The Relentless Path

Chapter V : The Storm Within

The wind howled louder, whipping through the trees like a beast unleashed. Rain battered the stone walls of the ruin they had taken refuge in, each drop sounding like a miniature drumbeat. Kellan was lying down, eyes shut, his breath even and steady, trying to get some rest before the next leg of their journey. Cora sat propped against the far wall, her arms still bound tightly behind  her.

Ryker, however, was restless. He paced back and forth near the entrance, the occasional flash of lightning casting his shadow long across the floor. His eyes never left Cora for long, and despite Kellan's earlier command, it was clear sleep was not coming any time soon.

Finally, he stopped pacing and turned to her with a smirk. "So, tell me," he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery, "what's it like being a walking, talking, living paycheck?"

Cora's jaw clenched. She knew better than to take the bait, but the storm outside, combined with the tension in the air, was fraying her nerves. "Charming," she muttered under her breath. "Is that your idea of a conversation starter?"

Ryker chuckled darkly and leaned against the wall opposite her. "Just trying to keep myself entertained. You're not exactly contributing much, princess."

She met his gaze, her eyes narrowing. "You want a conversation? Fine. Tell me why you're doing this. Why take me when you clearly hate every moment of it?"

He tilted his head, pretending to think about it. "Hate? Nah, hate's too strong a word. Mildly annoyed, maybe. But taking you in? That's just good business. I like to keep things...profitable."

"Profitable?" Cora snorted. "So, you're just a mercenary with a paycheck in mind, then. I'd say you're not too bright, dragging me around in this weather."

Ryker's smirk faltered slightly at her pushback, and he leaned back, folding his arms over his chest. "You think I'm that hungry for coin, huh? Not like my partner over there," he nodded toward Kellan, who was resting against the wall. "He's in it for the payout, no doubt. Me? I've got other motivations."

Cora seized the opportunity, realizing she might be treading dangerous ground. She needed to keep her wits about her, not provoke him too much. If she pushed harder, her captors could strip her of her ability to speak, and that was the last thing she wanted.

She deflected smoothly, her voice softening. "What if I had a better deal for you?" She glanced up at him, eyes glinting with something between desperation and cunning. "I'm worth a lot now because of what I can do, but there's more to the story. I'm in the middle of something bigger—a mission, let's say—one that pays a whole lot more than what you're getting for me."

Ryker's brow furrowed at Cora's words, a glimmer of confusion crossing his face. He leaned forward slightly, clearly intrigued despite himself. "A mission?" he echoed, his usual bravado momentarily fading.

Kellan stirred from where he leaned against the wall, the amusement in his eyes betraying his interest. "Now this is interesting," he muttered, his tone quiet but sharp. "Something bigger than what we're getting for you, huh? Go on, then. Let's hear it."

Cora felt Kellan's gaze on her now, assessing. She carefully measured her next words, knowing she was walking a dangerous line. "I'm not just some runaway," she said carefully. "There's something else going on. If you're smart, you'll realize this situation could pay off a lot more for both of you if you stop focusing on the bounty."

Ryker tilted his head, clearly still skeptical but no longer mocking her outright. "And what exactly is this something you're in the middle of?"

Cora hesitated just a beat before replying. "Let's just say... powerful people are interested in what I can do. If you two are clever enough to play your cards right, they'll be willing to pay handsomely for cooperation. More than what you'd get for dragging me back to some petty bounty office."