Madeline awoke to the sound of footsteps marching closer. She didn't know where she was and when she looked around, was shocked to find herself in a cell. Iron bars locked her inside the tiny cell. She sat on a splintery, wooden bench that hung from the wall by giant, rusty chains. Her hair was a mess; the once-neat braid was coming almost completely undone and her hat was missing. How did I get here? She thought, remaining calm. All I can remember is fighting with Issy when she came out and Malistaire said she betrayed the Spiral. She stood and turned around to see what seemed to be a porthole on the wall. Outside she saw a beautiful blue sky and little islands in the distance. I must be on a ship, she figured. But where am I going? "Enjoying the view?" A voice inquired. Before she even turned around, Madeline knew it was Issy.
"What is this?" Madeline asked as she slowly turned to face her betrayer. Issy wore a black cloak over what Madeline thought looked like Mooshuian armor and Issy's red hair was cut differently, it started out shorter in the back and came down longer, to the chin, in the front. It was straight and beautiful as ever, but her icy, blue, cat eyes shot daggers at Madeline. She'd never seen such a hateful glare before and Issy's tiger ears laid low with irritation. What has become of her? Where has my old friend gone? Madeline wondered.
"What do you think it is?" Issy hissed. "A sorcerer of your skill and power will be a of great value to an order such as the Armada. They'd pay a hefty price for someone like you." Madeline's jaw gaped open.
"Y-you're selling me to the Armada?" She stuttered in disbelief.
"Duh," Issy spat. "They'll use you for your powers and knowledge of that pitiful realm and then leave you to rot in your cell until you're nothing but a pile of bones." Madeline met her old friend's eyes with a sorrowful, green gaze. She walked closer to the bars and grabbed one of them, the metal cold to the touch.
"Why are you doing this?" Madeline asked her, spirits sinking and heart breaking.
"You stole everything from me," Issy growled. "You always bested me at everything, killed my beloved pet and injured my brother, and you even ended up with the guy you liked. Heh, guess you're not getting that wedding now." She smirked coolly. Maddie swallowed, throat tightening.
"D-David wasn't my fault," she said, choking up. "And I never meant to be better than you at anything."
"Don't say his name!" Issy yelled in fury. Sadness clouded her blue eyes for a second, but returned with a fierce fire. She balled her hands into fists and shook one at Maddie stepping towards the bars. "You did this to me and now it's time I give you a little taste of your own medicine." Madeline felt tears welling in her eyes, but she did her best to fight them. She looked at Issy with a weary compassion.
"What happened to you?" She asked her softly. "You were so kind, funny, outgoing, but now you're not the Issy I remember. Why have you let jealousy corrupt your beauty? I miss you, Issy."
"No you don't," she said. She moved her cloak to reveal a sword hanging to her side and grabbed the hilt. "Jealousy hasn't corrupted me one bit. I was never meant to be a wizard. I have the blood of a pirate running through my veins. That's the one thing you'll never be better than me at." Issy's hateful gaze dropped to the floor. Madeline stared at her. Where is the one I used to deem my little sister? Is she still in there?
"Issy, you don't have to do this," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. "I still love you, little sister." Issy turned her livid gaze back to Madeline, the blue fire blazing.
"Shut up! I hate you!" She screamed at her. "Say goodbye you perfect little angel, your light is about to die forever! This time Luke can't save you! Soon, you'll be the Armada's slave and not my problem!" With that, Issy turned and stormed out of the room furiously. Madeline sank to her knees, grabbing the bars with both of her hands and leaning her head against them, sobbing. Emma, Luke, someone, please save me.