Captured by sight (Book 4)

Chapter 9

Fallon POV

“'Cause we are warriors, we'll fight for our lives

Like soldiers all through the night

And we won't give up, we will survive, we are warriors

And we're stronger, that's why we're alive

We will conquer, time after time

We'll never falter, we will survive, we are warriors

Oh, you can't shoot us down

You can't stop us now

We got a whole damn army

Oh, you can't break us down

You can't take us out

This'll be behind us

We are warriors, we'll fight for our lives

Like soldiers all through the night

And we won't give up, we will survive, we are warriors

And we're stronger, that's why we're alive

We will conquer, time after time

We'll never falter, we will survive

We are warriors” I sing, my voice echoing off the dark, cold walls but you know what, my singing has made a huge difference here. I’m giving them hope, I’m giving myself hope. Since my brave knight came a few weeks ago, this feeling inside me has been growing, slowly becoming stronger and more nagging, like all I can think about is his strong, kind voice, keeping me from giving up. He made sure I knew what I was fighting for, not physically, but mentally. He kept me sane, yes it was only two nights, two wonderful, soul shattering nights I’ll never forget. He saved me from my worst enemy, myself.

“Princess” Softy speaks behind me and I smile turning around

“Hey big guy, how are you doing?” I ask placing the sheets in the basket

“I’m… uhm actually good” he says, I see the smile in his eyes and that makes me happy beyond belief

“Oh, how so?” I ask, he takes my hand and steps into the dark corner pulling me with him

“I have decided something” he whispers

“Oh?” I say and he nods

“I’m getting out, I can’t let this happen anymore. The master and his sister are planning something horrible, but keep quiet about it” he whispers in my ear and my eyes go wide

“That man that spoke to you” he says and I go cold

“I don’t know him I swear” I say quickly, but he just places his finger gently on my chapped lips

“I do, hopefully he won’t kill me, but he can help us” he says

“He’s a good man” I say and he nods

“I know, after he… you’re different like…” he trails off, I move to meet his eyes

“What?”

“You, you’re you again” he says and I frown

“Do you know how I was?” I ask confused

“You’ll see, one day I’ll tell you. But now I will greet you sweet Fallon, I will come back for you” he says and my mouth falls open, he knows my name? He lifts his mask exposing his mouth and kiss my forehead, and just like that he’s gone, a cold loneliness where he stood minutes ago. I watch as his figure gets swallowed up by the shadows

“He knows my name” I turn and lean against the wall, the feeling of his soft lips still on my forehead. But still the only face and voice I see and hear is the knight’s. Wait he must’ve heard it that night when I told the story, the night before they burned me. But that doesn’t explain how he knows how I used to be. I finish my task and head out to fetch the next batch of dirty laundry.

“No” I hear Katya say and I stop

“Honey please” her mother pleads

“I won’t go” she says and I step closer

“Baby, this is the only way” she says and I frown

“I won’t leave you” she says, her voice breaking

“I don’t want you to but he’ll keep you safe” she says and I knock

“Sorry, are you okay?” I ask met with two teary faces

“Oh no, what happened?” I ask and Katya runs to me hugging me

“She wants me to go with the guard, to the lady” she says pleading with her eyes

“Who are you talking about?” I ask crouching down

“The one who’s marrying lady Cordula, the master’s sister. The one guard will take her there, it’s better for her there princess please understand” she pleads with me and I nod

“Katya, honey, I know this is scary. New things are always scary but your mom is right. You’re a big, strong and very clever girl. Is Softy taking you?” I ask and she nods

“Well, he’s a very good man. He’ll make sure you’re safe. You can save us darling” I whisper and her eyes go wide

“I can?” she asks and I nod

“Yes, now here’s what you have to do” I say and close the door. I tell her what she must do and say, how to act and what not to do. If this man is indeed my knight, he will help us. Not sure if he’ll go against his fiancé, but we can only hope right?

“Can you do that for us, for your mom?” I ask and she looks between us

“Okay, but I’ll miss you” she says and I trace her face

“And we you my darling little Katya. But you have us here” I say placing my hand over her heart

“Always”

“Always my love” I say and she nods

“Okay, I’ll try” she says and I nod

“Softy will help you, listen to him and then tell the kind man what I told you okay?” I ask and she nods

“Okay. Will you be okay without me?” she asks and I smile

“Oh yes, I’ll look after them until we’re together again okay?” I say and she nods

“Can I take my drawings?” she asks and I smile. I sit down, take her charcoal and paper drawing the three of us, smiling

“Here, for you” I say and she presses it to her chest

“Thank you princess. I won’t fail you” she says and I nod

“Oh I know, you’re too smart to fail” I say kissing her head. I give her a long hug before heading out the door, wiping my tears. Leaving our fate in the hands of a 13 year old is not the best plan, but at least we have a plan now. If he can somehow let my family know, if they care, then we’ll be saved. I hope so.

