Lunar Flare Book 2: Midnight Eclipse

Chapter 22

"Nice work handling it dear," Balthasar heard Cassian say from beside him, where the officer lay on the dungeon cell cot. Balthasar was sitting on the edge of the cot next to Cassian's legs. The officer's tone was full of light-hearted sarcasm. "I especially liked the part where you told him if he was going to lock me up in the dungeon, he would have to do the same for you too."

"Look, I didn't expect him to so underestimate my value to the castle," Balthasar explained, staring across the dimly lit cell at the iron bars. "But it's fine though, I have another plan."

"Oh? Did you bring a spoon with you, so we can dig our way out through the walls?" Cassian joked, clearly attempting to maintain cheerful spirits despite the circumstances.

Balthasar rolled his eyes at that, though had to try to stop his lips pulling into a smile. "What I mean is, surely he will eventually come to realise his folly, that he needs me, and acquiesce to my request to let us both out," Balthasar outlined. "Or if not, then I do have one more idea."

"Well? Aren't you going to share with the class?" Cassian prompted, and Balthasar could see the soldier trying to sit up for a moment in his peripheral vision, before promptly giving up.

"I'm still working on it, alright? You'll just have to be patient dear," Balthasar reassured, turning his head slightly to look at Cassian and smile at him. The truth was he didn't want to tell the soldier his backup plan as he was sure that Cassian would not approve of it.

"Well, I guess I don't have much choice. Wherever I was right now I'd be lying down anyway. Though the bed could be a little more comfortable," Cassian griped lightly, smiling back at the chirurgeon. "And it's a bit cold down here."

"Don't worry dear, I'll keep you warm," Balthasar assured, lying down on the bed next to the soldier and putting an arm around him, pressing his body up against him for warmth.

"What's gotten into you?" Cassian asked, sounding confused.

"I'm just... so relieved that Thedrick and the others were able to get away... and grateful that you helped them," Balthasar explained awkwardly, feeling a little embarrassed for once.

"Are you going soft in your old age?" Cassian teased with a grin.

"Don't bet on it," Balthasar retorted, trying to sound grumpy again.

As they lay there quietly, pressed up close together, Balthasar's mind wandered to the vampires. He was certainly relieved that they had managed to escape the castle, which had made Tybalt furious, but now they could fall into trouble with any number of dangers as they travelled across the land, seeking a safe place. And Balthasar would have no way of knowing if they were okay.

He still wanted to go after them, even if it seemed like an impossible task. But firstly, he needed to get himself and Cassian out of the dungeon.