After a long cold shower, my mind is clearer, turning my focus to the last part of my plan.
Breaking Alana out.
King was still away until tomorrow and even with the hotel on lock-down, I still knew my way around and how to go unnoticed. Not that the lockdown meant anything to me. I was permanently caged between these walls.
At least until tonight.
Then I would have a few hours before the spell wore off, and I’d have to return to this hellhole. Maybe I would have time to visit the small lake that I can see from my windows.
There were three parts to the plan. One was to ensure both Alana and I could leave the hotel. Once we are safely out of the building, Jazmyn is to meet us at the docks to perform the second part of the spell. This will temporarily bend the hold the tag has, enabling Alana and now Luna to leave the city borders without dying a horrific death. Jazmyn’s sister will wait nearby to finish the rest of it, ensuring the tag is completely removed.
The spell that helps Alana and I to leave the building is also a main part of how I am breaking her out.
If Kaladar went out of his way to not only lock down the building but the surrounding city as well, I can only imagine his temper when he realises me, and Luna are missing.
I smile to myself, thinking about him blowing a fuse, wishing it would turn inward and destroy his rotten soul along with it.
The guys have figured a way to get Luna past security and out of the hotel unnoticed. Turns out the fae hound took a liking to its newfound freedom and Jax, escaping its owner every chance he got to go to him. Using his added chaos, Jax is confident he can get his new friend to distract most of the security to sneak her out taking one less worry off my hands.
Packing everything I need, I throw on some dark clothes and make my way to the nearest vent. Climbing up into it, I find my stash of vials from Jazmyn and head through the tight tunnel shafts to my intended target. I need to get close enough to the room they keep Alana in.
Planning this out was a bitch, as King had to be away for it to work. I would never have got this far with him here. He always seems to know when I’m attempting something.
Not only that, but I also had to make sure this coincided with one of our usual visiting days.
King moves Alana around after our visits. He never keeps her in one place long enough for me to find her and get her out. That’s why it could only happen tonight.
Planning the long game was my only option.
Crawling through the vent, I come to the hall that has Alana. Viewing through the holes in the vent, I watch as half a dozen of Kaladar’s guards line the outside of the room.
Of course, he knows about my visits with Alana. He probably thinks this is how he’s going to catch me.
Too bad for him. He’s going to be sorely disappointed. He doesn’t know how I always assume the worst, planning for it too.
Moving slowly, until I’m just above them, I pull out two vials and a small, round black ball. Placing the ball beside me, one vial slips, clanging in the vent before I have time to catch it.
My heart stops as I freeze waiting for the guards below to look up.
Gruff laughter makes me jump just as jeers and grunts sound out below.
Fuck. That was close.
Releasing a harsh breath, I grab the vials, making sure I don’t fuck this up again.
Two vials are half full. One a shade of blue, the other a light green. Popping the lids, I pour the green into the blue, lightly swirling to mix them.
Waiting a minute, I count to ten, hoping it works. I only get one shot with this. A few drops of the main ingredient had cost me three months of side jobs and trades.
After a couple more tense seconds, the vial turns purple, easing my tense shoulders.
Using a sleeper bomb to knock the guards out would have been a hell of a lot easier, but they require you to be closer to your target and only work within a certain radius.
If another guard comes into the hall when I’m getting her out, we will be fucked. It’s a chance I’m not willing to take, not with Alana’s life on the line.
This little genius spell that Jazmyn made up will syphon some of my energy and use it to create a loop, reverting back a few minutes and concealing what I’m about to do.
When I unleash this, I have a couple of minutes where the guards should be frozen to get Alana out before it starts the loop.
Looking down at the guards, I wait for an opening and drop the vial between the vent holes.
One guard whips around, hearing the smashed vial, the others quickly following. Just as they raise their weapons toward the vent I’m in, the potion kicks in, freezing them in place.
Time to go.
Pulling the vent open, I jump down, landing on the balls of my feet. I dash through the frozen guards until I’m at the front of the door.
Using the black ball, I slam it into the lock, swiftly moving back a few feet and covering my head.
Three… Two….
I don’t make it to one before a loud bang rings out, exploding a large hole where the lock once was. Knowing I don’t have much time, I rush forward.
A scream shouts out as I come through the smoky aftermath.
“It’s okay, it’s me.”
“Kiarra?” Alana’s eyes are wide with fright.
I rush over to her and embrace her, her willowy form nothing but skin and bone.
“It’s time.”
“Now? But King…”
“Don’t worry, I have a plan. We don’t have much time; we need to go.”
“Yes, of course.” Alana sways on shaky legs, a weak smile on her face.
Putting an arm under hers, I help her move as we head out of the small room.
