Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

A shard of morning light breaks through the small rusty-barred window at the end of my cell. I stand up, stretching my stiff body from the awkward position I slept in while trying to stay warm last night.

With the absence of my Sidus power, the cold has turned bitter. A hollow space has taken up inside me, feeling unnatural, like a missing limb.

I glance down at the gold bands, fisting each hand.

Many Sidus view their power as a form of light that encases them like a cloak of protection, one that can also light up their way in the dark. While that is true for most Sidus, mine has always felt like white flames, ready to erupt out of me at any moment.

Reaching inward, I search for an ember of the wildfire that was once there but find only frozen, muted flames, the stillness and silence deafening.

I try to push past the strange suspended barrier holding my abilities hostage, and drag them up. But it's like pulling against solid rock.

I pull harder, my stubborn nature not giving in yet, when pain, sharp and electric, shoots across my body, forcing me to the ground. My breath comes out in sharp small pants as the jolt of pain slowly ebbs and eases.

Looking toward the small window causes me to wince, the slight shard of light now feeling like a hot spike against my sensitive eyes.

Glancing down at the bands, I watch a slither of glowing symbols move before disappearing once again.

Foolish .

I should have known there would be some sort of defense to inhibit someone from using their abilities. I will not be attempting anything so rash again, not until I figure out how to remove them without the guards finding out.

After all, I have to keep up appearances for what I have planned.

A few minutes pass with no sign of the guards. I have not eaten anything since yesterday morning, and my sluggish body is starting to feel the effect from lack of nutrition. But I know they need me alive, at least until I can compete in the first trial. They will come soon; of that, I am sure.

It will take me a couple of days to get used to their routines and watchful eyes before I figure a way around without them noticing my absence. I need to be able to roam the palace and find what I'm searching for, and soon. Every day I spend away from the Sidus is another day the dark creatures have a chance to attack and take another innocent life.

Everything has its weak point; I just need to figure out what and where they are and then use it to my advantage.

A clang echoes down the chamber, forcing me to my feet. Taking one last moment to myself before the guards come, I center my mind, feeling a wave of calmness settle over me, and the last edges of pain float away.

Heavy boots meander down the hall, getting louder each step. I listen intently, making out two guards.

They come into view, one holding a small tray of food, or at least that's what it is supposed to be. The slop is gray in color, and the smell is vile, but I cannot be picky in my precarious predicament, still needing nutrition, whatever form that may arrive in.

They are not the same guards from last night, both still tall enough to tower over me, though one is slightly shorter than the other. The one gripping the tray holds nothing but suspicion and disgust in his eyes, something I've come to expect from all the Caligo guards, so I am surprised to see a look of confusion and intrigue in the one behind him. The suspicious one has a small scar on his neck. The wound is still red, identifying it as a recent injury. His thin lips are pulled back in a sneer, and he's holding the tray so tightly he is possibly imagining flinging it over me.

His dull brown eyes and hair remind me of the murky sludge in the fields. Whereas his features are sharp and harsh, the other guard's are gentle, though no less hardened. His deep blue eyes betray a wealth of emotion, which I do not desire to discover.

The guard with the scar bends down and snarls at me, his sharp eyes never leaving mine as he slides the metal tray across the filthy floor. It stops a few feet in front of me, and the guard who deposited such a feast raises an eyebrow, waiting for some sort of reaction. One he won't receive, not yet at least.

Foul food does not bother me. I have lived on worse before, sometimes barely scraping by on stale bread and water alone.

I scent it for any poisons, not smelling any, and soon wolf down the slop, using the hard bread and water to wash down the lumpy texture.

The guard sneers at me, annoyed I have not given him an excuse for a beating.

"Be quick about it."

While drinking the last of my water, I keep an eye on both guards, mindful of their nature, especially the one who looks on intently. His curious glances carry nothing but trouble.

Once I have finished my meal, the scarred guard steps forward, ready to release me from my cell. I watch as he reaches behind his back to retrieve keys.

Just as he places the key inside the lock, he hesitates. "Do not try anything stupid, or you will find yourself at the end of my blade."

I am not bothered by his threat but more interested in the fact that they have me trapped inside an average cell. One that opens and closes with a simple key, not sealed by any form of power. I had heard of the Caligo cells that could lock even the strongest of Caligo inside, their powers only useful as a parlor trick to pass the time.

