Pushing the double glass doors open, I squinted through the dim lights of the pub. The air was thick with the acrid smell of stale ale and smoke that clouded the space like a boiler room.Ryan had promised to come but I had to be patient to catch a glimpse of him. It appeared he hated the spotlight.True to my expectation, he was huddled at a corner, concealed partially by the shadow. The areas surrounding his left arm and parts of his chest were captured by the poor light of the space.I made my way to his table and slid wordlessly by him.He glanced up at me, his eyes cold, calculating. Ryan wasn’t a friend—never had been. He was more like a shadow, always lurking, always knowing more than he should."Vera," he said, his voice low but sharp, "She’s in the King’s holding cell."I felt my chest tighten. The King wasn’t merciful. Anyone who defied him was met with punishment, and Vera… I knew she wouldn’t bow down, not even to save herself. The thought of what they might do to her claw
The jarring clank of the cell gates awakened me. The sound of clopping shoe soles and the muffled conversation between Lorna and the guard followed as the sequence of sounds which I was getting accustomed to, continued unabated.She walked to me and deftly set about unlocking my shackles."Good morning Vera. The Queen wished to see you,' she said in a low but firm voice.I rubbed my wrists once they were free. The ache from days of confinement, lingering. My mind raced. Annalise wanted to see me? Now? In this state?“Why?” I asked, but Lorna only gave me a sideways glance. She motion"The Queen is waiting at the patio, near the pool."Reluctantly, I rose to my feet. My legs shaky from lack of use.Reluctantly, I rose to my feet. My legs were shaky from lack of use. I accompanied Lorna through the winding corridors. The castle was bustling with the faint sounds of guards and servants drifting through its halls. We walked into the warm glow of early morning light. The scent of jasmine
At the entrance of my cell, a trio of guards stopped me."The King demands your presence in the grand hall," said one of them, his hand digging deep in my arm. The meeting with Queen Annalise was devoid of any tension, but with King Sylvester, it was going to be mind wrecking.I was led to the grand hall that sprawled extensively. A sturdy and long table dominated the carvenous space. Three elders were seated around the table. Their countenances were stern and it made my gut tighten. I breathed out, getting ready for the volcano that was about to erupt.With a low, sharp voice, King Sylvester declared, "Your actions have been despicable." I have been forgiving and understanding in spite of it. My attempts to connect seem to be encountering severe opposition.I preferred to hold my breath and drop my gaze, remaining still. It appeared my silence irritated King Sylvester and an intense rage burned in his eyes. This prompted him to spring to his feet and pace around the hall. His face co
I shook my head, my anger building. "I didn't do anything improper. I simply— “My throat tightened at the words. Even the things I was attempting to say had escaped me. Nothing seemed to make sense.For a brief moment, Lorna's eyes softened—a rare sign of concern. She lowered herself to look at me. “What you believe to be right or incorrect is not relevant here. It has to do with surviving. You must choose your battles wisely, because at this point, you are losing them all.”Her response struck a deep chord with me, and I wanted to counter and correct her. I knew, though, that she wasn't. Sylvester wasn't who I had previously believed him to be. Yes, he was still a monarch, but he had evolved into a despot and a power broker.And there I was, entangled in his web, trying yet failing to release myself. "So what now? Do you want me to comply? obey each and every order?” I questioned sharply, my voice trembling with rage.With a hardened expression once more, Lorna got up. "Vera, I want
I strode through the town's winding streets, feeling the cool night air pierce his skin. Thoughts of what was ahead raced through my head, but I maintained his steady pace. Beside him, silently, strode my ever faithful buddy Spock, his eyes searching their surroundings with the accuracy of someone on alert all the time.Tonight was our covert operation, and I knew it would either bring him freedom or ruin. With dark lights flickering from the windows and strange shadows on the cobblestone floor, the bar loomed ahead. The familiar smell of roasted meat and stale ale assaulting my senses. It was the kind of place where allegiances changed with the tides and secrets like the ones we were about to discuss were revealed under the pretense of intoxication.Even though I had been there before, something felt off tonight. Higher stakes were involved.The pub inside was just as he remembered it: packed, boisterous, and reeking of wine spills and smoke. While some sat slumped over tables and mu
VERA’S POV:I emerged from the shadows of my cell and entered the dimly lit hallway adorned with torches. A shudder ran up my spine as I felt the familiar chill of the stone floor beneath my bare feet. I knew where we were going; the soldiers surrounded me, their expressions expressionless. The summons from King Sylvester was never auspicious. His obsession with my defiance had turned into a never-ending curse. His playground was The Pit, a brutal and bloodthirsty sight, and I was his favorite puppet.The air grew heavier with the stink of death, metal, and sweat as we descended deeper into the Pit. A thunderous cacophony of audience roars assailed my senses. I narrowed my eyes in response to the intense light filling the arena.The booming voice of King Sylvester reverberated against the stone walls. "Vera, welcome to your another endeavour. I order you to transform and demonstrate your value."My heart ached, but I realised there was no point in resisting. I shut my eyes and conce
Ryan Meyers entered the damp, cold cell, his face cautious. His gaze swept throughout the dark room before focussing on me as I lay there on the tiny bed up against the dank stone wall.The oppressive silence was broken by the faint clink of his shoes against the pavement of the small room."Vera," he said in a quiet, nearly disbelieving voice. "You've healed, the guards stated. They claimed your injuries vanished."I counted the fractures in the ceiling while maintaining a fixed stare while he spoke.Ryan also exhibited patience. Though there was a slight smell of damp dirt and metal, his curiosity was more pervasive than the environment of the prison. He was asking questions, but I wasn't answering them just yet. "Who are you, Vera?”A small grin touched my lips, but not enough to comfort him. "What does it matter?"“It matters because you're not… normal." He paused, considering what to say. "No one heals quickly; I've seen injuries like that. It's not feasible."At last, I moved, r
I had spent days inside the confinement. or perhaps several weeks. Here, in the damp, cold stone dungeon where King Sylvester had ordered me to be kept away, time had become meaningless. With just the distant sound of footfall overhead to serve as a reminder that life went on outside these walls, one day blended into the next.With a jarring sound,, the cell doors opened, and I sat up, heart palpitating. With her visage as impenetrable as ever, Lorna entered the room, accompanied by an unfamiliar-looking guard. Despite their silence, I could tell they were coming after me. Lorna nodded stiffly and beckoned for me to follow. I wavered. Now what? Was this the last one? Was this where my demise lay?But no, Lorna's face lacked finality.There was more going on. With shaky legs from inactivity, I gently rose up and trailed them into the dimly illuminated hallway. The guard led the way up the narrow stairs, his armour chiming with every step. The wet chill of the basement faded behind us a