A/N: The only fanfic I've written that I still love and don't think is horribly written but yet I still can't find the passion to update :x What is wrong with me? Hopefully more people will read this fanfic hah. It's the only one I'm really proud of... Anyways thank you for reading and please review if you have the time!

Chapter 3

There stood the prisoner who I assumed would be chained to the wall and watching my every move like all the criminals seemed to do with the sly little grin that occupied all of their faces. Instead a small grin that seemed harmless and almost kind, but I knew better. Looks can be deceiving.

It wasn't his grin that shocked me though it was the dried blood, cuts and bruises; that loitered his skin and yet he still managed a small smile and was able to walk.

His clothes were torn and barely maintaining their purpose of covering his body up. They were the same clothes he came in wearing except what was once a clean, white and fancy looking were now reduced to shreds and covered in red blotches which I could only assume was blood.

I wonder who did this to him. The Elders were too weak and the guards wouldn't be trusted to something such as this. Did they do this to him just because they were afraid? Would I turn out like this if they decided I was a witch and posed a threat?

"Are you okay, Miss?" He asked gently laying a hand on my shoulder but I jerked back throwing my back into the edge of the sink. Pain over took my senses and I let out a small gasp grabbing my back instinctively. I could barely see him take a step forward and I threw my arms forward to stop him from coming and closer.

He seemed to understand taking a step backwards out of the bathroom. I watched him go making sure he wasn't planning on escaping but I don't think he realized I didn't lock the door for fear I wouldn't be able to get away quickly enough.

He stood at the wall directly across from the bathroom staring at me giving me the chance to run but for some odd reason I didn't take it. Maybe it was the pain getting to me or maybe I wanted to know where he came from.

We were always told there weren't any other people or villages outside of ours. That we were the last people alive but this surely proved the Elders wrong? This man in front of me came from another place and he no doubt was rich after seeing the clothes he wears. It isn't like our sewn clothes that would rip constantly and then sewn back together messily.

His clothes were clean and pristine like he was a doll made for showing off. His complexion was clear and his hair look like it took him hours to brush but even when he was standing in front of me after being beaten his hair still maintained it luxurious look.

I wonder where he came from. I wonder if they used oil lamps like use or if they were more advanced than us. If he was a witch it would explain his perfect hair but if he was wouldn't he have been able to escape a simple locked room? Was it fortified with a certain type of metal or was the wood blessed?

These questions stirred through my mind but the one that kept popping up in my mind. It wouldn't go away and it gave me a small wave of hope. If he was here maybe my father was out there still. He didn't have to be dead. Tears pricked at my eyes and I fought to blink them away trying to not show him that I was weak but it seemed to be a pointless effort.

"Are you crying? Oh I'm sorry I didn't mean to sneak up on you." He said bowing slightly and I shook my head a couple times even though I should've just ignored him. He was actually apologizing though he wasn't at fault. He was a gentleman but that didn't excuse his actions.

"I must be going" I said silently making my way towards the door. I crossed the threshold my head bowed low trying not to let this foreign man see me cry but when I grasped the metal he said something that startled me. Something that even he, a witch, shouldn't have known.

"You have your mother's eyes" I should've walked out I should've assumed that this was some prank or that he was trying to provoke me but I lost all sense of reality as my head whipped backwards cracking slightly.

I resisted the urge to cry out at the pain that seemed to flow over my neck and stared at him straight in the eyes, looking for some form of emotion if he had any. How could he have known my mother? Yes she left the village but she would've spoke of him if she had indeed met him. Even though she was delirious when she stumbled through our barricaded gates mumbling incoherent words and slurs. She would've remembered meeting a witch.

But what if he wasn't what if he was just a normal person that got caught up in our wild elder's witch fiasco.

"How is she by the way" He asked looking at me and tilting his head to the side like a confused school boy would do. I grimaced slightly unsure of how to tell someone she was dead. Of course no one ever asked about her and our village was small enough that I never had to utter those words. When she died I denied it and acted as though she just left the village again, but I had never dared utter those words knowing that once I did I would admit to being alone. Sure Lucy was close enough to be family, but she wasn't and she could never give me what a family could.

"She's dead" I managed to choke out trying to push down the burning sensation that seemed to engulf my throat. Tears began to fall from my eyes and I scolded myself for being so weak. I wanted to question him and make him tell me why or how he knew her but I knew it would have to wait by the way my tears were pouring out.

I turned my back and let down my guard something I never should've done with a prisoner in the vicinity but he acted so convincing. He acted so nice like he actually knew me. I knew I should've trusted my instincts.

I let out a small gasp as I felt something wrap around my small body and get pulled back. I struggled to break free of his grip twisting left and right frantically. He pulled me even closer resting his head on my shoulder and my mind instantly wandered to rape.

I began to try even harder scratching at his arms and shaking my head back and forth. I was too young I wanted my first time to be special but then he did something that stopped me in my tracks completely.

"I'm sorry. Are you okay" He whispered in my ear genuinely concerned as he pulled me even tighter to his chest as I stopped struggling. I opened my mouth and closed it many times losing track countless times unsure of how to respond.

I wanted to say lie and say yes. Lie about all the times I've felt alone and needed someone to talk to, someone other than Lucy to share my worries with, someone who knew my mother personally and could tell me what she was like when I wasn't with her. I wanted to lie and say I didn't need a hug to make me feel better and I didn't need people looking after me but I really did.

I was the problem child, the one who always wanted more and now someone is here asking me about it basically begging for me to pour my heart out and I can't bring myself to do it.

I know that even if I do I'll become attached with him and once he's gone and the Elder's through with him we'll be forbidden to speak of him and I'll be left alone.

"I'm fine" I say wiggling out of his grasp. He let go this time almost as though he understands I won't run I won't scream like he was stopping me because he didn't want me to run off and tattle tale but even I know that's not the reason.

"Are you sure" he asks and I briefly nod my head just wanting to leave their forgetting about all my questions I need to get out, I'm feeling light headed and I need time to think and I'm not going to get it standing here talking to him besides Edna is mostly likely wondering where I am.

You don't worry Edna, she's worse than a bull when she's mad.

"I'm fine worry about yourself" I mutter taking another glance at his cuts and bruises that may get infected if not treated soon. His once pale skin dotted with the evidence of abuse. I turn to leave muttering a small goodbye but his hand catches my shoulder and I'm hesitant to turn around. What more could he have to say?

"If it's not too much to ask do you think you can bring me some books next time you visit" He asks cheerfully tilting his head to the side once more. I chew my bottom lip in aggravation. Does he not get why he's here? Does he not understand that he's the prisoner and I could get in trouble for even looking in his direction? Maybe he believes that since he claimed to know my mother he'll get special treatment. Well unfortunately for him this town is worse than the jungle you fight to survive or you die off in the shadows.

I've been keeping myself up this long and I'm not going to throw it all away to let a man destined to die at the hands of our Elder's a few books.

"If there's a next time" I mutter slipping out of the door and up the stairs but not before locking it and taking one last look at the place that holds our town's one true downfall.