"Little mouse..." His voice broke slightly, like hearing mine again was a lifeline. "I can't believe it's really you. Thought I wouldn't get the chance to hear your voice again."
I leaned in closer, heart pounding against my ribs. “Finn, what’s going on? Where are you? Why can’t I see you? Why can’t we—?”
“I’m in the infirmary bathroom,” he whispered, voice tight. “I have a… friend. Someone who knows this place inside out. They told me how to reach you like this.”
“Are you okay?” My breath hitched. “They wouldn’t let me see you, I’ve been so worried—”
“I know. I thought they locked you in the dungeons. I’ve been losing my mind.” He exhaled shakily. “Are you alright? Did they hurt you?”
“No more than I expected,” I murmured, the words catching in my throat. “Finn, I miss you. They want to use me. They’re trying to turn me into a Shade—”
“You can’t let them.” His voice sharpened like a blade. “You can’t work for the king, Elle.”
“I don’t know what to do!” I choked, panic swelling. “I don’t know how to get out of here. They watch me constantly—”
“I wish I could be there with you. But…” His voice dropped, urgent. “They’re sending me back to the village. I don’t have a choice.”
My stomach turned to ice. “They’re what?”
“I won’t be able to see you. Not for a while.” He hesitated, then rushed on. “But listen—really listen, okay? You have to stay strong. Don’t make a move unless you’re sure. They’re watchingme, too. If you slip up, they’ll use it against both of us.”
I pressed my hand against the cold stone wall, fingers trembling. “Finn, you’re leaving?” The words felt hollow. “But… what if something happens to you? What if I never—?”
“Don’t.” His voice cracked, raw and low. “Don’t say that. I’ll be fine. But I need you to promise me something.”
“Anything.”
“Stay safe. Stay quiet. Keep your head down. And whatever you do,stay away from the elite Shades. They’re not like the others—they’ll swallow you whole.” He paused, voice thickening with emotion. “Just wait for me. Please.”
I clenched my jaw, fighting back the ache rising in my chest. “You know I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”
“I know.” He let out a soft, broken sigh. “But this time, you have to. Just once. Just until I can get help.”
The silence stretched, heavy and full of unsaid things. Then he added quietly, “My leg’s healed now. I’m fine. But… I met someone in the infirmary. Someone important. I can’t tell you everything yet—not now. But this person, Elle… they matter. And they’re going to help.”
My heart twisted. “Who is it?”
“I can’t say. Not yet. But you’ll know when it’s time.” A beat of silence. “Trust me. Iwillcome back for you. I swear it.”
I felt a pang of relief, mixed with confusion. "Who is it? Who’s helping you?" My voice was barely more than a whisper, but I could feel his tension even through the grate.
“I can’t say right now," Finn replied, the words tight. "Not until I know more. But... when the time comes, you’ll understand. Just stay hidden. Stay safe. And remember, I’m not gone. Not really. I’ll find a way back. For you."
His voice cracked again, and I could hear the rawness behind the words, but I swallowed my own emotions, nodding even though I knew he couldn’t see me.
“I’ll wait,” I whispered. "I’ll stay safe. I promise."
"Good," he said, the relief in his voice palpable. "I’ll be back for you. I love you little mouse.”
“I love you too,” I whispered. “I miss you, Finn.”
“I miss you too. Elle, I’m sorry, I have to go. I’m out of time.”
“Finn!”
But he was already gone.
And with that, the silence fell between us again, leaving me alone in the bathroom, the weight of his words pressing down on me. He was still out there, somewhere—healing, meeting people I didn’t know, making plans that I couldn’t understand yet. But for now, all I could do was stay hidden and wait.
