I tried to stand and nearly collapsed. My limbs felt half-carved from wax.
“Hello?” I called hoarsely. My voice echoed back at me, swallowed by the stone.
Nothing.
I shuffled to the door, pressed my palms to the solid wood and peered out the small window at the top. The corridor beyond was empty, shadowed and silent. No guards. No torches. Just a flickering magical light pulsing along the ceiling.
“Finn?” I whispered, louder now. “Finn!”
Nothing.
Panic surged. Where was he? What had they done?
“Let me see him!” I shouted, pounding my fists against the door. “He’s sick! He needs me!”
No answer. I hadn't expected one.
Minutes dragged by — maybe longer.
Then, at last, footsteps.
I stumbled back as the door creaked open. Phoenix stepped through, his jacket neat, his expression a careful mask. In his hands, a plate laden with stew and bread steamed invitingly, but I barely looked at it. I glared at him, my heart hammering against my ribs.
“Where is he?” My voice shook, more with exhaustion than fear.
Phoenix shut the door behind him, slow and deliberate. “He’s alive. Resting. That’s all I can say.”
“That’s not enough.” My voice cracked. “Phoenix... please... take me to him.”
He offered a small, wry smile. “Didn’t know you had that word in your vocabulary.”
“This isn’t a joke!” I snapped.
He sighed, setting the food down on the battered side table.
“You said he’d be okay,” I whispered.
Phoenix’s mask didn’t slip, but something behind his eyes shifted. “And he is. They’re taking care of him. They’ll keep him a few days, test him, then release him back to the city.”
“Test him?” I shook my head, a sick feeling churning in my gut. “He’s just a man. Please don’t hurt him.”
“This isn’t personal, Elira. The king—”
“Screw the king.” The words seared from my lips before I could stop them, and my power prickled against my skin like frostbite.
Phoenix moved fast, clamping a hand over my mouth.
“Don’t ever say that out loud again.” His voice was low, urgent. “These walls have ears. They’ll kill you for it.”
I froze, heart hammering against his warm palm. Shoving him away, I staggered back.
“Keep your hands off me,” I snapped.
Phoenix only sighed and backed toward the door.
I slumped onto the narrow cot, wrapping my arms around myself, trying to hold in all the broken, shivering pieces.
Phoenix hesitated, his hand on the doorframe. “Eat. Rest. Someone will come for you soon.”
