“Where's the music coming from?” I wondered aloud.
“Someone brought an iProd here last year.” I was startled by the voice, turning to find Hawke standing there, dressed in a fine white shirt and actual jeans. I giggled at what he'd said.
“You mean an iPod,” I poked at him.
“That's what I said,” he said, mouth flat.
I poked his arm. “No you didn't.”
He scowled at me. “I've been here for a hundred and sixty seven years. I only learn about new technology when inmates bring it here.”
“How do you charge it?” Colt asked.
Hawke jerked his chin in the direction of Rex who was being spun in circles by Harlen. “He knows about the stuff. Used some wires...batteries. That sort of thing.” Hawke ran a hand down the back of his neck, clearly out of his depth. In that moment, I kind of pitied him for how long he'd been stuck down here.
Hawke nodded at Colt. “Are you brawling tonight?”
Colt chuckled a laugh. “I think I've done enough fighting for one day.”
“My sentiments exactly. Come drink with me.” Hawke slid an arm around Colt's back and I watched them head toward his quarters with undisguised surprise.
I spotted Meredith sitting in one corner of the room, nursing a drink. She was alone and her expression was defeated. Something drew me in her direction and I was soon standing before her.
“Not enjoying the party?” I asked.
“What do you care?” she spat.
I frowned, releasing a sigh. “We won Meredith. And I thought...well, we have to live together don't we? Might as well get along.”
Meredith clawed a hand through her golden hair. It was as long as mine had been before I'd cut it. “Unlike you, I actually care that my friends have been murdered.” She glanced up at me through watery eyes.
“I do care,” I said softly, meaning it. Slowly, I sank down beside her, sipping my water.
“No one else seems to,” she said on a sob. Suddenly, she leant into me, burying her face in my shoulder as she started crying full-blast.
Alarmed, I tentatively slid an arm around her shoulder.
“I'm going to find out who did it,” she choked. “I will.”
I nodded gently, rubbing her back. “Do you think Bain...” I trailed off as she nodded.
“Yes,” she hissed. “Must be. Who else? But what can we do?” she begged of me, her cheeks pale and tear-stained.
I shook my head. “I don't know.” I rubbed my arms, a chill bringing the hairs on them to attention. “Hawke will figure it out.”
Meredith nodded, lifting her head and gazing up to Hawke's balcony where he stood beside Colt, drinks in their hands. I wasn't sure why, but it was strange seeing them together like that. I supposed it was a good thing they'd gotten past their differences though. And after Colt had saved Hawke from Bain in the Harvest, they were bound to be closer.
“Does he kiss you?” Meredith whispered, her eyes still on Hawke.
My throat constricted. For some reason, I didn't want to lie to Meredith. I could see how much she cared for Hawke. And though I'd never tell her that Hawke wasn't interested in her, I didn't want her thinking I was standing in her way either. “He tried,” I admitted.
Her eyes flew toward me. “And you what? Stopped him?” Her brow wrinkled with disbelief.
“Yes,” I said firmly, rubbing my arms again. “I don't want a relationship with anyone.”
“Relationship,” she echoed on a dry laugh. “No one in here has relationships. It might look that way, but we're all just using each other to pass time. Hawke used me too once. Got me hooked on him. God...I wish I could just stop these feeling sometimes.”
“I used to feel that way about someone.” I dropped my eyes to the rocky floor, my heart twisting as I thought of Varick.
“But not anymore?” she asked.
A smile pulled at my lips as I realised that attachment was gone at last. “Yeah,” I said brightly, glancing up. “It's strange...one minute your heart has a seizure every time you see someone then at some point it just...stops.”
She nodded, seeming reassured.
“But you have to decide to let him go first,” I whispered.
“That's the hardest part,” she murmured.
Before I could answer, Elise approached us, dressed in a red gown with a rip up one leg. She'd wound her hair into a high braid that hung down her back and a gold ring was clamped around her right bicep.
“Do stop moping Meredith,” she sighed dramatically. “At least for one night.”