With watchful eyes around my arrival last night, I didn't get the chance for a proper inspection to check the limitations of the cell I was in.

I keep my smirk to myself as he drags me out, while the other guard walks a step behind me. Clever man.

The scarred guard shoves me as he moves in front of me, effectively blocking me in with the other guard. We walk along the same corridors they brought me through yesterday but take a different turn at the end, coming out into a long entrance hall full of doors. I count each one as we pass them, finally reaching the end, where two big white doors with thick golden hinges stand closed.

The guard behind me steps forward, knocking on it twice before giving me a look. One meant to caution me to behave.

I ignore him, tracing my eyes over the pattern on the door. It takes a minute before they swing open from the inside.

A grand throne room, one impressive in size and luxury, greets me. The guard with the scar moves behind me and gives me a hard shove, jolting me from my perusal. The room is so long and wide it could house half the Sidus townspeople alone.

Gold chandeliers glisten above us, their jeweled decorations twinkling in the light, sending shimmers across the room. I glance around the hall, the detail and work that must have gone into its extravagance, with lush red fur carpets, lavish crystal ornaments, and a white marble floor leading up to a raised throne area.

The long hall acts as a parade to showcase its beauty and riches. Though impressive in structure, no amount of splendor could conceal its true foulness.

I glance around, noticing no one fitting the description of the Breaker is present, which is a small mercy.

Hushed whispers have seeped into the Sidus town about a special guard who enjoys inflicting pain and torture on those deemed traitors or disloyal, with a twisted ability that enables him to cause pain without touch. I only hope I can avoid him as long as possible.

Though I know he will seek me out soon; of that I am confident.

A few guards are stationed around the room, keeping watch. The only threat seems to be me, however, based on their harsh glares all directed toward me.

The rest of the competitors arrive, all Caligo, both men and women. They are dressed well, with luxurious coats and boots and look to have had the fortune of a good night's rest.

A few curious glances are aimed my way, but I ignore them to focus on the real threat that has just arrived.

Lieutenant Amaro strolls into the room with a smug expression on his face. He takes a seat beside a tall, lithe man with long black hair. The man welcomes the lieutenant before stepping up to the center of the throne area and calling for attention.

"My fellow comrades, this year's competition slightly differs from the rest. This year, the royals have requested that it take place in the palace. As I am sure you will all agree, it is a privilege to be here."

Murmurs of agreement sound out around me, with each competitor wearing a proud smile as if honored to be here. I hold in my scoff, desperately wanting to roll my eyes at their ignorance.

The lithe man nods, a smile on his face as he continues. "The first competition will be held in three days' time. This should give you enough time to sharpen those skills and train for the first trial, which will be hand-to-hand combat." He glances around the room, eyeing each competitor.

"Only the best have been chosen." He pauses on me, a small frown forming between his brows. Clearing his throat, he pastes on a fabricated smile and focuses on the Caligo to my left.

"The second trial will showcase your skills with weapons, which I hope will reveal some of your talents. And the third and final trial of the competition will test your powers."

A few smug faces glance over at me at the mention of powers.

"And what of those that don't have any useful powers?" a competitor to my right asks.

The look he gives me tells me all I need to know about him. I make note of him—his shaved head and bulky stature.

"All competitors will stay in the palace and continue on with all three trials. Unless"—the lithe man glances at me, a glint of malice in his eyes—"they are found to be too injured to continue."

Ah, so this is their plan to get rid of me. Beat me not only as payback for Ryuu's attempt to make them listen but also to make sure I don't make it through each trial to continue on. And from the savage looks from some of the competitors, they have figured it out too.

"This competition will not be easy. It will test you; push you to your limits and beyond that. We only want the best, after all." The lithe man chuckles.

"The best three competitors of all three trials will be rewarded with a meeting with the royals and a celebration in their honor."

A few of the men and women straighten up, a look of shock slashed across their faces.

It seems that little piece of information was kept secret. Jarek must have found out through the rebels. Which means the rebels have far more connections than I realized.

I push it to the back of my mind and try to focus on the lithe man now droning on about safety and rules.

"Use your time to train wisely, and rest and enjoy the amenities the palace has to offer," he says.

None of which I will ever see. Not as long as Amaro has his way, nor when I meet the Breaker. Something I have to look forward to.

"Lieutenant Amaro would like to say a few words."