“Princess?” a man’s voice speaks and I stop

“Yes?” I turn and is met with a fist to the jaw. I fall grabbing my face, blinking to make my vision focus. He grips my hair and pulls me down the small corridor, I kick and scream for him to release me but he doesn’t let go.

“What have I done?!” I yell out and he yanks my head up

“You cost me my hand” he growls and I frown

“You cost it yourself, you threw me in that room!” I yell in his face

“You’re going to pay for that” he says dragging me outside. Oh goddess outside, fresh air. Still struggling I take a few deep breaths, gathering my strength and courage. I grip his wrist, pulling myself up, my feet touching ground and I find my steps. Then I use all my strength and jump, my hair ripping from his grip he stops looking back. Rookie

“Over here handsy” I mock landing effortlessly on the soft soil, when he turns back, I punch him in the eye

“Never” PUNCH “Touch” KICK “Me” CRACK “Again!” PUNCH-KICK-KICK

“I am so sick and tired of being punished for being me!” I yelloar grabbing his arm and twisting until I hear the satisfying pop

“Aaarrgh!” he yells into the night

“Leave us alone, do I make myself clear?” I say threateningly in his ear and he nods

“Next time, if there is one, you’re dead” I growl and he whimpers

“Good, now have a good night” I say and skip back toward the castle. Why not run? I have no idea how many guards there are, I don’t know where I am. No we have to wait, I need to get my plan together. Entering the corridor, the one big guard is waiting there

“Where is he?” he growls and I shrug

“I left him back there” I say and keep walking but he grabs my arm and I growl at him

“Nice work” he says and leaves, I look back smiling and continue to the laundry room. The rest are having dinner already and I take a seat and my plate eating in silence. I still can’t feel Enzi, but that’s the thing with our training, you’re taught not to depend on your Lycan. Nana has no Lycan so she depends on her abilities and speed, she’d be so proud of me now. I smile seeing her proud face looking up at me. The next morning the other big guard comes to me

“The master requested your presence” he says and I nod. Finally I get to see the face of the man I intend to end. He shackles me and we walk toward a staircase, taking in every step we take, memorizing every turn, or so I thought. This place is like a maze

“Wait here” he says and leaves me in the hallway. There is no sign that someone actually lives here, no pictures or anything. It’s just cold and empty

“Come” he says and pulls me into a dark room. There’s a table against the far wall, heavy curtains covering more than half of the wall but that’s it. I hear a door open and close and then the door behind me opens again and the Asshat I beat up steps inside

“You did this?” his dark hissing voice speaks up and I glance around

“Where are you?” I ask and he growls again

“I ask the questions” he says and I shrug

“To him?” I ask nodding toward the dumbass

“Yes” he says and I nod

“Yes” I say and the Asshat whimpers

“You dare assault one of my guards?” he hisses

“I was defending myself. He attacked me” I state

“Is this true?” he asks and the guard keeps quiet

“Well, tell him” I say and he glares at me

“Master, she came on to me” he says and I burst out laughing

“You’d be so lucky and I’d be so desperate” I snarl at him, I hear something that sounds like a snicker

“The truth!” he bellows and the guard cowers. Wimp

“I just wanted to teach her a lesson master” he says and I smile. You got taught

“You think you have the authority to do that?!” he yells and he almost looks like crying

“I am fair, I give you what you need and this is how you betray me?!” he yells and he falls to his knees. Oh man this is hard to watch

“N-no master p-please” he pleads

“I told you to stay away from her. Did I not make myself clear?!” he growls

“Y-you did” he says and I roll my eyes

“What exactly did you think she needed punishment for?” he asks and he’s now crying. Oh please, man up

“For my hand” he says and an evil hissing laugh fills the room

“You did that to yourself, the first time you decided to lay your hands on her and punish her by your hand” he says chuckling and it makes me shiver. He’s enjoying this too much

“Y-yes master” he says

“Seems you are hard of hearing. Kill him” he says and he gasps, the guards walk up but I step forward

“No wait” I say and they stop

“Don’t defy me” he growls. I bite my cheek but bow

“Master please, if it pleases you I have another suggestion” I say and the tension fills the room

“Proceed” I glance back at his stunned face

“This is not entirely his fault” I say and the big guard chokes

“He doesn’t know how to control his anger, he can’t be held accountable for a mental deficiency. He needs help” I plead and I glance at the other

