No Turning Back

Chapter Thirty Seven: Another Close Call!

The heavenly glow of the morning light had finally pierced through the crushing darkness of the night. When I opened my eyes, I took solace in its cleansing white light. I would be safe once more before the night crept around again. But as I felt my fears melt away, I realised I was looking into a familiar pair of icy blue eyes.

"Güten morgen", Primis whispered gently with a warm smile.

"Good morning", I smiled.

"Ugh, what a night..." I groggily yawned to myself - not realising Primis heard me.

"Vhy? Vhat happened?" Primis enquired anxiously.

"Oh, please don't worry. I just couldn't sleep last night and then there was this strange noise which I had to get up and investigate", I began.

"--but it was nothing!" I lied - deliberately omitting my exchange with Samantha.

For some reason, I just wanted to forget about her threats. I did not want to believe that she and Maxis would actually place me in the same category as Richtofen. I mean, they tried to trick me! And in all honesty, Primis was clearly worried about me as it was. In fact, everyone seemed to always be worrying about me and whether I was safe. They did not need any more anxiety!

"But I did see Dempsey and the others -- they went to see Richtofen. It's our Richtofen... Samantha lied, Edward", I continued as I tried to keep the conversation going.

"Hm, I see. But if it is zhe same Richtofen zhen vhy vould she lie like zhat?" Primis mused.

"Yeah, well, she's still a kid after all. And kids don't really play the long game - she probably thought she could trick us into making a rash decision and just shoot first and ask questions later", I tried to explain on the child's behalf.

"Und vhat about zhe deal jou made?" Primis recalled with apprehension.
"What deal?" I tried to chuckle lightly.

"Kiana, jou know vhat zhe consequences are if jou go against Samanzha und Dr Maxis", Primis warned.

"Yeah, yeah. Get pursued to the ends of the earth-- beg for my life, be tortured and meet a painful end. Sure, that's probably still on the table as far as they are concerned but I don't have any intention of that happening!" I smiled awkwardly.

"Nein, ve vill not allow zhat to happen. But Samanzha und Maxis vill stay true to zheir vord. Ve vill need to protect you--" Primis began before I interrupted.

"Please, Edward... it's just too early in the morning to be thinking about this stuff", I mumbled dismissively as I averted my gaze down to my knees.

"I vas-- I just vant to keep jou safe", Primis replied.

"I know, and I greatly appreciate it. I'm sorry, Edward. Let's just cross that bridge when we come to it. But for now, we need to focus in Richtofen. I want to see him for myself", I explained.

"Kiana..." Primis trailed off as he gave me a stern look.

"Oh, come on! I just mean I'd like to observe him -- from afar!" I tried to justify.

"Ve still do not know for sure yet vhether he is zhe original Richtofen. I just vant to remain cautious until I have zhe chance to observe him", Primis smiled reassuringly.

"I know. But speaking of which!" I exclaimed as we heard voices in the distance.

We could both make out Dempsey's deep voice as it furiously contended with Richtofen's. And in a moment of panic, we realised that the men were heading our way. Primis jumped to his feet and quickly grabbed my bag as we darted over to the staircase which lead up to a barrier.