Chapter 3

Gideon stared at the woman that infiltrated his bed chambers. She sat on the edge of his bed, her legs crossed and her robe tied to cover herself. He cleared his throat as he leaned against a dresser, keeping a safe distance from her. She inclined her head at him, her tail swaying slowly on the blanket.

"I can explain." she started, her voice no longer peppy that he was used to. It was deeper and mature which was opposite of her personality.

"Let's start with you attempting to kill me." he suggested. Vixen looked down at the floor, finding it far more interesting than the topic at hand.

"I thought you were still, you know, one of the King's zombies or something." she told him. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the chain and followed it down to the crystal orb, pulling it free from his shirt. Her eyes shot up as if she sensed the amulet.

"Xerath supplied both of us with protection before we came here. Ravnyk took mine right away." he tucked it back in, "Rayne gave me hers." he frowned instantly. He looked back to her, "How is it that you're unaffected?"

Vixen touched her claw mark tattoo, her eyes dark and a weak smile on her lips, "It's easy to block out corruption when you've been through it before. I'm glad to hear that you're both alright." she said relieved. A soft knock came to the door, causing Gideon to freeze up.

"Who is it?" he called sternly.

"It's Rodney, sir." the knight that has been accompanying him lately spoke up behind the door. Before Gideon could respond, Vixen hopped off the bed, went to a vase that was on a table and proceeded to throw it across the room by the door. As the vase shattered on impact, Vixen snapped her fingers.

"Gideon!" she moaned loudly, her voice shaking the paintings off the walls. Gideon had to steady himself against the dresser.

"My apologies, you're busy." Rodney said before walking away from the door. Vixen went quiet after a moment, clearing her throat.

"What did you do?" Gideon asked after he uncovered his ears. She tilted her head, an innocent expression on her face.

"I gave us time." she said to him before getting off the bed and approached a vanity. She rested her hand against the mirror, whispering in a language he couldn't quite understand. The glass began to shimmer and shake, a bright white light blinding them both. When the light faded away and the tremors ended, Gideon looked into the mirror just to find Xerath staring back.

"Good to see you're well, Gideon." Xerath spoke, his voice like ripples of water. Gideon glanced over to Vixen as she stepped back.

"I want answers, but right now we need to get out of here." he focused back on the wizard. Xerath nodded slowly, stroking his beard, his eyes roaming around and narrowed.

"Where's Rayne?" he asked. Gideon lowered his gaze, gripping the vanity tightly.

"Ravnyk has her in his dungeon. He's started torturing her." Gideon finally looked back at the mirror, finding Xerath looking concerned. He nodded again, walking away for a moment and Gideon was able to make out Rayne's old room. Xerath came back to the mirror again, holding a pile of rolled up parchment paper.

"It'll take time, but I can get a portal open. Reach out to me again in three days." Xerath told them before waving his hand in front of him and his image disappeared. Gideon watched as the mirror returned back to normal and he stared back at his own reflection. Three days? Could Rayne really hold out for that long?

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They brought her to the room again. She hadn't eaten in so long, she thought her stomach would shrivel up. Her lips were dry and cracked from lack of water, her hair filthy and matted. She could practically feel her spine daring to break through her skin. Ravnyk raved on and on about caring about her, missing her, yet here she was, malnourished and just about to knock on death's door. Three days. Three awful days of constant torture. She had started to grow numb during his lightning spell that she barely responded to it anymore. Maybe now that his spell was lackluster, he would move away from this abusive behavior. She was wrong.

He didn't come alone again. Gideon was with him, and this time another knight tagged along. The blonde fellow that has been glued to his side like a baby duckling. He stared off with his pale eyes, his lips in a thin line.

