Sworn Enemies

Chapter 4: Caught In the Act

The crowd roared in disapproval, betrayal written all over their faces as they turned their attentions toward Abel. Despite the protests of everyone around, his stare never wavered. Why was he doing this?

“Abel, what is the meaning of this?" one of the elders spoke up, her eyebrows raised in astonishment.

Even Star and Leo were gaping at him, stunned into silence.

“Killing her would be a waste," he said plainly, breaking eye contact with me to face the elders.

“Explain yourself," the white haired elder spoke up. His expression, unlike the others was blank and open to suggestion.

One thing was clear, the werewolves ruled nothing like the vampires. If a vampire dared to raise his voice to object Resmer, they were killed. But even though Abel rejected them, he was given an opportunity to defend his decision. He was respected among the werewolves, a trait unknown to vampires. Although they were my enemies, I couldn't help but admire that simple fact.

“She's the hybrid daughter of the vampire overlord. Who knows what her father would be willing to do to get her back? The vampires have had the upper hand for far too long, now we have her."

Murmurs of approval filled the crowd and the elders gathered to further discuss it.

I flinched, hearing him refer to me as nothing more than a bargaining chip. I should have felt grateful he was trying to save my life, even if it wasn't out of the kindness of his heart. But I didn't. I didn't know him but it still stung. I felt the prick of my eyes, darkening to red as my emotions swarmed inside of me.

I could feel him staring at me, ignoring his eyes boring into the side of my skull as I dug my fingernails into my palm to calm myself. I was usually always in control of my emotions but every thing he did seemed to set me off in the worst way possible.

“Very well. She will live for as long as she proves useful," one of the elders decided, waving her hand dismissively. The crowd dispersed, returning back to the settlement.

“Put her in the dungeon for now," the older one ordered, eying me cautiously.

Leo and Star came towards me, attempting to grab me.

“Don't touch me," I said, my scarlet eyes causing them to hesitate.

“Let her walk," Abel said, nodding for them to back off as I stepped off the planks.

I followed them at a distance until we reached a small, dark building. We entered the shabby building, dark and covered in cobwebs. It was so small, I doubted it could fit more than five people at a time. They clearly weren't accustomed to executing people not locking them up.

“Chain her up," Abel ordered. Leo started picking up the chains and ropes scattered about before heading towards me.

“You don't have to do that. I won't go anywhere."

Abel's lip curled up in amusement as he looked at me, knowingly. He could tell I was lying. It was like he could see right through me. Everytime we locked eyes, I felt exposed.

After restraining my hands and feet, they left. I heard the click of a bolt locking into place. I waited, listening for their footsteps to get far enough away.

Once I no longer heard anything, I looked around. Thanks to my vampire senses, I could see perfectly even in the dark. I spotted a part of the wall had a jagged peak that extruded outwards.

I forced myself to my feet, waddling over to it since my feet were bound. I turned around, lifting my arms as high as I could. It was difficult since my hands were bound tightly behind my back so I rose to my tiptoes to get closer.

It was no use, the wall was too high up to make contact with my hands. I considered shifting but I'd probably dislocate a bone or two if I shifted to my werewolf form in this state.

Sighing, I walked around, searching around for something that could help me. I spotted a few large stones, squatting down to pick one up with my restrained hands. I waddled over to the wall's edge and dropped it on the ground. I stepped on the stone, balancing myself as I tried once again to bend forward in an attempt to lift my arms up to the edge. After a couple tries, I was able to reach it.

I lifted and dropped my hands continuously against the sharp edge as it began to saw through. When it had cut through enough, I pulled my hands apart as hard as I could until the rope snapped.

I quickly bent down, unlatching the shackles around my feet with a snap. I looked through the tiny window, surprised to find no one guarding the door. The sun had set and it was now dark outside. They were all likely asleep.

I walked over to the door, pushing it open and hearing the click. I had forgotten it was locked. I went back to the window, using my hands to measure the size and gauging if I could make it through.

I grabbed the window, unlatching the lock before pushing it open. I hoisted myself up with both hands, lifting myself through it. I sucked in my stomach, holding my breath as I forced myself. I ignored the stabs of pain I was feeling in my chest from holding in my breaths, determined to make it through. Once I got my upper half through, I pushed myself out falling to the ground outside.

I got up, dusting myself off as I silently chuckled to myself. They underestimated me and it paid off.

“Going somewhere?"

I froze in place, my blood running cold at his voice. I slowly turned to the side, seeing Abel's tall, lean figure leaning against the building casually with his arms crossed.

“Did you really think we'd leave you unguarded?" He scoffed, noticing the surprise in my face.

“Wishful thinking," I replied.

“I suggest you go back inside before someone catches you out here unrestrained."

“Or what? They're gonna kill me? They already tried that once, remember?" I snapped.

His features hardened, his jaw tensing at my response. I smiled, pleased to see that my words had affected him.

“I'd rather take my chances," I continued, walking away from him.

He grabbed my arm, pulling me back.

“You're not going anywhere," he growled, staring down at me with stormy eyes that let me know he wasn't going to let up. His fierce gaze had my blood rushing in anger. Who did he think he was?

I pushed him back forcefully, putting distance between us.

“I don't think you heard me. I'm not going back. So either step aside or I'll go through you," I threatened.