The Complete Crimson Forest series

Onyx: Chapter 4

After passing through too many security stops to count, Henry and I finally pass a set of four guards dressed in black standing in front of a door. They let us through and we enter a large room, different from the rest of the building I've seen so far. This room isn't white, but instead black, lit with a few dim lights. I wonder why it is that the Bryxx even use lights if they can see in the dark. Is it for the human Bryxx? I make a mental note to ask Henry later. The walls of the room are lined with glass cells, well, I'm sure they're something stronger than glass, but they appear to be glass as they're see through. From what I can tell, all of them are empty. That is, until we come to the very last one. Inside, Kade lies on his back, his hands on his chest as he stares up at the roof.

"He can't see or hear us," Henry informs me before nearing the tablet off to the side of the cell. So much for the Bryxx not liking technology. Henry pushes a few buttons and the glass walls of Kade's cell seem to shimmer momentarily. He then jumps up from his position on the ground and races up to the door of the cell. "He can now, obviously."

"May?" Kade asks in a rush. "Are you alright?"

I come up to the glass. We're only separated by inches. "I'm okay. How are you?"

Kade's shoulders relax and his stern expression melts, although concern is still apparent in his features. "I'm just fine, May."

"I've gotten clearance for her to stay with me. I will be accompanying her to all of her lab visits. She's in good hands while they're studying her. After they're done with her, though, Kade, things are going to be rough. Not just for her, but for you. I hope I can get you out of here before then, but if I can't..."

Kade heaves a sigh. "You can do it, Henry," he begs.

I glance around the ceiling for cameras, should we be talking about our escape like this?

"There's no cameras in here, May," Henry assures me. "What goes on down here is gruesome and entirely confidential."

This information is both relieving and very upsetting.

"What are they doing to you?" I ask Kade.

Kade nibbles his bottom lip and rolls his neck. "Right now, just taking my blood to use with yours. I think they're trying to replicate your blood."

I already know this. "They're not hurting you?"

He shakes his head and Kade and Henry make eye contact. I know they're sharing something in that moment that they don't want me to be a part of. I'm not dumb, though.

"Kade, they're hurting you, aren't they? Don't lie to me," I growl, becoming angrier than maybe I should be,

Kade smiles gently. "I'm okay, May."

I swallow back tears. He's lying. I don't know how I know, but I know. Looking at him, I'd never guess he'd been getting beaten or anything of the sorts, but then again, he heals quickly.

"Henry, does the council know of May and I's relationship to one another?" Kade changes the subject and turns his gaze to Henry.

Henry shakes his head. "No, in fact, they think you were using her. They heard through the grapevine that she was alive and auctioned off. They assume you were her buyer."

Kade's jaw clenches and unclenches. I wonder what he's thinking. "Okay, so they think she's like my slave, that I'm using her for her blood?"

Henry's chin dips ever so slightly. "Yes. Let's not let them know the real reason or I'm sure they'll find some way to use it against you, Kade. May is safe here for now. I hope they can find a way to duplicate her blood, but if they can't, things are going to get rough."