Banished Prince

"Which one of you was it?"

The dungeon's damp air pressed against my skin as I stalked down the stairs. My mother tensed up and stared at me. Her eyes were alert, and guilt lied heavy in her eyebags.

Hendrix rolled his eyes and drew in a raspy breath. "Move."

I straightened up and widened my shoulders. "You are not leaving till I get an explanation for the empty dungeon down there."

"Calm down."

"I am calm." I said through a mirthless laugh as I ran my eyes at the two suspects. "I can't promise to remain so merciful if I don't get a clear answer, though. I ask again, family. Which one of you was it?"

I pointed the blazing torch at Hendrix's face. The wild flames reflected his green eyes, and he then stared at me. They were stone-hard and defiant.

I sent the burning glow to see my mother's face. She didn't bother to look at the flames in my hand.