*** This story contains some mild language, suspense, romance, and some frightening images and situations—13 and older, please.

In the Grip of Twilight

By:

Olivia Tannis Moore

Chapter Eighty Seven:

Part II: The One That Was Left Behind

We cleared enough of the stone wall to create a small entry in which to wiggle through.

"We should put these stones back in place," I said once we climbed through to the other side. "Or else Aro will know you helped us escape."

The man snorted. "My dear, I was a marked man from the time you arrived in this place. Don't be absurd—of course he will know I helped you escape. Aro is no fool." He gazed at me for a long second, "Although he has been more foolish than necessary as far as you're concerned, and I can't determine why. Perhaps he only wishes to get it right this time…but so careless." His gaze turned disapproving. "And you…" he shook his head and finger at me in what was clearly a scolding, "You managed the impossible and escaped Aro…only to come right back. Don't you realize what peril you place yourself in? Or, for that matter, the entire human race?"

I shifted uncomfortably. "I had to get Alice out. And Demetri," I blurted, then grew perturbed that I was explaining myself to the man. I didn't owe him an explanation; he was a stranger to me. But it was more than that, I realized. The mere mention of Demetri's name was enough to cause my cheeks to flame and my heart to beat irrationally inside my chest.

The old man's eyes widened in disbelief. "Demetri? The Captain of the Guard? That one needs no saving," he scoffed.

I raised my chin defiantly. "Demetri is a friend of mine…and he's working for the cause. I wouldn't be here…wouldn't even be alive it wasn't for him."

The old man's gray eyes searched my face for a moment. "No, of course you wouldn't be…someone had to help you escape in the first place, didn't they?"

Alice gazed back and forth between us nervously.

My smile was polite but distant. "I'm sorry—I didn't get your name when you were rambling on inside our heads."

He returned my smile with his own slight one. I felt as though he wasn't quite finished sizing me up, and his next words confirmed it. "How do you like your new gifts, Miss Swan? Do they suit you? Or do you find them burdensome?"

Alice quickly interrupted. "Shouldn't we get out of here, first—chit chat later?"

The old man nodded. "Yes, yes, of course. I forgot myself for a moment." Then he gazed back at me. "There'll be plenty of time for questions and answers later when we reach the tunnels," he said as he crossed the small cell. He bent down and removed one of the loose stones in the floor.

My mouth dropped open as he retrieved a key hidden there. "You had a key to your own cell and didn't escape? Talk about foolish…"

For the first time, the old man frowned at me. "I couldn't very well leave until you arrived, Miss Swan."

"I don't see why not," I said.

His eyes narrowed. "If something should happen to you, whom do you suppose would be on the hook to save the humble human race? Not your Captain of the Guard, that's for sure. Furthermore, we shouldn't actually be in the same place at once. It's much too risky and dangerous. But here we are…"

I shook my head. "I don't understand…"

"You will soon," he said as he slipped the key into the lock, and pushed the metal door open. "We must hurry—" He turned his head back to us. "Alice, don't you feel them coming now? They've retrieved the cup…"

My eyes flickered to Alice's stricken face. She was worrying her both lip between her teeth.

"What is it?" I asked her anxiously.

"The cup—they have it now," she told me. "But that's not all…"

The old man placed his hand on her shoulder interrupting her. "Alice…be silent. Now is not the time."

Incredulous, I whirled around to face him. "I don't know who you think you are…but if Alice sees something, I want to know."

The man smiled apologetically. "Perhaps it is time to tell you who I am. Perhaps that would even clear things up," he said as he took my hand and squeezed gently. "I am called Thaddeus, and it seems that I've been waiting for you to arrive for an eternity."

(A very short chapter, but my life is very hectic right now. Seems everything is making a demand on my time and energy. But I couldn't leave you guys hanging overly long, especially not knowing the identity of the old sage in the prison. Kind of makes sense now, doesn't it?—Thanks for reading—OTM.)