FORTY ONE: The Rumored Terrifying Ruler

"I've been looking for you, Princess."

Calix spoke softly, reaching for Kel's hair as he usually did.

"Or should I say… pretend Princess?" his voice darkened, and rather than gently caressing a piece of her hair, the man dug his fingers into her scalp, grabbing a fistful of golden strands.

"Please, I.. I had no choice," Kel pleaded, holding on to the man's wrist to ease the pain shooting through her scalp as Calix dragged her along the ground.

"Was it fun to play with us?"

This time it was Thane's bitter voice. Kel's eyes shot to the left where the glaring knight stood with his arms crossed. Lucy, suddenly appearing next to him, shook her head disapprovingly as well.

"I told you she was worthless," Ira, stepping out of the shadows, joined the ridicule.

Next, it was Roland who approached Kel, angrily scuffing a cloud of dirt in her face.

"I can't believe I ever wanted to be friends with someone like you."