Chapter 95

I told Raph what had happened in Vancouver and how El-kor had offered a deal to get this girl.

Raph's eyes had gotten really dark. I watched nervously as he stared at a blank spot on the wall with near brown eyes.

My eyes cringed ready for him to yell or throw something, it was unlike him but I'd never lied to him before so I was worried about his reaction.

He turned to look at me, the gold still hadn't returned, "He touched you." The growl in his voice reminded me that Raph wasn't human.

I nodded slowly and he clenched his jaw. I knew that it was bad for people's teeth so I reached out and held his cheek. He moved his head quickly and I immediately withdrew my hand.

"Sorry." I muttered looking down at my hands.

I felt his warm fingers on my chin and he raised it slowly so I met his eyes which had mostly returned to the gold I knew.

So beautiful.

He smiled gently showing a hint of his white teeth, "You never have to apologize for touching me."

I felt my cheeks redden. His words seemed to have an deeper meaning but I didn't want to think too much about that.

~~~~~~~~~

I took a deep breath and let it out very slowly watching as it steamed in the cold air. I was now standing in front of the prison. It was quiet, which made me nervous.

Raph gave my hand a squeeze and I looked up at his familiar features, "You don't have to do this."

I nodded. I was gonna do it anyway.

We walked in hand-in-hand and were met by Thomas. He looked emotional. Angry or… upset? Maybe frustrated? I stood slightly behind Raph while trying to figure out what Thomas was feeling.

"Go on down." Thomas said in a huff as he crossed his arms over his chest, "There's no point, but please, be my guest."

Raph growled at him and I glanced up at him, his lips were curled back a little bit and his teeth clenched. He looked mad.

I looked at Thomas who was now hanging his head in a bow. I didn't like it.

I gave Raph's hand a squeeze and he looked down at me with a puzzled expression on his face.

-Don't do that.- I said.

-I have to do that.- He replied as he led me to begin waking down a hallway.

I could guess why he had to do it, to assert dominance over Thomas, his Gamma, which was a lower rank than him, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.

-Hmm, I don't like it.-

He laughed, -Why don't you like it?-

I scrunched my eyebrows together so he knew I was thinking, -I don't know, it doesn't feel right.-

He stopped and turned to look at me, -So you don't think I'm fit to be Beta.-

I looked at him unimpressed for twisting my words and shook my head, -No.-

He began walking again and opened a heavy metal door, I swallowed because it reminded me of that horrible metal door in that cold cell. I blinked my eyes. I was being ridiculous.

-I just don't like it.- I said as we walked down the narrow stairs, me behind him.

-I can't do anything about that can I?- He asked in a playful lilt.

I rolled my eyes at his back, 'No, I suppose you can't.'

I covered my nose with my hand. It smelled really bad down here.

We reached the bottom and he moved to stand behind me.

My eyes darted from door to door. Each was just as imposing as the last. All had no windows or slots, just giant metal slabs.

I swallowed and could feel my breathing beginning to speed up.

Raph stopped and turned me so I was facing him. He grabbed my shoulders and lowered his head so his eyes were level with mine.

"Are you okay?"

I nodded, knowing that my eyes were wide and my nostrils were flaring. My normal reaction when scared.

Raph shook his head with a tired smile, "You're so stubborn."

He nodded for me to keep moving.

"Here it is." He said. His voice was serious and I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I still didn't know quite how this whole mind-talking thing with the Elves worked and wasn't sure if they would be able to read my thoughts. I hadn't been able to read El-kor's but he might've read mine.

I hoisted my jeans up and straightened my shirt, rubbed my face to clear it of wispy hair then looked up at the ceiling as if asking for help then nodded to Raph.

He gave me one last look of worry then a determined look replaced it. He opened the door.

There was a screeching and I peered into the dark cell. A waft of foul air emptied from the cell and I did my best not to gag or cringe.

Raph walked in and pulled a thin chain that lit a bulb dangling precariously from the ceiling.

I looked at my feet as I walked in then back up at the now rising figure behind the bars, which I desperately hoped had some sort of spell on them from Charm.

My eyes continued to scan the room out of habit, I glanced at the figure, an Elf for sure. He stood maybe a foot and a half taller than Raph and his bones were showing just like El-kor's.

Unlike him though, his eyes were solid black. Like ink.

I made sure to stand confidently but not too confident. My left elbow rested on my hip, my right hand holding my left hand in the middle. My left leg was locked and my right leg bent out a little so I hoped I looked relaxed.

I studied the Elf and waited for him to talk first, I wasn't entirely sure how to start a conversation with him.

-Who is this guy?-

-King Ainur. He's been in captivity for over fifty years.- Raph replied calmly.

I focused on the tall, skeletal thing to talk to him but didn't dare close my eyes.

I fought a smile when the Elf spoke first, then I fought fear.