"Should we change things up this time?" Ravnyk asked, but no one responded. Rayne blinked her eyes open even when her body screamed at her to stop fighting. She couldn't listen. She didn't want to listen. She knew if she surrendered now, he would grow bored of her, maybe even finish her off, put her out of her misery. That wouldn't be it though. Rayne was never one to back down from a fight, never to wave the white flag, but even if her mind fought to live, just how long could her body handle it before just giving up entirely? Ravnyk circled the table, clicking his tongue before stopping by her head. He smiled down at her, his cold fingers grazing her cheeks as he leaned down, his lips brushing her forehead. His fingers pressed against her temples as he whispered under his breath. A sudden pain erupted in her head, throbbing intensely. She screamed as her skull felt like it was splitting apart. She strained against the straps, her back arching as she struggled.

The pain suddenly stopped, causing her to collapse back onto the table. She panted, tears streaking her dirty face.

"That was stronger than I expected." Ravnyk commented, blowing on his finger tips. Rayne opened her eyes, her vision dim. She didn't know how much longer her body could handle this treatment. His fingers pressed against her head again and he leaned down. His lips moved against her forehead as he whispered. A wave of pain came again, shaking her mind until she believed it would shatter to pieces. Her eyes widened, tears streaming again. She went to scream, but nothing came out. Her vision flashed from black to normal then black again. It suddenly felt as if everything shut down.

Ravnyk stopped what he was doing and stared down at Rayne's lifeless eyes. He patted her cheek gently, but she didn't blink. Blood streamed from her nose and ears.

"Rayne?" Ravnyk called to her. Gideon overlooked the two, his eyes watching Rayne's chest, but it didn't show any sign of life. He wanted to move. He wanted to shove Ravnyk aside and try to save her before she was truly gone, but he couldn't. Ravnyk turned his attention to the two knights, panic in his eyes, "Do something!" he yelled at them. Gideon walked forward, laying his head close to her slightly agape mouth. He couldn't hear her breathing either. Rodney moved to her other side, laying one hand on her wrist, and another on her neck. Gideon placed one hand on her chest and another on her head. Ravnyk hovered over them like an overprotective parent.

Gideon shut his eyes, focusing on her mind and her heart while Rodney focused on her breathing. He could sense she wasn't with them anymore, but he had to try. She wouldn't just give up fighting, so he won't give up on her.

A soft, radiant light glowed beneath their hands, running over her body until it was coated in this light. A few moments go by, and she still didn't respond. Ravnyk grabbed the tools from the table and threw them across the room. Hopefully he realized that this was his fault to begin with. How could he possibly think that she'd be able to handle such torment in her condition?

She coughed, tilting her head away as she inhaled deeply. It took every nerve in his body not to embrace her. If the spell hadn't worked and he truly lost her for good, he wouldn't know what he would've done.

"Rayne." Ravnyk spoke her name so tenderly. He's never done that before. Gideon made the risk to glimpse at the Dark Lord and what he saw on his face was not what he was expecting. He was looking at Rayne with such a soft expression, it'd make anyone second guess that he was truly evil in nature. Was she really his weakness like Aetherius said?

"My King, if she were to return to the cell, her condition would get worse." Rodney spoke up suddenly. Gideon eyed the knight curiously. Not many spoke out of turn from what Gideon had noticed, so the fact Rodney said something at all was surprising. Ravnyk shot a glare at the blonde knight, but he only grumbled.

"Perhaps you may be right. Take her to one of the spare rooms, one closest to mine." Ravnyk ordered, but he wouldn't look away from Rayne. Gideon inclined his head, scooping Rayne into his arms. She was so much lighter now, it frightened him.

Please Rayne, just a little bit longer. I'll take you away from this Hell once and for all.

When Gideon arrived back in his room after delivering Rayne to her new living quarters, he was greeted once more by Vixen laying comfortably in his bed. Since she infiltrated the castle, she didn't feel safe leaving. She may not be able to succumb to Ravnyk's influence, but he can still definitely kill her. So she resided in his bed while he slept on the floor.

"Where's Rayne?" she sat up quickly after he closed the door behind himself. He took off his armor and threw it across the room to the wardrobe. It clattered loudly on impact.

