Zoravec did not have any more energy to cater the bullshit, without caring for Clara's vulnerable state he approached her. The girl lifted her head only to see Zoravec with her teary eyes which made her even more grieved. Whereas he had no intention of being swayed by her tears and pitiful gaze, there was no place for such emotions in the army.
However, he felt sympathy for her at that moment but Zoravec toned down his feelings immediately. He could not allow himself to let others be his weakness, thus he grabbed her arm and pulled Clara which was more like a jerk. Zoravec did not bother to think twice about what would be the result of his actions.
He simply stared at her one brief moment before Zoravec slapped her hard across the cheek. Blake was shaken by his blunt and somewhat rude action since he had no idea Zoravec could be that harsh with people. But deep down he also understood the stimulus and cause for that strict action.
Thus, he stood there quietly which confirmed Zoravec that his reaction to the words was justified. However, Jason was equally stunned to see that Zoravec could go to such lengths just to prove his point. Well, which was not wrong but perhaps the slap was rather an insulting and strict action.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtJason did not move from his spot even though he was shaken by what he witnessed. Although it was sure that Clara did not like that slap which came unexpectedly. It was so obvious that she might hold a grudge for Zoravec for ridiculing her in public. But that point never crossed his mind even though it was the first thing Zoravec should have thought about.
Nonetheless, Clara reflexively looked at him with wide eyes as if she had been questioning the reason for such an act. Zoravec did not flinch or even blinked, he did not intend to show any remorse for slapping her even though it could have been somewhere lingering at the back of his head.
"Are you paying heed to this guy's words who does not even know you?"
Zoravec extended his arm and pointed out towards Jason, while his eyes were glued to Clara as she felt the heated glare coming from him. She realised whatever he said was true, how could Jason pass such remarks about her without knowing Clara properly.
"Come one Clara! He is doing this to split us. Can't you see he is targeting your emotions to create an imbalance to manipulate you. He knows how you are feeling right now and you are letting your weakness surface in front of him."
He shouted at her as Zoravec scolded Clara for being a cry baby. He totally skipped the whole consoling and motivational part.
Zoravec could not let her think that she was not good enough to be part of their group. Clara was confused as to why he would slap her rather than just talking to her like a sane human. This time Blake also took the part and explained to her about what he had been thinking. After all, they were a team and all of them had to be each other's strength.
"He is right, Clara. You should not feel bad for anything. I can't seem to get my head around the thought that why are you even feeling guilty. For what?"
Clara looked at him with her teary eyes as she stood there with her hand over the cheek. No doubt it was stinging due to the hard slap Zoravec gave her. But upon seeing that Blake was also on his side, Clara had to listen to them calmly.
"Did you totally forget how you just saved me in the previous task? You are the reason I am alive now. How can you sell yourself short and neglect how you aided in saving me. And yet you are still calling yourself a weakling? A person who has no strength? Come one, girl! You are the best one among us who has exceptional skills in weapons and shit."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBlake tried to motivate her; contrary to what Zoravec did, he practically scolded the girl for her silly thinking. However, Blake knew that his intentions were not wrong because Zoravec wanted all of them to stick together. But his stern reaction might have caused some knot in Clara's heart.
Nonetheless, Jason heard all of that conversation and could not let anyone win the task. He knew that if Clara overcame her fears and insecurities then he would be doomed along with his sister. It was obvious that by the moment they were successful in causing a crack in their relationship.
He came forward and attempted one last try to fix things and to turn the tables in his favour. However, Jessica kept silent since she had so many questions in her mind by now. Even though they were siblings and knew each other inside out. It still irked her why Jason never involved himself in any physical fight rather left every battle for her to handle.
The sister carefully observed him taking the lead now that she had the chance to step back. Zoravec knew he would snap at the thought of losing since Jason was an egocentric person and could not swallow his defeat. But this time he was ready to fight him back along with Blake, they both looked at each other when Jason took a step forward.
Both of the guys stood ahead of Clara to block Jason from approaching her. They knew that Clara was a sensitive and emotional girl and by now it was evident that Jason had been targeting her for exactly that reason. But they were alert this time and were ready to fight Jason physically if needed.
Jason halted in his spot upon seeing that he could not reach Clara from the front. Thus, he chose to verbally manipulate her by twisting the words said Blake and Zoravec.
"Hah! Didn't I tell you these two fuckers are using you because none of them is good enough with weaponry."