Meredith glared up at her. “Look who grew a backbone.”
Elise shrugged, reaching a hand out to me. “Come on Mercy, let's go enjoy ourselves.”
I glanced at Meredith, not moving. “Do you wanna come?”
“No,” she muttered. “Just go.”
I stood, heading after Elise, feeling a little bad. But Meredith clearly wanted to be alone.
“The rest of the harem have gone to the waterhole. Apparently they're swimming in it naked! Even some of the men have joined them.” Elise laughed. “Wanna go check it out?” She took hold of my arm and I shook her off, catching sight of Tykera in the crowd.
“I think I'll give it a miss.” I gave her a smile.
“Suit yourself.” She shrugged, heading off in the direction of the cave exit.
I wove toward Tykera who was standing at the edge of the brawl ring. Inside, two men were fighting ferociously. As I arrived, the slimmer man with a pale chest and almond eyes, floored the other man, resting a bare foot on his chest. He was declared the victor and soon made a beeline for Tykera.
“Ivan,” she said in acknowledgment. “How are you?”
“Good.” He gave me a sweeping gaze. “Can we talk in private?” I noticed some more of Bain's Clan were present, but not many. And I was certainly glad he hadn't shown up himself.
Tykera gave me a small grin then nodded, guiding him away toward her pod. I was left alone, feeling awkward, not knowing who to talk to.
I watched the brawls for a while, then figured I might as well take Elise up on her offer. I wasn't going to be skinny dipping for one second, but it might have been more fun than standing there alone.
As I headed toward the exit, I glanced back toward the balcony, spotting Hawke and Colt watching me go. They didn't seem bothered as I headed out of the cave. I guessed the rules didn't stand tonight.
I made my way to the watering hole, glad to be away from the clamour of the clans for a while, drinking in the quiet of the passages.
As I moved down a dark corridor, my boots slapped across something wet on the floor. I gazed down, my eyesight sharpening the longer I looked. A dark puddle lay beneath my feet, and as I followed the line of it heading away from me, I made out a dark shape on the floor.
I gasped, hurrying forward, my gut tightening into a knot.
No, not again. Not again.
Bending low toward the figure, my worst fears were confirmed. My stomach rolled. Bile rose in my throat.
Another one of the harem girls was butchered nearly beyond recognition. Nanook looked terrified even in death, her mouth parted in a silent scream. I jerked upright, my whole body pounding with adrenaline as I gazed left and right, my hands coated in blood.
What if the killer is close?
I had to get to the waterhole. Find someone who could help.
I started running in that direction, calling out, hoping someone would come. When I reached the dark pool in the centre of a circular chamber, my heart took a dive.
There was no one there. I should have known it was too quiet. I turned, planning to head back, my heart thumping in my ears.
What do I do?
Footsteps sounded from the tunnel I'd come from and relief swept through me. Elise stepped into the chamber and my heart clenched tightly.
She was coated in blood, but her eyes were bright and keen. Too keen.
“Elise?” I gasped, sensing something about her expr
ession was wrong. She must have passed Nanook's body to get here. But as I thought it, she reached behind her back, producing a bloody knife.
My body froze.
No. Oh God no.
“I know what you're thinking,” Elise said softly and I took a measured step back, edging further around the pool.
“What's that?” I breathed, trying to keep my voice steady. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe there was an explanation for this.
“How could a quiet girl like me be capable of all that murder?”
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding out of rhythm. She'd done it. Elise. Not Bain. What if I was next on her list?
“That's not what I was thinking,” I said, trying to keep her talking.
“Don't lie,” she said casually, stepping closer. “I want them to see me like that. No one suspects the meek girl, but how do you think I ended up here?”
I took another step back, glancing at the passageway several feet away. I could run. But would I make it? How fast was Elise? I was unarmed. Could I outrun her?
I shook my head. “What do you want?” God, I'd been so stupid. How many times was I going to leave the clan cave and run into danger?
