The Slave's Gladiator

Chapter 9: The Night Mission

A small creak startled her awake. As a shadow approached through her peripheral vision she drew her eyes shut again. The steps continued until she was sure the figure stood over her.

"Valeria?" He whispered. She didn't move. The silence around them grew for a few seconds before a soft sigh of relief left his lips. Without another word, the steps faded from the room.

One...two...three...four. At the fourth breath, her eyes flickered back open. With little sound, she dressed and headed out into the night. The wind brushed her cloak while her eyes searched through the dark for him. Where are you going so late at night?

Other than the drunken humans and the stealthy four legged, the silent streets remained empty. Turning the corner, Valeria made sure to keep her distance as she followed deeper into the heart of Port Romus. Turning around another alleyway, her steps slowed.

Old crates and trash littered the ground. Taking a step closer, Valeria's eyes scanned the dark alley. Where did you go?

Thud.

Valeria swirled around. A hand grabbed her wrist, stopping her dagger.

"Nice try." Gamba's dark eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?" He dropped her hand. "You were supposed to be asleep."

"I learned to control my breathing to fake it." Her eyes searched him over. "Apparently, it's effective against mercenaries."

Shaking his head, Gamba sighed. "You're not supposed to be here, Valeria. Go back before you get hurt." Ignoring his advice, Valeria continued right behind him. As they stepped onto the street, he turned to see her still following.

"I thought I told you to head back."

"You did." And you must be crazy to think I'll let you go along.

"Valeria," his eyes softened. "I really need you to head back. What I need to do...you really shouldn't see." His thumb brushed against her cheek causing her to lean into his touch.

"If something happens to you then..." She trailed off. I don't know what I would do.

Leaning forward, he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "I promise I'll be right back." He closed his eyes. "But I need you to be safe." Safe. Valeria felt her defiance cracking. If something happed to him though...Her hand clenched his tunic. "I already lost Agustin". Her heart shuddered. "I can't lose you too."

"You won't lose me." His voice softened. "But promise me you'll head right back to the room."

"Only if you promise you'll be alright." She whispered. "You promised?"

Another forehead kiss. "I promise."

With that, she watched him disappear into the darkness. A sick sense of worry churned her stomach. Please be safe, Gamba. Before Valeria could turn to go home, a cloth pressed against her nose.

Panic flared as she thrashed and clawed at the hands holding the fabric. "Shh..." Her knees buckled.

"Sh..."

****

Someone was pounding her head. A groan left Valeria's lips as she slowly eased herself up. What happened? Her hands pressed against her eyes. The last thing she could remember was Gamba and then...

"You're awake." She turned to the voice. "Just in time."

A woman stood in the corner of what seemed to be an office room before a short sheen tunic fell at her feet.

"Put this on."

Valeria eyed the gown before a chuckle snapped her gaze back to the woman.

"Oh, I'm sorry." She knelt down. "Did I not ask nicely?" She pulled out a dagger. "Put this on or this goes in your neck."