It wasn't fair! Not only had she been dragged to another planet by her best friend, but now she was about to be betrayed by a prisoner she tried to free. She pushed herself away from the doorframe and retreated to her room, only to find the prisoner's bracelet didn't work. She sat with her back to her door, defeated. She was meant to stay here, to marry one of Romas's brothers, and to be miserable the rest of her life. She blinked back tears, emotionally exhausted. Dwelling in her misery, she was surprised when his shadow fell across her.
"We go." The familiar voice made her frown.
"You've already ruined it!" she exclaimed. She looked up at the prisoner. "You told Romas I was trying to leave, and now he's going to-- "
"I told him a member of his family freed me. He can do nothing. We go."
"He knows I helped you?" She rested her head against the door, not understanding.
"He knows a member of his family helped me," was the response. "He knows not who."
"But they know you're leaving. They won't let you, will they?"
"You freed me," he repeated. She rose, confused but hopeful once more.
"You'll still help me?"
He responded with a curt nod. She wiped her eyes. He was studying her closely, as if awaiting something.
"I'm ready," she said uncertainly. "Is something wrong?"
"No." Still he stared until her face grew warm again. A startled cry drew her attention, and she leaned to see past him.
Evelyn.
She paled. Evelyn stared at the prisoner, then at her, then back. Her gaze settled on Kiera, a wounded look of betrayal there. Kiera was about to grovel to her friend and apologize when the prisoner snatched her, wrapped a thick arm around her neck, and dragged her against his body. Surprised, she froze when she felt the knife against her cheek.
"Do not call out for your man, woman," the prisoner growled at Evelyn.
Evelyn's eyes widened, and she looked at Kiera again, this time in anger and concern. Kiera squirmed. The prisoner gripped her more tightly, and she stilled.
Evelyn took two steps back and let loose a bellowing, "ROMAS!" She turned and ran down the hall.
"What are you doing?" Kiera asked, and tried to pull away.
"Quiet, woman, if you want to leave."
"As long as you hold to your end of the bargain," she hissed.