“Not to hurt you,” she promised, crouching down and putting the knife on the floor.
My breathing slowed a fraction at the sight. “Then what?”
“To help me,” she said softly. “You see, I'm framing Bain. For what he did to so many girls.”
My mind spun in circles. This was about Bain? But surely this was as bad as him?
“You killed people, Elise,” I whispered, stepping back again as she moved forward.
Her eyes glimmered. “I know, I wish I didn't have to. But you must understand because Bain touched you too.”
“He touched you?” I asked, glancing over her shoulder, praying someone was about to come this way. But why would they? Everyone was at the party. And if I died here, they wouldn't even hear me scream
Elise nodded, her eyes hardening. “I was in Tenebris before Hawke fought to take me in. Two years I spent with Bain. Raping me, beating me, cutting me. You don't know what that's like. And then he started killing girls from the other clans. I saw him do it once. She screamed and screamed, but no one came. No one heard. He cut her to pieces like he enjoyed it,” she bit at me. “And then he made me swear I'd never tell anyone. Told me he'd do the same to me if I ever told the leaders what I'd seen.” Her lower lip quivered.
“I'm sorry,” I said, trying to keep her on my side. “But Elise...why would you do this? Hurt your friends?”
“Because it's the only way Bain will get caught. If it starts all over again. Someone will point the finger at him – they have to!” Her sharp tone sent a rocket of adrenaline through me.
I nodded, forcing myself to stop moving.
She's unarmed, I don't need to run. Just keep her talking and get her back to Nox Clan.
“Okay,” I agreed. “Then why don't we go and tell Hawke together? We can tell him what we saw Bain do to Nanook.”
She nodded, seeming to like the idea. But as I moved forward, someone rushed into the room. “Nanook-someone help!” Meredith appeared, bawling her eyes out.
My heart lurched.
Elise darted for the knife, turning to face her, raising it up.
Meredith halted, taking in the bloody knife and Elise's clothes. “You!” she gasped.
“Run!” I shouted at Meredith.
She turned, but Elise was faster. I cried out, charging forward, but Elise grabbed hold of her, turning her sharply toward me, resting the blade against her throat.
I stumbled to a halt, my heart pounding against my ribs.
“She can't live,” Elise spoke to me.
I raised my palms, my breathing ragged as my desperation grew. “Wait, just wait a second.”
“She knows the truth!” Elise cried, her eyes wild.
Meredith whimpered, writhing in her arms but Elise was clearly stronger, despite her smaller size.
“Wait,” I begged, inching closer. If I could just get to her, perhaps I was strong enough to get the blade from her grip.
“I'm sorry, Mercy,” Elise said, then wrenched the knife across her throat.
“No!” I yelled, panic blooming through me.
Elise released her and I caught Meredith in my arms, falling to the floor with her. I laid her down and she choked and gargled on the blood.
No no no.
I pressed my hands to her neck, but it was too late. She was fading by the second.
“How could you!?” I shouted at Elise.
Footsteps pounded from the corridor and Elise's gaze grew panicked. She chucked the knife at my side then fell to her knees, crying and wailing, “Help! Help!”
I held Meredith's throat, desperate as Hawke tore into the room with Colt behind him.
Hawke took in the scene with wide eyes. Elise crawled to him, grabbing his leg, “She did it! Mercy killed her!”
My heart dropped like a stone. I couldn't do anything but grip onto Meredith. But as I glanced down at her again I saw she was gone, her eyes glassy and vacant.
“No - she's lying. It was her!” I pointed at Elise, but she shook her head, clinging to Hawke as if she was terrified of me.
More people surged into view behind Hawke and Colt, taking me in with alarmed gazes. I looked up, desperate to find belief in Hawke's eyes, but he just looked confused.
“Hawke, she wouldn't,” Colt growled at him.
“Murderer!” a woman cried from behind Hawke. “She's been caught red-handed.”
“No – I was trying to help!” I begged, my heart beating out of control.
This can't be happening.
“Up,” Hawke commanded.
