Author's Note: I dearly hope everyone is staying safe during these trying times. Stay home, do not go to parties and do not meet up with friends, just stay home. Please. About the story, I am happy with the way this chapter turned out! I think I'm finally getting pacing and action down, so that's lit! Enjoy! Leave a comment if you want

Chapter 17

December
Unknown Location

Coldness was the first sensation Cleopatra felt as she stirred too. Groaning as her head throbbed, Cleo lifted her hands to hold her head.

Clink clunk.

Blinking her eyes open, grogginess and pain filled her vision as she turned herself onto her back. Lifting her heavy hands in front of her eyes, Cleo could both see and feel the metal handcuffs attached to both of her wrists. Slowly rising to a sitting position, she began to notice the room around her. Bare cold dark stone floor and walls surrounded her. The room was lit from a single exposed light bulb dangling from the ceiling, a metal table haphazardly placed against a wall. Following the chains from her wrists, Cleo could see from where they were mounted individually halfway up the wall. Cleo's eyes glanced at the steel door on the adjacent wall.

What happened? Cleo thought as she clenched her head as she felt the tale tail signs of a massive headache approaching. Mordo happened, the voice in her head responded bitterly. "Strange." She whispered out loud to herself, eyes snapped open wide. Where is he? Did he not see my message? Maybe Mordo noticed and got rid of my hair, Cleo depressingly wondered. Eyes darting around the room, Cleo relaxed a little once assured Mordo wasn't with her in the room. Slowly rising unsteadily on shaky feet, Cleo wrapped a hand around her stomach, I need to get out of here before he comes back. Leaning on the nearest wall, Cleo slumped over to the chains' beginning, her entire body on fire. That'll happen after getting blasted into a wall, she remarked as she took in a deep breath.

Touching the cold metal on the wall, Cleo futilely pulled on the rings attaching itself to the ends of her chains. Rubbing her hands together, Cleo placed her palms on the mound, slowly casting a shattering spell. Just as fast as the two incantation circles appeared they disappeared as the pain in Cleo's upper left arm flared up.

Cleo cursed. The Bracelet… Cleo gripped her arm, just how restricted did Strange limit her magic usage? Flashbacks to her and Strange yelling on the rooftop flooded her mind, guilt and shame filling her. In a way, this is all my fault, Cleo accused as she took deep breaths to get past the sting in her arm. Closing her eyes and leaning her head against the cold wall, she struggled to contain the tears that were threatening to break through.

If I hadn't snuck out of the Sanctum, Strange wouldn't hate me, he wouldn't have amplified the effect of the Bracelet. If I had just listened to him. If I was just a little bit stronger. Stronger like my Mother.

At the thought of her mother, the tears sped down her tanned face.

What would she think of me, trapped by the enemy? Too weak to even cast an incantation. I have failed her. I have failed both her and Strange with my weakness. Cleo sniffed as the cold reached a peak within her. If only I was stronger… she chunkily wiped at the tears that still lingered on her face. The pain from the Bracelet subsidizing. "The Bracelet," Cleo whispered as she eyed her upper left arm, "'The Bracelet restricts the powers of a sorcerer,'" she repeated a passage concerning the Bracelet of Boudica she had read what seemed like an eternity ago in the Sanctum's cozy library.

A flicker of hope sparked in her chest. If I can remove the Bracelet, Cleo wondered, the flicker slowly spreading through her body, drowning the coldness and pain. If I can remove it, I still have a fighting chance, she concluded as she reached her right hand under her left sleeve, struggling against the bulkiness of the handcuff. Once her fingertips met the cool smooth surface of the Bracelet, Cleo spread her fingers, examining it. Fingers resting against the green gem in the centre of the Bracelet, Cleo began to dig her fingers under it. Come on, you must have some give, cold sweat trickling down her back as she tried to hurry, fearing Mordo finding her attempting an escape.

An electric shock shot up her fingers into her body as she dug her nails into the base of the gem, retreating her arm back quickly, Cleo jumped at the shockwave. Cursing, Cleo shot her arm back under her sleeve, not giving up. Once again, a tremor raced up her arm into her body as she attempted to remove the green emerald. She released a small cry as her arm spasmed. Balling the neck of her workout sweatshirt into her mouth, Cleo sat on the ground, back against the wall, she watched the door as her hand traveled back to the relic.

