“Your power is remarkable, baby Walker.”
He held me up off the floor, and my exhaustion was such that I let my head hang limply.
“And I’ve changed my mind. Since you’re such a surfeit of secrets and intrigue, I’m going to keep you for a while. If anything, you’re a good bargaining chip with the Abernaths.”
And as quick as that I was back tied to the chair. And he’d disappeared again.
I tried desperately to direct power toward my tethers, but I was empty and the wisps did nothing except float around me. Accepting a semblance of defeat, I dozed for a while, my thoughts dark, my heart heavy. I tried to block Brace from my mind, but I couldn’t rid myself of those moments – playing in the netting and the stolen kisses. I felt as if the person I was then was gone.
Brace. I trusted him. How could he have lied to me about something so fundamental? How could no one know, not even Josian?
On top of this I also couldn’t shed thoughts of Lucy. But until I saw her lifeless body with my own eyes, I would never accept her death. I was stubborn and single-minded that way.
Eventually I pulled myself together somewhat, and the tears stopped flowing. There was only so much ‘pity party’ I could throw without being very annoying. I knew, once I was free, I’d have ample opportunity to drown my sorrows, but until then I needed to get myself together.
I found the strength to open my eyes before lifting my head to once again see my surroundings. My earlier burst of temper had collapsed all four walls so I could see beyond. I was on a small island, surrounded by the large stone blocks that used to form my prison. The stone room must have been set up as a sole dwelling. The island was surrounded by large cavernous turrets and huge gulleys. The Walker had never planned on setting me free. No way could I have traversed this type of unforgiving terrain without the aid of a doorway.
I opened my mind then, dropping the energy encasing my thoughts. No way was I sitting here like this for all eternity. I was not a fan of crazy nut jobs. I’d spent enough time with Olden, the psychotic Earth compound leader, to know that could only end in tears, or near-fatal stabbings.
Josian, Dad ... I need help ... Can you hear me?
I knew it was a long shot, but if anyone could save me it was my father. Of course, I was only guessing, since I’d never bothered to learn the mind-speak thing.
Brace, I said tentatively, uncomfortable but willing to try the liar. I’d take rescue from anyone at this point.
“There is really no point in screaming quite so banshee-like. This is my realm, and no one can hear you.” He appeared before me again, but this time I was too exhausted to react.
“I have finally figured out what bothers me about you, baby Walker.” He paced a few steps before spinning around to face me. “You’re not a Walker. Josian is slumming it with a First-World ape woman, and you called him father.”
He shook his head. “But it’s not possible. You cannot be a halfling. We were told it was a legend and that no one could bring Walkers to heel.” He muttered like the crazy he had inside was spilling out.
I watched a myriad of emotions cross his face, and suddenly all I could see was fear. I could tell he was not happy about it. I held my breath, knowing this was about to get really bad for me.
He threw out a hand, and I screamed as the agony of a lightning bolt coursed through me. The pain burned, charring me from the inside out until my body was on fire.
I glanced down to see if my skin had been crisped from my bones. I gasped as I noticed small burn marks littering my arms. They almost looked like exit wounds. Strangely, none of these round, red burns marred the lace design. I was distracted from all thoughts as his assault continued. And no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop my screams. I hated giving him that satisfaction. The moments blended together. Minutes or hours, I could no longer tell one from the next. There was just pain.
“Tell me what you are. Give me an explanation that doesn’t go against everything I’ve known.” He lifted his hand, allowing me a small reprieve from the agony.
My entire body shook as it burned.
“Must be a trap.” His mutters grew louder.
His tone wasn’t exactly panicked, but for the first time some of his confidence wavered.
His hand shot out again, only this time I tensed. It did nothing to quell the agony. My screams echoed, bouncing off the acoustics of the surrounding landscape. Over and over he burnt me alive, peppering me with questions I would not answer. I would not set this psycho against my father or Brace. I would protect my remaining loved ones, if it was the last thing I did.