“Jaws off the floor boys” I say and they step back straightening up

“What do you suggest?” he asks and I glance at him again

“Something to help him cool down, have time to think and face his issues” I say and he hums

“Like the type of treatment we gave you?” he asks and he shakes his head furiously

“The second time, but not as long as mine” I say and he chuckles

“I will decide on the time. Seems your life has been saved. Take him to the water room” he says and I look back

“Thank you” he whispers as they drag him away

“Now, your punishment will also be dealt with” he says and I nod

“Fine, I broke a rule I accept” I say and again I hear gasps

“I have no intention of being treated differently” I say more to them than him

“You saved his life, you have nothing to say in your defense?” he asks and I chuckle

“I enjoyed beating the crap out of him, I got what I wanted” I state but he’s silent

“I thought you forgot” he says and I nod

“I did master, my body did not” I say, again he just hums

“Well I’m satisfied. The lake” he says and they reluctantly lead me away. Walking outside I smile, breathing in the clean air.

“Princess, I don’t understand” the one says as we walk toward the lake

“We can’t just kill people for acting up, there won’t be any kids left in the world. We need to show compassion, especially when we’re in a trivial situation” I state but they stop

“He will kill you had he the chance” he says and I nod

“I know, but what if no-one has ever shown him compassion? What if he acts the only way he knows? If he does try and kill me, he’d need to make sure I’m unconscious, you saw what I did?” I ask and they nod

“I’m not easily killed gentlemen, boiling water, refusing me food, leaving me in that room with the maddening water, even a room full of vipers and I’m still here” I say and I see something change in their eyes

“Our strengths are tested through our greatest adversities. Giving up is an option, being good is an option, but the right thing is a choice. I choose the right thing, I will always do that” I say and they place my feet in the box, locking it

“What if you can die?” they ask and I shrug

“I will do what I know, and what I know is that wrong, no matter how much you debate it will always be wrong. You know this, I can see it in your eyes. Doing the right thing is hard, but so is doing the wrong thing. Being compassionate is hard, but so is being soulless. Making choices are hard, but so is being indecisive. Choose your hard boys” I say and they look at each other

“Yes, your majesty” they say bowing and I curtsy

“Now you boys be sure to visit me now you hear?” I say and fall back into the cold water. It swallows my tired body, my muscles, the little I have, constricting as the ice water wraps around me. I don’t care though, I’m free, I’m outside. I break the surface and they’re standing there looking panicked

“Go boys, see you later” I say closing my eyes, my head falling back taking deep breaths of fresh, clean air. Oh this feels good, it’s cold sure but I feel, I don’t feel numb anymore.

Unknown POV

“How will they contact you?” Gunther asks and I smile at him

“They’ll find a way. We’ll know. Now we have to go, I need to see her” I say and he nods. We make our way to the car when the wicked witch of the f*****g underworld’s voice makes me stop dead in my tracks

“Oh my lord” her squeaky voice makes my ears pain

“Yes my lady” I turn, my face hard

“Where are you going?” she asks running her hand up my torso. I grab her wrist and step away

“To attend to some business, we will be back later” I say and walk out the door. When we drive off I shiver

“Goddess I hate that wench” I say and he chuckles

“She is a handful” he says and I growl

“Pain in my ass, way up there. Like a hemorrhoid that needs removing” I say and he throws his head back laughing loudly

“Never knew you had a sense of humor. If I knew you were this much fun I’d have kidnapped her when you first saw her” he says making me chuckle

“Yeah, great idea. Keep her here against her will and maybe just maybe we’ll have the same happily ever after like Beauty and the Beast” I say and he laughs again, wiping at his eyes

“Stop, please” he begs

“You know, all I could think about when we were there is how far I could get her head up her fat behind before her back snapped” I growl, the car swerves as he tries to get his laughing under control

“Oh goddess, I haven’t laughed this much in years” he says breathlessly. I sit back smiling, it’s because of her. Pulling up to the university we sit and wait. Hour, two hours but nothing

“Where is she?” I ask getting nervous

“Burkhart said she didn’t leave her room today” he says and I frown

“She can’t be sick, it’s not possible” I say and then the car moves

“Where are we going?” I ask and he looks back

“We have guests. Uninvited ones” he says and I feel torn. I want to go to her but I have to keep my territory safe. Dammit

“Fine” I groan slumping back in my seat

“Tell Burkhart to let you know as soon as he sees her” I state

“Yes sir” he says and dials him. When we pull up to the castle a man with a little girl is standing there, surrounded by my guards

“Bring them” I say not giving them a second glance. I walk toward the dungeons, with them following behind silently. Odd, usually they put up a fight. When we walk inside I nod and they take the girl but she grips the man’s hand, looking scared

