Chapter Five : Secrets and lies

Lily’s pov

My head clutters with thoughts, “Why did I wait? I saw Gavin’s betrothed in the arms of a Beta.

“What was I after?” My mind raced as Fenric power bled from him in waves, hot and suffocating.

A hand seized my waist, tugging me to the corner. My lips curled at the touch.

“Shh.” the hand didn't let go. “ Stop screaming, unless you wish for death”

The hand slowly released my mouth “What, How , Who” I squirmed, my pulse pounding in my ears, every muscle tensed.

“I was curious as hell as to how you got yourself into shit but that would be later” the voice replied

“Can I at least see your face?” I whispered frantically, trying to turn and see his face.

“Please, you could have let him catch me with his scorchveil but why help me” I muttered desperately

“Trust me, I don't want to, but I am tired of blood stench, and honestly you don't know what he does to people whose eyes, ears or lips wander around” My eyes adjusted to the darkness

Fenric’s footsteps paused nearby.

“Did you catch them?” Kia’s voice cut through

“ No” he replied

“Perhaps it was wind,” Kia said. After a long moment, their footsteps retreated.

“ Marrok”I gasped nervously as his eyes locked into mine, dark and burning. “The Gamma?” I whispered, my voice trembling. Confusion swirls in my brain as my inner voice screams “I have been pulled into storm”

“It feels like I am the danger, right? Maybe I am.” His smile was grim

“What do you want from me?”

“Information” I froze at his words.

“No, No way!” I waved my hands defensively

“ I will protect you, you are safer with me than without me. I need a witness, an eye opener, and your eyes, ears could prevent treason, change the balance of power in this pack.”

I bite down my nails, trying to process his words. “It doesn't help me to gain my freedom. So what? Free service, no rewards?

I pressed my back against the cold stone, waiting for his response.

“You can buy your freedom, price? Facts, valuable details, standard insight.” His words tingled the curse patches on my skin.

“Can I decline your offer? I asked, looking for deception. His eyes remain steady, unreadable.

“Why not? I will release you from my Thalvyr, the shadow cloak that hid your scents. you will be noticed, and when they find you….”

“Agreed” I swallowed hard.

“Good girl, smart choice”

“How do I know you will keep your words?” my throat tightened.

“One way to find out is to start and keep yourself busy,” He smirked

“Only kia and Fenric’s infidelity?

“Not only that, anything unusual, meetings that feel out of place. Be discreet, wear an innocent look” His smile was cold, “ I won’t always be around to safe you, stay conscious, trust no one”

His form dissolved into smoke, disappearing into the shadows, leaving me near my cell, I hurried inside.

My mind spins.

Are you okay? I jolted at Marathiel’s voice

“Why are you startled? Hiding something? She tilted her head

“No, just a bad day” I whispered

“Kia is a tough one, hope you pulled it off” Marathiel said, her voice small, concernedly

“Tried my best” I forced a small smile

Marathiel chuckled softly. “Another person has joined us in our cell”

“oh, didn't notice? I said with a calm tone. “Hi, where are you stationed?”

“ I am Elta, you seem lost during the day and i guided you” her eyes glimmered

“That was you?” I asked softly. “Thanks, it was really helpful”

Elta’s gaze met mine. “My pleasure, I am with the stone bearers”

“ Is the Head of the commander Male or female?” Marathiel asked curiously

“A male, his name is Halvek.” She shifted closer, her face half-hidden by her tangled hair

“We missed the two part of the division of roles” Marathiel exhaled sharply

“ I saw it all, We were the last to be assigned a role, The Head of Shadow Tenders is female , known as Selvera.” She adjusted herself

“You read my mind” Marathiel fingers brushed mine briefly.

“How do you know the path to kia’s quarter” my eyes narrowed

“I am not a new captured slaves, my role was changed due to some misconceptions I found myself” Elta said with her expression tightened

“Thought there is punishment” she asked in a faint voice

“There is,” Elta’s voice dropped low, her eyes flickering towards the door

“ The walls don't tattle” Marathiel said with a humourless smile

“ I was subjected to The Penitence of the mind.” Elta said without lifting her head

Marathiel huffed in disbelief. “Sounds like a tale used to scare pups”

Elta frowned “I thought so too, until I was bound beneath one”

Her words sliced through the air like a sharp sword. I hugged my arms tighter around my knees.

“ I was laid down on the metal of Mourning, my hands were bound with molten chains. My head immobilized.” Elta shivered visibly

Silence.

Then came her voice, barely whispering, “At first, each drop of the water that touches my forehead seems thrilling.”

She paused as though reliving the horror.

“However, I started feeling numbness in my limbs, then later it seems I was drowning, the exhilaration turns to excruciating pain.” Elta muscles stiffened, eyes low.

My heart hammered

Elta's gaze swept over us, slowly, deliberately. “My mind began to fracture and I heard voices, whispers in my head which haunted me.” She said, trembling.

Then came screams.

“Please, please” Elta sobbed loudly “Make it stop!” She bangs her head against the wall.

I lunged forward, wincing. “What do I do?” I panicked

Marathiel pushed me aside, grabbing Elta's shoulder. “Elta! Elta! Stop!”

Her body convulsed as though she is still trapped in the torture. Blood trickled from her forehead.

“Help me! Stop going in a daze like a moron! Marathiel hissed at me

“Tell me what to do please” I sounded like a joker

“Hold her down” Marathiel commanded

I scrambled forward,ignoring the screaming pain across my back, grabbing Elta's flailing arms.

“Gbum!” Marathiel landed a hard blow on her left cheek.

“What's that for?” I asked in awe

“Shock for shock,” she said, sniffling.

“The voices” Elta gasped between her sobs

“See? it works” Marathiel chuckled dryly

“They never stopped, they're still there, still whispering...”

Fenric and Kia's voices echoed.

“How many cells remain?” Fenric asked with a cold voice.

“We are at the last cell” The Seraphina replied anxiously

Our cell door open, Marrok’s word resonated in my mind: “I won't always be around to save you”