Uncovered

Chapter Twenty Three - Nyrie

A cold hand to Nyrie's brow sent her eyes flying wide open. It wasn't Ivan and she released a shaky breath in relief. Instead, a pretty round face surrounded by wild ringlet curls was hovering over her. It took a moment to realise where she was, but judging by the soft silk pillows surrounding her, this was her own bed. Man, her head was pounding so hard she could barely focus her eyes. The room was bright with the morning sun glowing through her open window.

Shaylin lifted her hand. "Just checkin' you're alive."

Where was Brax? Is he alive? Why was she in her room? What time was it?

Nyrie went to sit up but was halted by a small hand to her shoulder.

"Don't move too much. You haven't had your blutox yet." What's blutox? Then Shaylin answered her silent question and lifted her the pure alcohol smelling blue tonic in a vial. So that's what it was called. Her eyes tingled from the chemical smell. But she tipped her head back and swallowed. It tasted toxic that's for sure. Remembering the solid thump to her head earlier she must have a mighty bruise and swollen cheek.

"Good. Guess I'm done here."

Then Shaylin made her way to stand up. And that's when Nyrie recalled how horrible she was to her the last time they spoke. Perhaps it was the events of earlier, or that she just really didn't want to be alone in here anymore that she took a deep breath and spoke.

"Wait, please."

Shaylin paused, her sun-kissed brown hair bounced a little and Nyrie cleared her throat.

"I'm really sorry for being such a brat to you. A lot has been going on," a deep inhale, "and I just couldn't hold back my frustration. I shouldn't have aimed it at you."

Nyrie waited for the snide remark, or the dismissal but Shaylin just stood there, looking at her in a way that someone looks when they realise something different about a person they've never noticed before. Her beautiful, dark brown skin told Nyrie she wasn't from around here and for the first time since meeting the girl, she allowed herself to wonder about her family, where she grew up, how she came to be here. Did Brax steal her too? Why was she a nurse and not a whore like herself? So many questions raced through her mind.

"Don't think so hard," she said with a laugh that made her round nose crinkle, "ya get this funny crease on ye brow. Tis very unattractive."

Instinctively Nyrie's hand rose to her forehead. And then an unexpected laugh burst out from her. Maybe the drugs were working too quickly but it didn't matter, that made her feel good. Both girls laughed together and the sound was pure joy.

"Ye laugh is beautiful." Shaylin said, and sat back down on the bed.

Nyrie tucked a long, dark strand of ebony hair behind her ear, unsure how to reply to the genuine compliment that made her feel a little tingly inside. But she managed a thanks.

"I haven't heard it myself for a while." A sad truth.

Shaylin's dark eyes seemed to go even darker with sorrow. So much has happened in the past week that has changed her life forever. She'd find a way out of this wretched place, she swore it, the moment she heard Brax's rib crack. The thought of him again made her jump in panic.

"Where is Brax, is he Ok?" Fear like she's never felt before entered her. All she remembered seeing before she blacked out was Brax being severely beaten on the floor surrounded by blood. Where had they taken him? Was he even alive? Had Ivan done something? Oh god.

"Relax, Nyrie," a steading hand covered her own, "he's ok. They took him to the infirmary. Lorna, miself and a few others tended to him. He was in a terrible way, kept weepin ye name and Lorna sent me here to check on ya once we got him under control." Her eyes asking questions Nyrie wouldn't reveal the answers to. Not yet. Her body sagged with relief, the weight on her chest gone. She needed to see him. Ask him why he'd let Finn escape. See him before Ivan found her and...