Beyond him, Araballa stepped into view, pinning me in her gaze. “Traitor,” she snarled, the word on her lips like a death sentence.
“No!” I gasped. Hawke directed two men forward and I was hauled upright, my arms dragged behind my back.
“She's a Hunter,” Arabella snarled. “We should have known this would happen.” She glanced at Colt, her eyes wary.
“Hawke, you have to listen to me-” I started, but he cut me off, talking to the men holding me.
“Take her to the hole.” His eyes were distant and so, so cold. I looked to Colt who seemed ready to grab hold of me himself.
As I was dragged past them, I caught Hawke's eye, my heart spinning madly in my chest. “I didn't do it. It was Elise.”
Elise sobbed in response, shuffling away from me as if in fear.
“Bitch!” I shouted at her, trying to kick her, anger spewing through me hot and fast.
She scooted away and as I looked up, more eyes than ever were filled with accusation.
Panic gripped my heart.
They don't believe me!
I was dragged away, marched down several corridors left and right until I was dizzy. We arrived in a large cave with a huge hole in the heart of it. One of the men pushed me to my knees where a rope hung into the pit.
“In,” he commanded.
I took hold of the rope, knowing I had no choice as I lowered myself into it, down, down, down to the icily cold bottom of the pit.
When I looked up, the men were gone and I was left entirely alone, my fate in the hands of the leaders. And Hawke. Who'd looked at me as if he didn't recognise me. How can he doubt me? Surely he knew I'd never do this? Why would I?
I dropped onto the floor, the cold inching into my bones as I pulled my knees to my chest, hugging them tight as I tried to battle away the fear rising in me.
Please believe me.
It was hours before anyone came for me. I was frozen to my core, terrified of what my fate would be.
Eventually, someone kicked the rope back into the pit and I stood up, clinging onto it with numb fingers and hauling myself out.
When I reached the edge, I found two more men there ready to escort me. The look in their eyes told me there was no point begging them to believe me, so I went wi
th them, letting them guide me on and on through the dark passages.
We arrived in the great hall where the clans were assembled, the leaders sitting up on their thrones, gazing down at me.
“Mercy!” I heard Colt cry and I found him amongst the crowd, his eyes desperate.
“I didn't do it,” I spoke to him and him alone.
He nodded, confirming he believed me.
I spotted Elise amongst Nox Clan, wrapped in a blanket, several women surrounding her.
Tykera and Harlen's eyes found mine and I could see they believed me too. Thank God I wasn't alone.
I gazed up at Hawke, but he didn't meet my gaze, his eyes pinned on the wall above my head.
Bain gazed out of Tenebris clan with an excited look on his face. It turned my stomach more than anything else.
The men marched me to the centre of the room, standing before the fire pit and my body started to thaw out a little.
Arabella stood from her throne, gazing down her nose at me. “Mercy Helsing, you have been accused of murdering three women in your own clan. Do you have anything to say for yourself?”
“I didn't,” I said, desperate, searching for Elise in the crowd. I lifted a shaking finger, pointing. “It was Elise. She admitted it to me. She said she was trying to frame Bain for what he did to her.”
“Lies!” Elise wailed. “She was going to kill me too!”
Silence fell and I started to shake with fear. I knew in my bones I wasn't going to get out of this. I couldn't see mercy in any of the leaders' eyes.
Arabella gave me a sweeping look. “You were caught in the act, your lies will not be swallowed here.”
A sharp lump lodged in my throat.
No. This can't be happening.
Arabella addressed the room. “I call on the leaders to announce the punishment they wish to deliver to Mercy Helsing.” She turned to Solomon first who stood slowly from his throne.
His imposing form was angled toward me, no softness in his gaze. “Exile,” he growled and my heart rate rocketed.
Arabella nodded, turning to Bain. “And you?”
“I will happily deal with the girl. Send her to Tenebris.”
Arabella lifted her chin and said, “Execution.”
My heart tumbled in my chest.
Hunter Trials Page 21