Page 43 of A Fate in Flames

I kept my eyes fixed to the rusted metal gate.I should’ve wished for it to open—longed for the moment it would groan under the weight of movement.

But I didn’t.

I prayed it stayed shut, because whoever came through would not be bringing me salvation.They would only bring more pain and more questions that I wouldn’t—couldn’t—answer.

A familiar shadow shifted beyond the bars, growing larger with every step.I closed my eyes tight, nails digging into my palms as I mentally prepared for what I knew was coming.

The creak of the hinges dragged me from my thoughts, the sound grating against my skin like stone on stone.I didn’t need to look to know who it was.Still, I cracked them, just enough to seeherstanding over me with an expression that made my blood boil.That stupid smirk tugging on her lips.The silent challenge gleaming in her depthless eyes.A part of me wanted to roll my own in frustration, but I held back, swallowing the bitter taste of hatred.

I didn’t bother moving.It wouldn’t help anyway.There was nowhere to run or hide.

“I’ve told you so many times already.”My voice was frayed with exhaustion, threads of it breaking with each word.“I’m telling you the truth.”

She took a single step forward.“Come.”

I froze for a heartbeat, then scrambled to my feet.Pain lanced through every part of my body at the sudden movement, a storm of agony that threatened to send me crashing back to the ground.I ignored it, hope surging in my chest like a lightning strike.

I felt it then—a cold hand of fear, pulling me back before I could let that hope take root.Reality here was cruel.

“Come where?”My voice cracked, betraying the desperation I’d tried so hard to hide.

She gestured with a jerk of her head toward theopengate.

I’d been tormented with illusions, whispers and cruel manipulations designed to break me.I’d seen shadows that weren’t there.Heard voices that didn’t belong to the living.I didn’t know what wasrealanymore.

I remained rooted in place, tugging on the tattered, bloodied hem of my shirt.

Her expression hardened.“Come with me before I change my mind.”

I delayed for a moment longer before stepping forward, my bare feet sliding against the slick floor.My legs buckled.I staggered, bracing myself against the wall as she strode ahead effortlessly, her back straight and movements fluid.

The path ahead wound into an endless ascent of stairs, every movement was a battle against the burning protest of my aching muscles.I forced myself to keep going, counting each step to keep myself anchored to reality.

One, two, three—

My lungs heaved with effort.Sweat beaded on my forehead, trickling down my temples and stinging my eyes.

The silence between us hummed with unspoken tension before the stairs finally gave way to a looming wooden door.

My mind spiralled with countless possibilities about what lay ahead, each darker than the last.What if it was another form of imprisonment—a crueller game?

Even if it was, anything would be better than the damp, suffocating cell.

I hope.

She pushed the door open.The space beyond—carved from a mountain itself—was a long hall lined with doors and burning torches.The air was different, carrying hints of incense instead of decay—a sweetness that made my head swim after so long of breathing nothing but rot.

She made her way to one of the doors, gesturing for me to go inside with a flick of her hand.I paused, not trusting any of it.I searched her face for any hint of the trap that surely awaited me.

“Bathe and eat,” she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.“Someone will come and help you change.”

Before I could utter a single word, she slammed the door shut, the sound echoing in the small space.I instinctively reached for the handle, testing it.

Unlocked.

That’s new.

The room was small but not suffocating.The smooth stone beneath my bare feet was a relief from the rough, uneven ground I’d been sleeping on.In the centre, a large bed dominated the space, its dark wooden frame carved with swirling patterns.Black linens draped over the thick, inviting mattress