Brothers.

12

Gabe's mind was cemented to the memory of his and Luciana's last coversation.

Gabe walked into the prison of In Tutum. It was the only dire place in the entire world. Blood red stones made up the entire building. Nothing covered the walls except torches and gaurds armed with massive spears. The prisoners were all kept in special cells with invisible bars to keep them in. None of the criminals gave any acknowledgement to Gabe, but stayed quietly in their holes. They knew that any misbehaviour would result in certain death.

Luciana sat on her bare stone bed with her head in her hands. She looked bad. Her blue cardigan and black taper pants were soiled and her hair was tousled. Luciana did not rise when Gabe arrived nor showed any signs that she knew he was there.

"Luciana?"

Her head shot up. Gabe gasped when he saw her eyes. They were blood-red from crying and pitch dark sacks hung under them making the hazel seem even darker. He felt guilt creep into his heart. For a moment Gabe wanted to apologise for the ruthlessness Luciana was handled with, but he pushed the urge aside. They were on two opposite sides now. Enemies if one would dare to say .

"Gabe! What are you doing here? Have you finally come to your senses that I am inoccent?" She cried out in frustration. Time in prison had not done any good to her nerves.

Luciana stood up and walked closer to the entrance of the cell. Upclose she looked even worse. Her fit figure was all skin and bones now making the clothes hang loosly on her body.

"No, Luciana, I come bearing news," he placed his hands on his hips.

Doing this was his idea. He could have easily sent someone else to tell her, but Gabe felt it was his responsibility.

"Did you catch Josh? Is he dead?!"
Her eyes suddenly filled with tears and Luciana's voice was frantic.

Gabe frowned. "No! Why would you think Josh is dead already... And why do you care?" He looked into Luciana's eyes searching for any reason for this sudden outburst.

"Josh, he-he... I just don't want him to die, because I care about you Gabe, and I'm scared that you won't survive another death in your family." Gabe watched as the worry ran from Luciana's eyes, replaced by sympathy.

Gabe cleared his throat, ignoring her eyes. "I do not want to hear your lies, Luciana," his eyes hardened, "I only came to deliver a message."

Luciana stood with her back a bit straighter and arms crossed over her chest. The usual defiant look in her eyes had returned and she almost looked like her old self again, "What message?"

Her new found challenging demeanour ignited courage in him to be sterner as well.

Gabe ran his hand through his hair and then folded his hands behind his back.
"Tomorrow you shall appear before the Sisters to be judged. The guards will come in a few minutes to  take you to your new cell."

"No! I can't appear in front of them. Gabe, please! Please don't let this happen! I beg you,"
she cried out and sunk to her knees. Tears of despair fell on the cement floor.

"Please, Gabe. I didn't partake in Micheal's murder." Luciana whispered in a faint voice.

Her fear was not unexpected. The Sister did this to everyone, especially to those who has to stand before them. Gabe had seen brave angels and monsters be brought to their knees and crying like babies when facing the Sisters. Gabe had sympathy for poor Luciana.

Gabe swallowed some spittle and couched next to the crying angel. He could imagine her white wings trembling with every sob, but in prison no wings were allowed and only her shoulderblades were seen quivering with her body.

"Look at me, Luciana," Gabe sounded suprisingly like his father. Luciana looked up at him. 
"Do not play with my emotions, girl. You aided Josh in escaping In Tutum after he killed our king. I know that you had part in the murder and you crying and apologising shall not change my mind. You are an enemy of the throne now."
Gabe spoke in a low, harsh voice. He knew the game Luciana was playing and he wouldn't get swayed by her charms and his feelings for her.

"Gabe, believe me. You know I won't lie to you. You love me! You know how devoted I am to the throne. Why would I ever conspire to kill my king? Your father was my rolemodel. I would never betray him!"

Gabe spit in disgust, "Lies! All lies."

He sat down on the cold floor and for a moment closed his eyes.
"I do love you, Lucia. I have loved you from the first time I saw you and that love can never be destroyed, but my trust can."

Luciana nodded and looked away from him. She then went on her knees in front of him. Gabe frowned.
"Gabe, I beg you to spare me. You have the power, I have seen your father do it before. I promise you I am inoccent."

Looking into her sad eyes, Gabe for a moment believed her. He knew Josh had the ability to compell one and never stood back to manipulate people in that way to do his bidding.

Gabe stood up and brushed off his pants and coat. On the inside of the cell Luciana stood as well. They looked at each other for a few silent seconds. Footsteps of the guards coming for Luciana, echoed through the corridors.

He looked at her seriously.
"Look me in the eye and promsie me that you didn't do it."

Luciana looked at him with hard eyes that bore into him.
"I promise you, Gabe, that I am inoccent."

Her words were filled with power and confidence and her voice projected loud and clear. To anyone this would be evidence that she was telling the truth, but Gabe wasn't anyone.

"Good, but I still don't believe you, Luciana and what happens to you is out of my hands,"

Gabe was cut off by Luciana's despairing wail. He continued when silence returned,
"But I will see what I can do and maybe you might miss the Sisters' full wrath."

Without another word Gabe walked away from her. He passed the guards on his way out, they carried shackles with them and held spears and swords. Gabe sighed and left them in the dark halls. Once outside he quickly flew to the palace, escaping his confused feelings on the way.

Gabe looked up at Bill standing in front of him. It appeared as if he hadn't slept at all, but that only made two of them.

"Bill, what can I do for you?"

He inhaled deeply and then exhaled,
"I want to find my sister."