Nightmares Should Really Stay in the Fade

Chapter Seven

Arrival in Hell

Fenris, fully aware of the situation, was quick to plant himself between the dazed Annabelle and Hadriana, who approached with a bucket of ice cold water. "Wait." He said, coldly. "I'll carry her."

Hadriana raised an eyebrow as if he'd just grown a second head. Normally it would be every man for himself in a situation like this.

"You are a fool, my little Wolf, and your softness towards the girl will be your undoing, but very well. Saves Hadriana a lot of trouble." Said Danarius, sighing, as if he was bored of everything.

Hadriana smiled coldly and placed a hand on Fenris's shoulder, then whispered so only he could hear, "You can't protect her forever."

Fenris shook off her touch, and she chuckled at his spirit. He knelt down and gathered Annabelle's petite form into his arms, which was easier said than done with both their hands shackled.

Once Fenris nodded to Danarius, they were led down a ramp onto Danarius's private harbor. Guards flanked Fenris on either side and Darius was nowhere to be seen. They walked for a while until they reached a large, castle-like mansion, and entered in what looked like a back door.

"Fenris…Fenris where are we?" Annabelle said in a hushed voice as she awoke from possibly the most blissful sleep she'd had in a month. Fenris looked down at her. She was still dazed, but alright otherwise.

"We're off the ship, Bele. You passed out from the sun." he said, relieved she was awake.

She smiled at him. "I'm glad you're here Fenris."

Danarius turned around. "You're in Minrathous, Goldie. About time you woke up."

Belle frowned at the name he'd given her. What was she, a fish? Apparently, she'd be better off a pet than a human in this place. But then, with a sick feeling returning, she realized that she was a pet.

She looked around as Fenris carried her, as she was still too weak to stand. They were walking down a long corridor. Elves and half-elves worked busily in a kitchen, all pausing for a quick look at the newcomers. They got a sharp glance from their master, however, and went back to work. All except one. A redheaded elven woman continued to stare, Fenris meeting her gaze awkwardly, raising a dark eyebrow at her.

"You look as if you've seen a ghost, Fenris." Belle said. He looked away from the girl and into Annabelle's eyes.

"That girl…Looked familiar. I wonder who-"
Danarius gave him a sharp tug and they stopped talking after he tightened his grip on Belle, whom he'd almost dropped.