World's Collide

Chapter 15: Major Ryan

Adina's POV

After what seemed like eternity, we finally leave the desert and start entering the borders of their town. I am red hot and covered in sweat. I can feel a good sunburn on its way. I am chained and am being pulled by Chief Hansel, who rides a horse. Chief Hansel ordered that my weapons vest be removed. On one hand I am glad because the heat of the desert was scorching, on the other I have no weapon advantage. 

Luca follows close behind me. Earlier when I stumbled in the burning sand, he was quick to help me up. His eyes held so much regret and sorrow.

As we walked through the town, people stopped their daily duties and came out of their homes and workplaces to see the new Easterner prisoner. Everyone just stared, until one crazy and angry-looking baker threw me with a piece of burnt bread. It hit the side of my head. He yelled at me, "Die, you piece of trash!"

After that people lost their minds, throwing me with all sorts of things. Banana peeps, rotten tomatoes, shoes etc. I look at the chief to see if he would stop this but instead I see him smirk down at me. I look down feeling humiliated but more violated. I close my eyes tightly as I see a glass bottle of milk flying to my face in my peripheral vision. The object never makes an impact. Perhaps the person had bad aim. 

Curiosity gets the best of me and I open my eyes and lift my head to see what happened. I see that Luca has moved to my side, protecting me from the area where most flying objects are coming from. The side of Luca's neck is covered in milk and the glass is shattered to the floor. When the town's people realise they hit one of the soldiers, they immediately stop throwing things and look down with shame. Luca looks at me and gives me a warm smile, telling me it is okay. We continue to walk through town.

Soon enough we make it to the end of the town. We are met with huge iron gates. The gates creak open when the guards catch sight of Chief Hansel. We proceed in. There is a huge white mansion behind the iron gates that makes me feel a little intimidated. I remind myself that it is important to stay confident. No wavering.

We enter the mansion and I am led to huge mahogany doors. Chief Hansel nods at the three guards that accompanied us into the mansion. They leave then he goes to knock twice on the door and waits. 'Major Ryan' I'm assuming lets out a booming 'Enter'. 

Chief Hansel walks in, telling Luca to wait outside with me until we are called in. Once he disappears into the room Luca whispers, "Are you crazy? Why did you do that? Do you know how dangerous this is? You could get killed." He looks worried.

"Don't worry. I'll be fine. A deal is a deal. I dropped you home. I saved you, you saved me. We are fair. You don't have to come with me. Our roads have parted," I say with a smile but my heart is heavy. I just don't want to cause trouble for him anymore but I don't want to leave me either.

Bring her in," Chief Hansel calls out to Luca after he mumbles, "No way in Hell I'm leaving now." I don't think he wanted me to hear that.

We walk in. Luca leads the way. He walks in protectively. I make a mental note to tell him later that this is not his fault.

"Let me see her," the voice from earlier says. Luca hesitates so I move out from behind him.

"Ahh… you were right Chief. She is exceptionally beautiful," a man in a long black silk robe says. His hair is extremely curly and brown and reaches his ear. He looks to be in his late thirties, early forties, like Alexander Alpha, jusg more unkempt. He has a friendly smile. A bit deceiving I say. 

"But where are my manners," he says and walks up to me then continues," Major Ryan Dudley, at your service. He gives a little bow as he takes my hand and kisses the top of it. I am stunned. He is younger than I expected. You would think the leaders of the East and West would be older guys in their sixties but they are not. Luca doesn't once turn around to look at us but I can see his back visibly stiffen.