Page 98 of Consumed By Fire

He sighs. “You got me. I’m going to come clean with you, Draiger, but you need to know that if you tell a soul of what I am about to tell you, I will deny it all.”

I glance up at the camera. Perhaps it doesn’t record sound. Maybe the esteemed prince has forgotten about it. It’s not my problem. In fact, I’m pretty sure that whatever he tells me will be more bullshit and that my answer will be the same. A resounding no.

“Okay…fine. This had better be the truth, and it had better be good,” I growl. “You’d better hurry, because when Trinity gets here, we’re leaving. Your window of opportunity will be closed.”

“It is the truth, and it will be good. You and I are about to become friends.”

I frown because I highly doubt it. I am going to use the prince as a way for Trinity and me to escape. There is literally nothing he can tell me that will make me change my mind.

Trinity

“How did this happen?” the general screams as he rips off his mask. “How did the Draiger get to him?”

“The prince insisted on being let into his cell. He insisted we move away. He said that there was something he wanted to discuss with the Draiger. The next moment, all hell broke loose.” The guard looks down at the floor.

“Of course it did. What else did you expect?” the general spits.

“He insisted, my Lord.” The guard bows. “We had no choice but to comply. Prince Ice threatened to take our names.”

“Bloody idiot!” the general snarls. “What the hell was that imbecile thinking? He’s normally more intelligent than that.” He frowns.

“May I unlock the female?” The guard winces. “I need to take her to the Draiger. He is insisting that he will harm the prince otherwise.”

“I heard you the first time.” It looks like the general is thinking things through. Sweat beads on his forehead. He rubs his chin. “Fuck!” he snarls. “What choice do I have? Fine.” He sighs. “Release her and take her to him. I will lead the way.”

The guard’s shoulders slump a little with relief, which isn’t long-lasting. He unlocks me, then shackles my hands in front of my body. I note that he doesn’t make them as tight as they were before.

“I want you to talk some sense to the Draiger, Trinity,” the general tells me, using my name for once. “It would be in your best interests. We will go easier on you if you do the right thing. Talk him down. Get him to surrender. Do not follow this course of action, or you will be sorry.”

I don’t say anything. I don’t plan on doing it. If Octane has the prince hostage, there is a good chance that we will make it off this island. I trust him. I will follow him. Maybe, despite all odds, we will be able to build a life somehow. We have to lie low long enough for me to have this baby. We can raise him on Draig as a Draiger. We have to find a way to make this work. The way I see it, we have no hope if we stay here. Octane will most certainly lose his life. I can’t have that happen. I can’t!

“Do you hear me, female? You need to do the right thing.” He grabs my arm, squeezing to just about the point of pain.

“Of course,” I say, nodding. Except my idea of the right thing and his idea of the right thing are different. I need him to take me to Octane, so I don’t argue.

We start walking. We go down several hallways, turning a number of times. My heart rate seems to increase with each turn.

Will this work? It has to.

Please!

As we reach the cell, the general whispers, “Remember what I said. Do the right thing here.”

Octane’s gaze flashes to us. His eyes are filled with horror. His mouth is gaping like he’s in shock or something, and then he does something completely unexpected. He shoves the prince away from him, taking a few steps back. He is no longer holding him hostage.

Wait what?

Why is he letting him go?

Prince Ice was our ticket out of here.

Was.

No longer.

The prince smiles and smooths his suit. “It’s okay. I have the situation in hand. Everything is fully under control. Open the cell. Do not detain the prisoner. We’ve had a rather interesting discussion and have come to an agreement. One that will be beneficial to both islands.”

“What are you talking about, Ice?” The general sounds frustrated. “What now?” He sighs. “Open it,” he tells a guard, who does as he says.