Paper Wings

Chapter 12

Tieyan POV

I storm off into the forest. I'll go get Breeze and Star, bust into the castle, get Sumya, and life will go back to normal.

"You didn't have to come with me you know," I look at Abdullah.

She scoffs. "You're right. I didn't. I came to tell you to stop. You need them if you're to save your sister!"

"I don't need them."

Abdullah shrugs. "Believe whatever you want."

"I will."

Just as Abdullah is probably about to ring my neck, I grab her arm, fear running down my spine.

"Look."

"Look at what," Abdullah puzzles. "There's nothing there."

"Exactly," I hiss. "Our dragons are gone!"

•••••••

Beatriz looks at me with doubt, as I finish the story. "How do we know you didn't steal them?"

"Where would I hide six dragons?" I shriek at her.

Beatriz shrugs. "It's a big island."

I feel like I'm about to burst.

"Guys, guys," Abdullah's voice cuts in. It's a good thing she's here, or else we'd have ripped each other to shreds by now. "Can we focus on finding your friends and family?"

"She's right," Lillia says. "Let's go."

Sumya's POV

I swung the pickaxe, knocking the guards to the floor. Yes! I can—

My thoughts are interrupted by a chuckle. "Did you really think you could get out so easily?"

I scowl. Hedas.

"I—,"

Darkness.

•••••••

I wake up to my throbbing head. I reach up instinctively to touch my injury, but chains hold my hands back. I shake my feet. My ankles are chained together, the chains holding tight to the wall.

I see a silver tray, with a scrap of bread and water, and a notecard. I squint do see the card in the dim light.

                Next time you try to escape, I will not be so generous.
                                             - Hedas 

With struggle, I pick up the bread crust and eat it. I pick up the water, and it spills all over me, getting everywhere except my mouth.

Lovely.

I back into the corner of the room, shivering.

I can see the water reflecting on my skin, slowly freezing over. How cold is it in here?

"You could've had a nice warm cell, but nooooo," an eerie voice echoes in the corner.

What's the difference?

I bring my legs closer to my chest, as if it'll warm me.

"You know, I had hopes for you kid," Hedas says, slinking away from the corner. "But you proved me wrong. Don't worry though. I won't make you pay for your mistakes. I'll make your friends pay."

Beatriz POV

We all hold up our weapons, hovering on the bridge that leads to our demise. Abdullah takes a deep breath, and leads us into the palace of doom.

Tieyan's bow quivers in her hands as she draws and arrow, and slowly steps into the palace after Abdullah.

I hold my axe in front of me, exchange a worried glance with Lillia, and enter.

"There's... no one?" Grace whispers.

My eyes dart around the room. Vacant.

"This doesn't feel right," Lillia says kind of loudly, her voice echoing across the room.

A different voice echoes. "You're right on time."

Lillia POV

I see Beatriz's eyes widen in fear. Not so tough, huh Beatriz.

Krystal flicks the switch on her shield, and it lengthens into a spear. Grace holds up her sword, and I hold up my spear.

"You stupid humans! You can't hurt me," the voice thunders. It's coming from nowhere, but everywhere at the same time.

Abdullah teeth are clenched, and whispers something to Tieyan. I can read lips. I've been working on it for years, trying to figure out Mother.

Hedas. We won't be making it out of here in one piece.

I shiver. Abdullah's probably right.

Krystal darts away. Coward! Where is she going?

Her shoes clack against the floor. Bye Krystal. It's been nice knowing you.

She gets away.

What? How?

Hedas probably figures that she's just a mere human. What can she do to his plans?

Krystal POV

I'm safe. I'm coming Jasper.

Dungeon. Dungeon dungeon dungeon, where are you? Or is he even in the dungeon? Ugh! Stupid ogres.

I lean back against what I assume is the king's chair. I feel something creak underneath me. Oh no.

I shriek as I begin to tumble down the steps. No I think he's keeping them here.

Here I come Jasper.

Grace POV

Krystal! What is she doing? What is she thinking?

"Your little friend won't get far," Hedas booms. He still hasn't appeared. "I have eyes everywhere. I see everything you see, hear every thought you think."

Way to be creepy.

"Hmm," Hedas murmurs thoughtfully. "It seems your friend has found something she shouldn't have. Time for you to join her."

Hey guys!!! I'm SO SORRY I haven't been updating!!! I just haven't really been on the app. I'm going to try to update once every one or two weeks.

-warriorcat