I really love this chapter. I could probably read it over and over again. Anyway, we've once again switched to Emrys. And in case you haven't been able to figure out (cuz I made it less obvious then I first realized) you find out who he is in this chapter. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: no, I didn't forget last chapter…I did it on purpose.
Chapter 36: Living on Love
The first thing they did when they realized I was awake was examine me. It was humiliating. They invaded my privacy to the greatest extent. But then I was less than an animal, so to them I had no privacy. They didn't release me while they did it either. I wasn't able to resist, but I didn't show them how it affected me. They didn't need the satisfaction of making me miserable. At least they didn't take my clothes. They wouldn't make me wear whatever they had hidden in their closets. At least not this time.
He didn't come back today. Instead Baez showed up. He was the last person I ever wanted to see.
"Well, my dragoness has returned to me."
I kept my head bowed. I didn't want to look into his piercing, dead black eyes.
"You really surprised me. I never expected you to have a rebellious side. You were always too quiet."
He was acting nice to me, but I really wanted to hit him. I wanted to hit him so hard he'd still be feeling it twenty years from now. I wanted him to know how it felt to be me. How it felt to be on the receiving end of his money decisions.
"I'm rather disappointed. I never suspected you the type to spy."
I didn't move, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't lie to me. My scientists found the camera."
Against my better judgment I looked at him.
"What are you talking about?"
He growled at me and pressed a red button on a remote he was holding. The pain was totally unexpected and I cried out more from the surprise.
"The camera found in your sweatshirt. Where did it come from? Who sent you?"
His tone was angry, but I didn't know how to answer. My silence was punished by another electric shock.
One of the Justice League members must've planted it on me before I left on the mission. I suspected Batman. But I couldn't tell them that. I couldn't tell them about my friends. Baez, however, did not appreciate my silence to his questions. It wasn't long before I was out cold.
…
When I came to the room was dark except for the blue glow of the electric cage. It must've been late. They must have closed up and retired for the night. I was more than sore. My whole body throbbed, but I wouldn't complain. It was just going to get worse.
The door opened and closed. Who would be wandering the facility this late at night? I could see the outline of a boy, but then the cage was turned off and we were thrown into darkness. I could hear the boy's breathing. He stood right in front of me. It was him.
"Emrys," he whispered.
"Turn on a light," I said.
"I can't. Someone will see."
"I don't care. I want to see you." It had been so long. Too long.
He sighed, "Em."
He couldn't see my desperate expression. "Please."
The lights were blinding, but I didn't care. I could see him. He cupped my cheek with his hand. I never wanted this moment to end.
"How are you faring?" he asked.
I didn't know how to answer.
"I saw what he did to you today. I won't let it happen again."
"Don't say that." I leaned my face into his hand. "There's no way you can stop him."
"Emrys, where have you been? Where did you get the camera?"
I knew I could trust him. He was on my side.
"I'm not sure where the camera came from, but I've been staying with some friends."
"Friends? What friends? I can contact them. Ask for help."
"No, they have more important things to worry about."
"Just tell me who they are."
I sighed. He was as stubborn as Max.
"The Justice League, but please don't get them involved."
He didn't answer. I knew he wasn't going to listen.
"Don't worry Em. I'm going to get you out of here. Just like last time."
I couldn't hold the tears back any longer. I wanted so badly to believe him. He took a step closer, and though he had to stretch to reach, he hugged me. He held me as close as he could, and I wanted so badly to wrap my arms around him but since I couldn't I just cried into his shoulder. When my sobs quieted he pulled away.
"I promise you Em, we're going to get out of this. I'll find a way." He kissed my forehead. "I love you Emrys."
"Thank you Aneurin."