Page 16 of King of Ruin

“My name is Fiona Kane. My brother is Ezekiel and…” I close my eyes and sit. Zek is depending on me. “He told me to call you about his father, Phineas. Do you have a moment?”

“I’m sorry. I must have misheard you. Did–”

I cringe to myself as I cut her off. From what my brother has told me and from listening to the stories of the guards, this woman is dangerous–completely unhinged. But I don’t have time for explanations. “I’m sorry, I must be brief. I was told to call you and only talk to you. He wanted me to let you know that your boss is safe, and he will give you her location in a few days.”

“That fucking flitterp–”

The snores from the other room begin to grow softer. “Again, I’m sorry to be abrupt, I must go but I think you misunderstand what’s going on. My brother is trying tosaveher. And I know in no world should I ask this, but for his sake… Please don’t call this phone back or I won’t be able to reach you again.”

I tap the red button, say a prayer that this Maddy woman heeds my warning, and stand, pushing open the window to peer out just as Lawrence makes his appearance.

“Fiona?”

Turning around, I give a weak smile. His tall lean frame is only partially visible in the doorway.

“Sorry, I thought I heard something.”

He nods, pushing back his thick, dark hair. “You don’t have to worry about that. You’re safe with me. Come back to bed.”

I swallow around my racing heart and push out a sigh before taking a step toward him. Back in the room, he cuddles behind me, framing my body with his, effectively locking me in place.

When the phone doesn’t ring and the wet noises of Lawrence’s breathing permeate the air, I finally find sleep.

Two days. I gave him two and he gave me two in return. Only this time, it’s not just to save my life or his, but everyone’s.

It’s hard to keep my mind away from my family when I have no idea what’s going on beyond the four walls of my cell. I’m uncertain how many hours it’s been since Phineas took me, and even less certain of what could have happened to them when I left. He’s made no demands of me thus far and no one has dared to come see me after Kane left.

There are too many unknowns. And with no leverage, I’m incapable of guaranteeing I’ll make it out alive and obtain answers to everything that’s plagued my mind since the moment I woke up.

I sigh, adjusting my wrist yet again. My arms are weak from their current position and my eyes are growing too heavy to keep open for much longer. But it’s impossible to sleep even if I wanted to. Besides the discomfort of my full bladder, my stomach is a hollow shell, groaning and twisting as it stays empty.

That’s when I realize at least one thing that’s happening. They’re trying to break me down, weaken my body through starvation and isolation. They want me weak and docile so I won’t pose a problem when they move me. Where? I can’t begin to imagine, but I know from the heavy sounds of a man’s boots smacking against the floor, I don’t have to wait long to find out.

The metal door unlocks and swings open, revealing Kane holding a long, thick chain.

My heart thumps erratically as I watch the silver catch hints of light from the hall and reflect on the cement. It illuminates the dried blood and gives the illusion that it’s freshly spilled.

Kane’s suit is still pristine, but it’s a different shade, telling me more time has passed than I thought. Loss of time, an effect of dehydration.

He moves inside and I sneer. “I think I told you to leave.”

Kane shrugs, seemingly bored, and takes two more wide steps. “And I think you misunderstand who is in charge here.”

I scoff. “Neither of us, I can assure you.”

It’s a hint to the fact that he’s nothing more than a puppet, tied to strings his father controls. Judging from the tic in his jaw and narrowed brows, I know I hit my mark.

He doesn’t like to be controlled–this much I already understand from our encounters–but his disdain is much deeper than meets the eye. It forces me to wonder about his youth. He grew up away from prying eyes, that much I know, but howwashis upbringing?

Images of Kilo and the twins flood my memory. Blood, bruises, and broken spirits. My boys were nothing but ghosts of themselves until finally, they had a fresh foundation to build themselves back up. Their training was created upon a strong base, and because of that, they healed much of their trauma.

I don’t imagine Phineas’ training was anything like that. If it was, Kane wouldn’t react the way he does. No, I bet Kane endured nothing but meaningless torture. Wounds inflicted to do nothing more than build tolerance. Scars that tell stories of pain and not healing. For a brief moment, I feel sorry for the man in front of me.

My hate doesn’t diminish, but the pity I have for him grows. If he’d have been my parents’ child, there is no objection in my mind he would be unstoppable–a formidable force who would have brought Phineas’ reckoning long ago.

“Are you ready?” The chains sway in his oversized hand as he nears me.

“For what?” I keep my voice level, moving my eyes over his frame until they meet his gaze. It’s low, dark, and full of challenge.

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