip.

"I'm sorry for holding you up, but one more thing, Miller."

"You are not holding me up, Your Majesty, what is it?"

"I want you to come to sector seven with me as my second, will you be able to do that? Tell me the truth." She said. She always made sure that her people were not afraid of her and even if they were, she made sure they could speak truthfully to her. She appreciated honesty most of all.

"I will be able to that, Your Majesty. Thank you for the opportunity." He bowed.

"Thank you, for agreeing. Now go."

He left the room with Kai and closed the doors. She sat down on her chair and tightened her jaw. Seventy six of her people, dead. She was going to get her revenge.

So.

I just published a new book on Wattpad, Issues!

I am very excited about this because I have been working my ass off for this one, so make sure to check it out on my Wattpad profile — LinhCinder686. Truth be told, I will be posting the first chapter here on Tumblr, but most weekly updates will be on Wattpad.

I really hope you’ll like it!

Have a great day/night!

The power of music, baby.

This song is fucking gold.