“How did…” Alana startles at the guards.
“We have to go. The spell only freezes them for a couple of minutes before time loops back.”
I can see multiple questions run past her eyes, but there would be time for that later. Right now, we needed to get out of here or we’d be stuck in the loop with them.
We move past them as fast as Alana is able to, making it to the end of the hall before the loop starts up.
Quickly glancing over my shoulder, I see the area rewind as if on tv. The door lock rebuilds itself, along with the door, the bomb disappearing as if it was never there.
Just as the guards start to move backwards, I pull Alana along.
“Come on.”
We head to the stairway, keeping an eye out for any incoming guards before Alana needs a quick break.
Leaning her against the wall, I pull out another one of Jazmyn’s special concoctions and throw it at mine and Alana’s feet.
Her eyes go wide in horror as she tries to back away from the pink smoke.
“It’s okay. It’s just going to hide our presence from any of the guards.” I reach out, grabbing a hold of her fragile hand, squeezing it softly, afraid it might break.
Giving her a reassuring smile, I tell her how the potion works. “We should be invisible to everyone we pass. But we have to stay quiet. The potion only covers our scent and physical bodies. It doesn’t cover sound.”
Alana nods her head, watching on with intrigue as I take out two vials of foul-smelling dark brown sludge.
Why did it always have to be the disgusting one you had to drink? I cringe as the stench hits me, Alana leaning as far from the smell as she could.
“Bottoms up.” I knock it back, wincing at the thick sludge that tasted like rotten socks wrapped up in beetle dung, and then covered in mucous.
Disgusting, but I’d drink it daily if it meant I would be free of King’s tag, even for just a few hours. It would only give us that long before it wore off, so we needed to move quick.
With the foul aftertaste still on my tongue, I pass the second bottle to Alana, telling her to do the same.
She looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “I know it tastes rotten, but it’s what’s going to get us out of the hotel.”
She looks warily at the vile. Swallowing hard, she winces as though she can already taste it.
Her indecisiveness was wasting time we didn’t have.
“Just knock it back. Please, Alana, trust me. I will get us out of here,” I beg her.
Her eyes soften as she nods her head. Taking the vile, she eyes it suspiciously before glancing back at me. I give her a reassuring smile, hoping she’ll hurry. Luna and the guys would be waiting.
Giving me an uncertain smile, she throws the vial back, coughing and gagging as it makes its way down her throat.
I pass her a bottle of water from my stash. She grabs it, gulping it down like air. Handing back the empty bottle, she gives me a shy smile. “Sorry.”
I laugh, grateful to see her smile. “Don’t be.”
Swiftly packing up the empty vials, I throw them in the bag and look at Alana.
“Remember, we have to be quiet. But they won’t see us, so don’t worry.”
Just to be safe, I lead Alana out through one of the least used hallways. It’s mostly apartments belonging to the staff, so there are not many guards about.
We pass the odd guard here and there, none of them so much as sniffing in our direction. I start to relax the further we get from them, a mixture of nerves and excitement, the closer we make it to the side entrance of the hotel.
Glancing at Alana, I see the tension in her shoulders and stress on her face the closer we get to freedom.
A sharp pang hits my heart thinking about what King must have put her through for her to feel so nervous, even to get away from him.
One day, he will pay for all the pain and torment he caused. I know there has to be a balance somewhere and he will get his sooner or later.
Alana comes to a stop just as we reach the doors. Her hands begin to shake as she looks at me.
“Are you sure we’ll be safe?” she whispers just loud enough for me to hear.
“I promise. I would never willingly put you in danger…” Guilt claws at my throat, tightening my chest.
Alana gives me a sad look, shaking her head. Taking a deep breath, I grab her hand and pull her through the doors. Moving quickly, I pull her to the side, just as a guard walking right for us stops to frown at the door that just moved by itself.
Tapping her on the shoulder, I tilt my head to the right, telling her that’s the direction we need to go. She smiles in acknowledgment, keeping a tight hold of my hand as we move further and further away from King’s Tower and what has been my prison for the last six years.
And just like that, we’re free.
Thanks to Jazmyn, King’s special little tag on us has been neutered. At least, for now.
“We just need to make it to the docks and then you’ll soon be free, I promise.”
How was I going to tell her I wasn’t going with her?
Not really knowing this city or which way to go, I take out my new stolen phone, pull up a map, and search for directions.
The GPS tells me we’re only ten minutes out. A giddy energy runs through me, thinking how well everything went.
We make it to the docks in no time, Alana holding up well enough to keep a good pace.
Just as we head inside, a sickening feeling turns my stomach, making any giddy energy I had evaporate.
