Chapter 8 Eight
Chapter 8 Eight
Still tied to the chair, my body weak and heavy to move , my head running with several thoughts unable to think straight but it only kept replaying everything that had just happened over and over again, Asa calm voice mixing with Ezekiel anger and their sudden decision to keep me alive, I refuse to believe it’s mercy or me being safe, especially Ezekiel last words at me
Shortly after two guards walked, their presence making me feel suffocated. I watched cautiously as one of them began to untie the ropes around my wrists while the other stood close watching like I would make a sudden attempt at them
Though I wish I could, smash that ridiculous smug look off their face and escape this hell hole but unfortunately I’m too weak to do that.
Just as the ropes came off a sharp pain shot through my arms making me wince in pain, my fingers twitched from the blood rushing back into them
“Stand up,” one of them said coldly
“I… I can’t,” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper
“You can,” the other replied sharply, gripping my arm and yanking me up. “Or we’ll make you”
The moment I painfully pushed myself up from the chair my legs shook, making me stagger a bit, luckily the guard roughly grabbed me and steady me forcefully
“Pathetic,” he muttered under his breath
I swallowed but said nothing
They dragged me out of the room then walked through a long hallway. For a place I’ve been kept in for weeks while brutally tortured, it was properly kept, the walls were perfectly polished and the lightening softer. It now felt less that a prison and more like a place people actually lived and it didn’t sit right with me
“Where are you taking me?” I finally managed to ask, my voice dry
“Somewhere better than where you came from,” one of them replied flatly
“That doesn’t mean safe,” the other added with a short laugh
We passed a few identical doors before finally stopping in front of one at the far end of the hall where one of the guards pushed it open and shoved me inside without warning causing me to stumble forward and fall to my knees as the door shut behind me with a soft click
I stayed there breathing heavily with my hands pressed against the floor as I tried to steady myself before slowly lifting my head to take in the room, it had a large bed sitting at the center neatly made with clean sheets and a dresser by the wall with a mirror above it and a small table by the window and even a bathroom door slightly open at the side which made it look like a guest room instead of a place meant for someone who had just been tortured for days
“This has to be a joke…” I whispered to myself, letting out a dry laugh
Slowly I pushed myself up and staggered painful towards the bed, each stepping causing immense pain throughout my whole body, finally I reached the soft mattress and wasted no second before collapsing onto it
I let myself lay there for a second just staring blanking at the ceiling
“No chains… no ropes…” I murmured faintly “So what is this?”
My eyes slowly went shot but instead of the peace and quiet that comes from that simple action I was immediately hunted by Ezekiel voice, the way he smiled when I scream, immediately I snap my eyes open
“No… not again,” I whispered, shaking my head slightly
A sudden knock resounded through the big room making me tense up immediately but before I could make a move the door opens and a short lady in a maid uniform walks in calmly, looking distant with a tray of food in a hands.
I noticed two guards stood close behind her watching sharply as she placed the tray on the table, giving a brief glance
“Food,” she said simply and I stared at it dumbly
“For me?” I asked weakly
She gave a small nod, “Eat”
“This isn’t poisoned, is it?” I asked cautiously, my eyes narrowing slightly at it
“If we wanted you dead, you wouldn’t be here,” she replied without any emotion and that answer didn’t comfort me
I hesitated for a moment longer before slowly sitting up and moving toward the table with my eyes flicking toward the door while I reached the chair and sat down carefully before picking up the spoon. The first bite felt heavy, my throat being dry and sore to swallow
“You’re starving,” the woman said, watching me. “Your body needs it”
I didn’t respond as I took another bite and then another until it became easier and I didn’t stop until the plate was empty. The woman stepped forward again and picked up the tray
“You will be given clothes and basic necessities,” she said “You are not allowed to leave this room unless instructed”
“So I’m still a prisoner,” I said quietly with a frown
“You are… contained,” she corrected blankly
“There’s no difference,” I muttered under my breath
She ignored that, “There are guards outside at all times. Do not attempt anything” she says
“I wouldn’t get far even if I tried,” I said bitterly
Her eyes lingered at me like she had something she wanted to say to be but she turned away and walked out leaving me in the large room
I leaned back in the chair exhaling slowly, “Work for them…” I murmured under my breath. “What kind of twisted plan is that?”
