Chapter Seventeen

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Tabitha

"Are you okay? What happened? What did you see?" I bombard him with questions when he is back inside the cage. Theo cracks a smile, putting his hands on my shoulders.

"All is well," he assures me.

"Really? We're going to get out of here?"

He nods. "I've cleared the spells on the way there, but we must stay on the path I created. The spells are strong, and I couldn't undo too many of them without depleting my energy. The others will have to be careful, as they can't sense magic."

I look around at all the tired, sad, sleepy, and starving people.

So, we just go and leave them to fend for themselves? How can we do that? I can't. I won't.

I shake my head, looking back at Theo. "We can't do that."

He sighs. "My queen," he says quietly. "I've—"

"No," I demand. "No, I cannot leave them to fend for themselves. They will surely die. We must help them get to safety. We have to. Where does the portal lead?"

I see the frustration on Theo's face. "I do not know that. Only that it leads to another realm. It could be any of them."

"Ogres aren't welcome in any realm," Raisi says.

"No, but they must have entrance to and from all of them. It's law," Theo explains.

"Since when do ogres follow the law?" Kozzanth snaps.

"I'm sure they don't, Kozzanth, but this is something they must follow. The protectors wouldn't allow anything otherwise. They do inspections."

The protectors are the people who are tasked with protecting the realms and ensuring the citizens abide by the universal laws. Each realm has their own laws, but they all must follow some set by all.

"The protectors also allowed my father to murder my mother and keep me locked in a dungeon for three years," I say, causing Theo's eyes to widen. "They are as useful as a sifter when trying to gather water."

He scrubs a hand down his face. "I understand your frustrations. Truly I do," Theo says. "But where else would that portal go? It's unlikely it will go to another part of this realm. The ogres like being alone. It goes somewhere that is safer than here. This is the most dangerous realm."

"No. Demtra is the most dangerous realm. People are dying every day. My father kills for fun. To prove a point." I'm not sure if it being the most dangerous is the truth, but it's how I feel at this moment.

Theodas holds my gaze for a moment, before turning to Koz, then Rai. It's clear he is begging them for help.

"I think we should do as she asks," Rai says. "One of us can take her to the portal. Wait there. The other two can help these people along the way. But if there is any chance of being caught, they must fend for themselves." He turns to look at me. "We will not risk you, but we can try."

"Raisi, this is not a good idea," Theo explains, the patience in his tone dwindling.

I turn to him, placing my hand on his chest. "Please, Theodas. I know you don't understand what it's like to be part angel, but please try. It is in my blood to help people."

"It is also in your blood to kill people, but you don't do that," he argues.

"Theodas, that was rude," Koz says.

Theo grits his teeth, his nostrils flaring. "You're right. I'm sorry."

I swallow hard, but then say, "It is true though. You're right. I can't explain why I think or feel the way I do when I have both good and bad running through my veins. I can only do what I feel is right. And perhaps there is more angel in me than vampire. Or maybe it's just because I've seen the vile things vampires have done to others, including to me, and I don't want to do that. But please, Theodas. We have to try. I am begging you."

He pulls his gaze from me, looking out at nothing above my head. He thinks on it for a long moment. "Fine. But the second something goes wrong; they are on their own."

He turns to walk away, but I grab his wrist. He stops and looks at me over his shoulder.

"Thank you," I say gently. I get no response, but that's okay. I drop his arm and turn to Koz and Rai.

"We have to let them know the plan without causing attention to ourselves."

"Hopefully they don't get too excited over it and give us away," Rai says.

"We need to make sure they understand how important it is to stay quiet," Koz adds.

I nod in agreement. "If we split up to tell them, we will get it done sooner. The ogre by the fire looks as if he will fall asleep any second. It will be the perfect time to act."

Kozzanth nods. "I will speak with Theo on the way. You two take this half. Be sure they understand how important it is to follow our rules, do as we say, and keep calm."

"Of course," I answer.

Raisi takes my hand, giving it a squeeze. Kozzanth walks away, stopping at Theo.

"We should split up too," I say. Raisi frowns. "What? It's not as if I can get lost. We are in a cage."

He smirks. "I suppose that's true. You take this corner; I'll go to that one."

He kisses me on the forehead before making his way across the cage. I watch him for a moment, then turn toward Koz and Theodas. They're walking to the other end of the cage. I can only hope these people listen and do as they"re told. That choosing to help them doesn't get me or my men killed in the process.

I move to the closest person to me. A young woman who may even be a teenager for all I know. I crouch beside her, putting my hand on her shoulder.

"Miss?" She slowly wakes, her eyes unfocused as they settle on me. She jerks fully awake a moment later.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I say softly. "My men have found us a way out of here."

"They have?" she asks, blinking rapidly.

I nod, then continue. "But it's very important you do exactly as we say, or we may not make it out." She nods, running a shaky hand through her hair. "Raisi and Theodas are going to round people up and help them through shortly. Wait patiently. We will tell you when it's time. It's imperative you remain quiet until then, so we don't cause a scene."

She nods again. "Yes, of course. I'll do anything to get out of here."

I give her a sad smile. "Where are you from?"

"Amarys."

My heart aches. "Such a kind place to live. It's beautiful there."

"You've been?"

"When I was a young girl."

I'd love to sit and chat with her about the realm. Tell her that it is where my mother was from. That I remember it vividly but am no longer welcome. What would she think of that? Would she agree that I don't belong there, or would she be on my side because of what I am doing to help her? Either way, I am helping her now. Regardless of what her thoughts on the matter are.

"Hold tight," I say.

I move onto the next person and spread the word until we are sure everyone is aware. The four of us meet back up, and though I see hesitance in Theo's eyes, I know it's time to put this plan into action.

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