Maven's Redemption [Red Queen]

Chapter 6

The week went by slower than ever but eventually the night finally came. I quietly packed a small bag with a few outfits as I wasn't sure what I would be wearing when we got to the palace. The only clothes I had were Scarlet Guard issued. I made a mental note to remove the patches. After checking and double checking that everyone was asleep, I slowly opened the door and slipped out. I successfully made it out of the barracks but I stopped in my tracks, suddenly remembering the guards that were stationed by the gate. Right where I needed to go. My heart pounded in my chest. I needed a new plan. Then I remembered Maven, oh how I hoped he would be smart enough to not be too close to the base. After taking a few deep breaths and peered around the corner to scan out a new plan. Suddenly there was movement to the right. Even in the low light I could see that they were more guards, wearing identical uniforms to the ones already stationed. The two groups seemed to know each other well. They greeted each other loudly and soon their laughter echoed through the camp. Did this happen every night? Then they all started walking away, still obnoxiously guffawing. The gate was now clear. Farley would be pissed if she knew what her trusted nightwatch really did. I waited until I couldn't hear anymore sounds save for the sounds of the forest, and I bolted. I ran across the open ground and made it to the gate. Using my lightning, I cracked open the padlock and opened the gate just enough for me and my bag to squeeze through. Suddenly I was on the other side. I was free.

The wind was soft against my face as I crept into the dark forest, using a small ball of electricity as my only light. I hadn't gone far when suddenly a bright fire lit up next to me. I turned quickly, ready to fight but relaxed when Maven came into view.
"You really need to learn to relax." He chuckled but suddenly all I could focus on was how his flame eerily shadowed his face. Suddenly my lightning fizzled out and the trees turned to stone. Silent Stone. My throat tightened but I couldn't scream. Then I was falling, a sharp crack vibrated through my skull. The visions finally blurred before ultimately going black.

Maven's POV

    My smirk quickly faded as I noticed Mare's eyes suddenly glaze over and become distant. Her breaths seemed forced, like her lungs didn't want the air.
    "Mare?" I asked, leaning closer to her but she didn't seem to hear me. Then in a second, her knees had buckled and she was falling. I couldn't move fast enough and she hit her head on an exposed tree root. I cursed at myself but then I started to panic. She was unconscious but breathing, I noticed as I crouched down next to her. Suddenly feeling awkward, I scooped her limp body into my arms and willed my legs not to break into a run back to the small ship I had brought with me. This was not how this was supposed to go. Mare should not have been hurt. This was my fault... My head spun as I laid her down on the small bed, thanking the gods for that seemingly useless installment. I started to go back to the cockpit but paused. My flying wasn't good enough to have a smooth flight all the way back to the palace. She could get even more hurt. I looked around for a second, realizing there were no chairs that were not bolted to the ship so I settled for the floor. My thoughts began to wander, going in and out of the darkness. I shook my head as if that simple action would dispel all the thoughts swarming in my head, convincing myself of just that, I relaxed. I had to be composed when she woke up.