I Wont Crucify The things You do

Absinth's mind raced with suspicion and apprehension as she absorbed the woman's words. The revelation of their familial connection sent shivers down her spine, igniting a sense of paranoia that simmered beneath the surface. Was it all part of some elaborate scheme created by her father? Get her comfortable, then rip the rug out from under her, that she was never free? Just a rat in a cage? Her body tensed with unease, every word spoken by the woman dissected and analyzed for hidden motives. The mention of her father only fueled her sense of distrust, his name a dark shadow looming over her past. Even if Ely hadn’t meant to set her on edge, Absinth was reeling with the fact that his reach was seemingly this far out… she felt like she was in the palm of his hand, that her paranoia at times of his eyes on her were entirely justified.

As the woman offered to share the names of their siblings, Absinth's mind whirled with suspicion. What secrets lay hidden within their shared bloodline, and what dangers awaited her should she dare to seek out their lost family members? The thought of meeting Ely’s siblings filled her with a sense of dread. Her eldest siblings were pawns of Setekh, and if they found her they would surely drag her back to him. Would those half-siblings do the same? Did they worship the ground he walked on as much as he tried to instill into her herself?

"Yes… tell me their names," Absinth replied, her voice laced with an cutting edge barely contained. "But, if you happen to run into my father… Don’t tell him where I am. He has a temper. And I am a disobedient daughter. It’s better to pretend you do not know me. Just being the daughter of a woman he once claimed could put you in his cross fire as well, you don’t need him thinking you helped me stay hidden from him." Her words were a warning, a reminder of the precariousness of her own situation. She had not merely run from a fate of lying on her back for the pleasure of men, no. She had run from his promise of returning for her as well. His command to sit, and stay.

Ely did not seem to know her siblings either, so this was all word of mouth in the end. Still, Absinth's mind raced with doubt. Could she truly trust this woman, or was she merely another pet in the twisted game her father infinitely played? Only time would tell, but for now, Absinth remained vigilant, her senses on high alert for any sign of deception. Perhaps the best way to see just how well she could trust Elysia would have to be tested. Absinth dove headlong into it, the fear of her father’s manipulations compelling her to pry for truth. But it had to be done carefully. “My father is a devil, who thinks himself a God. He’s not just some cruel man, he’s insane. Every meaning of the word. I hope our half-siblings have not drank from his.. cup of indoctrination. He haunts me like no other, Ely.” Absinth set bait, to see what Elysia's response would be. Would her eyes flash with knowing, would she feign comfort, would she do the worst thing possible, and pity Absinth? Why the fuck couldn't she be free from him? He was like a disease, infecting every part of her life and soul.

wormwood