Chapter Seven: Escape and Help From A Familiar Stranger

Aiera's POV

I stare at the mad man I'm front of me incredulously.

"What do you mean you want me to become your mate?" I stare at him like he has suddenly grown two heads.

"That's Impossible. In case you forgot, I'm the mate of your greatest enemy. Even if that weren't so, you can't just tell someone to become your mate. It doesn't make any sense whatsoever."

He straightens up from his crouched position and returns to his chair before speaking.

"I don't know what the problem is. You clearly are not mated anymore so there should be no hindrances. As for the fact that you were my enemy's mate, I am fully aware of that. In fact that's why I suggested it." He looks down at me from his seat.

It's almost ridiculous how handsome he is. He is wearing the same cut of coat that exposes his chest only this time, it is a light shade that makes his pitch black hair appear even darker.

"By the way," he smirks.

"You were the one that offered yourself to me. Thank makes you mine."

"That was before you stabbed me and almost killed me. I'll never be yours." I hiss out that last part.

He rises from his chair walks to the bars and snaps his fingers. A guard locks and opens it for him. He walks out and the bars snap closed.

He turns his head and smirks at me, his eyes glittering under the light of the torches.

"We'll see about that, won't we?" He says then disappears out of sight in a flash.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Coming here was clearly a mistake.

I want to get up but the pain in my side causes me to wince in pain. I lift up my shirt to find the bandage seeping out blood. My sudden movements must have caused the wound to open.

I ease back into the straw, running through all the past events in my head.

It was a mistake to come here. I don't know what I expected but I clearly would not get the protection I want. Although, did I really expect anything different? I was already aware of the rumors that surrounded him from the very start. I knew what I was getting myself into.

My hands run through my hair. It's all because of this stupid prophecy.

A pang throbs in my heart. I wonder what my mate is doing right now? Is he thinking of me? Does he feel betrayed? Is he still searching for me?

When I dreamt of Kael, I truly believed that all this was a dream. That I didn't reject him and I was back in Cromwell after the wedding. I swear I can almost still feel his warmth in my skin.

A single tear slips down my cheek. I quickly wipe it off. I don't have a right to shed tears for him. I destroyed what we had while being fully aware of the consequences. Even if I did it to protect him, what I did was still unforgivable.

I can't think of this right now. It is very obvious that staying here would do me no favors. Ryean is an unpredictable variable and he cannot be trusted.

I already accomplished my goal here. By now, word would have started spreading of how I went to the Berian lands and handed over the Blade if Aster to Ryean, the Razar if the Vampires. That should remove all doubts that I betrayed him.

With any luck, the rumor that I was stabbed and died would also spread.

All that's left to do now is disappear completely after I escape. Ryean knows the blade is gave him isn't the real one so there's no telling when he will actually kill me. I'm certain his offer to become his mate is simply him playing with me so I need to escape as soon as possible.

I pull myself up from the bed and limp towards the bars blocking my escape. Like I observed, they are made from Iron and Silver, which burns at contact.

I access my surroundings again more carefully. The bars on the high windows are also made of the deadly metal. It is too small anyway for anything other than a ride t to pass through.

The room is empty except for the throne-like chair and the heap of hay that I was lying on. Even the walls seem to to lined with the metals. There are traces of dried blood of the floors and wall of the room.

This prison is obviously designed to contain shifters. I wonder how many have been imprisoned

hear before me and how many have made it out alive. If I am willing to bet, none.

There's nothing I can do for now. I just have to wait for an opportunity to present itself and make use of it.

Just as that thought crosses my mind, a dark cloaked figure appears outside the bar. The hood is on so I cannot see their face clearly. 

"Do you want to escape?" A feminine voice rings out in harsh whispers. There is something familiar about it.

"Who are you?"

"The answer to that has no consequence here. Answer me. Do you want to escape?"

It seems very much like a trap but I can't look a gift horse in the mouth. I'll just have to take a gamble.

"Yes but why are you helping me?" My question is met by silence. Instead, he throws a small bundle through the bars towards me.

"Use it when the time is right." I open the cloth and find a map, a silver dagger, capable of harming vampires, some strange potion and some food. It's not much but it will give me a fighting chance when I escape.

I lift up my head to give my thanks but he has already vanished. Who is this mysterious helper? I don't have time to think much about him though.

Immediately, I start making plans for my escape. The map shows what looks to be the layout of the castle, with certain spots marked out. I gather that the places marked in circles are safe while those marked in Xs are more heavily guarded.

With all that finalized, the first stage of my plan begins.

"Ow, oh the pain, it hurts so much. Help! I need help!" I roll around in pain. It's not like I'm faking it either. Sweat pours down my skin in rivulets from the agony of the pain. Blood pools around me from the wound I forced open with the blade.

I had to do that much to make it believable. The guard rushes in and stares at me stupidly. Although, it could have been the scent of my blood that had him transfixed.

"What happened?" He asks.

"Don't know" I grit out.

"The wound just started bleeding. Help." I grip my side that's gushing blood tighter. He squats down to have a closer look, his nostrils flaring.

Taking advantage of his distraction, I take the blade in my hand and bury it into the heart of the guard. Shock lights his face. Before he crumples on the floor. He'll be okay. Silver weakens but not enough to kill vampires.

I quickly leave the dungeon and make my way up, surprised that there are no guards to stop me. I don't dwell on that and make my way forward.

I'm bleeding everywhere. It would be much more easier to track my scent so leaving right now would be pointless.

I have to find a place to hide so that I can at least stop the bleeding. I turn to an abandoned hallway and open the second door on the right.

I limp to the dusty bed, heaving a small sigh of relief.

I bring out the bottle that was in the bundle out of my pocket and inspect it closer. There is something engraved on the neck. It reads 'healing' in Cromwell tongue. Strange. Why the person write this in this language. Does that mean that the hooded stranger is from Cromwell?

I have even more questions. I down the purple drink and immediately start feeling it's effects. The wound stops bleeding and the area becomes numb. The wound doesn't close up though but it's a close gap. At least they can't track me with the scent of my blood.

I take off my soiled clothes, searching for the room for anything to wear. I open the wardrobe to find several maid uniforms. I quickly put them on. This will make it easier for me to blend in.

My gaze lands on the several beds that line the wall and I realize that this must be some sort of abandoned servant quarters. I thank the goddess for such luck.

Placing the map and the dagger in my dress pocket, I walk towards the door and turn the knob to exit.

However, my heart jumps to my throat when I hear familiar deep purr.

"And where do you think you are going?"