Chapter 10 #2
“Enlighten me,” I snarled, sitting down on the small wooden chair across from him.
“Because if you do, nothing will stop me from telling them everything I know about you and your situation.” His voice was steady, like every word he uttered was law.
“And what do you know?”
“I know it’s impossible to escape Orken. I know the Chief Warden would rather execute you than let you escape, if it came to that.”
His unwavering certainty made my stomach twist. I shifted in my seat, unsettled by his confidence. He clearly knew this because he used to be a Defender. Perhaps he’d even worked in the prison, or transported convicts like Kenric.
He got up from the chair, realizing I wasn’t going to say anything. My head felt heavy, and I found myself nodding off, even with the uncomfortable surge in my abdomen.
“Keep my secret, Prudence, and I’ll keep yours.”
I shrugged, getting up with difficulty to get some water. Before I reached the bucket, Daegal grabbed a cup from the small cupboard hanging on the wall and dunked it into the water. In two steps, he was at my side again, handing the cup to me.
I eyed him suspiciously. He sighed. “You can’t possibly think I poisoned this.” He ran his damp fingers through his hair as I took the cup and gulped down the water with some irritation. My mouth felt dry, the water doing nothing to dull the feeling in my mouth.
“I look forward to hearing your story tomorrow. Promise to keep your gaze on me.” He smirked, making his way to the door. He continued speaking as he shot me a glance over his broad shoulder. “I want to see the lies swim in those doe eyes of yours.”
My eyes widened at his audacity, but my brain was too slow to come up with a witty response. He slammed the door shut, leaving me seething and confused. I’d nearly forgotten his hopes that I’d oversleep, but I couldn’t think of a solution.
I laid down on the hard floor, hoping the discomfort would wake me in a few hours.
A loud knock jerked me from my slumber. I jerked my head from its position on the floor, groaning as the pain in my neck shot down to my back.
With a heart suddenly hammering wildly, I fumbled for my pocket watch to check the time.
It was half past eight. I breathed out in relief, silently thanking the person still banging on my door.
“Hold on!” I yelled, getting up. Footsteps left my doorstep as soon as I’d called back. When I opened the door, I saw Daegal’s retreating frame hurrying away. Was he the one who woke me, or was it simply coincidence that he left his home just now?
The sunlight was like daggers in my eyes as I made my way to the meeting after quickly getting dressed. My nerves had melted away the tiredness and left sweaty palms and a thundering heartbeat in its place.
“Morning Prudence!” called a cheerful voice from behind me. Felix jogged a few feet to catch up to me.
“Hi,” I croaked, trying to smile at him but only managing a slight twitch of my lips. He, in return, gave me a toothy smile.
“You look nervous,” he observed.
I chuckled anxiously, eyeing him as I hastened my pace to match his quick strides. “I’m not good at speaking in front of a crowd,” I admitted, half-honestly.
He patted my arm sympathetically. “You’ll be fine. It’s not a hearing, really, since everybody already believes you.” I wanted to laugh at that outrageously inaccurate statement.
“Here we are,” he said, swinging his arms out in presentation. I looked at the big circular tent that was apparently set up every time a council meeting was in session. I gulped, listening to the chatting voices coming from inside.
Felix took my arm and dragged me with him as he walked in. I took a deep breath that hitched in my throat when I noticed an incredible-looking woman seated in the middle of the semicircle of tables that took up most of the tent.
Her entire body was darkened. In the flicker of the sunlight beaming through the tent, her skin looked like a deep pool of water on the darkest night.
Her eyes were dark purple with long lashes surrounding them.
Shoulder length hair glowed a blue-ish purple, like moonlight.
I gaped at her in shock and admiration. She was the moon incarnated.
“That’s our leader, Verena. She’s been gone for weeks,” Felix whispered in my ear, following my stare. “She’s incredible. Though, you should probably stop staring.”
I blushed, turning my gaze instead to the people on either side of her. Hannan sat on her right, talking merrily to a beautiful blonde woman that looked to be in her forties. My heart gave a jolt as I went through the row of people, stopping as I noticed the dark eyes already staring at me.
Daegal was sitting with his ringed fingers interlaced in front of him, giving me a superior, knowing smile. I quickly looked away; I didn’t want to appear angry when I spoke in front of the Council.
I could recognize some of the other members, but I’d never spoken to any of them. Now I wondered if I should’ve spent the last few days trying to befriend them.
Felix gave my arm a reassuring squeeze before taking the last seat. I was grateful to have him close to me.
“Sit,” he mouthed, nodding toward the chair standing alone in front of the council members.
I gulped and sank into the seat. Verena called for silence, which she was instantly granted. “Hi Prudence. I’m Verena. This is my council,” she said in a crisp voice, gesturing to the group seated on either side of her.
I nodded, waiting for her to continue.
“There’s no need to be nervous. Tell us your story. How did you end up in Orken? And how did you escape?”
Twenty-six eyes stared at me in anticipation.
My eyes flickered to Daegal, his smug expression making me immediately regret that I looked.
Taking a moment to compose myself, I looked around at the rest of them.
Hannan smiled at me, giving me a reassuring nod.
I had to look away from him too, but for different reasons.
It was too much, looking into his trusting face, knowing he would listen to my story with sympathy.
Knowing I’d soon have to stab them all in the back.
“I have lived in Erobred since I was twelve. I’m twenty-four now. I was captured when…” I trailed off. Thinking of Lili sent shards down my throat. I had to go on.
“When I used my dark magic to escape the Defenders.”
“Moon magic,” Verena corrected me, smiling. “We don’t believe in light and dark magic here.”
“Yes, of course. Moon magic,” I agreed before continuing. “Later, they’d found out where I lived, somehow… they came for me, and took me to the prison that next day.” I left out Lili, not wanting them to question why I wouldn’t go back for her instead of coming here.
“I was in prison for months. But one day, there was… a commotion. I’m not sure exactly why. But I was able to wield from the sun in a moment of desperation and—“
“What?” Verena snapped, getting to her feet so quickly I winced. “You can wield from the sun?” she spoke quickly, staring between my eyes and my darkened fingertips.
I nodded, suddenly uncertain if I should’ve left this out as well. I nervously pulled at my sleeves, watching the realization dawn on her.
“What’s your last name?” she asked, sitting back down in her chair. The question startled me, and I took a moment to answer as curiosity shone in her eyes. I glanced quickly at Daegal again, who now looked perplexed and frustrated. This clearly wasn’t how he’d hoped the meeting would go.
“Caswell,” I replied, and a murmur of voices broke out.
“I thought so,” Hannan whispered affectionately, wiping a tear from his eye. This action piled further confusion onto my already dizzied mind.
The older council members had all sat up straighter in their chairs, staring at me with squinting eyes.
I looked disbelievingly at Felix, who looked as baffled as I felt. He shrugged to confirm his bewilderment. Verena was still staring at me, though more calmly now. But her eyes held such interest that I wanted to shrivel away.
“I’m sorry,” I said foolishly, fixing my gaze on the ground. “Did I say anything wrong?”
Hannan was about to respond when the leader placed a firm hand on his arm to stop him.
“I strongly suggest we discuss this in private, wouldn’t you agree, Hannan?” she asked, shooting him a warning look. He nodded, clearing his throat.
“Yes of course. For now, should we vote?”
Verena and the others nodded. “All in favor of letting Prudence Caswell remain with us, and clearing her of all suspicion?”
Slowly, every single member raised their hand, some more cautiously than others. Stunned, I looked at Daegal, who also raised his hand, staring at me with mingled fury and confusion.
“Very well. Meeting adjourned.”