Mal paced furiously in the cell, his hands running across his head as rage boiled inside him. He needed to get out of here before Kirigan would bind himself to Alina forever. Then he would have no chance. Kirigan was not a force to be reckoned with right now and there was no stopping him, no matter how many times he said that Alina didn't want to be his equal.
Mal stopped for a second, catching his breath and he looked forward into the cell across him. The Volcra had calmed down now and seemed to retreat to the corner. The only way Mal would be able to get out of the cells would be for the guards to come and unlock it. And for the guards to come in, he needed an excuse. Kirigan must have given orders to only come in when necessary.
An idea popped into Mal's head and for a second, he thought to himself.
Is this a really a good idea, you could get yourself killed
But the thought went away quickly as he remembered this was the only way he would save Alina. Mal turned quickly, rushing to the side of the cell where a plate laid from his minimal lunch. The fork on the plate was rusty but it would have to do. It was the only thing available.
Taking a shaky breath, Mal slowly moved his sleeve up, revealing his arm and he closed his eyes tightly. Biting his bottom lip, he pressed the end of the fork into the skin of his arm, the ends pushing. With another deep breath, Mal pushed it harder until pain erupted and he bit down on his lip to stop himself from screaming. He didn't want the guards to come in yet.
Blood poured from his arm and dripped on the floor, the fork creating three small holes into his arm. Mal groaned as he bit through the pain and then took the fork, pulling at his skin to rip it open just enough for there to be an open wound and the blood to ooze out.
He struggled to breath as the rush of the pain and adrenaline in his body made him weak and sweat started to drip down his forehead. Blood was now covering his arm as he had harmed himself. He threw the fork away, the metal clattering in the corner and he finally let his lip go. He tasted blood on his tongue and using the other arm, he wiped the sweat beating down his face.
The blood was staining his dirty, ragged clothes and he struggled to stand from the sudden loss of blood. The pain was there and his arm was stinging as the wound gaped open. Turning around, he stared deeply into the darkness of the cell in front, slowly inching forward and when he reached the bars, he dropped down to his knees.
He squinted to try and locate the Volcra but the shadows hid it well. His body shook from the shock of cutting himself but he knew that was going to be nothing compared to this. Slowly, he inched his arm through the bars, his hand shaking uncontrollably and he waited. It was deadly silent and he kept his breathing low.
A low sniff came from the Volcra and a rattle of the chain indicated it had gotten up from its position wherever it was. Mal watched with wide eyes, his arm stiff and legs trembling as the creature inched forward, the end of its nose peeking through the shadow. It leant it's head down, it's nose nearing Mal's arm and with a swift sniff, it caught the pungent smell of blood.
A low growl came from it and Mal stiffened even more. Suddenly a loud screech came and the Volcra tugged forward, yanking at the chain and jumped forward, its claws scratching Mal's arm, tearing the flesh open with four long scratches. Blood poured out of his arm and he screamed. The Volcra flapped its wings and went to attack again but Mal pushed himself away, scurrying over to the other side for protection.
He panted hard, his body shaking now that he was losing so much blood and he gripped his elbow to try and keep it minimal. With the energy he had left, he yelled once again, calling out for help.
"Help!" he screamed and to his delight, the Oprichniki guarding the cells burst in, eyes wide as they saw the bleeding prisoner.
"Help me please" Mal panted and the Oprichniki fumbled with the keys, unlocking the door. The two jumped inside, looking over his wounded arm.
"What happened" one of them asked but they didn't need when the screech of the Volcra caught both their attention. The two guards jumped in fright and turned to watch the Volcra as it clawed against the bars, itching to get to Mal. While they were distracted, Mal forced himself up and threw a hard punch to the back of one of the guard's head, falling down and clutching the back of his head. The other turned and went to grab his rifle but Mal was quicker and sent a hard elbow into his nose, the guard falling to the floor with a grunt.
The other guard had time to stand and grabbed Mal by his shoulders, shoving him against the wall and throwing a punch his way. Mal groaned as his back and head hit the wall, blood pouring from his nose. He lifted his knee into the guard's crotch, hitting him between his legs. The guard fell with a yell, clutching the area. The guard which Mal elbowed in the nose had now gotten back up and he threw a punch to Mal, sending him backwards, stumbling over his feet. Blood ran down his nose to his chin. Mal lifted his arm to block another attack and threw his own punch in his stomach. The guard stumbled back and Mal grabbed him by his shoulders, throwing him across the cell to the bars, his back hitting it harshly. The guard groaned and kicked Mal on his shin, sending him down. He made quick work in grabbing his rifle to hit across Mal's back, a hard groan escaping.
Mal lifted his hand, grabbing the end of the rifle as it was being brought down again and swung it, twisting the guards hand. He pulled himself up with the help of the rifle and smashed the guards head against the bars, blood pouring from the back. He shoved him against the bars again, yelling as he did and the guard stumbled, falling weak from is injuries. He turned and his front was slammed against the bars, his now weakened body falling to the floor. Soft groans came from the guard and as he fumbled to get back up, a low growl came from the other side. The guards' eyes widened and before he could react, the Volcra reached through the bars and latched on to his arms, yanking the guard up against the bars as it clawed and screeched.
Screams erupted and Mal scurried backwards to get out of the line of the Volcra, watching as the guard was being ripped apart by the Volcra. As he moved back, the guard on the floor grabbed his ankle to pull him down and Mal fell with a hard grunt. Mal clenched his fist and threw a punch directly in front of the guard, sending him back and knocking him unconscious.
