The Fall Of Imbria (The Fendara Series. Book One)

Chapter Five: Victoria

It's been two weeks since me and Nell talked about the plan we are going to carry out, to escape this place, this cell.

The details of which were tediously specific to ensure we break free as smoothly as possible.

Now all we had to do was wait for Theodore to come back to our cold cage to try and coax him into thinking we're on the same side. That's when we'd strike.

It's a few hours past dark now. I still can't sleep, as 'comfortable' as the damp grey stone I am resting my head on seems to be, the voices of my lost brother always drift into my head around this time.

Victoria, it's not your fault sister. He was calling to me. You would never hurt me on purpose. He says over and over again.

As much as I want to believe that, I know that it's just the small part inside of me trying to make me not feel guilty for the crime I committed. And for a moment, through the small vent on the ceiling I can swear I hear him speaking as if he is only a story above me. Then it stops and I begin chalking it up to sheer delusions.

All the gut wrenching pain is now making me hear things, what's next, seeing the dead? I huff to myself at the thought of it.

I sit up slowly trying not to let my chains clang too much as my aching body rests against the wall of our cage. Looking towards Nell, she is sitting still as death, head leaning on the pebbled coldness, she somehow found her way to sleep. That was always remarkable to me, how she could sleep anywhere no matter the conditions. Must be a thing associated with her past, something I might one day ask her if the time is right, if we make it out of here.

My head shot straight to the metal doors of the cell upon hearing familiar footsteps approaching. I can see his shadow cascading on the hall from the dim lights of the small torches leading towards the dungeon were all different kinds of prisoners are kept. The crimes of which could be nothing but mean everything to the king, so he trapped them down here. Solving his problems-or so he thinks.

The steps grew closer until he finally appears before me. With the twist of a rusty key in the lock, he slides the heavy door open, casually leaning a shoulder on the silver metal rod one might call a doorway. He gives me a nod as his way of greeting .

"Theodore." I say in return.

Making out his shadowed expression I can tell he's wrestling with how he chooses to approach this conversation, the same one we've had for the past three weeks. Finally he looses a breath. "Victoria. Can we . . . talk?" He asks

Keeping my composure I respond. "Haven't we already? You always stroll in here late at night to convince me of the same thing." I state.

His eyes seem sad at my choice of words. "I know but I truly want you to see me for the man you knew before the attack. Before shit went to hell." Theo walks closer, kneeling before me and placing a hand atop my own that is resting on my knee.

"Please Victoria, I never meant to be anything but honest, I care for you deeply. Let me help." Begging me, his facial expression turns pleading.

This is my chance, so I'm going to take it. " Okay." Is all I say.

His eyes widen with surprise. "Really?" He asks

"Yes, really. I'm sorry it took me so long to see it." I squeeze his hand slightly, seeing Nell stir out of the corner of my eye, barely moving. Our whispers have been quiet but I know she has been listening.

"I promise, I will not fail you." Bringing my hand to his lips, planting a kiss, he smiles partly. Almost as if trying to keep the true extent of his happiness at bay, probably worrying it would scare me off.