Living with a Ghoul

Chapter 19: Crossed the line

I wake up in a dark room, like a cell. It smelled of death itself and it was hot and muggy. I was chained and shackled and my clothes were ripped. Where the hell was I? I can hear sniffling and whimpers from all around me. Other people were with me. I walk up to the bars I could see other people like me. Except they look as if they were tortured.

"Psst." I hear next to me. I slowly turn my head and see a girl in the cell next to me. She didn't look as beat up and bruised as the others. I crawl over and she looks around to make sure no one was listening.

"You're the human Xavier brought in right?" She asks. I nod. They all must be ghouls. "Why didn't they kill you?" She asked not even caring.

"Why should I tell you?" I glare and sit. "Because I'm curious." She grins and I squint, I can't trust anyone here, where ever here is. Plus they're all ghouls I could turn into a midnight snack one of these days.

"Why didnt they kill you?" I return the smirk and the girl puts her back on the steel bars. "Because I know how to survive, do what they want and they spare you...do what they hate and," the girl shows me a real nasty looking scar on her forearm and I grimace. It was oozing and pussing. My mouth waters but I hold back my vomit.

"Stick with me and you'll survive years down here." She smirks at my disgusted face.

"I only have a week." I reply rolling my eyes remembering the stupid deal I made with Xavier. Hopefully Royce realizes I'm gone, he'll go on a rampage yes but it'll be worth it.

"Why a week? They like you that much?" The girl blows her dirty blonde bangs out of her pale blue eyes and chuckles.

"No, before they decide whether I should be executed or not." I hug my knees as my heart pounds. Just the thought of me dying the worst way possible was enough to make me wanna give up.

"I'm Dalia by the way...what's your name?" The girl looks back in my direction and I give her a stern stare. "Red." Was all I gave her. Royce's nickname for me has kinda grown and I like it. Plus I wasn't giving her my real name. Dalia laughs, "So you're not gonna give me your real name huh? Clever."

I have a week for Royce comes to save me. I hope we could smooth things over with the council but our chances are very slight.

Royce's pov

I search everywhere for Red and she wasn't here. Tommy said she left work early with Xavier which only made me worry more. She wouldn't I really hope she didn't. I punch the pillar in the living room hard and sink to my knees. "Royce we got your message what is it?" I hear Riley's voice behind me. I sink to my knees and hold my head. "They got her." I mutter.

"What?" Riley asks and I punch the pillar again causing it to crack. "They fucking got her!" I yell. My blood was boiling and I couldn't think clearly all I was worried about was getting Red back.

I look back at my sisters who were as shocked as I was. Riley bites her lip nervously and Mariah tears up. Mirra was emotionless as usual. I storm to my room and begin looking for clothes to put on. "Royce," I hear Riley say. I ignore her and just put on my shoes. The Ghoul Tower is a five day trip. I'm assuming that asshole took a jet to where ever the portals were.

"Royce you can't save her...she's in the hands of the council they'll never let her go." Riley says. I begin packing clothes. I didn't wanna hear that. I know I can save her in time. I'm not gonna believe that she's really gonna die like this. Suddenly I feel a strong grip on my arm. I look over my shoulder and see Riley. Her eyes were dark, red pupils. She was serious and so was I.

"You're not gonna stop me Riley." My voice was stern as I whip my arm away from her. I toss my bag on the bed and begin stuffing clothes into it.

"Royce you can't save her just let her go. I'm sorry to say it but the council won't accept this. Plus dad is already in trouble with them because of you."

"Riley, I thought you cared about her." I let out a breath not looking back at her. Riley is silent as I keep packing. She hates admitting when someone else is right, its just her personality. But, I could honestly say she has mixed emotions about humans, I mean they have been hunting ghouls since the beginning of time and they are considered our main course. I sling on my back pack and head out.

Riley follows me trying to get me to stop but I wouldn't listen until Mirra stops me. Mirra of all people. She stares up at me her big blue eyes were still so emotionless. She hasn't spoken to me in months why was she stopping me?

"I don't want you to leave me.." Her voice timid and sweet as I remember. I look back at my sisters who were also shocked. She hasn't only spoken to me but she barely speaks to them.  I put a strand of hair behind her ear and Mirra begins to tear up.

"Big brother don't leave me. I don't want you to die." She cries and I pull her into a hug.

"No no Mirry I'm not gonna die don't think that way okay." I stroke her hair and try not to tear up myself. Its hard seeing your baby sister or any girl cry for that matter especially for me. I don't want Mirra to think like this. She's too young and already has had a hard life. I wouldn't dare make it harder on her by dying just like that.

"Mirra, sweetie look at me," I gently hold her small face in my palms and she looks at me with puffy red eyes. "I'm coming back, don't worry and when I do I promise to take you to that amusement park you've always wanted to go to. Okay?" I give her a reassuring smile. Mirra gives me a small gentle smile and hugs me tightly.

"We're going with you." I hear Mariah's voice. I turn and see both Riles and Mariah crossing their arms and giving me serious looks.

"Guys this is something I have to do alo-,"

"Like hell you're doing this alone. Royce out of the three of us I'm the strongest you're gonna need my help." Riley glares followed by a smirk. I smile and look at Mariah awaiting her reason.

"I really didn't mean what I said earlier. If you love her, you love her. It doesn't look like we'll be able to stop you from saving her either. Plus I've grown to like your little human girlfriend." Mariah gives me a small smile and I feel like a weight is being lifted off my shoulders. Somehow though, I feel as if there is still anxiety still building up. I won't let that get in the though.

I'm coming for you Red.
Even if I die trying I'm gonna make sure you're safe.