Echoes of the Trauma

The compound has been unsettlingly quiet since Nancy's banishment. People move with caution now, aware of the fragile stability that hangs in the air. The incident opened everyone’s eyes, especially the girls’. They’ve come to realize that this is not home, nor is it a job by choice. We are slaves, sold into this life, and survival is our only aim.

Nancy’s departure brought a twisted sense of satisfaction to some. She was a constant irritant, always asserting her dominance. Others, however, felt a strange sadness. Despite her flaws, Nancy was a familiar figure. But for the majority, this incident was a wake-up call. They now understand the importance of pleasing Sebastian, avoiding the fate of betrayal and banishment. It's almost like a betterment program; they want to be better than Nancy, not to betray Sebastian, to prove their worth.

This realization has shifted the dynamics. Conversations are hushed, and there's a palpable tension in the air. The girls are more determined, focused, and there's an unspoken agreement to avoid Nancy’s mistakes.

I decided to seek out Raven. I needed to talk to someone who could understand the gravity of what was happening. After looking around the compound for a while, I finally found her in the training area, focused on her target practice.

"Raven," I called out, approaching her.

She looked up, her usual calm demeanor in place, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes. "Ariella, what’s wrong?"

I took a deep breath and began to recount everything that Sebastian had said. As I spoke, Raven’s face shifted from calm to something softer, almost sad.

Once I finished, she sighed, laying down her rifle. "Sebastian was never like this," she began. "He was stubborn, sharp-tongued, and powerful. But things happened that changed him. He’s been going back and forth, struggling with the weight of his past and present."

Her voice grew distant as she began to tell a story. "This all started somewhere, as everything does. Once upon a time, Sebastian and I, along with Evander, had just defeated a gang in a warehouse. It was a brutal fight, but we were victorious. A month or two later, we discovered something that shook us to our core."

Raven’s eyes darkened with the memory. "Sebastian’s father was involved in a hidden operation, transporting slaves—both male and female. When Sebastian found out, he was furious. He decided to shut it down. We walked into the seaport his father owned and went straight to the control room."

In my mind’s eye, I could see the scene unfold. "He demanded to see the person in charge, and all fingers pointed to a well-dressed man named Andy. Sebastian confronted him, asking if he knew about the slave trade. Andy admitted he did, and Sebastian declared he would shut it down."

Raven continued, "But Andy warned him that this was not just about money. He explained that the port was owned by three people—Sebastian’s father and two others. If Sebastian shut it down, these men would still get their slaves from elsewhere. Andy’s tone was almost... pleading. He wanted Sebastian to understand the gravity of the situation."

Sebastian’s eyes had cooled down, but he listened intently. Andy explained that if the port shut down, these other men would resort to more brutal means to get their slaves. "Sebastian was adamant. He didn’t care about the money. He was determined to end the trade," Raven said.

Andy continued, warning that the slaves would be treated worse if the port shut down. He painted a vivid picture of the brutality these slaves would face. Sebastian, for the first time, seemed to consider the consequences.

"Eventually, Sebastian agreed to Andy’s suggestion to buy the slaves himself and sell them to those in need of labor, not abuse. It seemed like a good plan, and it worked—for a while," Raven said, her voice heavy with the weight of the past.

The first batch of slaves came in, and Sebastian watched from the control room. He saw the desperation in their eyes and decided to let them go, hoping they could find a better life. But within weeks, most of them were found dead. The reality was harsh; the world outside was no safer.

"Sebastian was devastated," Raven continued. "He realized that even with good intentions, he couldn’t control everything. The next batch was handled differently. He ensured they went to people who needed help, not slaves. It was his dirty little secret, but it showed he was human."

Her eyes met mine, filled with sorrow. "Then came a mission that changed everything. We were after a document that would give Sebastian ownership of certain properties. The enemy was an old friend of his father’s, now turned rival. This man was ruthless."

I could see the scene in my mind. "We infiltrated his base, facing heavy resistance. Sebastian and Evander fought their way through, reaching the office where the document was kept. But what they found was horrifying."

The room was filled with slaves, all in terrible condition. As Sebastian processed the scene, the phone on the desk rang. One of the slaves answered, putting it on speaker. The enemy’s voice came through, mocking Sebastian. He revealed that the entire place was rigged with explosives and gave them five minutes to choose: save the slaves or save themselves.

Sebastian ordered the slaves to run, but they refused. They were too broken, too used to their suffering. They preferred to die there than face more torment outside. Sebastian was torn, and Evander urged him to leave. They managed to save a few workers, but as they reached the exit, the building exploded.

"Sebastian was thrown by the blast," Raven said, her voice trembling. "He stood, hoping for survivors, but there were none. The smell of burning flesh filled the air, and it broke him. That day, he saw the true extent of cruelty and betrayal. It changed him."

Raven’s eyes were distant, lost in the memories. "Since then, Sebastian has struggled with his decisions. He’s seen the worst of humanity, and it’s taken a toll on him. He tries to do good, but the weight of his past haunts him."

I felt a deep sympathy for Sebastian. His pain was unimaginable, and I understood why he was the way he was. "Raven, what can we do?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Raven sighed, placing a hand on my shoulder. "We can only support him. Stand by him and show him that there’s still good in this world. It won’t be easy, but it’s all we can do."

As I left Raven, my mind was heavy with the story she had shared. Sebastian’s burden was immense, and his past was filled with pain and betrayal. But I resolved to be there for him, to help him find some semblance of peace.

That night, as I lay in bed, I thought about the path ahead. The compound was still, the quiet a stark contrast to the turmoil within. I knew that the road would be difficult, but for Sebastian, I was willing to face it. Together, we would navigate the darkness.