Our Time Bomb

Chapter Thirty-one ~ Forevermore

Erika's pov (present day)

I wake up and sit bolt upright, the hair standing up on my neck. I'm back in my cell. Why did I black out? I touch my arm and cringe, it is extremely sensitive. I can't even read what is imprinted on my skin from the branding. I run my fingers gently over the mark. It is the length of my finger and the width is about an inch. I feel sick to the stomach. I will have this mark for the remainder of my life. The mark of a prisoner.

I glance out of my cell because I feel that someone had looked at me. The torch light is dim, but I recognize him immediately, Miles is on the shift to Guard the area. He must have noticed that I've woken up. He sees me staring at him.

"Are you alright?" he asks quietly.

I stand up cautiously, feeling light headed. "I'm fine."

"You fainted because you are undernourished. You need to eat." He says.

"If this food wasn't half rotten and awful tasting, I might." I say coldly.

He walks over to my cell and takes something from his pocket, "I know the feeling, here, take this." in his hand he has a bag.

I search his face suspiciously,  "I'm sure you don't know what it's like to live off prison food."

He says nothing but rolls up his sleeve to reveal his toned upper arm. On it is a row of numbers branded.

I suck in a breath, "You were a prisoner... Here?"

He nods, "Yes."

"What happened?"

He swallows,  "I'm thinking you'll hate me when you find out."

I frown, "Why would I hate you? I mean there isn't a whole lot more you can do to make me dislike you."

He sighs, "I... I had been getting used to my role as a Gyardican until I had to deal with you... My lady. It was too much for me. I betrayed my blood."

My jaw drops, "You're... Shadow Nation?"

He nods, "unfortunately."

"How are you a..."

"Gyardican? I was forced and eventually they just trusted that I'd forgotten my troublesome past. I used to be a scout and they caught me."

I put a hand to my forehead, "wow. So you are on their side now?"

He shrugs, "Well I just found out that you were in this prison recently. I-I feel torn. Seeing you has brought my old loyalties back. I don't know what I will do."

I raise a brow, "You are a traitor."

"I am, it's true." He admits."

"But..." I continue,  "You are the only one of my kind I have seen in some time... And I suppose there is some logic as to what you did."

"Thank you... And I want you to know that I am sorry for having part in that."
He points to my arm.

I shake my head, "When I am out of here, I shall see it simply as a badge of honor. I will have escaped this wretched prison. Do you understand?"

"Yes," he nods sadly, "But I am afraid I cannot do the same. You see, I am somewhat still a prisoner here."

"It does not have to be that way Miles." I say.

Suddenly my eyes lock on a figure behind Miles. It is Jefferson. He was has got his arms crossed.

My stomach flips and my hand goes to my chest, "Miles, you should..."