"Mphhh-, "Cleo called out into her shirt as she dug at the gem, trying to unseat it. Kicking her feet out, she threw her head back against the wall as the electric current traveled her body, causing her to shake uncontrollably. No more weakness, Cleopatra, she thought to herself as her fingers gripped the gem, pulling at it. Come on, she pleaded as she felt the gem begin to wiggle, her screams continued to be muffled. It hurt, the electric current intensified as the gem slowly twisted from its spot. "Mmhhhh-!" Legs kicking out wildly, head banging against the wall, trying to seek some form of relief from the on fire nerves.

Come on, Cleo, she thought as the tears resumed, you can do this, no more weakness. No more!

With a final scream the gem detached itself from the rest of the bracelet. Heaving heavily, Cleo retreated her arm from under her sleeve, her fist shaking around her goal. Opening her palm, the green emerald looked beautiful, a contrast to the ugly pain that still rattled her body. Her tanned fingertips were singed. Removing her shirt from her mouth, Cleo sighed in relief, slowly feeling her magic creep back into her veins. Eyelids heavy, she placed the emerald in her sweatshirt pocket whist sinking into the stone floor.

The coldness and the darkness amplified as her body turned to stone, exhaustion sinking in. With a futile last attempt to keep her dark eyes open, resting her head on the stone floor, Cleo's vision turned to black.

New York City

"I have casted this spell once only before," Strange explained as Wong continued to pluck up strands of hair from the ruined carpet, "it is very advanced, even for me." The pudgy man looked up from the floor at his tall friend who was staring into space, scarred hand clenched around long curly strands. "You should be the one to cast it," Strange spoke to Wong, turning to face the Librarian.

"Now is not the time for self-wallowing…" Wong responded as he approached him, cut off by Strange's sudden outburst. "This isn't self-wallowing!" he exclaimed, eyes shut tight. "Then what is it about?" Wong asked, his voice remaining calm, "How is this about anything but Cleopatra right now?" Wong reprimanded the Doctor.

Strange looked at his friend, surprised at the reproach. "You were once someone who only cared about themself," Wong spoke after a pregnant pause, "you have the opportunity to save the life of your student. Perhaps you are right, you shouldn't cast the spell, you shouldn't have had to make the vow to the High Priestess, you shouldn't have to look after the girl. You're not qualified. You are not." Wong concluded, noticing the downcast eyes of Strange.

He's right, Strange agreed, feelings of inadequacy flooding his veins.

"Now," Wong spoke, raising his voice, clapping his hand on Strange's shoulder, "if you're done beating yourself up, I need the Sanctum's Master and my good friend to find his student. I need my friend to have courage in venturing into the unknown. You're the most qualified person Cleo has in her life right now." Wong placed the remaining strands of hair into the Strange's hand, "Now, go find her."

Meeting Wong's eyes, Strange felt a flicker of confidence ignite in his chest. Holding his arms outstretch with the hair, Strange closed his eyes, reciting the incantation. I promise that we will find you, Cleo, Strange promised, I swear that I will bring you home. I will set everything right. I will become better. The hair strands turned a bright shade of yellow, sparks flying from them. Wong watched from the side, a slight tug at his lips.

Rotating his arms, the yellow sparks connected and formed a circle in the air. Opening his eyes, Strange took a step back as the projection continued to spark clockwise. "Ready?" Strange asked the Librarian.

"Right behind you"

Unknown Location

Slowly stirring to consciousness again, Cleo groaned as she lulled her head to the side. Her body still burning from removing the gem from the Bracelet of Boudica.

"Morning, Witch," Mordo's voice gloated into the room. Cleo's eyes shot open at the sound of his voice. "What…" she whispered as she looked down at herself. Her arms and legs were bound to a chair, struggling against her restraints she heard the madman's chuckling behind her. "Show yourself, Coward!" Cleo demanded in a weak voice, still attempting to escape her chains.

A dark hand grabbed the hair on the crown of her head, Mordo's manic face came into view as he stopped inches from her face, halting her actions. The waves of uncontrolled magic still flowing off him. Shivering in fear, Cleo tried to lean away from him but his grip was unrelenting. His eyes scanning her face, he tugged at her hair tilting her head back. After what seemed like hours, he released his hold of her. Retreating a foot from her, he continued to stare at Cleo, glee ever so present on his face.

Cleo pleaded for kinetic energy to pool around her hands. Nothing. I must be drained from removing the gem. Cleo felt helpless, bound to the stupid chair, unable to conjure any spells. Fear tightened in her chest. She was afraid. Afraid of the murderer in front of her.

