Long story short (no pun intended) I took a bad writing class. Or "workshop" rather. Needless to say I lost confidence in my work for a while. Until I went to my Aunt's house and she showed me how she printed out my entire story and showed me the reviews. I had forgotten. Thank you Auntie, for your confidence and thank you readers for your reviews. They help more than you know. Thank you for your patience.

~quietcutie651

Ryan started to wax poetic about his conquest of the entire X-team. I tuned him out.

Can't you think any faster? I snapped at Charlie, panic heating my blood.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you!" Ryan roared, fist banging down on the table with a thundering echo in the large hall. Instantly, all eyes turned to him.

I flinched in my seat, trying to tear my eyes away from him. His black eyes burned straight into mine. I begged silently for a distraction. His fiery gaze was making me feel sick.

There was a knock on the door and it swung open silently. Ryan glared for a moment longer before turning to see who walked in. My throat closed up. Rain appeared in the doorway and started walking across the hall, her head bowed and eyes downcast, to Ryan who held out his hand to her. She took it reluctantly, keeping her eyes fixed on the floor.

She was so beautiful. Her short black hair had been combed and a little bow added color. She wore an elaborate pale beaded gown with soft soled shoes that matched. She looked miserable.

"Princess," said Ryan, "I'd like to introduce you to your subjects."

She barely acknowledged him, nodding offhandedly.

His smile faded. He squeezed her little hand in a painful manner. "Look at them," he demanded.

She winced and looked up. Our eyes met. "Mommy!" she cried. She tried to run to me, but Ryan held her fast. "Please!"

"No, no, your highness," Ryan cooed through gritted teeth. "Mommy's been a bad little sister. She and her little friends need to be punished."

"No!" Rain cried. "No!

"It's okay, baby." I said tightly. "We'll be okay."

"Who said you could speak?" Ryan snapped coldly. "Aidan."

Aidan, who had been messing with Jubilee and Hank, perked up at the sound of his name. He hopped on the table, a maniac grin spreading across his face. He cackled and faced me, pulling a wicked looking knife from some hiding place on his person.

"Teach her a lesson."

Getting the signal from his oldest brother, Aidan pounced, knocking me and the chair back onto the ground. The back of my head cracked against the wooden backrest of the chair and spots appeared in my eyes. The invisible bonds holding my wrists and ankles still suddenly disappeared and I brought my hands up defensively to shield my face. Aidan shoved my hands out of the way and raised the knife. I screamed as he brought it down and buried it to the hilt in my chest.