Slowly I stood up and walked towards the window only to find out it had been locked with a thick glass, leaving no way to open it. I looked outside at the high walls Sutton the entire compound, there were guards stationed at every part and corner fully armed
“Yeah… definitely not getting out that way,” I whispered with a frustrated sigh
I turned away from the window and walked back toward the bed and sat down, mu mind began racing with several questions on Asa decision to work for them. If it meant I would be sent on missions while being watched and testing where my loyalty lies
“And if I fail…” I trailed off, shaking my head “No… don’t think about that” I shook my head slightly clenching my fists slightly
“This could be my chance,” I said softly “If I play this right… I can get out of here”
Suddenly the thought of my sister flashed through my mind l, making my chest tighten , “I’m coming for you,” I whispered “Just hold on… wherever you ar”
A sudden sound outside the door pulled me out of my thoughts as the voices became clearer. I froze when I recognized Ezekiel arguing while Asa responded calmly and I moved closer to the door trying to listen
“I told you this is a bad idea,” Ezekiel snapped
“You question me too much,” Asa replied calmly
“She’s lying,” Ezekiel insisted “I can see it but I know it
“And if she is,” Asa said, “then she will lead us to the truth”
“And if she’s not?”
“Then she becomes useful”
My breath caught at his statement , “Useful…” I repeated under my breath still listening in
Suddenly footsteps echoed and I quickly moved back toward the bed just as the door opened and Ezekiel stood there alone with his eyes locking onto mine immediately as he stepped inside slowly and closed the door behind him without breaking eye contact
“Well… look at you,” he said, glancing around the room before returning his gaze to me, You clean up nicely” he says but I didn’t respond
“Enjoying your new privileges?” he asked, tilting his head slightly and this time I looked him, “It’s still a cage” I spat out
His smile faded slightly “Careful. You’re not in a position to complain”
“And you’re not in a position to threaten me,” I replied quietly. “Your brother already made his decision” I point out
In that moment I noticed something dark flashed in his eyes, “You think he’ll always be there to protect you?” he asked taking a step closer
“I don’t need protection,” I said “Just a chance” my heart now beating fast as he gets closer
He let out a short laugh, “A chance to do what? Betray us?”
“I told the truth,” I said firmly
“Did you?” he murmured, leaning closer. “Because I don’t believe a word that comes out of your pretty mouth” he friend
And I held his gaze “That sounds like your problem” I blurt out without thinking
For a second, the tension between us thickened before he suddenly smiled again, “Good,” he suddenly said “At least you’ve still got some fight left in you”
Then he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping slightly, “But let me make one thing very clear,” he continued “The moment you step out of line… the moment I get even the smallest proof that you’re playing us…”
I stared up at him completely still, my heart now in my throat
“I’ll finish what I started,” he whispered making A chill immediately run through me but I refused to show it
“Then I guess I better not give you a reason,” I replied quietly as our eyes still locked, him still standing too close . After a hot moment he finally straightened up and stepped back, adjusting his sleeves
“Welcome to your new life,l” he said lightly
“Feels more like a countdown” I muttered without thinking
Gosh I need to watch my mouth around him or I might just get myself killed
But thankfully he was already by the door. Right before he completely walked out he glance back at me
“Try not to die too quickly,” he said before walking out and closing the door behind him
The silence returned again but this time it felt heavier and more suffocating as I stood there staring at the door for a long moment before letting out a slow breath
“This isn’t over,” I whispered to myself
“I’m not done yet”
I clenched my fists slightly as my heart pounded in my chest hard
“I’ll survive this,” I said under my breath. “I have to”