Page 72 of Outcast Fae
“Guards,” the man yelled, storming toward the door.
My head swiveled that way and then to Vaughn who was still prone on the table. Either he was really knocked out, or he’d decided to continue the charade. It didn’t matter. Bor was here. Did that mean the others were as well? Relief and terror took turns flushing through my system as my fingers dug into the belt around Bor’s abdomen. I had to release him, free his little body from its awful restraints. They had no right. The buckle was stiff and hard to manipulate with my trembling fingers, but I was able to work it free.
Please be alright. Be alright!
Next were the arms and legs. Panicked, I worked frantically at the buckles.
But, as my hands fumbled on the belt holding Bor’s wrist, there was a hissing sound. Something sharp stabbed me in the back, then a jolt of crackling electricity struck me and sent me in a convulsing fit.
Pain exploded from everywhere, taking all my senses with it.
Then, all was blackness.
* * *
I woke up,strapped to a chair this time.
My eyes fluttering open, I took in my surroundings. I was in a small white room facing another of those electronic wall screens that showed pictures of my fae homeland, Alanthyl. There was the mighty tree in the center, the huts radiating around it. There were the swinging bridges and tree huts in the branches.
Home. What I wouldn’t give to go there now.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I focused on what I knew. I had seen Bor. That meant that the other children were likely here in the dome as well.
Small pains radiated from my neck and arms. Had they done things to me when I had been knocked out?
“Well, Tally, you are a fighter. You do not disappoint. But, that’s why we chose you.” Footsteps approached, then Adaline rounded my chair and stood in front of me.
She had changed clothes and now was wearing a slim blue dress that showed off her fit figure. Her hair was loose, and her makeup had been reapplied to make her seem bright and beautiful. She was stunning for a human. I felt truly startled for a moment.
“Where is Vaughn? Where is Bor?”
“Is Bor someone to you?” Her blue eyes zeroed in on my face, and she pursed her lips.
She likely knew exactly who Bor was and his relation to me, so I pinched my lips closed. Every word she spoke felt like a manipulation, like she enjoyed toying with me. I needed to be careful.
She gave up waiting for my answer and, instead, reached behind me. Pulling out a glass of water, she tried tipping it to my lips.
I twisted my face away.
“Tally,” she scolded. “There’s nothing in this. Why would there be? You’re already secured. My brother told me to contain you from the start, forget the formality of lunch, but I insisted on wanting to get to know you. I’m not a bad guy, you know. I want to help.” She held up the glass again.
I had to admit my throat was parched. There was no way of knowing how long it had been since I’d had a sip of water and, without it, I wouldn’t last very long if I did manage to get free. I needed to keep my strength up if I was to have a chance to free myself and the children.
Finally, I let her tip the water to my lips and I took a long drink. It was cool and clear with no hint of poison.
“There. That’s better,” she said, flashing that predatory smile again. “Now, I have a proposition for you if you’d be so kind as to give me a moment of your time.”
I nearly rolled my eyes. Strapped here, she could have every moment of my time until my dying breath. It was just another game. “Go on.”
“Wonderful. I was hoping you’d tell me a bit about Faerie and your family. It sounds fascinating.” She touched the wall and a light came on, focusing in on my face. I had a feeling she was recording me.
“Why?”
Her smile was thin this time. “My brother and I are very interested in Supernaturals, fae in particular. You are so peculiar.” She ran a hand down one of my wings, watching it flex under her fingertips. Her touch disgusted me, but I bore it with clenched teeth.
Exactly as I’d said, a human who wanted to dissect us, tear us apart tounderstand. She hadn’t cut me open yet, but I wondered if that was next. If I gave her the information that she wanted, would she let me and the children go? Not likely.
“Then why take Vaughn?” I asked.
