Onto chapter 10... Wow. Chapter 10 already?

Hans

I woke up with a groan. My chest and head ached, and I couldn't remember why. I squinted my eyes open, groaning softly.

"Hans?"

I forced my eyes open when I heard Emma's voice. "Emma?"

"Thank goodness you're awake," she smiled, brushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "We- sorry, I was getting worried."

"Wait, why? How long was I out?" I suddenly realized Albert had probably found out be now that I had escaped. I needed to know how much time there was before he found me.

More importantly, Emma.

"Um, a couple hours? Why?"

I cursed, standing up. "We need to go. Now."

"Wait, what? Why?" Emma asked, eyebrows furrowing. "No, no you need to rest. I'm sorry, but you look kinda bad."

"I don't care what I need! You need to get Out. Of. Here."

I saw her open her mouth to argue, but she soon closed it. She sighed. "Hans-"

"Emma. Please," I pleaded. "We can't have much time."

"Time? Before what?"

"Emma!" A young girl screamed. It sounded panicked, desperate.

Emma's face paled. "Amanda." She turned towards her door, ready to run to the rescue as she always seemed to do. I grabbed her arm.

"Emma, whatever is going down down there isn't good. I think-"

"Listen to me. That is my SISTER down there. I don't care what you think, I'm not letting anything happen to her."

"And I'm not letting anything happen to you."

Emma's face filled with a mix of fury and determination. "Let me go."

"Emma, please. I don't want you getting hurt." That line I kept saying, first to Anna now to Emma. I don't want you to get hurt. The last straw to keep someone here, but never really works.

I let go.

Emma

I raced down the stairs, stopping dead in my tracks when I saw what was going on.

A group of people were holding Anna, Kristoff, Elsa, Amanda, and Ashley with their arms pinned behind them. Tears were streaming down my sister's faces, and they were quite clearly trembling. My other friends had their head held high, though fear was definitely written in their eyes.

"It's about time you joined us!" Albert grinned, pacing in front of me. "Feels like I've been waiting for ages!"

"Albert," I said coldly. "I'm done playing your games. Just go away. Please."

"Good to see you up and kicking again. I've missed that fire."

I rolled my eyes. "What do you want?"

"I want your cooperation. You've been a rebel, and I'm sorry to say its kinda tiring. These last few months have been fairly relaxing." Albert smirked. "I'm curious, though. How long have you remembered?"

I paused. "A few days. Since I got home from Australia."

"How nice. Why haven't you told dear, sweet Hansie?"

"Because you were watching. I'm not an idiot. Why did you send him to me? You must've known something would trigger my memories."

Albert winked. "I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."

"Mmm hmm. Fine. But I really really hate you."

"Speaking of my little brother, where is he? He would come see you."

"I would think so. But he's not here," I lied. "Thanks for making me feel so much better."

"Sure," Albert said. "Go look upstairs," he told a few men. They nodded obediently and headed upstairs. I closed my eyes.

"Here's the thing, Emma," he smirked, stepping close so my face was only a few inches from his. "You can't lie to a liar."

"We've got him, sir!" A gruff voice called from upstairs.

"Excellent! Bring him down."

"Leave him alone," Anna said suddenly. "Please?" She whimpered as the man holding her arms tightened his grip.

"Ah yes. You guys," Albert smiled. "How did you get here?"

"Why would we tell you?" Elsa asked, straightening coldly. "You've done nothing but destroy."

I held my breath as the exchange happened. Elsa kept a cool head, but I knew Anna would be flustered. Kristoff would simply stay silent, which isn't too bad.

"Anna?" Albert asked, turning to her. "How did you get here?"

Her eyes flicked over to Kristoff, whose ears were turning red. "W-why do you care? It doesn't really matter anyway. It's not like I like you at all. I wouldn't trust you with anything. I mean-"

"Anna. You're rambling," I muttered. Her face went bright red. Albert, on the other hand, laughed.

"Fine. I'm sure they'll break anyway. I have time." Suddenly, he frowned. "What is taking them so long?"

I felt a flutter of hope in my chest. Had Hans gotten away? As soon as the thought entered my head, the hope was smothered out. How would he have gotten away? He's weak and injured. It was impossible.

Finally, the two men appeared at the top of the stairs carrying a tied up Hans, who winced every time they made a sharp movement. I closed my eyes, feeling a sense of dread in my chest.

"Sorry, sir, we just wanted to make a few extra precautions."

"Fine. But next time, tell me beforehand," Albert growled. Then he straightened up and smiled at his younger brother.

"Tell me, brother dear," he sneered. "How does it feel to know you lost?"

Hans didn't answer, only turned his head. Albert's eyes darkened.

"How did you escape?" He demanded, keeping an eerily calm voice. When Hans didn't answer again, Albert stormed up to his and crabbed his shirt collar, causing him to cry out in pain. "I'll ask you one more time," Albert said, and I felt my heart speed up. "How. Did. You. Escape."

Hans, breathing heavily, managed to get out a few words. "Why would I tell you?"

Albert smirked. "Fine. Grab the girl."

"What?" I asked, bewildered and terrified.

"No!" Hans shouted, wincing as he started to struggle.

I backed up as the two men who had Hans started to approach me. They roughly grabbed my arms, and I heard my sisters whimper behind me.

"You know, Anthea did tell you what was supposed to happen with this, right?" Albert mused, and I felt a cold needle against my neck. "It would be a shame to use this on her, wouldn't it?"

"Please don't," Hans said softly. "I'll… I'll do anything."

"I bet you will. Alright. Let's turn the tables then, shall we?"

I don't even know how to explain why this chapter was as postponed as it is. I guess I just didn't have the right energy to do so, but I didn't want it to gather dust for much longer.

Sooo I will really try harder. A million apologies, I am totally upset about myself too.

Alright, so Albert is being a total prick. What do you think he should do? How should Hans react?

Thank you for sticking around (as well as for the Guest reviewer who recently snapped me with comments and gave me enough motivation to post this chapter) and see you in the next update!

HUGS AND KISSES LAURYN OUT!