Trust [h.s.]

XXIV

I stumbled away from the boy in front of me, far too fearful that he was merely a hallucination my mind was using in an attempt to trick me. I nearly lost my footing as I backed away, tears continuing to slip down my cheeks and heavy breaths bursting from my deflating lungs.

"Wha-? H-how?" I cried once I decided that Asher was, in fact, not a hallucination.

"Ellie, please," He took a step toward me, hands outstretched in front of him in an offering of peace. "Let me explain everything to you."

I shook my head. "You've been alive this whole time!" I shouted. "And you never once came back for me."

Asher caught me as my body gave way, falling limp as a deflating feeling of absolute defeat washed over me. He held my trembling frame gently, rocking me back and forth as I sobbed into him. Through my tear-blurred vision, I watched as Volkov's lips curved into a satisfied, sinister grin.

"Ellie," He pulled me closer to him, pressing my head against his chest. "Please, let me explain."

I had no idea what to think or what to feel. I was entirely lost as to how Asher ended up here but above all, I knew that he was my brother and no matter what, I trusted him with my life. So I nodded my head weakly, feeling hallow inside as my emotions shut down. Asher placed a hand on my shoulder, offering a small smile meant to ease my troubles.

I allowed Asher and Volkov to guide me down the hall, footsteps echoing throughout the corridor and my heavy breaths were the only noises heard. They led underneath a stair case, where Volkov pushed open the door to a small chamber. The walls were made of stone, the atmosphere moist with condensation and the accumulation of mold from years of neglect. There was a singular window on a curved wall opposite of where I stood, the bright sunlight shining from the other side taunting me with its promises of freedom.

Asher sat me down in a chair, allowing me a few moments to collect myself. He watched me with caution, his protective nature becoming evident as he bent down to be eye-level with me.
"Elle," He spoke softly. "You alright?"

"Where's Harry?" I choked out, my voice straining me as I stared into my brother's eyes-a pair of honey-colored irises that I firmly believed I would never see again.

Asher heaved a sigh, his back erecting to an upright position. He glanced nervously over at Volkov.
"Do you think Ellie and I can have a moment alone, Sir?"

Volkov's eyes narrowed at my big brother. He remained silent as he studied us both, considering this request. After a moment, he offered a small nod.
"You have ten minutes." Then, he walked out, closing the door behind him.

"Asher," I said. "What's happen-?"

"Shhh." He interrupted, putting a finger to my lips. His eyes were fixated on the door from which Volkov exited, his lips pressed into a tight line. "Okay," He said after a minute of silence. "He's gone."

"Asher," I pleaded, but he silenced me again.

"Ellie, I need you to listen." He whispered. "I'm going to explain this quickly, okay?" I nodded. "Do you remember the night I was arrested?"

I almost laughed at this. Did I remember? It was all I could think of.

"Yes." I whispered back.

"Okay, well, I did some bad things, got mixed up with bad people. I became involved with a dangerous group and one night, a friend of mine took a fight too far. It got messy. I was considered an accomplice in a murder. I was scared shitless. That's when I met Volkov. He promised to free me of my charges if I agreed to work for him. He never told me how he'd do it, but I was terrified, Ellie. I didn't know what else to do. So I did, I agreed to work for him in exchange for my freedom. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I just wanted to get back to you and Mom. But I couldn't. Volkov is powerful and dangerous and I realized that escaping him wouldn't be easy. I realized that the only way out was through the roof. So that's what I'm doing-well did. I had to get close to him, get him to trust me. I became his right-hand man. Now, I'm working on a plan to overpower him. There are a lot of people in on this plan and we're so close to taking action, I just need you to be patient with me. Okay?"