Chapter 28: Captured

Chapter 28: Captured

Amara was dragged through the dark corridors of the Black Talons' stronghold, her captors gripping her arms tightly as her boots scraped against the stone floor. The fortress was colder on the inside than she had expected, its walls damp and lined with iron sconces that held flickering torches. The air smelled of mildew and ash, and the sound of distant hammering echoed faintly.

Her heart raced, but she kept her face calm, refusing to give her captors the satisfaction of seeing her fear. She had survived worse odds, and she would survive this. Still, the thought of being separated from Kael gnawed at her. She hoped he was safe, that he had managed to escape.

The mercenaries hauled her into a dimly lit chamber and forced her into a wooden chair. Her wrists were bound behind her, the ropes cutting into her skin. One of the men leered at her before stepping back, leaving her alone with a tall figure who entered the room moments later.

He was lean, his face gaunt but sharp, with calculating eyes that gleamed with malice. His dark leather armor bore the emblem of the Black Talons—a coiled serpent wrapped around a dagger. He moved with a deliberate grace, circling her like a predator sizing up its prey.

"So," he said, his voice smooth and chilling. "You're the infamous Lady Vyren."

Amara lifted her chin, her voice steady despite the pounding of her heart. "And you are?"

The man chuckled, his smile revealing teeth that gleamed in the torchlight. "Call me Corvin. I've heard much about you, Lady Vyren. They say you're quite the strategist, a thorn in Darius's side."

She didn't respond, her gaze unwavering.

Corvin leaned closer, his tone softening but no less menacing. "I admire your resolve. But we both know how this ends. You'll tell me everything I want to know, or you'll suffer for it."

Amara's lips curved into a faint smile. "You'll have to do better than threats. I've dealt with worse than you."

His expression darkened, and he straightened. "Perhaps. But we have all the time in the world, my lady. Let's begin, shall we?"

For hours, Corvin questioned her, his methods alternating between calm persuasion and veiled threats. He demanded information about Kael, the Vyren estate, and their plans. Amara, despite the growing ache in her body and the exhaustion that threatened to overtake her, held firm. She gave nothing away, deflecting his questions with sharp retorts or silence.

Corvin's frustration began to show as the interrogation dragged on. He slammed a hand against the table, his calm façade cracking. "You're trying my patience, Lady Vyren."

"Good," Amara replied coolly, meeting his glare. "I'd hate for this to be easy for you."

During her time in the chamber, Amara overheard snippets of conversations between her guards. They spoke in hushed tones about Darius's allies and their plans, revealing more than they likely intended.

"They've already secured the western trade routes," one guard whispered. "Once they destabilize the borders, the kingdom won't stand a chance."

Another replied, "It's not just the Talons. The councilman is supplying them with weapons and gold. He's even promised them a seat of power once the king falls."

Amara's mind raced. A traitor within the king's council—this was bigger than she'd thought. If she could escape with this information, they might have a chance to stop the conspiracy before it was too late.

Outside the fortress, Kael paced along the edge of their makeshift camp. His injuries throbbed with every movement, but he barely noticed. The thought of Amara in enemy hands consumed him, a fire burning in his chest.

Adrian approached, his usual smirk replaced by a rare seriousness. "You need to rest, Kael. If you charge in now, you'll get yourself killed—and her with you."

Kael shot him a glare. "I'm not leaving her there."

Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't say we would. But we need a plan. Charging in blind won't do her any good."

Kael stopped, his shoulders sagging as the weight of the situation pressed down on him. "She's strong, Adrian. Stronger than I gave her credit for. But I can't let them break her."

"They won't," Adrian said firmly. "We'll get her out. Together."

Back in the fortress, Amara's resolve remained unshaken. Corvin's attempts to break her had grown more desperate, his frustration evident in the way he paced the room.

"You're wasting your time," she said, her voice firm despite her exhaustion. "No matter what you do, Kael will come for me. And when he does, you'll regret every second you spent keeping me here."

Corvin stopped, his gaze narrowing. "You think your husband can save you? He doesn't have the strength or the numbers to take this fortress."

Amara smiled faintly. "You don't know him like I do."

Before Corvin could reply, the door burst open, and a guard rushed in. "The prisoners from the eastern raid have escaped," he said breathlessly. "We think someone's helping them."

Corvin's expression darkened. "Double the patrols. And lock her down tighter. I won't lose her."

The guard saluted and hurried out, leaving Corvin glaring at Amara. "Your defiance will cost you dearly, my lady."

Amara met his gaze, her voice steady. "We'll see."

---

As night fell, Amara sat alone in her cell, her wrists still bound but her spirit unbroken. She replayed the guards' conversations in her mind, memorizing every detail. She had to escape—not just for her own sake, but for the kingdom's.

Outside, the sound of distant commotion reached her ears—shouts, the clanging of steel, and the unmistakable echo of battle. Her heart quickened as she realized what was happening.

Kael was coming.