It’s just nerves.
Pushing on, I head to the spot I told Kai to meet us at but find it empty.
Where is everyone? Placing my bag on the ground, I hand another bottle of water to Alana. She smiles a thanks.
“I’m going to take a look around. Stay here.”
“Of course.”
Making sure there’s no one about, I keep Alana in view while I take a quick look around. After a couple of minutes finding the place vacant, I head back over to Alana finding her sitting on the ground happily munching on a chocolate bar. It brings a smile to my face, seeing her happy.
Noticing I’m back, she gives me another shy smile. “Is everything okay?”
I check the time on my phone. It’s ten past eleven. They should be here. Where the hell are they?
My stomach drops at the thought of them running into trouble.
Maybe I should have waited for them.
“It’ll be fine,” I tell myself more than Alana.
Alana stands looking at me curiously while glancing around. “Are we waiting for someone?”
I don’t get time to answer her before I notice them.
Shadows crawl along the crates, surrounding us and blocking us in.
Their boots are as silent as a predator, moving swiftly to form a wide circle around us.
Kaladar’s men.
They stare right at us as if we’re nothing but dirt.
Damn it. The potions must have worn off, the syphoning not having enough energy from me to keep the loop up.
Standing as still as statues, they wait as heavy footsteps move closer and closer.
Alana grips my arm, her nails making me wince as they dig into me. Her fear a palpable thing come to life once again.
Two guards step aside, opening their little barricade and letting their boss in.
On seeing Kaladar, Alana whimpers, digging her nails in harder.
“There you are. I have to say I’m quite impressed you made it this far, but I’m sure you had help. King will be dying to know how you evaded his spells and guards.”
I would never give Jazmyn up or anyone else who aided me. He could go to hell. They all could.
“Ah, I see we’ll have to do this the hard way, then. All the more fun for me.” His smile is cruel and sadistic, the light in his eyes twisted and manic.
No part of this would be fun, but maybe I could distract him long enough to get Alana away from here. She still has enough time to make it to Jazmyn and her sister to remove King’s tag once and for all.
“I’ll get you out of here, don’t worry.” Her eyes fill, giving me a slight nod.
Glancing around quickly, I spot a couple of guards chatting near the back. New blood.
A quick plan forms as I aim my attention on Kaladar.
“If you wanted another round, you could’ve just asked. There was no need to go to all this trouble.”
His answering smile is vicious. “It was no trouble at all. In fact, I’ve enjoyed hunting you down. The reward for catching you, well worth the price.”
The sadistic glint in his eyes grows along with his smile. “Your pain. Your delicious suffering and your blood as it runs free to the cold, hard, ground.”
“That’s if you can… Last time you were kind of… lacking.”
The new blood chuckle behind me, falling into my plan.
Kaladar’s eyes lose focus, rage threatening to take over before he pushes it down, focusing back on me.
“This time, I’m going to strap you down. Nice and tight.”
I hold in the icy shiver at the promise in his words, concentrating only on getting Alana out of here.
Just a little longer.
“So, what you’re telling me is… you’re just a coward. One who can’t even handle a… defenceless girl?” I feign a pitying look as his nostrils flare, staring daggers at me.
The guards snicker again. This time Kaladar catches them. The look he gives them makes them cower in fear as they avert their eyes.
I watch him as he unravels in front of me, the darkness in his eyes spreading out around him.
Walking around as if I’m not surrounded by Kaladar’s bloodthirsty guards, I act flippant as I move back and forth, slowly edging towards my bag.
“You’re trapped. There’s nowhere to go. I will gut you and bleed every drop from your body.”
I wave him off. “Please, like you could do any worse than King himself. There’s a reason they call him King. You’re just his second string, his lackey. Someone he calls to do his dirty work. You’ll never be as powerful as him.”
The crazy look in his eyes grows wild and unfocused as he searches for a target. One of his guards moves slightly to the left, drawing his attention. Aiming his anger towards the poor guard, he snaps a hand out toward him. A bolt of power shoots through him, killing him instantly.
Shaking off the guilt, I get on with my impulsive plan.
While Kaladar is distracted and his men are in shock from the brutal murder, I reach down, pulling out a smoke bomb and throw it near the new blood.
Chaos erupts around us as pink smoke slithers out, knocking the nearest guards out cold.
Yanking my top up over my nose and mouth, I help Alana do the same before I grab her and my bag, pulling her through the opening of guards and race as fast as I can to get her out of there.
Running like our lives depend on it, I drag Alana most of the way until we make it through the throng of large crates to the other side of the docs.
Glancing behind me, I take off my bag and give it to her.
