Chapter 4

• -4-
• Redley’s POV
• As I stood in the kitchen, the spices I tended to cook with mingled with the fresh smell of the meat I had killed. I prepped the ingredients for our last meal of the solar day. The sun would soon be rising, indicating that we all needed to find shelter or head home. With a steady hand, I began to cut into the carcass of the Oryctolagus. The Oryctolagus was not large, but when I added fresh root vegetables and buns with fresh milk, it provided a complete meal.
• This solar day was special because my Father had finally returned home after his long business trip. I wanted to pour everything I had into creating a meal that would make my father proud. I was nowhere near the skills that my mother possessed, but then again, my mother was a naturally gifted woman when it came to cooking.
• A smile crept across my face as I remembered the look of surprise and joy on Father's face when he walked through the door, not expecting to find me there. His eyes lit up at the sight of me, and I couldn't help but feel a wave of warmth wash over me as we exchanged our usual affectionate greetings.
• Of course, my father had many questions for me. The main thing I had to explain was why I was not in my classes with Kithree. During my time of avoiding Kithree and her circle of animals, I practised my responses to the hard questions I knew were going to be asked.
• “Father, there are two of us!” I began my explanation. In a tone I knew would win him over. “I know you only have the money to pay for one of our dowry and that is assuming the prospect is only asking market value. With no son to aid in the costs, the burden lays solely on your shoulders.” I smiled up at my father as my words had affected him in a way he most likely had wished they had not. “I have walked in your shadow since I was knee high. I am good at what you have taught me.” I dramatically lowered my head for the show. “Kithree shows promise! Allow her to find a good match, and I can help you with the financial burdens that prevent you from retiring comfortably.”
• I pulled on my father's heartstrings, knowing precisely what to say and how to behave. If I were to figure out what was going on, I needed my father to allow me to stay home. Separating me from Kithreee and those who follow her closely. I knew it didn’t sit well with Father that I was sacrificing my dreams of becoming a wife to find a good match. Allowing my mirror image to overshadow my existence. It was something I was willing to forsake.
• The topic was dropped, with my father giving me a nod and an expression that told me he would think about it. Striking up a new conversation, we had spoken about several things. Catching up on the little things we had missed. Father had looked out the window, noting the position of the moon. That is when Father mentioned he needed to take a bath and rest for a while before dinner.
• I looked up from cutting the root vegetables. Father seemed much older now than when I was a child, and I could see the weariness in his eyes. His tanned skin testified to the many seasons he had travelled the domain, selling goods that had been collected or acquired.
• I poured my heart and soul into our last meal of the solar day. I wanted to give it my undivided attention. I tried my best to limit the clattering of the cookware, knowing my father had just laid his head down on the marital bed.
• I hummed softly to myself as i listened to the soft snores of my father sleeping in the room not far from me. I made sure I placed the skin of the Oryctolagus off to the side. I would finish that task later. Where I will dry it out, properly tending to it so that Father can get the best profit from the hide. This is where I excel. Hunting and gathering were my specialties.
• As I was nearing the end of my task, the sound of my sister’s laughter floated to my ears. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for her impending arrival. In the back of my mind, I logically knew I could only avoid my sister for so long. Sooner or later, she would find the opportunity she needed to pounce on me.
• Kithree was patient like that, never giving up on the goal she had in mind. Thus far, I had made sure that there was always someone around me. She never attacked when there was an adult. After all, the community protected the children from all threats. And now, with my sister wearing a white gown, she is no longer viewed as a child but as an unwed adult.
• Kithree had finished her classes early, most likely to ensure she got home before our mother. There was only one thing I knew that Kithree and her male followers did not realize… our father was home! A slow smile formed on my face … not one of pleasantry, but one that said, "I dare you!"
• The challenge of pretending to share a sisterly bond was the daunting task of faking a genuine love for my sibling. It grew more complex with each passing solar day. With every interaction at the family table, I had to focus on moving my facial muscles into a smile of sincerity. One that would convince Mother that there was no ill will between her daughters. However, the second our mother’s back was turned. Kithree and I shared a glare of disdain for the other.
• I knew the chances of my sister's plots outsmarting my movements. She was always cunning, while I just fluttered through life like a leaf in the wind.
