𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍// 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑

General Blyden walked up to the guards, his red cloak billowing behind him. "I've received news that the prisoner has been secured and is on the verge of waking," he said.

He could feel the stirring conscience of the child of Apollo as he spoke, could sense their pain and terror and confusion.

The guards nodded in eerie unison, stepping aside to let him pass. General Blyden opened the cell door and entered.

A sleeping young man was chained to the wall, his limp body slumping to the floor. His blonde hair, which had been swept up in a ponytail, had come undone, falling to his shoulders. His tanned face was troubled, restless. He wore a business suit and a lab coat-- a doctor's uniform. This one must be a healer, then.

As General Blyden watched, the head counselor of the Apollo Cabin stirred, his chains clinking. Letting out a faint groan, he opened his eyes. They were a pale blue, the same hue as his tie.

"What... happened?" The child of Apollo looked around the room in confusion. Then he stood up so fast, General Blyden tensed, anticipating an attack.

"Where am I?" Those eyes were like chips of ice. "What happened? Who are you?"

General Blyden bristled. No one had the right to demand answers from him, especially in such a bold tone.

But for now, he'd allow it.

"Sit down," he told the child of Apollo coldly, "and I might give you answers."

Scowling, the prisoner did so, his eyes taking him in, calculating.

"I am General Blyden of the Satanic Army. You are in a cell in a demon base."

"Why did you take me?" There was no fear in the child of Apollo's tone, just curiosity. And rage. So much rage.

"I am acting under the orders of a superior, so I don't know the true motive of your kidnapping." General Blyden cocked his head. "Now you, boy, must answer my questions. And don't bother with lying. I have been trained to detect lies. And I've been honest with you. The least you can do is be honest with me." He stepped forward, looking into the child of Apollo's eyes with a dark, malicious intensity. "What is your name?"

"Will. Will Solace."

Truth. "Are you the head counselor of the Apollo Cabin?"

"I am, yes." Will winced. "Well, was."

Another truth. "Do you know why you are here?"

"No."

Not a single lie. General Blyden nodded, impressed and surprised with the boy's honesty. "I will have more questions for you later, Will Solace. For now, don't go anywhere."

"Like I can?" the son of Apollo muttered as General Blyden walked out of the cell, closing the steel door behind him.