Chapter 57: Work For the Rebel [Free]

"Answer?"

Mr. Federova was early as usual delivering their breakfast. He slid it on the floor like how he used to do when they were still under the illusion. Allyria prevented herself from smiling as she glanced at Federova. She just found it weird seeing him doing all these things while knowing she already had an idea about where they were.

Allyria rubbed her eyes from the deep sleep and sat up. She had such a good night's rest after Kaius begged her not to get mad at him. Until now, he still didn't know it was all a joke but it had a good effect anyway. She now had the upper hand.

"Just let us out, please. We'll do anything," Allyria said to convince him that they don't know a thing. It would be doubtful to guess a right answer. 

Federova walked closer, holding an invisible steel bar in thin air. Allyria almost lost it if it weren't for Kaius who held her arm. He looked at her, telling her to stop what she was planning to do and faced Federova. "If your boss doesn't want to release us from here, give us three days at most," he said, "Call him and we'll answer that senseless mind game of his."

"You're not the one to make the rules in here," the 40-year old man replied. He knew what Dragunov would do to those who betrayed and broke the rules and nothing good ever comes out of it. "He won't be coming here anymore. I am the one to deliver the answer to him from now on."

"Why? Is he afraid?"

"He's busy at the moment."

'Busy planning an attack at the palace?' Allyria thought. There was a huge possibility he was going to retaliate especially after what happened. That's what bad guys always do - kill people who stand in their way towards victory.

"What happened a few days ago? We heard an explosion," Kaius asked. He already knew the answer but maybe it was good to hear it from one of his men.

"It's not something I can disclose with you. Just do your job and answer the question so that he may grant you both release," Federova walked towards the stairs and was about to exit when Kaius stood, infuriated.

"Hey!" he hollered. There was not a single amusement in his face. It was as if the patience Kaius kept for days already exploded for being too overused. He was a battery that had run off.

Federova spun to face him. He placed his hands in his pockets, chill and disinterested. Kaius' expression didn't unlock any surprise from him at all. He was an old man, weak and flimsy at times but he was also one to be feared. Dragunov chose the right men to lead his divisions and if his followers were like this, there was a huge possibility he was more intense, more frightening, more monstrous.

"We'll answer the question," Kaius said out of the blue.

Allyria looked up, letting out a gasp. She didn't expect this from him at all. They already talked about it. Wait for a week or two. Extract information from Dragunov. That was supposed to be the plan. Not this.

She grabbed the hem of his pants, "What are you doing?"

Kaius prevented her several times from telling the truth and now he's the one who wants to bare it to Federova. Was he still thinking clearly or the effect of imprisonment already damaged a part of his brain?

"Kaius…" she called again, hoping to knock some sense into him.

"Trust me." was the only thing he said. 

"Okay, where were we again?" Kaius asked, standing shoulder to shoulder against Federova. There was not a single emotion in his face. "Oh," he flicked his finger as if he already remembered, "The confession, yes. We already found out about the answer to your clever boss' question."

"Don't waste my time and say it right here and now."

"Dungeon," he responded briefly.

Federova scoffed, "Wrong." He turned his back on Kaius, walking away. "Consider yourself lucky. She's the only one he's interested with. You don't mean a damn thing to him. He can salvage you if he wants but he's not going to do that for the sake of the girl."

As soon as Kaius heard it, a muscle in his jaw twitched. Allyria could only glance upward, her mouth pursed but slightly open and loose. What does he mean by she's the only one he's taken interst with? Was there something she did that made him think like that?

Allyria rose to her seat and confronted Federova, "He's not done yet," she said that made Federova spin to his heels.

"We're in a dungeon but..." she paused. Federova studied her, thrilled at what she's about to say. Allyria can't find answers in this old, scrap-full basement. If she wanted to find any leverage from them, she had to be released as soon as possible. "behind all this facade is a small cellar," she glanced at Kaius. He nodded, encouraging her to go on. "We're in the cellar," she said with an air of finality.

Federova raised a brow, "Where did you get that idea?" 

"That wasn't in one of the rules," she replied.

"But I'm asking you right now. The least you could do is feed the old man's curiosity."

"We are not obligated to answer you."

"Okay, then. I'll tell him about what you know. Expect for him to visit tomorrow at first light." He grabbed the food tray from the floor that hasn't even been emptied yet and walked away. The bang of the trapdoor was the last thing they heard from him.

"That was it?" Allyria asked, "Are we supposed to celebrate now?"

"Let's wait if he won't kill us before sunrise."

***

Morning came up fast. Allyria didn't realize the sun was already up not until she heard a knock on the wall. She squinted her eyes and plopped up to her seat. Dragunov walked towards them, the cast and the bandage still present. She couldn't tell whether he was emotionless or just plainly a sadist who likes to see other people suffer. But he seemed to be in a good mood.

"Rise and shine," he worked his way towards them and acted to open the steel bars. Until now, they still had to put up the act. 

The voice disturbed Kaius from his sleep. He perched on the foam and scrutinized him with a crease in the forehead. Dragunov was obviously the last one he wanted to see once he wakes up.

"What are you doing here?" Kaius asked.

"What else? I'm finally releasing you," he glided his hands into the air as if making a way for them, "What are you waiting for? Come on out now before I change my mind."

Kaius gave a glare before he walked out of the "dungeon" followed by Allyria. She refused to look at his face. This day was supposed to be their day of victory, she wouldn't want to ruin that because of him. And yes, she still does hate him to bits. Nothing can change that. Once she gets the information, dust will be the only thing that's left of him.

Kaius climbed on to the stairs, exiting before she could. Allyria's face glowed as soon as the sun beam hit her face. It was refreshing, the heat opening her arms for a warm embrace. It was hope, freedom and joy all in one. But it still wasn't enough. She couldn't wait to witness that with her siblings. The training. Even Professor Nadriel's class. Just a little more sacrifice and they'll get out of here.

"Wait."

Dragunov's voice made Allyria stop from getting a step on the stairs. She didn't make an effort to confront him. It wasn't worth the energy.

"I know the illusion faded," he let out a dark chuckle. It gave her chills but she preferred not to give in to it. "I'm not dumb and most of all I'm not a monster. You're free because I let you, so don't think you're special for answering some question I asked to you about."

Allyria didn't reply. 

"You're here because I need you to do something for me. So let's do each other a favor. Perhaps—"

Allyria rolled her eyes, "I'm not ready to hear any word coming from your mouth so just… just save your breath." She couldn't stay in the same room with him any longer so she walked out without turning to see him. Time was of the essence and she had no time listening to more of his nonsense.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Written and edited by ephemery.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

Allyria will hunt you down to the ends of Arde Terra and cast you out together with the Undying in the Islands of the Cursed. You've been warned.

[][][][][][][][]

Join our discord server: https://discord.gg/VJQzyek