Chapter Sixteen

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Tabitha

Imust've fallen asleep, because I'm woken up to Raisi gently nudging me. I blink my eyes until he comes into focus.

"Theo has information," he whispers.

I nod, sitting up straight and rubbing my eyes. It's dark, the glowing sky now completely black. If it weren't for the fire a short ways away, I don't think I'd see anything. It's quiet, other than the crackling of wood. But the stench is overwhelming.

By the fire is an ogre. On watch duty, I assume. But for what? Just us? Or are they worried about others coming here to destroy what they've built? The male ogres here can't be all this realm has, right? There must be more somewhere.

Koz helps me to my feet, and I stretch. My back aches, as does my neck. I can't wait until I am able to sleep in a comfortable bed again. Theo moves closer, lowering his voice. Raisi stands behind me, his warmth welcome. It's much colder now than it was before.

"Belanor," Theo starts, gesturing to the man who told us about the portal, "says there is only one ogre who is awake during the night, but it's because there are spell traps from here to the portal to stop anyone from escaping. People have tried before and have died painful deaths."

I glance that way and shiver. "Then we can't attempt it."

Koz shakes his head. "But we can. Those spells are for humans. Humans do not have magic. We do."

My eyes widen, and I glance back toward the house where the portal is.

"You are sure it's there?"

"According to many people, yes. I've spent some time talking with them while you slept. They all say it's there. Many have seen it."

"But how long ago? What if it's moved? What if we make our way there, only for it to not be there, and they squish us all?"

Theo gives me an understanding and patient smile. "This is why we will not all be going."

"What do you mean? We can't split up. That is the worst idea," I argue.

Raisi puts a hand on my shoulder, stepping closer to me. "It's okay," he whispers, his words soothing. But only slightly.

"I will go," Theo says. "Alone. To make sure it is still there. I will sneak off, check, and return. Once I do, we will all go."

"No, you can't go alone," I say, shaking my head.

He sighs, moving to stand directly in front of me. He ducks to my eye level, and I see the sympathy there. When he speaks, his voice is quiet. Calming.

"I know this is scary. It's okay to be scared. It's understandable. But the only way we will get out of here alive is if I do this. I will be okay. I will return to you. And I will make sure all four of us get out of here."

I open my mouth to speak, but he holds a finger to my lips and adds, "I have a plan for everyone else, but my priority is you, Kozzanth, Raisi, and myself. Okay?"

I nod slowly.

He gives me a gentle smile, then leans in to kiss me. When he pulls back, he says, "I will keep you safe, no matter what."

I take a breath as he steps back, turning toward Kozzanth. My heart is still aflutter from Theodas kissing me like that. The two of them seem to share some sort of conversation without words. Then Theo turns back to me.

"Once I return, I will share the information with everyone and let them know they may go after us."

I look around at all the people here. There are so many, all of different ages. Some old. Some young. Some in better shape than others. I saw a woman limping earlier. And they are all human, meaning they are pretty weak.

"What if they don't know how to use the portal?" I ask.

"Ogres do not have magic. All they must do is step into it," Theo explains, and I don't miss the impatience in his voice.

I don't like the idea of this. It all seems too simple. But what other option do I have? I'm worried about these people, but I'm also worried about myself. And my people back in Demtra. They all need my help too.

Theo looks from Raisi to Koz and nods once. Koz moves to the other end of the cage, closer to where the ogre is. He doesn't seem to be paying us any mind. But that's because they probably don't know what Dravens are and aren't expecting us to have magic. Most magic folks do not look human. They have something about them that lets others know they have magic. The color of their skin. Their eyes. Wings. Markings. Something.

Theo ducks down behind us and mutters something under his breath. A faint glow comes from his hands that quietly cuts through the mesh wire of the cage. He repeats this until there is a hole big enough for him to fit through. Kozzanth is the biggest person here, and Theo isn't far behind. If he can fit through the hole, all of us can. Once he is on the other side, I turn to him, pressing my hand to the cage. He lines his hand up with mine.

"Please be careful," I whisper.

"Always."

He shares a quick look with Raisi, then he turns and walks away on quiet feet.

I turn into Raisi. "I can't watch him go."

"He will be safe."

He pulls me into his arms, rocking us back and forth, whispering soothing words. This all seems way too easy. But it would, wouldn't it? Ogres are simple-minded. They take things at face value. They aren't thinking humans would have magic to escape. They aren't expecting us to bypass their magic. In fact, this simple magic is probably extravagant to them.

"How did they get spells here if they do not have magic? How do the portals work?" I ask, stepping back from Raisi.

"They must be working with someone of magic blood. I can't imagine what they give them in return. There is nothing here," Rai answers.

"Who knows?" I answer, pinching the bridge of my nose. And if I'm honest, I don't care. All I care about is getting out of here and back to Demtra.

"The ogre looks as if he is about to fall asleep." I look up to find Koz there. He looks down and offers me a small smile. I return it.

These Dravens were certainly the best decision I've ever made. Had I attempted this without them, I'd be dead. It's a jarring thought. I'd gone into this so confident; so sure about what I wanted and needed and how this would go. But I was wrong. So very wrong.

What if the same happens when I take the throne? What if I can't get it back at all? I'm not sure which is worse. Never getting it, or getting it and failing. Ruling an entire realm? How will I ever do such a thing? Especially with how many people will be against me. I'm not so na?ve to think I will fall into ruling and everyone will bow at my feet. I will have many people hating me. Some for overthrowing my father. Others for carrying his blood. Growing up, snide comments about being part vampire weren't out of the ordinary. Since my father has shown his true colors, the hatred will be worse. They'll think I will turn out just like him. That I can never be trusted. No matter what I do, I'll never be able to convince some of them that I only want what's best.

Though, I know it isn't those people I should focus on. It's doing right by my people. All of them. If they choose not to trust me, that is on them. There isn't anything I can do about it. I have to focus on the positive. The people who will be at my side.

I faintly hear Rai and Koz sharing conversation. Their voices are hushed, and my head is spinning. I can't focus on what they're saying, but I don't think they're speaking to me anyway. I appreciate that I can trust these Dravens to care for me. Not only physically, but mentally too. I can get lost in my head without worrying that I'm missing something. They will fill me in on what I need to know. They won't overload me with information. And I trust that they're doing it for my best interest and not as a way to betray me in the future.

Though I'm not paying them any mind, I hear loud and clear when Koz says, "Theo is coming back."

I turn and see him walking toward us with long and confident strides, chin high, back straight. I think we may actually be getting out of here.

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