Deviant Fate

49 - Cooperation

*Above is the Zyconian dress Fran and Gwen are wearing.*

-Fran-

It was a trap.

Julian had led us right to a smoky room and before we had time to react, we had all stumbled to the floor.

I couldn't believe it. After all this time of planning and working together. He sold us out. I could only imagine what Julian was thinking, but I'm sure he was just pushed to insanity not having his divine.

These necklaces were a problem. We weren't allowed to talk to each other without being hit, but Deacon had a moment to whisper to me. Listen to them.

Of all people I couldn't believe he was saying that to me. We hated the Velacara's and now he wanted me to listen to them? I could only assume he was telling me that because he had a plan. For now, I would remain compliant until he said otherwise.

Zaq and Zef on the other hand hadn't gotten the message. They were fighting with the guards and fighting the burn of the necklaces. They wouldn't stop. Even after they had been thrown around and beaten bloody. Everhett tried to stop them, but that earned him a harsh back hand from one of the guards.

Eventually the Tungsten had weakened them both and they could barely stand. I couldn't control my sobs after seeing them like that.

After we had been brought to the big room with all those people, I wanted to break down even more. Watching Gwen's face drop and her shaking frame. She was devastated and angry. I was right there with her.

Gwen had given in with some painful persuasion and as we were being pulled away I started to panic. Something came over me and I didn't want to be seperated from her. I felt great comfort when she came to stay with us. There was a safe feeling knowing she was near us. Now that she was being ripped from me, I couldn't control my emotions.

A guard pulled me away from her and out of the room as I cried and tried to scratch my way out of his grip. I was strong and well trained so he was definitely struggling to hang on to me. A couple of times I had managed to get away or get an elbow in.

But then, a firm and strong hand gripped onto my shoulders. I stilled as I looked up to see a very intense looking Zyconian. He was well dressed, definitely not a guard. His eyes were interesting. Though they were intense, there was a softness to them. The color was quite beautiful. Deep forest green borders, with lighter shades of green swirled inside. A balance of dark and light.

He nodded off to the prick who was struggling to hold me and he excused himself. The stranger then grabbed my wrist and started pulling me behind him without a word.

I thought about protesting like I had before, but I was somewhat intrigued by this Zyconian. Plus I remembered Deacon had said to listen. I wasn't exactly sure where we were going, but as long as he wasn't going to try anything funny I would follow for now.

We entered a room and I quietly stood in waiting while I watched him lock the door. It put me on edge, but I kept my calm.

"You may sit." He gestured towards a small sofa that sat alongside a fireplace.

I watched him warily as I walked and sat down. I was feeling a bit self conscious as his eyes never left me. He stared at me intently, but not threateningly.

"I apologize for making you uncomfortable. I can see my presence alarms you, but I'm sure the entire circumstances are to blame for that as well." He laughed awkwardly.

Confusion plastered my face. He was apologizing to me?

"I'm sorry for staring at you, you're just— very beautiful." He caught me off guard.