The lithe man moves back to his seat as Amaro steps forward. The entire room grows silent and still as he quickly commands the attention of everyone here.

"As you might be aware, we have a special guest this year." Amaro spawns a serpent's smile as he glances over at me. "It is a strange happenstance to occur, considering how desperate the rebels have become to destroy everything we have worked so hard to build here."

I ignore the glares sent my way and plaster an indifferent look onto my face as Amaro continues his little speech meant to ensure all competitors distrust me.

"Therefore, for the good of the competition, we have made some slight adjustments to ensure your safety."

Some of the Caligo frown at me as Amaro causes a seed of doubt to grow inside their minds.

"I heard she is in a cell?" asks a woman with high cheekbones, short blue hair, and a beautiful black studded dagger.

"How do we know she is not a rebel?" another asks, though I ignore them all to stay focused on Amaro.

A spark lights up in his eyes as his smile turns to a sorrowful frown.

"I am afraid there's nothing I can do. Rules are rules, and all entrees chosen must compete."

"How do we know she can even fight?" someone sneers from the left of me. "She could be wasting our time here."

The lithe man jumps to his feet, an excited expression on his face. "Why don't we have a little display? Something to show us what she has to offer." He glances right at me. "Seren can prove to us her worth and show us her… skills ."

I fist my hands at my sides as his eyes move down my body, his lecherous grin forming makes my skin crawl.

"Garath, you will be her opposition," he says.

"Yes, sir ." Garath, a beefy man with pure white hair, steps forward, a savage smirk on his face meant to unnerve.

"No weapons. We do not know what unlawful tricks she has learned among her own," the lithe man says.

A sharp push from behind me sends me closer to the center of the room. I glance back and glare at the guard who shoved me. But he pays me no mind, instead sharing a knowing look with my opponent.

I turn to him and size him up. He's taller than me by at least a foot and a half. There are small scars all over his thick, muscled arms, telling me he's no stranger to a fight. And from the dark look in his eyes, I can tell he enjoys it too.

"You should learn your place, Sidus," Garath snarls, just loud enough for me to hear.

"Maybe you should show me." I smile at him, glad for a moment to unleash some of my building frustrations.

"Gladly," he says with a sneer before lunging forward.

I counter him, using my height and lightness to evade his attack. He turns, a snarl on his face as he rears up to full height, intending to use his brute strength to take me down. But he leaves himself open as he lunges for me once more. I use it to my advantage and punch him in his stomach before quickly jabbing his diaphragm. He bends forward, the wind knocked out of him from my hit.

Before he gets a chance to right himself, I reach out and grab the back of his head. His face meets my bent knee before slamming to the ground, knocking him out. The entire fight is over in seconds as his body hits the floor with a thump.

The silence in the room is deafening.

I turn to the throne area and finish off the little display I was forced to be a part of with a bow to them all, a small smile on my face that widens as I meet Amaro's eyes.

I know I will pay for it, and my theory is confirmed with Amaro's replying smirk, his eyes promising nothing but pain.

But pain is something I am used to. Pain, I can deal with. It is the games I will have to learn to play in order to stay here.

Another competitor rushes to Garath, checking him over. "He needs a healer at once."

My body grows tense as a handful of the competitors move closer to me. Some now with looks of intrigue instead of outright hostility.

"She can fight." A man with unruly shoulder-length black hair glances at me with shock slashed across his pale face.

"She has been trained by Captain Ryuu. Of course she knows how to fight. Did you think she got in here on her looks alone? If that were the case, I would have won the competition already." A young male about my age, with short light brown hair and a friendly expression, grins over at them.

They shake their heads at him, some of them with small smiles or interested glances. But it does what he intended and breaks some of the growing tension in the room.

The group disperses with a few distrustful glances, but a couple nod to me in sincerity, one being the brown-haired male who spoke for me.

With a nod from Amaro, the same two guards pull me out of the room and down the hall.

"Foolish girl," the intrigued guard whispers fiercely while shaking his head. His face is full of disbelief and annoyance.

With their relentless pulling and pushing, we make it back to my cell in half the time. They shove me forward, but I catch myself once more before swiftly turning around. The guard who holds nothing but cruelness in his eyes wears a smug grin. One that tells me he is up to no good.

He takes a step inside my cell, leaving it open behind him. "Bind her arms and legs. A few hours tied up might help shut that smart mouth of hers."

