Chapter 38: Christine's POV

My hands were chained behind my back and a gag was in my mouth, only allowing hoarse, muffled whimpers to escape my throat. Barnum and a man I didn't recognize were forcing me into a basement in a small house in the middle of a forest. I tried to fight them, but there wasn't much I could do. They were much stronger than I was. Finally, I accepted my situation and gave up on struggling.

Barnum chained me to a wall and muttered several threats and curses at me as removed my gag. As soon as I was left alone in pitch black darkness, I began to cry. I was very afraid that you wouldn't be able to find me in time, as I was very far along in my pregnancy. I was so frightened, Erik, so terribly, terribly, frightened.

Suddenly, a familiar, frightened voice said, "Who is it?! Who's in here?"

I sniffled and smiled slightly, "Gustave, my little boy, is that you?"

"Mother! Yes it's me, mama," he said.

"Can you come to me or are you chained up too?"

"I am not chained up. Why are you?" he said as he crawled toward my voice.

I shook my head. "I don't know. Perhaps they're afraid I'll escape."

He finally got to me and sat next to me. He looked at the outline of my large stomach curiously. "Why are you so big?"

I laughed. "I'm pregnant, Gustave. You're going to have three new siblings soon."

He smiled. "That's great," he said and yawned.

I felt a sharp pain at the bottom of my bump and winced. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths as I rubbed my bump, hoping to calm the babies. I slightly whimpered until the pain was over. Please, God, don't let me go into labor before Erik rescues Gustave and I. Please don't make this situation any harder than it already is.

I looked over to Gustave and saw that he was asleep. I stroked his hair and smiled. He looked so much like you, mon ange. I knew you missed him dearly. I hoped and prayed that we would all be together again soon.

Before I knew it, I was asleep.

-oOoOo-

One day passed without a sign from you, which didn't surprise me since you said the journey from Darius' house to here took about a day. Gustave and I were only given one piece of bread each that day. Gustave tried to give his piece to me because he "wanted to make sure his siblings had enough to eat". I refused to let him go a day without food and he eventually ate his ration. The lack of food caused the babies to become restless and, at times, painful. It was quite uncomfortable to have three little people moving around inside of me, and I couldn't really move into a different position, so sometimes I would cry in misery until Barnum came and put the gag back in my mouth. Oh, I couldn't wait to get out of this basement! I couldn't wait for you to save me!

Late that night I heard lots of arguing and shouting.

"Where are they, Barnum?! I demand you take me to them this instant!" I heard you practically scream.

I sighed in relief. Erik's here! I'll be out soon. I thought to myself.

I heard you struggling against something or someone. Barnum chuckled maniacally, "How about a deal, Monsieur Destler? Your precious wife and son will go free, but I will turn you into the Shah, which, of course, means your death. If you choose not to accept, your son and wife and the children your wife is bearing will be my slaves forever."

NO! Don't do it, Erik! My mind screamed.

You hesitated for a moment of deafening silence. I held my breath and Gustave scooted closer to me.

Your voice was soft and simple, but it didn't have the least hint of defeat in it, as you gave your answer.

"Deal."

I sobbed aloud. I was going to lose you, my one true love, forever. I simply wouldn't bear it. You were my will to live, not to live as in "to stay alive", but to live as in "to do something in life". Without you, I was just a pile of flesh and bone. I had no will to do anything. I had no reason to get out of the bed in the morning. Nothing had any meaning without you.

Barnum opened the door to the basement and walked in with you. You and I locked eyes. I wanted to call out to you and say something, but the gag restricted me from doing so. Gustave hopped up and ran to you. You picked him up and hugged him tightly as Barnum removed my chains and gag. As soon as I was released, you put Gustave down and rushed to me. You helped me stand and enfolded me in your arms. I sobbed into your shoulder.

"Please, don't do this. I don't want you to die," I choked out hoarsely through sobs.

"Shh, I'm not going to die. I have a plan and I need your help," you said so quietly that only I could barely hear you.

"Wha-" I began, but you cut me off.

"I have a fully-loaded pistol tucked into my coat's back pocket. I need you to get it out, aim it at Barnum, and shoot him quickly."

I looked up at you. "Surely you must be joking; I've never fired a gun before."

"Well, I'm not. Now, do it before Barnum gets suspicious."

Slowly, I snaked my hand down to your coat's back pocket. I looked over your shoulder and saw Barnum tapping his foot impatiently and not looking at us. I pulled the pistol out and put my finger on the trigger.

"You can do this," you reminded me.

I gulped and aimed the gun at Barnum's head.

Ready,

Aim,

Fire.