Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
I’m left to stew with the injuries. Damien and Anton have yet to return; the tree incident has made me unappealing, and I must be better as bait. I bet they’re hoping to lure Gary Chappell to them. Good luck with that. I shouldn’t be so amused.
My arm looks a mess, but the swelling started coming down by day two.
I had hoped that when I got to use the bathroom, I’d be away from the circle long enough to heal myself.
But when I returned to the cube, they had improved and extended the magic and opened a second door to reveal a tiny toilet and sink.
With the gash on my side, I’ve done my best to flush the wound with water even though it hurts like crazy.
I’m not medically trained. I’m sure little bits of wood are still lodged in there, and my body thinks so too as it’s producing gallons and gallons of gross pus.
I’ve been using a toilet roll to stem the mess. Not hygienic, but it’s all I’ve got.
Things are happening behind the scenes. There’s been some shouting, and all the guards dropping off water and peanut butter sandwiches have lost their swagger. They seem anxious.
I worry they’ll forget I’m here.
I need to find a way out of this cube.
Another day, my blood pressure has tanked, I can’t seem to get off the floor, and my vision flickers like an old television set. I’ve got no thoughts of escape, only of taking my next breath. I haven’t eaten for a while, and there’s a pile-up of plates with various stages of moulding bread.
I want to roll into a ball and sleep, and that’s what I’m doing.
I curl in the corner, pushing my bad side into the hard floor as I can’t lie the other way because of my arm.
The weight and pressure of my body help to stem the smell of the wound.
The smell makes me feel sick—everything makes me feel sick.
At least it doesn’t hurt anymore.
There’s a massive blast and the building shudders.
Uh-oh. That didn’t sound good. It takes a huge amount of effort to roll onto my back, and I watch as the ornate lights on the ceiling dance, and the table with its thick, huge legs shifts to the side, knocking over some chairs. All I can do is lie here.
The swinging of the lights makes me dizzy, so I close my eyes.
When I next become aware, I can hear fighting. There’s a tremendous bang, a crash, and a gurgling scream. The big oak doors slam open, and there’s the thud of an impact, them hitting the wall, and various heavy footsteps stomping into the room.
“What the hell. We’ve found her!”
Big feet move into the cube, and plates break as they’re kicked out of the way. “You’re okay. I’ve got you.” Gentle fingers brush against my cheek, moving my sweaty hair from my face.
I groan. I can’t believe somebody is touching me. I stink.
“Hey, nothing girl. You’re in a bit of a mess.”
Where did I hear that nickname before? The voice is familiar, like a rumble of rocks. This isn’t real. I must be dreaming. It sounds like the mean gargoyle trying to be nice. That soft, worried voice doesn’t suit him.
Another small groan comes out, and I lift the good arm to batter his hand away. He takes it and gently holds my wrist. I scowl.
“Has anybody got a med kit?”
“Can’t you feel it? This entire area is a dead zone. That circle has been inlaid with blood and silver. No magic can be used, and none of our healing spells will work. We need to move her.”
My eyes don’t work, but I try to talk. My throat burns, but I get the words out. “The other prisoners? Chloe?” I ask.
“There are no other prisoners. We’ve been through the entire building, and nobody else is here but you and the guards.”
“He said Chloe was here.” It’s not much of a surprise that Anton Bloody Hill lied.
“What did they do to you?”
“I fell out of a tree.”
He lets out a strained laugh. “Maybe keep the tree climbing to other people. Can someone prep the gateway? It’s not safe here. We need an exit fast. Jeff, hand me that kit. I need some of that dressing.”
“Careful, she’s got a broken arm.”
“I can see that. Brace the limb.”
I’m rolled carefully onto my side, and someone’s cool hands brace my arm so it doesn’t hit the floor. Something soft is pressed against my side, and then I’m lifted and my arm is placed gently across my chest.
“It’s okay, Kricket. Keep breathing for me for a little longer until we get you all fixed up. Jeff, this will need a doctor. Have one on standby.”
“Sss o-okay, no long… urts.” My words come out garbled.
“Jeff, make sure the way is clear. Let’s move out.”
He jars me. From his mumbled apologies, he tries hard not to, but you can do nothing when you’re as big as him and must charge down a narrow, ornate staircase carrying some random woman.
There’s clanking of weapons, banging, and muffled, pain-filled yells, and when they shout all clear, it’s our turn to move down another set of stairs into the basement. I can feel the portal and its ley line magic, and the power buzzes against my skin.
Then there is nothing.