"She died. Just for a moment, she died." he raked his fingers through his hair, tugging angrily. He felt powerless right now. He wanted to disregard Ravnyk as a threat and just kill him outright, but what he witnessed today during Rayne's daily torture session halted his actions. Ravnyk was far more powerful than he imagined. With just a single word he sent Rayne into a rage of agony he'd never seen before. He killed her. So easily.

Gideon flinched slightly when he finally noticed that Vixen had invaded his space. She looked up at him with her silver gaze, frowning. He turned away from her, walking over to the mirror of the vanity.

"Summon him." he demanded. Vixen didn't budge, "Dammit, summon him!" he shouted at her. Her silver eyes went black and she glared at him. He let out a breath, settling himself, "Please." he spoke softly. Vixen's eyes returned to normal.

"That's better." she said as she approached the mirror and placed her hand on it. She closed her eyes and whispered her incantation, the language deep, almost guttural. The mirror began to shimmer and tremor before Xerath appeared on the other side. The old wizard looked exhausted with bags below his eyes as he greeted the pair nonchalantly.

"Yes yes, I'm nearly ready." he waved them dismissively.

"We don't have anymore time. Rayne died for a minute today." Gideon slammed his hands on the vanity. Xerath met his gaze, for once not having any kind of retort to give. He simply nodded, the rustling of papers in the background.

"Very well, be ready in one hour. Please find an open space, preferably outside if you can." Xerath told them before waving over the mirror once more, Gideon's reflection returning. He looked over to Vixen and she gave a nod before stepping back and tapped various parts of her body. Her skin began to fade into the sun kissed skin tone, her raven hair smoothed back as her horns shrink out of sight. Her pure silver eyes replaced with a dull grey and her tail disappearing from sight. She gave a poor curtsie before leaving him be. One hour, then they were safe, but first he needed to retrieve Rayne before Ravnyk gets to her again.

Gideon waited roughly twenty minutes before putting his armor back on. He went through his weapons and supplies, triple checking everything before leaving his room behind. Walking down the corridor, ascending several flights of stairs, he made it to the floor Rayne was on with little to no altercations. Those that had given him questionable looks were a few goblins that were not under Ravnyk's mind control. Nosey little bastards. Gideon simply ignored them, pretending to still be one of Ravnyk's toys and continued on his way.

He peered around the corner, spotting two orcs standing guard outside her door. He cursed under his breath, looking around for an idea when he spotted a room down the opposite hallway that had a cart with dishes on it. A maid was going from room to room offering the food. He stepped up to the young woman who looked no older than twenty, her brown hair in a braid over her shoulder. She curtsied to Gideon, her gaze downward as he picked up a plate. He tried to get a glance at her face, but she had her eyes strictly to the floor. Was it another of Ravnyk's commands to have the servanta avoid eye contact to? He silently prayed for the woman as he walked away from her, swallowing the hesitation that rose up from his gut and approached the orcs.

"Halt." one said as Gideon walked up. He put on his best far off stare that he could manage, looking straight at the door. The orc that spoke leaned in closely, the stench of ale on his breath. "What you want?" he growled.

"Prisoner needs to eat, or she won't be any good to our King." Gideon replied, his voice as flat as a the stonework he walked on. The orcs exchanged looks, hesitating to believe him.

"Are you both deaf?" a voice spoke up from down the hall and the orcs glanced over to spot one of the generals from the meeting a few days ago. He sported the black armor like it was his second skin, his grey hair tied tightly back, his brown eyes pale yet piercing. The orcs huffed in response, but they begrudgingly opened the door for him. Gideon thanked the Gods before stepping in, the door closing behind him. He could vaguely hear the conversation outside, but he didn't care for that. His full attention was the woman on the bed. He set the plate down and rushed to her side, grabbing her hand and checking her pulse. She was breathing, but it was shallow.

"Let's get you out of here." he told her as he lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. Her head rested against his shoulder and he could see her eyes moving beneath the lids. He glanced back at the door, then around the room. Well shit. He looked to the window. They were too far up to risk jumping out. He'd just have to lie through his teeth.

