But Nevaeh is the only thing I can think of. She’s all I see before my eyes as I struggle between the dream and reality around me.
It had felt so real. It had felt like something was… very, very wrong.
“Nevaeh,” I huff out. “Where is Nevi?”
“Mr. C, I don’t?—”
“Get out of my way!”
I storm out of the doctor’s office and stagger into the hall outside. The guard stationed at the entry point calls out to me in concern. He’s probably wondering why I’m rushing out of Dr. Tulio’s office lurching around like I’m belligerent and drunk.
I don’t make it far down the hall. Matteo must overhear the commotion, because he appears with a harried look on his face.
“C, there you are! We’ve got news. I just heard back from the guys on the streets. They’ve made an interesting discovery.”
FIVE
Nevaeh
I’ve always imaginedI would live a long life. Even if it was a life without freedom. But as I wake up to find myself in restraints in a pitch-black room, I’m filled instantly with dread.
I’m standing upright by force, wrists tethered to the ceiling by shackles. My arms stretch far above my head, an ache throbbing away in my tendons. I’ve been brought here and restrained for a reason by someone who clearly means me harm.
This won’t end well for me.
I twist and turn in the restraints, giving my eyesight time to adjust. It feels like standing in a black sea. I’m surrounded by nothing. I’d wonder if I were floating in a black hole if my feet didn’t touch the ground.
Rough like stone, cold and wet against my bare feet.
Someone’s taken me captive and they’ve had enough malicious intent to restrain me and remove my shoes.
Dread intensifies until it’s in every breath I draw… or try to draw. I part my lips in hopes of gulping down more air, but mylungs never feel full. It feels like I’ll never be able to catch a good breath again. I’m gasping, lightheadedness sweeping over me.
Someone’s taken me prisoner and they’ve got me locked up. They’re holding me in a chilly dark cell of some kind. How has this happened? How have things gone so terribly wrong?
Cael…
Tears mist in my eyes as I squeeze them shut and hold off a cry.
I heard his voice. He had answered my call before someone—the same someone who must have taken me captive—hung up the phone.
We’d been so close to a reunion. That knowledge more than anything crushes me.
Tells me there’s no hope left.
I’ve been taken captive and am likely to die.
The coast had seemed cleared. I thought it was safe to come out from under the desk. One of Nero’s men must’ve stayed behind and waited for me to slip up. He’s brought me straight to Nero, where I’ll be punished for my insolence. I’ll be treated to the barbaric conditions I’ve heard about from Nero’s enemies.
No mercy will be given. No sympathy will be had.
I’ll never see Caelian again. I’ll never see daylight again…
Another cry warbles out of me as I sway in my binds. The pitiful sound ricochets off the cold dark walls for my ears and my ears only.
There’s no one else around to hear my breakdown.
At least until the cell door swings open and a stout figure bathed in shadows walks through. The person’s silhouette reads female. Hips round out their figure along with a chest that’s bosomy.
