Page 14 of Kingdom of Death and Hope

What happened? Tell me everything.

Avira brought in a guy to rough me up a little bit so I would reconsider how I answered her questions.

Anger floods through my body.

How hurt are you? he asks.

I don’t know. My left eye is swollen shut and my whole body aches, but that is all that I know. I haven’t been able to move much since I woke up, I reply.

There is no use in trying to run away from this conversation any longer. He saw right through what I was trying to do and put a stop to it.

If you feel a little better in a couple of hours, can you check for me? Are there any spots you have broken skin and are bleeding? Kieran asks. I can have Henry bring you some salve for your wounds so they heal faster.

I don’t know. My voice cracks as I become overwhelmed with everything he wants me to think about and do.

Shhh, you’re okay. Everything is going to be alright. We are already coming up with ideas on how to get you out of there and making it seem like it’s Avira’s idea, Kieran says. I just need you to be strong and hang in there a little longer. Do you think you can do that?

Yes, I whisper.

Such a brave girl. I’m so proud of you.

Tears spill out of my eyes at his words.

I am not going to leave you. You are my mate, my everything. We are going to get you out of there and soon, Kieran says. Trust me.

Kieran tugs on the bond and calmness spreads over my body.

Don’t hide your emotions any longer. I want to know when you are in pain so that I can be there for you.

I don’t want you to feel the pain though, I whisper.

Oh, Sweets.

“I see you’re awake.” Avira stands outside of the cell.

CHAPTER 6

“John did such a beautiful job.” She looks up and down my body. “Don’t you think?”

I just stare at her. I don’t know how much more I can take if this is what it’s going to be like every single day. I will surely die before Kieran gets me out of here.

“Don’t you think?” she questions as she grips my face.

“Yes,” I agree with her.

She lets go and I hiss as my face makes contact with the ground.

“I thought so as well. Maybe he’ll have to come again tomorrow.” She taps her chin as she looks off into the distance. “Or maybe he should come back tonight.”

“Please,” I beg.

“You know what you have to do to make this stop. Just tell me the truth and everything will go back to normal,” she says.

I close my eyes. There is no way that I can give up any information. I have held out this long and I am not going back.

“That’s fine if you don’t want to talk right now. I’m confident that after a couple more sessions with John you will be talking and won’t be able to shut up.” Avira sounds smug.

Hopefully they will get me out of here before John can come back, but deep in my gut I know that it won’t happen. It has to be calculated and her idea which could take a long time.