Ruthless 🗡️/ Fourth Wing

Chapter XXXVII

The air in the cramped chamber hung heavy with the echo of Kai's chilling words. I stood there, disbelief and anger churning within me like a flame. Five days of darkness and cold had already worn me down, but Kai's betrayal cut deeper than any physical deprivation.

"You won't get away with this, Kai," I managed to choke out, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance. "Xaden will find me. He'll stop you."

Kai's smirk was infuriatingly smug as he stepped closer, his presence looming over me like a dark cloud. "Xaden is inconsequential," he declared coldly, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. "What matters now is your cooperation."

My mind raced, searching for a way out of this nightmare. I couldn't let Kai manipulate me any further, couldn't let him use my powers for his twisted ambitions. But as I glanced around the dimly lit chamber, the reality of my captivity seemed inescapable.

"You think I will just give you my powers and rule by your side like your bitch?" I accused, desperation creeping into my voice. "You used me to get to Xaden. This was never about my powers—it was about destroying him."

A flicker of irritation crossed Kai's features, but he quickly masked it with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Xaden is a fool," he retorted, his voice dripping with disdain. "And so are you if you think you have a choice in this."

I bristled at his words, defiance swelling within me despite the fear that threatened to overwhelm. I had to find a way out, had to escape before Kai could enact whatever twisted plan he had in mind.

Before I could react, Kai lunged forward, his grip like a vice around my arm. Pain shot through me as he twisted my wrist, forcing me to my knees. I gritted my teeth, refusing to cry out as his face loomed close to mine, his breath hot against my skin.

"You will obey me," Kai hissed, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that made my blood run cold. "Or you and him will suffer the consequences. The choice is yours."

I closed my eyes, drawing on every ounce of strength and courage I possessed. With a surge of determination, I summoned the fire within me, letting it blaze to life in my palm. Kai recoiled with a cry of surprise and pain as the flames licked at his face.

Seizing the opportunity, I pushed myself to my feet and darted toward the nearest exit, the chains completely melting to Iron. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I ran, the sound of Kai's enraged shouts echoing behind me.

I emerged into a dimly lit corridor, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to find a way out of Kai's fortress, away from his reach. But as I raced down the narrow passage, the labyrinthine layout threatened to confuse and trap me.

Suddenly, I nearly collided with a startled servant carrying a tray of food. Without hesitation, I grabbed the tray and hurled it at the surprised servant, sending food and crockery crashing to the floor. The distraction bought me precious seconds as I continued my desperate flight.

Voices echoed from nearby chambers, and I realized I was drawing attention to myself. I needed a plan, a way to evade capture and find help. My mind flashed to Xaden—to the possibility that he might still be searching for me, that he might be my only hope.

Pushing myself to run faster, I navigated the corridors, my senses on high alert. I needed to reach the outer walls, to escape into the night where I might have a chance to disappear.

I spotted a spiral staircase leading upward and dashed toward it, taking the steps two at a time. I emerged onto a narrow balcony overlooking the courtyard below, moonlight bathing the scene in a silvery glow. The Dragons know where to be seen.

But guards patrolled the courtyard, their figures outlined against the flickering torchlight. Escape seemed impossible—I was surrounded, trapped in Kai's fortress like a hunted animal.

Desperation threatened to overwhelm me, but I fought to maintain my composure. I couldn't afford to give up, not when freedom was within reach. I scanned the balcony for any means of descent or concealment.

A rustling noise caught my attention, and I turned to see a vine-covered trellis leading down from the balcony to the ground below. It was a risky move, but it was my only chance.

With resolve hardening my expression, I gripped the trellis and began to descend, my muscles straining with each careful movement. Below, the guards continued their patrol, oblivious to my escape attempt.

Halfway down, a loose vine snapped under my weight, sending me plummeting toward the ground. Fear surged through me as I landed with a painful thud, my ankle twisting beneath me.

But I didn't have time to dwell on the pain. Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself to my feet and limped toward the shadows at the edge of the courtyard. I had to keep moving, to put as much distance as possible between myself and Kai's fortress.

Hours passed in a blur as I stumbled through the dense undergrowth surrounding the fortress. Branches scratched at my face and arms, but I pressed onward, driven by sheer determination.

Dawn broke on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. Finally, I allowed myself a moment's respite, collapsing onto the damp forest floor. I was exhausted, bruised, and shaken—but I was alive.

As the adrenaline began to ebb, my thoughts turned to Xaden. I needed to find him, to warn him about Kai's treachery and the danger that lurked within his own kingdom.

But for now, I closed my eyes and let myself rest, knowing that my fight was far from over.

In the stillness of the forest, surrounded by the sounds of awakening nature, I gathered my strength for the next steps of my journey. The cool morning air brushed against my skin, a stark contrast to the suffocating darkness of Kai's fortress. Every breath felt like a renewal, a reminder that I had escaped the clutches of captivity—for now.

I pushed myself upright, wincing as I tested my injured ankle. It throbbed with pain, a sharp reminder of the risks I had taken to break free. But there was no time to dwell on discomfort. I needed to move, to find safety and gather my thoughts before Kai's men could track me down.

With a deep breath, I scanned the forest around me, searching for any signs of pursuit. The thick foliage and the gentle rustling of leaves offered me some semblance of cover, but I knew I couldn't linger for long.

Carefully, I began to hobble deeper into the woods, using fallen branches and tree trunks for support. Each step sent a jolt of pain through my ankle, but I gritted my teeth and pressed on. The adrenaline that had fueled my escape was beginning to wane, replaced by a bone-deep weariness.

Right now, my priority was survival. I needed to find a safe haven, somewhere I could tend to my injuries and gather my strength. Only then could I begin to plan my next move.

Hours passed as I limped through the forest, my senses on high alert for any sign of danger. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting dappled shadows across the forest floor. Birds sang overhead, their melodies a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within me.

Eventually, I stumbled upon a small clearing nestled between towering trees. A natural spring bubbled nearby, its crystal-clear waters inviting me to quench my thirst. With a sigh of relief, I lowered myself onto a moss-covered rock beside the spring, cradling my injured ankle.

I dipped my hands into the cool water and splashed it onto my face, washing away the grime and sweat of my escape. The sensation was cleansing, rejuvenating—a brief moment of peace amidst the chaos that had engulfed my life.

As I rested by the spring, I took stock of my surroundings. The forest seemed vast and untamed, stretching out in all directions like an endless sea of green. There was no sign of civilization, no indication that Kai's men had followed me this far.

But I couldn't afford to be complacent.

With a final glance at the tranquil spring, I pushed myself to my feet.