“It’s okay Katya, they won’t hurt you” he says glancing at me. I walk over to them and crouch down in front of the little girl, she hides behind him but he doesn’t move

“Katya” I say and she cowers. Okay, softer, gentler she’s scared and she doesn’t need to be. I’ll never hurt a child

“Katya, look at me please” I say my voice softer and she moves, looking at me with one eye, it goes wide and she uncovers the rest of her face

“It’s you” she says and I frown, she steps closer but he grabs her shoulder and she looks up at him. He shakes his head and she stops

“Take him. Gunther” I say and he appears next to me

“Would you please take little Katya to the kitchen, she seems as if she would like some chocolate milk” I say smiling and he nods holding out his hand. He has children so he knows how to handle them. I turn to the interrogation room finding him seated

“Take it off” I command as I sit down. He sits there unmoving

“Take it off or you lose your head boy” I growl, he sighs and removes the mask. He is young, light brown hair and dark green eyes

“What are you doing in my territory?” I ask and he rubs his face

“I came for help” he says and I chuckle sitting back

“Really, why not ask your master?” I ask him but he just stares at me

“Your fiancé is plotting against you” he says and I chuckle

“Really? Do tell” I say but he glances at the guards behind me

“My people won’t betray me. I am not a monster” I say but he looks down

“I am” he says and I frown

“I can’t help you” I state but he stands

“Please, he has her. He’s going to use her to get to them” he says and I frown. He’s telling the truth

“Who is she?” I ask and he looks panicked

“I can’t say” he says and I move to the door

“She’s important. Please” he begs and I turn back

“Is she a prisoner there?” I ask and he nods

“She was, at first now she works there. Please he punished her, severely, for insignificant things” he says and I frown. Nightingale?

“Put him in a cell, I need to see the girl” I say but he steps forward

“Please, do what you want with me, but leave her out of it” he says and I turn back, his eyes going wide

“I will never hurt an innocent child. I might be feared but not because I harm children” I growl and he seems to relax. What is this kid?

“Thank you, thank you so much” he says and I step closer

“You have a connection to this girl, the one you brought?” I ask but he shakes his head

“I promised her mother to keep her safe, she is a special kid” he says and I nod

“Well, why would you place both your lives in danger?” I ask and he runs a hand through his hair

“It was the only way I could leave without being killed for desolation. The master is not known for his mercy… although she somehow…” he trails off

“She what?” I ask, his tired eyes meet mine

“She convinced him to spare a life. It has never happened before” he says and I bite back my smile. It has to her, my nightingale

“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night” I say and his eyes are wide, watching me as I leave. I make my way to the kitchen but that red-nailed-slut decided to ruin my evening

“My lord” he voice sounding like nails on a chalkboard make my skin crawl with repugnance

“Yes lady Cordula?” I turn to her

“Have you received any news of people entering your territory?” she asks

“No. Are you expecting anyone?” I ask and she blushes

“Yes actually” she says and I step closer, towering over her with my tall, broad figure

“I pray you ask for permission in future my lady. I will not let you decide who enters my territory, am I clear?” I ask, my voice like a low hiss of a snake ready to strike

“My sincere apologies my lord. I meant no disrespect, it’s just a gift from my brother. A servant girl for my quarters” she says and I swallow the bile in my throat

“I have servants” I say and she nods

“Yes my lord, this is a wedding present” she says and my hands clench into tight fists at the mention of the wedding. Never going to happen

“I do not condone slavery, or any practice associated with it lady Cordula” her name tastes like venom on my tongue

“Yet you have them” she says running her finger down my torso. Stop that

“They work for me, they are remunerated for their work. My people don’t live in squalor, they need for nothing” I growl out and her eyes flash with desire, and she bites her bottom lip

“How do you acquire them?” she asks slowly walking around me, her hand tracing my body seductively. I’ll just bite her hand off, she won’t need it, she has another one

“They are not animals or possessions Cordula. I did not acquire them, they chose to be here. Now excuse me I have work to do” I say and she steps in front of me tracing my jaw. Careful honey, I’m going to save you money on your next manicure

“You’ll let me know when she gets here?” she asks her voice husky

“Yes. Good night” I say stepping around her and making my way to the office. This is strange, if they were indeed sent here by Stefan, they could be spies. A guard and a servant girl are a strange combination, but they can certainly find out all they want, should they play their cards right. Although she told me they the girl is a gift, hmm the enemy within. Let’s see, a girl and a young man claiming he needs help, she looks innocent enough, but that might just be the trick. Soften me up, get what they want and betray me.