OC: Mark Oliver
Fandom: N/A
Species: Human

"Maybe this will get you to talk." she held the viola out over the edge of the balcony, dangling it by the scroll between two long fingers. "Wouldn't it be so sad if your source of magic..." she snapped with her free hand. "Gone. As quickly as it found you."

My eyes widened, and I felt a strangled "No!" escape my mouth. I immediately covered it with a hand. I couldn't talk. I was the same as any other person. I was silent, I was submissive, I was just a citizen who they had captured on false accusations-

But the damage had already been done. My mask had been stripped from my face just like my dignity.

"I knew it," the Senator said triumphantly. "I knew you'd found a way somehow... fortunately for both of us, that was all I needed from you. Confirmation."

And then she let go of the viola anyway.

It was only an object, but it had carried me through months of triumphs and failures. I finally found the strength to pull away from the guard as I ran to the railing, staring off as my viola shattered on the pavement, releasing a wave of magic at the sound - but not one I could use.

"It hurts, doesn't it?" the Senator growled, creeping up behind me. "To have all of your hard work go to waste."

I was too stunned to reply. I just kept staring at the broken pieces of delicate wood, splintering further with each car that ran over them.

"The Rebellion ends here," the Senator announced. Before I could figure out what was happening, I felt a hand press into my back and give me a hard shove.

I let out a scream as I toppled over the railing, seeing her pale face stare smugly down at me as I tumbled towards the asphalt far below.