I swear I’ve had worse than this.
Like that time when…
No.
This is the worst.
My heartbeat picks up when it should be slowing, and I don’t know which drugs they just fed me, but I start to sweat.
I wiggle, almost screaming in despair.
But then my fingers twitch and I make a happy gasp.
Noelle’s beating loosened my wrist ropes.
I work them hard, not caring if my skin tears. Have to slither free.
Have to save myself.
It takes a long, long time.
My wrists bleed and my temperature climbs. I manage not to panic until the first cramp stabs my belly like pitchfork tines, and the room blooms with overbaked crème brûlée.
I’m full-body trembling when I finally shake off the ropes.
Bloody, battered, but free.
I have a chance.
Noelle didn’t lock the cage, so even shaking, it only takes a minute to break out.
I tumble onto the floor, then stumble to my feet, crawling for the door.
I’m there by the time I remember there’ll be guards.
Only, there aren’t.
There’s just a narrow hall.
I wrench to my feet, almost pass out from standing, and then brace against the wall as I shamble.
Can’t even walk straight.
Like I’m drunk.
But then I pass a round window and holy fucking nautical hell.
There’s nothing but waves to the horizon.
Boat.
Ocean.
Wyvern Pack had better come for me.
If they can’t pull off a rescue…
I need that airplane toilet meteor and a total fucking miracle.