Caged (Book One)

Chapter Fifty-Five

Florina carefully stepped out of her carriage, glaring at the castle. How annoying she had to make a trip, just from a few concerns. The guards recognized her, letting her pass. She walked through the large doors as they held open for her.

"Madam Moons! A pleasure to have you!" Someone greeted her.

"Get me Prince Frederick. Now." She demanded. With a nod the man rushed off, returning very soon with Fred.

"Madam Moons! What brings you here?" He smiled big.

"My daughter. Where is she?" Florina nearly scowled as Fred slowly frowned. He was already intimidated by this woman. She was an inch taller and had short dark hair, she did also share some features with Eveleen like her eyes.

"May I ask, what seems to be wrong?" He avoided the question. Florina scoffed, stomping closer to Fred.

"Don't waste my time! Eveleen may have her issues with me but she always makes time to notify me. She hasn't sent any letters to me, and there has to be something stopping her from doing that." She scolded, how dare he insult her like this!

"Letters?" Fred mumbled, "I'm sorry Madam, but I don't

know of Eveleen's whereabouts at the moment." He spoke softly, glancing at the people around them. Florina stared at him, ignoring everyone else.

"Did we not allow her to come here, so that she could be more protected?" She asked, taking a deep breath. "I hope for your sake, she's alright." With that, she stomped out.

Fred felt his legs give out the moment the doors shut. Damn! He already recently learned Odie slipped out unnoticed. He can't find Kristine anywhere, as well. Fred turned to the hall, marching for his office. Not good, he needs to figure out so much, and now Florina is here!

~~~~~

Eveleen raised her arm, using it to cast a shadow on the dirty cement floor. Aiden slept soundly nearby, she couldn't wake him yet. He shouldn't have to wake up back in this place. Who knows the pain they will experience today. Hopefully it wouldn't be another drug to test.

Eveleen still couldn't believe the pain she felt in her arm. It made her whole arm paralyzed. Yet, Aiden and Kristine had to deal with that for years.

Aiden finally stirred, yawing as he woke up. He gave Eveleen a small smile, pushing himself up more. Then they both stayed silent, taking in the quietness. They weren't even startled when there was yelling in the distance, or when guards came marching down the hall. Turned out they were not yelling, they were cheering.

Only two guards stopped in front of them, holding on to each other as they laughed. Eveleen and Aiden shared a confused look, while watching them carefully. One of the guards steadied himself, turning his head,

"Sorry, it's just the funniest thing just happened!" He told them.

"Oh, do tell." Eveleen spat.

"A buddy returned, asking to see you guys! He was always

such a shit liar!" The guard laughed.

"Yeah so, we're gonna kill you all instead." The other one spoke, reaching for his key.

"Is Shade gonna like that?!" Aiden stood up, ready to fight. "We've been told if we've been compromised in any way, eliminate any loose ends and relocate. Shade is too busy, it's just us." The guard argued back. Eveleen held back a grin, standing up.

Once the door swung open, Eveleen ran forward, slamming into the guard. Aiden immediately went for the other one. Eveleen fell to the floor with the guard, groaning with him. It took more energy than she thought!

Aiden launched a fist at the other guard, knocking him back against the wall. He grabbed the sword's handle before the guard could, unsheathing it while shoving him back again.

"Aiden!" Eveleen alerted him, noticing the guard she shoved already recovering enough to stand. Turning, Aiden swung at him. Eveleen sat up against the wall so she could catch her breath. Aiden stabbed the guard, twisting the sword as he ripped it away.

"You, little shits." The other guard stumbled, trying to stand. Eveleen reached, grabbing his leg, while giving his other leg and hard kick. Aiden grabbed the guard before he could smack the floor, sliding the sword across his throat.

"Someone else is here, asking for us." Eveleen sighed, letting Aiden help her stand.

"Come on, let's get the hell out of here." Aiden gently pulled her with him, running down the hall the guards came from.

"The exit can't be far," Aiden started to mumble, until Eveleen tugged on him.

"I need to, to collect evidence." She whispered, barely catching her breath still. Aiden's face changed, he didn't want to stay here any longer, but she's right.

"Fine, fine let's look." He gently wrapped an arm around her, helping her fast walk with him.

Kristine and Leo nodded at each other, before opening a door. They both held up their weapons as they carefully walked through the stone halls.

"Where would they be kept?" Leo asked quietly.

"Somewhere secure, with bars." Kristine answered, carefully scanning around.

"There." Leo stopped her, turning to the door just barely opened. Leo went in first, seeing a line of cells. Kristine pushed past him, running to the dead guards. Did they just miss them!?

"If they broke out themselves, they should be near the exit!" Leo charged in front of her. Kristine felt frozen, the two dead guards, the opened cell. She could already imagine the fire surrounding her. No, both of them are out. No one got left behind. Kristine couldn't move, she couldn't only stare at the empty cell. Only one cell is opened. The questions were coming faster than she could handle.

"Kristine?" Leo appeared in front of her, holding her shoulder.

"I'm fine." She moved. Enough of her thoughts, she needed to find her friends. They should be headed for the exit, so Leo ran down the hall that led to the front door. While Kristine stayed inside.

Someone had to be there. No way in this large building is it empty!

"Aiden! Eveleen!!" She screamed. Nothing.

"Guys! Where are y-" A hand grabbed her arm, while the other held a knife to her throat. She stood completely still, not daring to even lift her sword. There was a chuckle, right by her ear. It seemed, a little familiar.

"Well, isn't this nice? After all, you are the one that idiot was supposed to get." He snarled at her. Kristine felt herself relax a little.

"You. I remember you." She stayed still, waiting.

"Yeah? Well, nice to see you again." He laughed, then slammed her against the wall. He turned her to him, letting her see his face.

"Wait, you," Krisitne paused, fearing speaking it. He couldn't be in front of her. He couldn't be involved with all this.

He was one of the men that found her when she escaped.

"Why didn't you kill me then?" Kristine felt the tears burn, as he gave her a dull look.

"That's a dumb question, now move." Shade shoved her in front of him. He gestured for her to lead, keeping his sword on her back.

"Where?" She nearly choked out.

"Let's see where the rest of your buddies are. I know you didn't come alone."