I stayed in that dark room for what seemed like hours. Rubbing my sores wrists I had walked around the small room looking for a light by dragging my hand across the cool stone walls. Finally, I found a thin string hanging from the ceiling. Find was a loose term. I had run into and thought it was a spider. Pulling on the string, light flooded into the room and I blinked my eyelids. The room was small and barren. The cement floor was cold, I could feel it through my thin shoes. The walls were stone so I guessed this room had been made before a lot of the other safe rooms. The room was bare except for a small bucket and a wooden shelf that had nothing on it. I walked along the sides of the room, knocking on the stones, hoping through some way there was a way I could get out. The Queen's words were echoing in my mind and I feared what she would do to Holden. To his sister. To everyone.
Grumbling, I slid to the floor and wrapped my arms around myself. My dress was completely ruined and the cold war lining my skin with goosebumps. The Queen wasn't going to get away with us. She couldn't.
My stomach was growling and my bones were chilled to the core by the time the door opened. I looked up, my teeth chattering, hoping that there was someone bringing food. The only face that greeted me was that of the Guard. He pulled me up to my feet and wrapped my arms in rope. I wished I had the energy to fight back. But I felt drained, and the Queen's words had left me feeling annoyed. How could the King fall for her stupid ploy? Through the window I could see the sun beginning to rise. Had it really been almost a day.
The Guard led me to another secret door. How many secret doors were there in thsi place? The guard led me down a narrow flight of stairs. The air felt humid and damp. My stomach grumble loudly.
" Where are we going?'
" Shut up, girl."
" Well that's rude."
" You should be glad I'm being so nice."
I laughed, " No, you're glad I'm being nice. And that I can't use my hands right now."
" Hm." The guard said, ignoring me again. My frustration was growing and fear was tightening in my core. Despite everything, I did care for Holden. And I feared what the Queen would do. I didn't trust her anymore and the King was a drunken mess after the late Queen's death. He would be useless. Stepping off the stairs, the Guard began walking down a long, dark hallway.
" Why are you working with her? She'll never get away with it."
" She has help. And she will."
" Help. From who?"
" Like I would tell you."
" Or you don't know," I taunted. " Because you just follow her like a little puppy."
The Guard spun, shaking me harshly. " You think you're so smart. Being a Five who manipulated the system. You're a fake." I took a deep breath and tried to ease the anger boiling in me.
" Just like you."
" I know everything. And once the Southern Rebellion and the Queen take over this kingdom. I'll be her right-hand man." I shut my mouth and he let go of me. The Queen was working with the Southern rebellion? That was the only way she could defeat Illéa. We reached the end of the hall and the Guard opened the door. I was immediately hit with the strong scent of pine. We were in the forest.
Scanning the woods I tried to see if there was any way I could run away. But even if I was faster than him, there was no way I could run back to the Palace. The Queen would find a way to get me. But I had to warn Holden. Or King Maxon. And I could try, right? The worst that would happen was the Queen would capture me again. I turned to the Guard that was still walking in front of me. No one was behind me, I think. Looking forward, I placed both hands on his back and pushed the Guard. Before he could turn around again, I ran and sprinted into the woods. I heard the Guard shout behind me but I ignored it and ran, dodging between trees. The castle loomed in front of me and I sprinted, with my dress clenched in my hands. I could feel the heavy footsteps of the Guard behind me. I was breathing hard and within seconds, the Guard was on my heels. No. I tried to push faster but my legs were turning sore.
Suddenly the sounds stopped and I risked a peek backward. The Guard was gone. In his place stood...Jake. I slowed. The Guard lay unconscious, hopefully, between us.
" Come with me, Eve."
" How do I know you're working with the Queen."
" Because I work for the Northerners," he pointed to the necklace I wore. " With your grandmother." Then before I could question him again, he pulled his uniform to the side showing a mark that rested just below his collarbone. A tattoo. That matched the design on my grandmother's necklace.
" Holden…"
" We will warn him."
" We."
" Kaya and I."
" I knew you had a thing!" I exclaimed excitedly. Jake rolled his eyes and smiled.
" That's...we don't have time. Please, Eve. Follow me."
" Okay." I whispered, and followed him into the woods.
Sorry for the short chapter but I thought this was a good place to end. Thank you so much everyone for the support and I will e updating a more intense chapter. Favorite and comment for faster updates! Where is Jake bringing Eve? How are they going to warn Holden? Keep reading to find out!
Fae