"Now," Mordo growled, leaning against the metal table, "it is in your best interest to cooperate." He spoke as he turned around collecting something from the table. Retrieving the item, he returned to his position in front of Cleopatra. Gripping her hair again, he tilted her head up, making eye contact. Bringing the object into view, Cleo scowled as she recognized the relic. The Eye of Horus.

"I will be only asking once…" he spoke calmly, "how do you use the Eye of Horus? I cannot read the Book of Wadjet, so you will tell me exactly what I want to know."

He thinks I know how to use the Eye, Cleo realized as her eyes darted between the relic and Mordo. That means he can't kill me, well, just not yet. Confidence slowly shuffled in her tired form. If I can distract him long enough, maybe Strange can locate me.

Realizing that it was her only option, Cleo locked eyes with the madman. "Why do you need the Eye?" she inquired.

A slight tug at the corner of this mouth and a twitch of his eyes were the only indication that Mordo's patience was thin to begin with. "I will be the one to ask questions, Witch" he spat at her, "Now, answer! How does one use the Eye? I will not be asking again."

Cleo remained silent. Eyes defying the man in front of her.

SLAP

The contact echoed throughout the stone room. Cleo's head snapped to the right, the taste of copper filled her mouth. The aggressive tug returned to her head as her eyes met Mordo's. Spitting the blood on his face, Cleopatra spoke, smirking, "You'll have to hit harder than that."

Releasing his grip, Mordo barked out a cold laugh as he wiped the blood from his face, her confidence wavered. "You think you have experience pain, Child?" he asked as he levitated the Eye in the air, freeing his hand. "Allow for me to educate," grinning ear to ear.

Cleopatra screamed for what seemed like the millionth time. The tears long ago sped down her tanned face as she struggled to draw in a lungful. She had tried to keep her mouth closed as the Madman began his attacks but she was only so resilient. Death would be sweeter, she depressingly thought as Mordo retreated to look at her from a distance.

"Are you ready to answer?" He asked condescendingly as he absentmindedly wiped the trail of blood that escaped from her mouth.

Cleopatra's heavy heaving was the only sound heard in the stone room.

"Very well…" he trailed off as he approached her again, placing his hand on her chest, right above her heart. "I don't believe I have used this one before," he spoke conversationally as he emitted red hot energy from his hand.

"AH!" Cleo cried out, the muscles around her heart constricted. "I've been told it feels like a heart attack," Mordo spoke as easily as if he were discussing the weather with friends. Thrashing in what little room she had, Cleo screamed and she screamed again. Her heart felt as though it would implode any second. The pain traveling down to the rest of her abused body. It was unrelenting. She could not handle anymore "Pl-Please…" she whimpered, tears speeding down her face.

The smile on Mordo's face was demonic.

An eruption filled the stone room as the door was blasted off its hinges. "What the-"Mordo whispered as he removed his hand from Cleopatra, eyes locked on the door.

"MORDO!" Strange roared as he rushed into the room, blasting Mordo into the hard stone wall. Cleo looked from her spot in the chair up at Strange, a weight lifted from her shoulders, tears of relief replacing the ones of pain. He had found her! Her plan had worked! Mordo recovered quickly and began his own attacks on Strange.

Entering the room also was Wong, eyes drawn to Cleo, taking a hold of her bindings, freeing her. "Are you okay?" he asked, surveying her face. Tear stricken, Cleo nodded slightly, relief flooding her. Wong looked at the rest of her, his face grimacing, "What did he do to you?" he whispered to himself as he inspected the purple and blue wounds on her body.

"My pocket," Cleo choked out, "check my pocket." Wong hastily searched her sweatshirt's pockets, holding the emerald in his hand. "This belongs to the Bracelet of Boudica." Wong whispered, astonished that she had been able to remove it from its base. "Cleopatra, how are you still conscious?" he asked returning the gem. She did not answer. Slinging her arm across his shoulders, Wong slowly brought the Scribe to her feet. Taking in a sharp breath, Cleo could not hold back her cry as she came to her feet.

A yell came from the fighting duo.

Mordo was smiling, clenching his upper right arm, "What is this new-found resolve of yours, Strange?" he mocked as Strange dissolved his blade made of kinetic energy, "Don't come to tell me that you finally care for someone other than yourself?" Strange was panting heavily, vein in his forehead bulging.

Mordo casted Cleo a glance and laughed, "You have, haven't you?" bringing back his fist, Mordo released black kinetic energy that blasted Strange through the wall. "Mordo!" Wong yelled, as he casted a shield between Mordo and Strange, as Strange began to pick himself up from the rubble. Cleo watched the fight unfold as Wong engaged Mordo in battle. Laughing, Mordo froze Wong's body in place, "Just a little payback, Wong." He remarked as he made his way towards Strange, dissolving the shield with a flick of his wrist.

