The Truth

Chapter 27

-Jack-

I woke up when we had about seven hours left of the ride. I was still tired but I couldn't fall back asleep. I try to get up but I feel something weighing me down. Looking at my chest I see Cindy leaned against me.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" I gasp, looking around. Since it's around midnight there's no light whatsoever in the compartment.

"Where are you?" I whisper and a flame burns through the darkness lighting his face. The shadows that dance across it make me shiver.

"It's been a long time, Jack Call." he smiles evilly and the room fills with light. Looking down at Cindy I see her still fast asleep. "Oh don't worry, she won't be waking up anytime soon." he chuckles and I scowl.

"What did you do to her?" I growl. Carefully, I move her over so she's not using me for support anymore.

"Nothing that can't be reversed. I just wanted some time to speak with you without interruption." he smiles calmly and I ball my hands into fists. "I know your plans, Jack. I know everything."

"Of course you do." I mutter. He laughs and snaps his fingers. Ropes come out of nowhere and tie me up. I begin to struggle and breathe heavily as my claustrophobia takes over.

"Listen." he demands and I feel my body freeze involuntarily. "It isn't too late to change your mind. I could use your brilliant mind and extraordinary powers." he smirks down at me as though I'm a child.

"I will never, ever help you in any way." I snarl and his calm features turn into a scowl. He strikes me across the face before I even have time to react.

"You're making a mistake. I could teach you everything you need to know about the world, about magic. You could be my right-hand man. I could find you a new family." this promise stops me cold. I feel my breath catch as I suddenly think about what it would be like to finally have a family. Being tucked into bed at night, in am actual bed, eating food everyday, never being too cold or too hot. I could go to school and make friends and be a normal kid.

But then I look at Cindy. I wouldn't betray her for the world, which is pretty much what I'm giving up. I have to protect her.

"No." I clench my jaw and his eyes narrow.

"You two are no match for me. I will find a way for you to become mine. I swear that one day you will belong to me. I swear that you will do my bidding one day. Whether you like it or not." he growls. I scoff.

"I highly doubt that. You'll never hurt her." I say, already forming another plan in my head. He laughs; a loud, booming sound.

"We'll see about that. We could have been great partners. Now I'll have to take you by force. Torture does nothing to you, I can see." he crosses his arms like he's disappointed in me.

I can't help but wonder why he's focusing all this attention on me when his main goal is to kill Cindy. He has me tied up and her asleep so why doesn't he just kill her?

"No, it doesn't. I can deal with pain." I say and he laughs.

"You don't know true pain." I bite my lip as the tone of his voice reminds me of what the seer told me. Things will get worse before they get better.

"You'd be surprised." I say anyway.

"Goodbye Jack. We'll meet again very, very soon." he smiles cruelly and snaps his fingers. Thats when I black out.