"Is this really necessary?" the other guard grits out. His arms are crossed, and he's avoiding looking me in the eye.

"She disrespected the lieutenant. She deserves this and more. Hand me some rope."

Gods forbid he be treated like another flawed being. His status holds no truth to his actions, nor does he get a pass for them.

I stand still, waiting for the guard to make his move, while the other guard continues to ignore him before glancing away.

"Fine, I'll do it myself." The guard huffs, getting the rope himself.

I watch him closely as he grabs a thin black rope from somewhere behind him and returns to the front of my cell, his cruel smirk firmly in place.

I give him a bland look, waiting for him to get on with this charade.

Stepping into the cell, he treads lightly as if approaching a wild beast. I know the moment he decides to whip forward, and counter him by stepping to the left.

Before he gets another chance, I use the cell bars as leverage to kick off and aim for his head. His body whips around, facing the other guard as his knees hit the ground. I quickly grab the rope that he dropped and wrap it around his neck, pulling tightly to cut off his air supply.

As he gasps for precious air, trying and failing to release the rope I hold tightly, my eyes find the other guard—and the smile he now wears.

I allow my bored look to fade, letting some of the wild rage bleed through my eyes, revealing a piece of my own true nature. A warning and a threat. One he should heed, unless he wants to end up like the foolish guard now in my hold.

But his smile only grows.

My eyes don't leave his as I pull the rope tighter once more before releasing the vile guard and kicking him forward out of the cell. While he is catching his breath, I slam the cell door behind him, walking backward while keeping an eye on them both. The other guard still watches on, a look of approval on his face.

After the guard collects himself, he spins around to face me. His whole face seethes with rage, his shadows seeping out around him, revealing his uncontrolled temper.

"We have been ordered not to use our shadows on you. But you will not always have that strength of yours or the fire behind your eyes." He spits out blood, sneering toward me. "The Breaker will strip you of your every strength, and when he has, I'll be right here, waiting."

I continue to watch him, knowing my silence and blank expression will rile him more than anything I could say.

But submitting was never something I would easily yield to, and they will have to go a lot further before I ever concede to their will.

He snarls once more before storming out of the room.

The silent guard takes a step forward, locking me in. "Nicely done."

His warm smile tries to elicit a reaction from me. I continue looking ahead and reveal no outward expression, but inside, all I feel is a burning rage of fire and flames.

"We are not all bad," he says softly.

I continue my silence, for fear that I will surrender to my anger and the control I work so hard to maintain. He thinks he did me a kindness by doing nothing.

After a minute, he frowns, dropping his fake smile, trying sincerity instead.

"I don't want to hurt you."

"No, you just prefer to watch." My voice is a whisper made from thorns.

He swallows hard before turning away but pauses with his back to me.

"Sometimes it is the only choice we have."

"A lie you continue to tell yourself."

With his back still to me, he dips his head once, acknowledging my words before leaving.

It is possible there are some guards who do not believe the same fabricated lies told of the Sidus by some of the other Caligo guards. It is considerably plausible that there are more who have a shred of remorse toward their mandatory tasks and duties, but I have no regret about my harsh judgment of them. Not when there are people dying by the very comrades who lead beside them. Not when they sit among food so generous in its quantity that not a thought is spared toward those who could benefit greatly from just a scrap of it.

In the end, there is always a choice. The one that is easy and ignorant or the one that is hard and challenging. The choice, like two paths, is still present. Choosing one that eases your conscience slightly is not a comfort, but rather an excuse.

Soft footsteps unlike the heavy thumps of the guard capture my attention, pushing my thoughts to the side as someone steps in front of my cell.

Eyes so dark the light itself denies them any regard, stare at me. His expression is otherwise indifferent, if not for those cold, calculating eyes. A skillful concealment of his true depraved nature.

I know whatever this man has planned for me will not be quiet. His eyes promise nothing but pain. But pain is temporary, and I will move past it. My mind will be the thing he will want to toy with and break. A true weakness, but it is something I will not allow.

I steel myself for what is about to happen, knowing I am stronger than anything he will do to me. Seeing the defiance in my eyes, a cruel smirk tilts his lips.

"I am the Breaker," he says, and a sliver of fear passes my defenses, making his smile widen.

"Good. I see you have heard of me." The cell door opens with a clang. "Let us commence."