"You've been a thorn in my side for far too long, Stephan. No hard feelings, old friend." Mordo spoke as he manifested a red blade, stalking up to Strange, aiming to strike.

"NO!" Cleo yelled as she raced to protect Strange, her body protesting the sudden movement, adrenaline pumping her tired form. Jumping between the two men, Cleo slashed the air in front of her with her hands, a ring of white energy cracked from her body, throwing both men back. The sleeves of her sweatshirt tore, revealing the incomplete Bracelet, no longer effective in subduing her power. An eruption of Cleo's magic filled the room, almost suffocating those in it. The room shook. The blast shattering Wong's frozen prison.

Everyone remained silent as they watched her with wide-eyes. Dust remained in the air as Cleo struggled to stay on her feet, panting. Cold sweat rolling down the side of her face.

Mordo broke the silence.

"I cannot wait to drain the High Priestess' magic from you," he spoke longingly. Strange began to pick himself up from the rubble again. Examining the room, Mordo hastily opened a portal and stepped through, Wong's attack landing on the spot he was just a moment ago.

With a sigh, Cleo collapsed on the ground, her body reprimanding her for her sudden burst of adrenaline. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she saw the blood smeared against her skin. She felt a weight rest on her shoulder, the Cloak of Levitation, wrapping itself around her as it began to levitate her. "Thank you," she whispered to the relic as Wong went to the metal table to collect the stolen relics. Strange moved past her and opened a portal to the Sanctum. They worked in silence.

Looking around the stone room that was sure to make an appearance in her nightmare, Cleo stepped through the portal. Once through, Strange held the door to the Sanctum open, ushering Wong and Cleo inside, promptly locking the heavy oak doors. Once in the foyer, Cleo lowered her head at the destruction that had taken place not so long ago.

"You found my message," she more commented than asked, glancing at the ruined carpet. Wong nodded as he snapped his fingers, having the relics float back to their place by the fireplace. "You did the right thing. Making sure we had a way of finding you." Wong praised as he looked at Strange who still remained quiet. "I will be returning to Kamar-Taj now, since the damage is extent. I do believe I need to curate a new library collection." He bid farewell as he stepped through his own portal.

Tense silence filled the space between Strange and Cleo.

"Can you please recast the protective charms on the Sanctum? That's how… how he got in. Wong did not know of the extra charms you had in place." Cleo spoke in a little voice. She didn't wait for his answer as she began to float up the stairs to her room.

Opening the door of her room, Cleo tried to take the Cloak off, which only resulted in the Cloak wrapping itself tighter around her. "I'm fine, Cloaky" she croaked.

"No, you're not." Strange spoke from the door.

The Cloak gently set Cleo down on her bed before unwrapping and returning to Strange's shoulders. Cleo looked to the floor, she did not want to have this conversation right now. She was exhausted, she was beaten, and her whole body protested every breath she took. Strange hesitantly approached her, what did he do to you, Cleo? He thought as he made mental notes of her body language.

"Can we not discuss this-"She was cut off.

"I'm sorry."

Cleo looked up at the Doctor, surprised.

"I am so sorry, Cleopatra," Strange repeated, hurt evident on his face.

She didn't know what to say. She looked back to the floor. "I should be the one to apologize." Cleo whispered, tears running down their already laid out tracks. The emotional strain of the day already too much to tolerate. She felt the bed dip next to her. "No! You did everything right. You held off a madman while making sure we had a way of finding you. You saved my life yet again." He paused his praise as he took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry for treating you like a child, for trapping you in the Sanctum, for not being what you need." Strange spoke gently, Cleo's eyes fixated on the maroon carpet. She was speechless.

Moments passed as they sat in silence. Slowly, Strange brought his scarred hands to her chin and gently lifted her head. Cleo complied, still averting her eyes. Examining her face and neck, Strange gasped. He hadn't seen the colourful bruises that littered her skin when he had rushed in to attack Mordo, but here and now, they could not have been more evident.

"Did he…" Strange couldn't finish the sentence, but he had to, he had to become the person she needed him to be. "Did he torture you?"

Still not looking at him, Cleo nodded her head, fisting the sheet.

Softly, Strange wrapped his arms around her, resting her head in the crook of his neck. Cleo held on to the back of his tunic. Afraid that if she let go, she would still wake up in that cold stone room.

"I'm here," Strange whispered into her hair.

Cleo sobbed hearing those words.