We sat there for hours. Artemis lay against me, humming to himself. He was determined to win. I was equally determined to see him lose. The food was soggy and sticking to my throat, but still I sat there, smirking. Artemis had tried everything - bribery, torture, even begging at one stage. But I wouldn't budge.

That was when it happened.

"Oi! I know your in there! I know you have her!" The familiar voice came with bashing on the door, giving me a headache. Unconsciously, I swallowed my sandwich, and let out a scream.

"Trouble! Trubs, I'm-"

Artemis gagged me, slapping me across the face. "Shut up, and don't move, or I. Will. Kill. You."

My struggles stopped instantly.

It didn't take long for Trouble to bash down the door, gun in hand. I was smothered in blankets. Like that'd work. He knew I was here. That was why he'd come to save me.

"Give her to me, Mud Boy, or I'll shoot."

A small pause, then a gunshot. I could've cried. I was saved!

The blankets were pulled off my head gently. I was un-gagged. I was practically bouncing. But then-

"Artemis?"

He chuckled. "You didn't honestly think I would let Trouble take you away, did you? You are mine, after all."

I felt sick. The nest question nearly choked me. "Did you shoot him?"

"Yes." He smirked, looking so proud of himself. I wanted to hit him, or cry, or scream. I did a mixture of the three.

I battled against my chains, tears rolling down my cheeks. "I hate you," I sobbed. "I'll kill you. I hate you."

He rolled his eyes. "Go on, I dare you. Just try and kill me."

Then he walked off, tripping slightly over Trouble's body.

"Trouble," I whispered. "Trubs, are you awake? Trouble, I know he didn't kill you. He can't."

I was completely broken now. I couldn't fight. I barely had the energy to cry. But common sense told me he was dead. Dear Frond, I hate common sense.

"Trubs?" I sobbed again. "Trouble, please."

Artemis appeared in the room. "He's dead, Holly. He's not going to wake."

I glared at him, without the tears stopping. "Wake him up."

He rolled his eyes. "I couldn't even if I tried."

"You can! You can, you liar! Wake him up!"

Artemis wrapped his arms around me as he lay with me, stroking my hair. Was that meant to make me feel better?

"Get off me! Get off, you horrible, evil. . ." I was speechless with rage.

"Oh, but I like it here."

The thing that really annoyed me about that comment was the fact that I couldn't kill him for it. I made myself a statue, refusing to respond to anything. I ignored his caressing hands, his lips on mine, his pleading for a response. I don't know why I bother. I know he'll punish me.

As expected, he pulled away, scowling. "Why do you do this, Holly? You just make it harder for yourself. Give up." He pressed himself even tighter against me. "You know I'll win."

"Dream on, Fowl. I'm not giving up."

He climbs off me, staring at me, making me feel uncomfortable. "You're right," he says finally. "I can't win. I can't beat you."

And he leans over and unchains me.

THE END

A/N:Woah, cliffhanger of the century much? But don't worry, if you liked it, a sequel should be out soon.