Chapter 27

I act like I'm stumbling along on the uneven ground, trying to give myself time to look around. There are openings everywhere, but the place is so dark I can't make out anything. The big one is watching me, all those creepy eyes noticing everything I'm doing.

"You can gaze around all you want, female, please try to run. There are hundreds of guards lining the walls, you wouldn't make it far before you were returned."

"How long are you planning on keeping me here?"

"That depends on the offers I receive. I have been pursuing an alternative option if they don't prove to be high enough."

"I am not going to be worth much if you let me freeze to death or starve."

"You will be gone before you start to deteriorate."

Theylead me towards another gate, and I hesitate to walk through. It's just one more wall separating me from my freedom, but even if I could make it out, I am dead either way. From the suns and sands above, or the cold and complete darkness from below.

Theone holding the glow stick starts to get closer and because I am in enough pain already with my arm, I walk in on my own. I can't help but jerk when the door closes behind me. It's so dark I'm having a hard time seeing where I am going. Tripping over something, I almost fall before a strong hand grabs me. A small scream leaves my throat as I am pulled down hard on my knees.

"I didn't mean to scare you further … What are you?"

Sittingon the ground up against the wall is one of ZoD's people. His skin is darker than the others I have seen to this point, and he almost blends into the wall itself.

"Oh, God, how many more are in here?"

"At this time, it's just you and me, but I won't last much longer."

"How long have you been here?" It takes him a minute to answer me, and his voice is so low I almost miss his words.

"I've lost track of time after the second rising. They have only kept me alive because they think if they torture me enough, I will finally tell them what they want to know, but I will die before I utter a word for their benefit. As you can see, I no longer have all the parts I come in with. Nothing like watching one of the Royals eat your own flesh."

Myeyes finally adjust to the dim light, and I have to put my hand over my mouth to keep from screaming. The guy lying here is in pieces. How he is still alive and speaking to me I have no idea. Immediately, I start looking around to see if I can find anything to wrap around his legs and arm.

"No point in looking around, you won't find anything. My injuries stopped hurting some time ago. I am dying and right now that would be a relief. I have never seen anything like you, what are you?"

"I am a human female. I was taken from my world, Earth. Do you know ZoD? He … well … kinda saved me. I think."

"He is my commander; his son Onyx is my friend."

"Looks like we are going to be roommates for a while. What is your name, honey?"

"Taze."

"Well, Taze. I'mTessa, we are going to get you out of here. ZoD will come for me, you just have to hang on a little longer."

"I believed that too … but now I would rather them not find me like this. What good is a warrior with missing parts?"

"Nonsense, your mind is as important as your body. I'm sure somebody loves and misses you and would want you back no matter the condition."

"I have no family left … they have all been taken, and the female I am drawn to doesn't know I exist. I am just her brother's friend."

Observinghis shivers, I instinctively crawl up next to him, sitting as close as possible, attempting to share my body heat. "You like … Raya. She seems kinda angry."

"Lord of Light no, Raya is going to need a strong hand, and that's not me. It'sElexaI am talking about. Her caring nature and gentle ways have always been so attractive to me. Her markings and soft, but rare smile, I have dreamed about for rotations now. Not that any of that matters now."

"Elexa is quite beautiful, I actually told her that the other day. Does she know you like her?"

"No, I have nothing to offer her, and she is way above my status. Being the Commander's daughter, but I can dream of her while I am here. Her face has been what has pulled me through so far."

"You should tell her that when we get back. Girls love hearing that stuff."

"Maybe you can tell her for me. I will be lucky to survive to see the next rising. Especially if they come back."

"I have a few tricks up my sleeve that will buy you some time, but if I bleed for you, you must promise to fight as hard as you can to survive."

Hegets quiet and I realize he has fallen asleep. His breathing is shallow and labored. I am sure our conversation has taken what energy he had left. My arm is throbbing, and I am thirsty, but I have a feeling this is probably going to be a favored memory. God, how did I find myself here? I never was one of those people who dreamed of seeing distant lands. I was content going home to the cat and read a book while curled up in my chair with a blanket.

Whenmy mind starts replaying all the things that have happened lately. I must stop myself from spiraling down the back hole of depression. What do people say all the time? There is always someone worse off. Well, I only have to open my eyes to see that as a fact. If this young man has managed to make it this long, so can I. The floor shakes under us again and the chattering gets louder for a few minutes before settling down.

"Come on ZoD, where the hell are you?"