“Go, there will be someone waiting at the boarder of the city. Tell them your name. They’ll be able to help you.” I push her forward, keeping an eye behind us. Kaladar will catch up soon.
“Wait, what about you?” Alana frowns, taking the bag.
“I’ll buy you some extra time.”
“Kiarra, no!” Her eyes are wide as she shakes her head.
“It’s okay. Maybe one day we’ll meet again, but for now you need to go. Live your life and be happy. Please.”
She had to go. If I’m going back, I need to know she’s safe. That she will be far away from King, living a full life of happiness and laughter.
“I can’t leave you here, not with him. He’s a horrible, sick man.”
Don’t I know it, but I’ve lasted this long. I can do it again. Can’t I?
“I’ll be fine. Go, please, or this all will have been for nothing.”
Hesitantly, she nods her head. I pull her in for a quick hug, trying to remember her comforting fresh floral scent to keep it with me.
Reluctantly, I release her. “Go.”
She nods, turning to go. I watch until she’s out of view before heading back around the edges of the docs, keeping watch for any of Kaladar’s men.
She is safe; she has to be. She will get the life she should have always had.
In the end, it wasn’t all for nothing. This moment right now is what I need to focus on. Whatever happens from here on out, I can breathe knowing she’s somewhere out there, somewhere living a full life. Those dreams will tide me over until I figure another way out from King.
Turning my focus to the present, I have to figure how to get past Kaladar and his men and make it back to the hotel before the spell wears off.
And then there are the guys. Where are they?
I’m glad they’re not here considering what happened, but I need to know they’re safe.
Maybe I can search for them?
I glance around before pulling out my phone, stopping when I realise my old one has Kai’s number in it.
Rough hands grab me from each side, dragging me out into an open area.
I kick and fight, but it’s no use. The two guards tighten their rough hands around me, making me wince from the sharp bite of pain in my arms.
Succumbing for now, I glance around, sending up a final prayer that Alana made it out and is far away from here.
Please. Please let her be safe.
Kaladar smirks, seeing my defeated look.
“Bring her here. I have something she might want to see.”
What?
My stomach drops as Alana’s tortured pleas ring out around me, making everything around me turn to ash.
“Please, please, let me go. I beg of you. Don’t take me back to him. Anything but back there.”
Kaladar’s laugh is merciless.
“Please,” I beg him.
“Please, just let her go. I’ll do what you say. Just… let her go.”
I look over as the guards pull Alana along, tears streaming down her face.
“She means nothing to King,” I tell him.
“I doubt that.” He sneers as Alana comes closer, the guards stepping back from her.
“Besides, I prefer it when you fight,” he says, his smirk growing vicious before turning back to Alana.
“You can drop the act; she’ll know soon enough.” Kaladar gives her a tired look.
“Wha… What do you want from me?” Alana trembles looking at Kaladar with wide eyes.
I need to do something. I need to get her out of here.
“I’ve had enough of your little games; you can drop it.” A sphere of rage encases him as he seethes towards Alana.
What the hell is he talking about? I glance around looking for anything that might help us. But find nothing.
“Please. I’ll…” I beg, hoping he’ll make some sort of bargain with me but it’s like I’m not here, his whole focus on Alana.
Why was he looking at her like that? With familiarity.
My stomach drops. What if King wasn’t the only one who hurt her? What if Kaladar also…
“Remember our deal. I get her first.” Kaladar grits out making me more than just confused.
Alana made a deal with him?
Glancing at her, I go to ask her when she replies to him.
“Ruin my fun, why don’t you,” Alana huffs as she pouts. Standing up tall, she narrows her eyes on him, giving him a haughty look.
“Yes, yes. You’ll get your fun soon enough. But after it, she’s mine.”
Kaladar narrows his eyes on her. “Until King gets back?”
“Of course.” She flutters her eyes at him innocently.
Kaladar shakes his head giving her a look. “Well?”
I watch the change come over her instantly. Not only her clothes transform, but her body and image as well. Her red hair becomes full and luscious, no longer in tangles and matted. Her body strong with curves to die for, nothing years of starvation or lack of nutrition could achieve. The rags she lives in become a long silk green dress that hangs on her every curve.
But it’s her facial expression that throws me the most. The glint in her eye is cruel, the smirk full of wicked intent. I don’t recognise the woman standing in front of me anymore.
“Alana, what’s going on?” My voice is small even to my own ears. This has to be some cruel joke.
“Alana?” Kaladar mimics with a chuckle. “Is that what you’ve been calling yourself?”
Kaladar’s cruel smirk zeros in on me.
“Let me introduce you to one of the finest illusionists in the city, and apparently one of its best actresses, Morana. ”
