Sweet as the Grape

Absinth’s expression darkened, her gaze sharpening as she registered the shift in Sericea’s voice, the tremor in her words. She didn’t miss the subtle crack in her daughter’s tone, the confusion twisting her gaze into something else entirely. Slowly, she exhaled, each breath grounding her, as if she were preparing to wield the truth like a blade. She imagined it was difficult to hear this, what will the image of herself she had always instilled in the children.

“Yes,” she replied, voice unwavering, carrying the weight of memories and rough edges honed by survival. "He’s dangerous. Not like a bear or a cougar. You can’t predict him, can’t know what will set him off. He hurt me not just with his claws or his teeth, but with the things he put in my mind, the way he twisted everything until I didn't know what love or loyalty meant. I guess I never did in the first place, which is why it was so fucking easy for him. I don’t know. You can’t understand madmen." You can only survive them. Play their game if you cannot escape, bear the consequences of knowing them for the rest of you life.

Absinth’s claws flexed into the earth as she continued, feeling Sericea’s tension rise, a thread of realization pulling at something just out of sight. Just on the tip of her tongue. "Things like him only survive off of the emotions of others. Taking everything without giving anything but the worst in return.” Her voice dipped, rough with bitterness, but her gaze remained steady, pinning Sericea down with a history the girl may never understand. A slight tremor entered her paws, her fores, yet Absinth couldn't tell if it was fear or anger that shook her so.

Her hackles raised slightly, eyes narrowing as something clicked into place, a suspicion coiling tight in her chest, but it was shoved harshly aside as she continued. She had to continue. “...Setekh has a way of making himself seem all-knowing. Fuck, god knows what in that skull of his. But he’s only a man.” Absinth’s voice turned bitter, almost a whisper, as if speaking to a younger, more vulnerable version of herself. “It’s all a game, Sericea. Winner takes all.” And loser either dies or wishes they had.

"Absinth Artemisia Inferos"