Chapter 53 #3
Elora’s hands went still against the restraints.
The table’s cold metal bit into her spine.
She stared at the ceiling and thought about how many seconds it would take to shred him apart.
Florence would need to think of something to delay him or her vengeance would ruin the whole plan. And she did not care.
“Much appreciated,” Florence replied with a deferential nod. “I would like to assist you in this experiment as much as I can.”
Thorn’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Eager to take on responsibilities, aren’t you?”
Florence met his gaze without flinching. “I have missed you, Uncle. The years away from your guidance weighed on me greatly. I find I am eager to make up for lost time.”
Each word between them landed like a chess piece, strategic and loaded with unspoken challenge. Elora watched the silent power struggle, her heart pounding so loudly she was certain everyone could hear it. Florence was walking a dangerous line, and one misstep could destroy everything.
“Very well,” Thorn said at last. “You may oversee her basic care. But make no mistake—I will personally handle all medical procedures.”
Thorn gathered his journals and several instruments from the table. “I have preparations to make. Florence, ensure she’s moved to the secure chamber in the east wing. No one is allowed in her cell without authorization. I don’t want her harmed.”
“Of course, Uncle.”
The door closed behind Thorn with a heavy thud.
Florence uncorked a sound dampening potion, the mist filling the room, blocking any noise from escaping.
Elora yanked her hands free of the loosened restraints. She pushed herself upright, desperate to put distance between herself and the examination table, but the room tilted violently around her. Black spots danced across her vision as blood rushed from her head.
“Whoa—” Rell’s arms were around her before she could fall, strong and steady against her trembling body. He pulled her against his chest, his fingers gently supporting the back of her head as she collapsed against him.
Elora shut her eyes, trying to focus on breathing through the dizziness and nausea. His scent grounded her as she tried to stop her body from shaking.
“He wants to—” The words caught in her throat, thick with horror.
“I know.” Rell’s fingers stroked through her hair, his voice a low rumble against her cheek. “I won’t let that happen.”
Florence was already pacing the small room, her footsteps clicking against the polished floor. “No… No, this is a good thing.”
Elora forced her eyes open, fighting to focus on Florence’s blurry figure. “What do you mean?! This wasn’t part of the plan, Florence.”
“No, but you heard him, he doesn’t want you harmed.” Florence tapped her finger on her leg. “He needs you healthy for his plan to work.”
“There are only maybe eight hours to convince him. Unless you’re going to let him—”
“I can stall him. He’s already starting to trust me, to see me as his heir. With more time—”
“And if you can’t?” Elora pushed away from Rell’s chest, forcing herself to sit upright despite the room’s continued spinning. Her golden eyes locked onto Florence. “What happens if you can’t convince him before he—”
Florence said nothing, her eyes searching for a back-up plan that wasn’t there.
Elora stared at Florence, rage burning through her blood, cutting through the fog of pain and fear. She straightened her spine despite the protest of her aching muscles.
“Let me make something very clear.” Elora leaned forward, the words escaping through clenched teeth.
“I agreed to be his prisoner. I did not agree to be his surrogate.” Her golden eyes flashed with nightglider fury.
“The moment he tries to put his child in me—by any means—I will tear out his throat. Plan be damned.”
Florence didn’t meet her gaze. She simply nodded, her attention fixed on the door as if calculating escape routes and timelines. The non-response made Elora’s skin prickle with unease.
“Did you hear me?” Elora pressed, leaning forward despite Rell’s steadying hand at her back.
“Florence,” Rell’s voice carried a warning. “Answer her.”
“Yes, I hear you. But right now, we continue as planned,” Florence said flatly.
“That’s not good enough.”
Florence sighed, finally turning to face them. “What would you have me say? That I can guarantee your safety? We’re in the heart of The Institute, with Thorn watching our every move. You knew the risk.” She pressed her lips together, her eyes cutting briefly to the ceiling.
“I’m doing everything I can.”
Florence checked the corridor outside the lab door. “We need to move you to the secure chamber immediately. The guards will come looking if we delay much longer.”
Rell’s arm tightened around her waist. “Can you stand?” he asked softly.
Elora nodded. She slid from the table on legs that felt like water, Rell’s grip on her elbow the only thing keeping her upright.
Elora slipped her arms through the sleeves of her robe, grateful for the additional layer between her and the world. Its weight settled over her shoulders like armor, concealing the thin leotard beneath.
Florence ushered them toward the hallway. “Remember, you’re my prisoner. Act accordingly.”
Rell moved behind Elora, his presence solid and reassuring. He leaned down, pressing his lips gently to her temple. Then his hands were on her wrists, pulling them behind her back and leading her out of the room.