Magic and Mortality (DISCONTINUED)

Chap. 18 - Escape

KEY = Subtitle/POV change | Author's note |"Speech" | 'Quote/Thoughts' | Text | Emphasis

AELFRIC'S POV

I lifted my head wearily when a rattle sounded in the lock that kept mine and Belinda's cell shut. The shape of a tall woman was silhouetted against the light, who — as Aelfric found once his eyes adjusted to the light — wore dark clothing and a hood concealing most of her features. She was holding a heavy iron key in her hand, which she slipped into a concealed pocket when she hurriedly pulled them up.

"Shh," she said quietly. "Follow me."

"Hurry!" the woman whispered urgently, tugging on their arms when I groaned at the strain on my sore knees. They buckled with exhaustion, and I nearly fell to the stone floor before the woman steadied him with one hand. In contrast, Belinda was far too weak to even stand on her own. Her breathing was shallow and fast, and her eyes were unfocused.

The woman gripped Belinda's other arm fiercely, pulling her to her feet. "Come on, we have to move quickly if we are going to escape."

I managed to stand with the woman's help, and we began sneaking down a narrow passageway. We moved as quietly as possible, and even my heavy breathing seemed loud to my ears.

It felt like years, but soon the sun caressed our faces gently. The woman led us towards a small shack in the wood. The battered door opened to reveal three men sitting on the couch in front of the blazing hearth. Belinda gasped when she recognized one of them; her father, Marcus. 

"Pa?" She stumbled forward when he stood, falling into his open arms. Tears shone on their faces. Marcus looked at me, stunned but grateful.

"You looked after my Bel, thank you, son." He wraps his arms around me next. I stand stunned until another pair of arms wrap around us — Belinda's. We stayed there, wrapped in each other's embraces, until someone cleared their throat behind us. 

"Okay, great family reunion thing. Now, to business."

THIRD PERSON POV

The woman, Theodora or 'Theo', and the two men, Dain and Hugo, explained their reason behind saving the trio. If they hadn't been saved, Belinda and Aelfric could've been an even bigger and more effective way of blackmailing the royal elven court due to a suspected bond between the two, one never seen in generations, compared to only using Aelfric. Marcus was simply bait, and Theo had sent Dain and Hugo off to get him due to their bickering. (She later told Belinda that they both had confessed their love for her before and hated each other for liking her.)

A/n: Heyyy guys! 
Sorry about the late update! The next few might be small and dull. I'm also quite tired so some of the writing is trash. I'll try to add more stuff, but I have a few that I really want to publish soonish. Also, a few questions, 

1) Does anyone like Belinda and Aelfric's relationship?

2) Who likes their saviours, Theodora aka Theo, Dain and Hugo?

3) What should happen between Theo, Dain and Hugo?

and finally...

4) Does anyone have any questions or ideas for following chapters?

Thanks so much, guys! See ya for another update hopefully soon!