I understood their reasoning; it was the cause of the war, after all, but I hated that it had come to that. Nothing could replace the feeling of a true bonding—absolutely nothing.
It seemed that using the serum corrupted their character over time, resulting in a loss of sanity. At least that’s what I’d come to believe through my observations. Even the Aurathions that were part of a Faction seemed “off”. If I hadn’t had the privilege of growing up in a true Faction and observing many others, I might not have noticed.
Turning the corner into the hallway where my room was, I sensed a shift in the atmosphere. A dark figure suddenly lunged at me. I narrowly dodged and dropped into a low crouch, kicking the attacker’s legs out from under them to bring them to the ground. Before they could recover, I was on top of them. I reached down to retrieve my knife from my boot, but was suddenly grabbed from behind by both arms.
I dropped, letting all my weight fall unexpectedly, and managed to break free of their hold long enough to throw a punch. Cartilage and bone snapped under my fist, and I felt warm blood splatter my face. I kicked the body on the floor that was trying to stand and leaned again to grab my knife out of my boot, but a searing pain shot through my head.
Damn, thathurt. I grabbed my head with both hands.
I recognized this ability because it had been used on me before. I briefly resisted the command to surrender, then realized I couldn’t expose my strength and, as difficult as it was, let it take hold. I felt something hard hit my head, and it was lights out.
The first thing I heard as I began to wake up was the sound of slow dripping water. My eyes opened, but I quickly shut them again when the pale light worsened the pain in my head. I could feel the cold stone beneath me and dampness seeping through my clothes.
Forcing my eyes open, I found myself sprawled on the floor in a small room that looked like an old cell. I hadn’t explored every corner of the building, but I wasn’t surprised to find a dungeon somewhere in the massive structure. I knew there were cells used to hold the creatures we fought in the coliseum, but I didn’t hear any sounds that would indicate I was anywhere near there.
I slowly sat up, holding my head with both hands. Turning around, I was surprised to see that the door to the cell I was in was wide open, unlike the locked door I had expected.
It didn’t look like this dungeon had been used for decades. There were cobwebs in the corners, and the hinges on the door looked rusty. I suppose it shouldn’t surprise me; most defiers were likely dealt with immediately, rather than imprisoned.
Pushing myself up with my hand, I rose to my knees and then slowly stood. I leaned against the wall for a moment, waiting for the dizziness to fade, then made my way out of the room and into the hallway.
At the end of the long corridor, a set of rickety stairs led up to a large wooden door. I cautiously made my way up, grateful for my small stature, then pushed the door open. I didn’t recognize the area I found myself in. It was another long hallway, lit bytorchlight, with no windows in sight. At least that told me it was an interior hallway, which—really didn’t help me at all.
I heard a chitter and looked down to see a tiny grey mouse. My head hurt something fierce, but I focused on the little guy and knew he wanted me to go left. My ability to understand animals had grown in leaps and bounds over the last few months. I had several rodents that helped me steer clear of Kristine and her Faction. Too bad they hadn’t been around last night.
Not wanting to stay here longer than necessary in case my attackers returned, I took a chance and followed him, hoping it would lead me somewhere more familiar. The little guy (Murrey, he’d informed me, was his name) led me through many twists and turns and several long flights of stairs. I realized the dungeon must have been located under the coliseum. I soon recognized where I was and proceeded to my room with a thank you to my rescuer. Pushing open the door, I collapsed onto my bed, damp clothes and all.
Curling up around my pillow, I imagined it still smelled like Nathan. Tears started to flow, and I realized I needed the release of emotion. I was determined not to break, but I also knew that sometimes, just bending a little could help you get through another day.
I knew Kristine was behind my incident; the head pain and the command to lie down and surrender came from her. I guess I should be thankful that my only injury was a bump on the head and waking up in a dungeon.
How crazy was it to realize I probably owed Selene a thank you? If it weren't for her threats to Kristine, I’m sure the damage would be a lot more extensive.
I pressed the pillow against my face and took a few more moments to cry. I’d never show this vulnerability outside of my room. One hint of weakness would be blood in the water.
I’d been left alone by my fellow warriors to this point. Even though they’d seen me take Kristine’s shit on numerous occasions, they knew that I wasn’t to be fucked with. My performance in the coliseum alone proved that.
I wasn’t even sure why Kristine was here unless it was to torment me. She wasn’t required to train or fight in the coliseum. So, what other reason could there be for her presence here?
“That’s enough feeling sorry for yourself, baby. You’ve had your moment of weakness. Now get up, take a shower, and get some rest. Tomorrow is another day, and you need to be strong. I will find you, don’t lose hope.”I heard Oren’s bossy voice in my head this time.
My tears slowly dried, and I dragged my exhausted body into the shower. I needed his strength and wisdom more than anything right now, and this was as good as it was going to get.
I examined my body thoroughly in the shower, avoiding my Nexus mark, and found some additional bruises and cuts, but those were already starting to heal. I finished washing, then crawled back into my bed and closed my eyes. I figured I would have trouble falling asleep, but I was out almost as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Chapter 3
Reverie
The corridor was quiet, the kind of quiet that makes every footstep sound loud. I slipped into the deserted classroom, closing the door behind me with a soft click. Chalk dust hung in the air, catching the moonlight that streamed through the high windows. I just needed a moment alone—a long breath after everything.
The door creaked again.
I turned, and there he was. Zane. Leaning against the frame like he’d been waiting for me to wander right into his snare. His shirt collar was loose, red hair damp from training, and that smirk—Ancestors help me—was pure trouble.
“This room’s off-limits after curfew,” I said.
“Then it’s a good thing you broke the rules first.”
