The Phoenix Society

Chapter 20

Banks brought his pellucid blade down on the lock outside Laken's cell, sending a loud clang through the chamber, jolting some of the prisoners awake. I have to admit, I didn't believe him when he said his blade could break the lock. But I guess they weren't lying when they said their blades were made from the strongest metals. I rushed into the cell, my heart racing. I couldn't believe it. I had found him. I had found Laken. He was right in front of me, and he was alive. I threw my arms around him pulling him close to me. I held his head in my arms as tears fell down his cheeks.

"Y-your h-here?" Laken asked through his sobs.

"Yes, baby. I'm here." I cradled him in my arms as his breathing quickened and sobs grew harder. "Shh shh shh. You're okay."

"I-I thought you w-were..." Laken couldn't finish his sentence as his sobs overtook him. I ran my hand through the hair that clung to his head in dirt and mud.

"I know." I told him softly as I held him tighter. I couldn't even imagine what he had gone through. One minute I was there, taking care of him and the next, I had all but disappeared. I don't know what Monroe told him about my disappearance, but I'm sure it destroyed him. It was all I could do to keep myself from crying at the thought of my little brother alone with this monster. But I wouldn't cry in front of Laken. I needed to be strong for him. Right here, right now, everything was about Laken.

"I'm so sorry, Lake." I whispered as I rested my chin on his head. My eyes traveled up to Banks who stood, patiently at the cell door. He held his blade in his left hand as his stood tall keeping an eye out in the chamber for any guards. His eyes traveled to mine, and I'm sure he could tell how relieved I was in this moment to be with my brother again. After a moment, they flickered back out to the chamber. I knew what he was telling me. We needed to go; it wasn't safe here.

I allowed myself to hold Laken for a second longer, then sat back letting myself to finally get a full look at him. My eyes searched him, quickly assessing his state. Despite his outward appearance, he looked like he had been fed rather well, compared to the other prisoners I had seen down here. His normally fair skin was smothered nearly head to toe in dirt. His clothes were torn, mud lathered his body, and he had large bags under his eyes, making my brother look a little like a zombie. He had a small dark bruise that sat on his cheek and a cut on his forehead that would need tending to. All could be fixed with a hot shower and a clean set of clothes. I smiled at him, thankful his injuries weren't worse.

"I'm so proud of you." I told Laken softly as I took my thumb and wiped any remaining tears from his cheek. "You were so so brave. But I need you to be brave for just a little bit longer, okay?"

Laken gave me one nod. I could tell by the way his eyes were pulled down into a small scowl, that he scared

"You're going to be fine. I'm not going to let them hurt you anymore." I pulled him into another hug, wishing that I could take away his fears. I hated to see my brother like this, so scared. He was just a kid. He didn't deserve any of this. It made me hate Monroe even more for putting him through this. After a moment, I pulled Laken away and looked him in the eyes. "Are you ready?"

"I'm ready." Laken responded, although he still looked uncertain. What does someone have to go through for them to think that being in a cell is safer then not.

"Okay." I stood up, holding my hand out for my brother. After a brief hesitation, he stuffed his small hand into mine. "Stay close."

* *  *

Alarms blared as we raced through the tunnel. They knew we were here. Red lights flashed, lighting up the otherwise dim hallway, alerting the guards where we were. My hand squeezed tightly around Laken's as we ran. I would not lose him, not after I just got him back. While he was weak, he was able to keep up with us well. The farther we ran from his cell, the more determined his face became. He wanted to get out of here as much as I wanted him to. Banks ran a pace ahead of us, his hand clasped tightly around his pellucid blade, ready for a fight.