Page 98 of Crossed Fates

When we reached the bottom of the steep staircase, and I peeked around again.

Concrete walls, floor, and ceiling, all with water stains. We’re in a big room, but there are hallways to the left and right.

“Put her in the first cell,” the cultured voice called down the stairs. “It’s empty.”

Emptycell?What are the others filled with?

What about cells?Alaric asked.

They’re putting me in the first one because it’s empty,I explained.I’m guessing that means there are other girls here.

Savannah?he asked, hopeful.

I don’t know yet.

Hulk Junior turned to the left.

I shut my eyes, uncertain of where the third captor had gone.

It took years of training to keep myself from crying out in pain and cursing a blue streak when HJ tossed me onto the cold, hard floor. My shoulder took the brunt of it, my arms twisting at an awkward angle behind me because of the cuffs.

Makayla?

I’m fine,I gritted out.Just becoming acquainted with my new cell.

HJ shuffled away, and the cell door slammed shut with a haunting squeak before the lock clicked into place. Then the giant’s stomps faded down the hall.

I waited a beat, listening intently.

Chains clinked nearby, suggesting the presence of other captives.

A wheeze in the distance tickled my ear.

And the soft thuds of feet heading upward.

Nothing else. No one breathing nearby. No whirring sounds of technology. Just me and my own heartbeat.

I slitted my eyes to confirm what my ears had already told me.I’m alone.

Alaric’s relief was palpable.Can you free yourself?

Yeah, but it’s going to take me a minute to handle my cuffs.Because they were behind my back and my arm still smarted from the rough treatment. Not to mention the residual effects of the drugs.

Whatever they’d dosed me with was seriously potent.

But I had this.

Just needed to squirm a little.

I bit my lip to keep from crying out as I righted my arms behind me. It hurt like a son of bitch, shooting pain up my limbs as I situated myself into a position I could work with.

A countdown started naturally in my head. By the seventy-two-second marker, I found the release on my shackles. Traffickers always invested in cheap shit, especially when handling girls. It certainly came in useful in these types of situations.

With a little twist, I slipped the metal from my wrists and set them quietly on the floor before stretching out my abused body. Then I slowly rose to my feet and tested my balance.A little sore, but I’m okay,I told Alaric, sensing his concern.

I cleared my throat and focused on my surroundings once more, feeling more at home with every cataloged detail.

Same stunning décor in my cell. Water-stained concrete, more water-stained concrete. Except there are chains screwed into the walls. Silver, from the looks of them. Same with the bars. As far as dungeons go, this certainly ranks higher than the one you found me in back at the bar. It’s more like...I trailed off as memories tumbled through my thoughts.