The Forest Behind Bars

Chapter VII: Starlit lessons

Chief turns towards the nearest guard and, without a word, the guard throws him the keys to my cell. Chief unlocks my cell with the jingling keys, and steps inside.

I do not step back. Show no fear. He locks the door behind him and hangs the keys on his belt.

I eye the dagger on his belt and try to remember the lessons taught to me in that starlit valley by Cayden. Get close to them, and make it natural, then lightly graze over the object with your fingers.

Chief steps closer with his fists closed tightly. ''Bet you wished you didn't have such a big mouth. Guess we'll see how that pretty little mouth of you moves when I'm through with you.''

''I suppose we shall see.''

Try to keep them distracted. If it's by talking or fighting, just make sure you don't lose your own focus by taking theirs.

I need to get him angrier; it has been centuries since I last used and needed those lessons. I can only hope he won't notice my clumsy fingers.

''But maybe you won't even be able to touch me. I might be out of practice, but I have way more experience than you. Are you sure you can take me?''

Chief doesn't answer, only growls as he lunges to me. I dodge it quickly, but my body is weak from the magic bars of the cells, so it grazes my arm as I step out of the way.

If he had used a blade, it might have cost me the use of my arm in this fight, but thankfully he only uses his fists, like some uncontrolled beast.

He spins too quickly for me to reach for the dagger, so I have to keep this going.

Unfortunately, my step to the side has me almost pressed up against the bar with my back. One step back will corner me against the bars.

I try to sidestep, but chief has already seen my problem and snatches up my left arms and hauls me back.

He smashes my back against the cold bars, and I hear Aster gasp.

Pain erupts down my spine, but it is only a distraction, so I block the pain out as well as Aster.

Keep talking. -About what? A laugh; About whatever.

''So, how are things going up there?'' A poor attempt at some diversion, but it is better than nothing.

He grabs me by my collar and smashes me into the bars again. I wince in pain, which only seems to please him more.

That wild look in his eyes grows. Seems like that might be an excellent distraction. It might put me at a disadvantage to get any more wounds, but it might be my only option, since my words don't seem to affect him.

I wriggle in his grasp, which results in a blow to my stomach.

I gasp for air and throw a poor attempt at a punch to his face.

He smirks as he smacks away my arm.

''I think I can take you, actually.''

A growl rips from my throat.

Don't dance around too long, Avery, or they might start to think you want to be near them. And that is something I seriously doubt you'll want, since they aren't gonna be me. -A wink from those handsome blue-grey eyes has me laughing.

''I wouldn't be so certain, Chief.'' I use his name mockingly. Showing him that I still stand above him, or at least pretend.

It all happens in a couple of heartbeats; Chief pulls back his fist to hit me in my face. The slender fingers of my right hand are ready.

Don't look at your own hands when you steal, or you'll be giving yourself away.

I keep my eyes focused on the fist as my hands graze over his belt.

When you feel the object you're looking for, and they aren't on to you yet, you take it. Close your fingers around it and pull it away from them. Away from wherever it is in one smooth swipe.

And I do just that. As soon as my fingers feel the cool metal of the dagger, they curl around it and lift it in one smooth motion.

As his fist reaches my head, I clamp my entire hand around the dagger and turn my wrist in hopes of hiding it from his view.

I feel my teeth cut through my cheek and it feels like it is burning.

He looks absolutely feral as he looks at my face. And the dark imprint left behind by his fist.

He throws me to the side by my collar, and I hit the ground with a loud cry.

I pretend to be in such pain that all I can do is curl up on my side. While I actually am hiding the stolen dagger.

He stands over me and kicks me once in my legs, which are bent up to protect my stomach. ''For good measure.''