Triton's Destiny

Part Forty

Maki's stomach rumbled loudly and he pressed his arms against it to stifle the sound, even though there wasn't anyone around to hear it. No one had come to check on him or bring him more water or offer any kind of food. It was only by how hungry he was that he could even tell it had been hours since he and Tristan enjoyed breakfast at the bakery. There was no way for him to tell what time of day it was. Not even the air vents offered any suggestion. He was beginning to wonder if he was going to be left there to starve and wither away. Then they could do whatever they wanted to him. At this point, it didn't really matter.

He was huddled and shivering on the floor, having neither the strength nor motivation to move to the cot. With nothing to focus his mind upon, his imagination began inventing sounds and hallucinations to keep him company. He imagined Ika swimming through the bars of his cell and he reached for her with tears in his eyes. He missed her and her optimism, her intelligent thoughtfulness, her loyal comfort. He would have loved to snuggle with her and pet her dorsal fin again.

Most of his hallucinations, naturally, included Tristan, though. Maki imagined his mate waiting for him just outside the prison, fighting with the guards to let him in. He heard his voice responding to him when he broke down and called for Tristan in his weakest moments. He imagined Tristan's strong hand rubbing his back and murmuring soothing words to comfort him. It was his mate's protective compassion that he longed for most. He wanted to be safe in Tristan's arms, not freezing to death on a damp, cold floor.

When he heard hushed conversation echoing down the corridor, it sounded too loud and too real to his dulled senses. Oh gods... Someone was coming for him. Were they going to perform some test on him? Or drench him with water to try to make him shift? Or maybe just kill him and be done with dealing with him altogether? He pulled the blanket around him as tight as it would go and curled up against the wall, making himself the smallest target possible. He knew he couldn't escape but he wasn't going to lie down and take it either. He did have some dignity left. Dignity, however, wasn't bravery. And Maki was terrified about what was going to happen to him. He covered his head with his arms and willed the intruders to leave. Please go away. Please go away. Please go away.

At some point, he started whispering it aloud, the mantra twining around him like a warding spell as he rocked on the floor. "Please go away. Please go away. Please..."

"Oh my gods. Maki!" Something shuffled on the floor and the iron bars rang faintly as someone banged into them. "Maki! Baby, are you all right?"

"Please... Please..." Maki fisted his hands over his ears, hating that his broken mind was tormenting him with the sound of his Tristan's voice.

"Shit. Owain, please. Open the door."

The sounds of jingling keys and the clanging lock made Maki flinch and curl tighter into himself. It sounded like his entire world was crashing apart and he simply couldn't endure any more pain. "No... No..."

"Fuck. We have to get him out of here."

He fought and shook his head as someone tried to take his blanket, but it slipped out of his icy fingers and was gone. With a tortured whine, he clutched at his own naked arms, flinching away from the person trying to get close to him.

"It's all right, sweetheart. It's me. It's Tristan. Here..."

Something blessedly soft and warm was gently draped over his shoulders and Maki instantly felt a deep surge of relief. A familiar and comforting scent enveloped him, like floral soap and oil paints, fresh bread and boot leather. His eyes fluttered open as his waking nightmare faded and when he looked up, he saw loving green eyes smiling at him. "Tristan!" He flung his arms around his mate's neck and clung to him, refusing to let go.