• I turned my gaze toward the little window, hoping for a brief escape from my thoughts. Outside, I spotted Kithree. She stood with her three friends, an easy smile on her face, while they cast curious glances in my direction. Beldal, the butcher's son, glared at me as he licked his lips.
• I knew that whatever was going on, Beldal's expression meant they were up to no good. The little voice in my head repeatedly reminded me that I had Father here to protect me, that whatever Kithree had cooking up would sizzle just as quickly.
• Shifting my attention to my sister. The fiery glare in her eyes sent a clear message, Kithree was up to mischief. I met her gaze with an equally fierce expression, darkness pooling in my own eyes. If my intense stare had any effect on her, Kithree gave no indication. She maintained her composure and confidently took the lead as they walked toward our family home.
• ‘Here we go again!’ I thought bitterly as I clutched my hand around the handle of the knife.
• Kithree swung the door open as if she were expecting her admirers to cheer for her the moment they saw her.
• Keeping my back to my sister, I said, “Father is sleeping, be quiet.” I slowly turned with the blade still in my hand. Pointing it at the butcher's son and then to the baker's boys, Regdrus, the oldest son and Trogram. “Leave now!”
• Kithree had a nasty glare on her face as she swayed her hips from side to side. “Nice try, Red! Daddy isn’t here to save you.” She looked over her shoulder at the three males. “You have been avoiding your punishments … Red!” She said my name with a great deal of hatred.
• With speeds that I had seen in my previous life cycles, I was prepared. I wanted a bit of blood before Father got out of bed. I was not a schemer like Kithree. However, if there is anything I have learned from this endless loop of hell, it is the advantage of surprise. And I was good with a knife, very good for a girl!
• The second the three boys pounced on me, I swung at Trogram. It wasn’t deep, but it was enough for him to scream. I could hear my sister crying, “Get her!” The tone was so cold, I don’t think I have ever seen her this malicious. Then again, there is a first for everything.
• As Regdrus slammed me into the table, my father came storming out of the marital room. Rage! That was what filtered off my father's body. He looked at those who had pinned me down, then at Kithree. Then his eyes landed on my tattered dress.
• This had evoked a rage I had never seen in my father, and in truth, I never wanted to either. Kithree’s friends ran as fast as they could out of the house, leaving Kithree to handle the punishment by herself. Father’s footsteps were heavy as he made his way over to Kithree. Dragging her by the arm, she was led to her room. With the door slamming shut, Kithreee began to spout out words in a rush. If I was scared of our father's wrath, Kithree had to be more so.
• I checked the food quickly and then rushed in the direction of my room. I had to dispose of my clothing. I couldn’t stand the thought of wearing it any longer. But I would not get there. With a pounding on the door. I had directed my feet to the house entrance. There stood Trogram, a white cloth around the wound I had caused. Beside him were his parents. Behind me, I listened to my Father shouting at my sister. Kithree claimed it was only to teach me a lesson. That she was tired of my jealousy towards her.
• Trogram’s parents took one look at me. I could see the wheels in their minds whirling around the story their son had told them. They were studying my appearance and listening to my Father and sisters, please.
• Trogram’s father shifted his gaze back to his son, “Would you like to tell me again how this all happened?”
• The energy that poured out of Trogram’s parents told me that they were angry, just like my father. And that would be apparent the second my Father stormed out of Kithree’s room. One look at the door and my Father was fueled up again. Trogram’s father took off the belt that was around his hip.
• Unspoken words passed as my father took the belt and looked at Trogram. Father asked me how many times Trogram had hit me. I almost didn't say anything, but then I remembered what he was going to do to me. I recalled the horrifying time loop I was stuck in and everything Trogram did to me. I spoke the number to my father about how many times he had hit me. For each blow Trogram gave me, my Father was going to return in equal numbers. With Trogram's backside to my father, I winced each time my father flogged him.
• Trogram’s father took one look at my face, and with two fingers under my chin, he asked who had done it. Lowering my head, I whispered the butcher's son's name. I swallowed the saliva that was building in my mouth. I had an ugly feeling, but I knew what he was up to. If Father had not come out as he did, I am sure that chain of events would have played out as it did with the other time loops.
• I shivered! I might have won this battle. But Kithree was going to make her next attack even worse than this. I knew I would have to sleep with one eye open and my door locked. Kithree was going to be coming for me, and it was my blood she wanted.