𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍// 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟓

The door flew open, and General Blyden stalked in. He was dressed the same as last time: gray clothes and a red cloak. Will assumed it was Blyden's uniform, like the doctor's uniform he wore in the infirmary.

"My superior has given me more orders," the general said. "He told me to interrogate you again. Answer honestly, or there will be... consequences."

Will looked at the six shadowy demons flanking Blyden-- three on each side --and believed him.

"What is Camp Half-Blood planning?" General Blyden asked.

"Nothing," Will replied. "We aren't planning anything."

The demons growled, but General Blyden held up a hand for silence. "He may be uncertain," he told the demons, "but he is telling the truth. They aren't planning anything to his knowledge." His eyes raked over Will, full of distaste. "Why would they tell a lowly healer their plans, anyway?"
Will stiffened at the insult, but held his tongue.

General Blyden turned his attention to Will again. "Will you swear fealty to Abaddon, the Lord of Demons?"

"No," Will said instantly.

The general's face darkened. "Then will you swear fealty to me, General Bly--"

"No." Will'svoice was flat and full of stubbornness.

General Blyden's eyes were like steel. "Do you stand by your statement?" His voice was full of lethal calm.

Will nodded, his fair hair falling in his face.

"Very well, then." Still looking at Will, General Blyden said, "Let's show this child of Apollo what happens when you don't swear fealty."

The demons lunged for Will. He cried out--

Will screamed as agony roared through his arm. He jerked his arm back, gaping at the burn on his shoulder in horror.

Naomi Solace loomed over him, her eyes cold. The silver lighter in her hands glinted.

"You worthless child," she snarled. "Can't you do anything right?"

Nine-year-old Will looked up at his mother pleadingly. "Mum, please--"

"Do NOT call me your mother," Naomi got close enough for Will to smell the alcohol on her breath. "You have no right to call me such. You deserve to be punished."

And with that, she grabbed Will's shoulder, flicked on the lighter, and pressed it to his shoulder. Will screamed--

Will rushed to the bucket in the corner of the cell just in time. The stench of vomit filled the air.

It took a moment for Will to hear General Blyden's cold laughter. "You still have those burn scars, don't you?" he mocked. "And none of the others know about the abuse, correct? You've never told anyone."

Will focused on his breathing, which was labored and loud in the heavy silence.

Blyden's boots echoed on the concrete floor as he approached the son of Apollo, clicking his tongue at the pitiful boy before him. "I told you there would be consequences. Will you swear fealty to--"

"No!" Will shouted, almost screaming. "No, I won't!"

The general sighed. "Suit yourself." He turned to the demons. "Give him Hell."

Will didn't even have time to shout before the demons attacked again.