Chapter 63
CHAPTER 63
Gabriel
As soon as Briar and I return to our quarters she asks me, “What if we don’t win tomorrow?”
“We will,” I say firmly.
“And if we don’t? What happens then? What happens to me? Will Aefre sell me? Toss me out an airlock? You know that’s what he said in the Garden of Shadows Challenge.”
I kiss the top of her head. “That wasn’t real, Briar. Those were you’re insecurities.” I tap on her collar. “They know everything about us from this. Aefre for what he is would never toss a human out an airlock. He sells them on to who thinks are reputable people.”
“I’m so confused, Gabriel. Why are you defending him?”
“I’m not. I’m just letting you know the truth. Aefre is not going to kill you or sell you. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, the way he gives you special privileges no one else has ever had, not even me or Mags. I know, he’s never going to let you go. You’ve exceeded his expectations. And that’s why we have to win tomorrow. You and I together, it’s the irony that he’s trained us so well, that we’re the best. This is our chance, Briar. Notre seule chance to get out of this life.”
Confusion clouds her eyes. “But we are lucky to be on the Luminous Arc . You must know that. I’ve heard enough horror stories from the other pets to last a lifetime. We could end up somewhere much worse.”
“This is true. I’ve been with Aefre almost longer than I lived on Earth and I’ve experienced it all. All the best alien pet life has to offer. And let me assure you, a human pet’s life is a life only half lived, even if it’s with someone like Aefre. Briar, listen to me, you’ve awakened my soul. Reminded me that I still have one. And I demand more than this life Aefre has to offer,” I say, my voice steady. “I want to take this collar off and breathe without permission.”
“And what if Gael is lying? What if this human colony everyone is talking about doesn’t exist? What if he’s just another Imperial looking to sell us to the highest bidder?”
“J’y ai pensé, Briar,” I say, my tone rising with my frustration. “I’ve thought about this a thousand times and I said the exact same things to Fifi last year. But what’s the alternative? Staying here? Staying in this gilded cage? With tails and collars and possibly having a child born into the same slavery? That child we saw in the mirrors was the most frightening thing I’ve ever seen in a challenge. Our child with Aefre’s collar around its neck.” My voice breaks. “Or even worse, you bearing Aefre’s child? I can’t, Briar. I won’t live like this any longer. We must go. Say you’ll go with me…”
She hesitates, her green eyes searching mine. “I’m scared of ending up in a worse place. Aefre treats us?—”
“Comme des animaux,” I interrupt, my voice sharper than I intended. “He treats us like non sentient animals, Briar. Do you want to live the rest of your life with a collar around your neck? Making no decisions for yourself. Putting your trust in another for your complete well-being? Bearing children you have no say over?”
Her jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think she’ll argue her point further. But instead, she looks away. “I don’t know. I’m scared, Gabriel.”
“Then trust me. The colony is real,” I say, my voice gentler now. “I believe it is. And I believe Gael will take us there. I can’t do this without you, Briar.”
She nods slowly, her green eyes meeting mine. “Okay,” she says quietly.
“Merci,” I murmur, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Tu es tout pour moi, Briar. You mean everything to me. And trust me, we must leave.”