Chapter 4Caught By The Beast I Caged

In the dim light, I noticed the scars on Elias’s arms. Some were old bruises from bumping into furniture, but others were sharp, thin nicks.

Jason was a monster.

Elias didn't notice my scrutiny. He smelled the food, but instead of eating, he lashed out, sweeping the plate off the table with a violent crash.

"Are you deaf?" he snapped. "Leave."

Despite his blindness, his presence was suffocating. I felt myself trembling under his glare. My brother’s debt was now mine to pay. I thought about the brother I used to know, and I decided I would save him from himself by saving Elias first.

"Just eat something," I said softly, my voice firm. "If you don't, you won't have the strength to run when the time comes."

The monitor on his ankle flickered. His health vitals were at a critical low. The "Mood" light was a solid, angry red. Hostility. Disgust.

I was out of options. I called Jason again. He was going to be gone for a month; if his "pet" died on my watch, I didn't want to know what he’d do.

I told him the "dog" refused to eat and was acting out.

"Then force his mouth open!" Jason shouted. "When I’m home, he’s a angel, wagging his tail at my feet. Why is he giving you such a hard time? He’s testing you. He’s a high-maintenance breed, Sophie. Don't let him get skinny. If I come home to a bag of bones, I’m taking it out on both of you!"