With heavy breaths, Mal perched against the wall, taking a minute to regain his strength. His sleeve was covered in blood and his body ached from the punches he received. Mal glanced over to see the guard that had been at the hands of the Volcra, lying there barely breathing as his stomach had been ripped open and his insides draining. The sound of chewing made Mal's stomach clench and he suddenly felt the urge to vomit. The Volcra was feasting on the dead Oprichniki.
Mal wasted no time in pulling the unconscious guard towards him, ripping off his clothes and swapping with the guards. He'd be easily spotted if he ran around the little palace drench in his own blood. He hissed as his arm oozed blood when he caught it trying to put the Oprichniki uniform on and with a piece of his prisoner shirt, he wrapped his arm in a makeshift bandage to keep it from draining. He couldn't lose any more blood, he needed strength to get Alina out of here. Picking up the rifle, he threw it over his shoulder and stumbled out, locking the cell.
Peeking through the door of the cells, he scanned the courtyard, checking to see who may be out there. Now that he was dressed as an Oprichniki, he would be less noticeable and have a better chance of slipping past people without saying anything. He inched outside, the sky dark and windy. He trekked across the gravel, running softly and reached the palace entrance, hiding behind a wall. He was sure that there would be guards throughout the palace.
Taking a look behind the wall, he made sure the coast was clear before walking inside, keeping his eyes peeled, dashing back and forth. He swallowed the hard lump in his throat. The palace was quiet, probably because the Grisha were all in their chambers. As he turned down a hallway, he noticed two guards walking towards him and he kept his head down, giving them a short nod as they passed. They didn't suspect a thing.
He turned the corner and he was met with the throne room. Empty and dark. Images flashed of Alina and Kirigan standing by his throne, his hands on her face as he kissed her before he was dragged away. He shook his head, groaning slightly to forget the nasty image. He assumed that Alina would be with Kirigan in his chambers so he made his way there. He vaguely remembered where it was from the first time he went there.
His chambers were up the stairs and as he climbed it, more guards passed him but didn't give a second look. At least he was able to get past easily. He reached the top of the stairs and stormed down the hall, his hand resting on the rifle encase anyone looked at him suspiciously or Kirigan was about. He'd gladly shoot him with the rifle but wasn't sure he'd do much damage. Of course, his kefta is bulletproof and with his shadow army he wouldn't stand a chance.
He slowed down as he reached another corner and peak round, noticing the grand door to Kirigan's chambers. A Oprichniki stood guarding the door, head high and eyes forward. Mal pressed himself against the wall, taking a minute to think. All the way up to now his plan had been built on adrenaline and rage. But now that he was just a hallway from Alina, he didn't have a clue what to do. Of course, Kirigan would be inside there and he couldn't just barge in and take Alina.
He needed a distraction. Suddenly, he heard the sound of running feet and he looked over to see two Oprichniki running down. Mal quickly grabbed the door nearest to him and prayed no one inside. Luckily for him it was just a small closet and he hid inside, pressing his ear to the keyhole to listen out.
He couldn't hear voices but a minute later he heard the slam of a door. He held his breath as he watched through the keyhole as Kirigan stormed down the hallway, anger boiling inside and dark shadows trailing behind him.
That was lucky
After he deemed the coast to be clear again, Mal jumped out of the room, looking quickly each way and he dashed round, keeping his head down as he advanced on to Kirigan's guarded bedroom.
"Did you hear" the Oprichniki said as he reached the door and Mal said nothing as he slowly looked up from under the hat.
"No" he murmured.
"The tracker has escaped, the generals gone down to see what happened" he informed Mal felt his heart beating faster and he turned around to check if there was anyone else occupying the hall.
"Why don't you go help, see what happened, he could be lurking around anywhere?' Mal suggested but the guard shook his head.
"I'm supposed to stay guard here, I'm sure the general will inform the rest of us to find him" Mal sighed in frustration and clenched his fists.
"I'll take your place" Mal said but the guard shook his head and then slightly narrowed his eyes at Mal's face.
"Hey what happened to your face" Mal had forgotten about the blood from his nose and he stammered to speak to come up with a reason. The guards' eyes widened as he realised who he was and as he reached for his rifle, Mal threw a punch his way, sending him back against the wall and then kicked him, throwing him to the floor. The guard groaned and Mal took the rifle from his shoulder, using the butt of the gun to knock the guard out.
His heart started beating faster again and he grabbed the guard, pulling him to the side to keep him out of sight. Mal ran to the door, his hand shaking as he lifted it up and he slowly turned the doorknob, the click sounding.
Thank God, it's unlocked.
He pushed through quietly, his eyes scanning the room and he quietly shut the door, his boots creaking on the hard floor. The room was lit by small lanterns and had a warm glow. He looked around desperately for Alina and when he couldn't find her, his heart started to drop.
Please let her be here.
He pressed on further into the room and the familiar bathroom came into sight. He looked inside and his smile grew as he recognised that long black hair cascading down her back. Alina was leant over the sink, breathing heavily, her head down so that she didn't notice him in the mirror in front. Mal stalked up behind her and he wrapped his hand around her, pulling her into his chest, his hand clamping over her mouth. She erupted in a scream but it was muffled by his hand and she thrashed around in his arms.
"Shh, it's me".
Hey so I hope you like this chapter, what do you think will happen, do you think Alina and Mal will escape. Let me know in the review what you think