Gideon swung open the door, ready to speak when he discovered the orc guards missing and the general remained. He met the man's dull gaze and he froze up, but then the general's eyes flickered silver for a moment before going back to normal. He breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped out into the hall.

"We don't have much time. My spell will wear off soon." Vixen informed him as she lead him down the corridor. Gideon was surprised at how empty it was. Did Ravnyk resign it strictly for himself? It would give him the necessary privacy that he'd need for planning.

Gideon stopped, looking at a door that was of dark wood, different from the many doors in the hall. Vixen glanced back at him, then to the door and silently shook her head. Not today, she seemed to say before continuing to lead the way. Gideon peered at the door once more before following after her again.

Vixen would stop, throwing up a hand to stop him. He strained to listen as she peered down corridors and then wave to him to continue following. He was surprised to find very little to no guards right now. Where could they be? He thought back to the war room and the conversation that was held there. Could Ravnyk be setting up an army to attack Barboulder? As Vixen continued to take the lead, it gave Gideon time to think things over. Why a Dwarven city? Especially of one that had very little significance to it aside from a mine? Was Ravnyk looking for something there perhaps? Could be likely. Would his army dare travel through Arakhora? Or would they travel the full length of the country until the forest came to an end and made their way around? It would be tedious, but necessary to avoid bringing the elves into war.

Gideon gritted his teeth as he glanced down at Rayne. She continued to keep her even, yet shallow breathing, looking more relaxed than she has been in that damn cell. Would she be safer with Lord Adkas and Prince Mel-Darion? He knew the elf cared for her deeply, strategies? But could he truly keep Ravnyk away while they regrouped and strategized? Is any place safe now?

Vixen came to a stop again as they reached the main floor of the west wing. She eyed a large door across from her, the sound of soft rain pelting against the wood frame confirmed that it would lead them outside. She peered over her shoulder to Gideon.

"If we do this, we do it now." she told him. He gave a firm nod, holding Rayne tightly against him. She looked around once more before rushing to the other side and threw open the door. When he stepped out, the rain felt refreshing as it hit his face. They made it out to a side courtyard where a few guards were patrolling. They glanced over, immediately withdrawing their weapons. Vixen took that moment to discard her image of the general and reappeared as her usual self. She had on a dark purple corset and black leather leggings. She lifted a finger up on the gathered soldiers. A fiery red aura glowed from the tip of her finger and launching from it a large ball of fire shooting at the guards. Their screams filled the air as the fire ate at their armor and open skin. She grabbed Gideon's arm, making a run around the men as the fought to put out the flames.

"Remind me to never piss you off." he told her as they moved away from the burning men, still hearing their screams carried on the wind. She smiled weakly at him and Gideon raised a brow confusingly. Did she get shorter than the last time he fully saw her?

"Here." she came to a stop near a small garden. Gideon listened carefully as more guards started to swarm the area they were just in. Vixen was looking through her pouch when an ominous voice sounded from behind a brush.

"Her knight in shining armor." Ravnyk spoke as he stepped out from behind cover. Vixen pointed a finger again and just as Gideon thought she would release another spell, nothing happened. Ranvyk smirked, stepping closer to them.

"You're not the only one with tricks up their sleeves." he smirked as he snapped his fingers. From behind several other bushes were goblins with spears, ready to either take a prisoner or a corpse at his command.

"I won't give her back to you." Gideon told him, wondering where on this plane was Xerath. Ravnyk continued to smile as the goblins readied their spears.

"You won't need to. She will come to me of her own free will." he said. A gust of wind whipped around them as Gideon and Vixen were enveloped in a blue light. Gideon felt as if his body was being pulled in every direction as the scenery shifted. He thought he was falling with how fast he was pulled downward suddenly until the wind came to a stop and he dropped to his knees. He could hear Vixen vomiting beside him as the sound of soft footsteps walked up to them.

"I apologize for being late." Xerath's voice spoke up and Gideon peered up at the wizard in his red and gold embroidered robe.

"Better late than never." Gideon replied before laying Rayne on the ground gently and collapsing beside her. A moment later and they all would have been skewered.