Enslaved

Chapter 47

Chaos is the beginning, yet it shall always be the end. Barely any time had passed since I had penetrated the line of defence of the hunters guarding my prison when a powerful earthquake shook the entire structure. Debris had rained, making everyone find shelter, leaving the fragile humans an easy target. I was winding my way through the destroyed stone hall in complete darkness with Raph breathing heavily under my chin. I soothed his back while looking out for any trap or ambush. I was half suspicious that Byron, somehow, had something to do with the earthquake. But I had no time to think. If he was here, then I had very little time to waste. A movement upfront made me freeze, bracing Raph; I got ready to fight but,

"Your Majesty?" it rasped out.

"Jeff?"

"They killed him." He stumbled in my direction, tripping but catching himself.

I supported him with one arm, hugging Raph with the other.

"What are you saying?"

"Chaz." He coughed and winced. I noticed a silver stake embedded in his chest close to his heart.

"They killed him," I stated.

"Yes, because they thought-"

"That Carl was bound to him."

"Yes." Raph whimpered and hugged me tighter; I could feel him shaking.

Clenching my jaw, I tried not to give into my fury. Suddenly, Jeff lost his balance and fell,

"We have to get this stake out of you, now."

"I can feel it brushing my heart," He groaned, "I can't take it out like that; it has to be quick and precise like the doctor."

I kneeled in front of him, positioning Raph and gently took hold of the stake. Jeff froze, resigning to his fate. Licking my lips, I held my breath and focused.

Applying pressure on its end, in the direction of the heart, I made sure that the heart was out of the way,

"Look at me!" I commanded, making his eyes snap at me, "Hold still and don't you dare give up! Your wife and daughter are waiting for your return. You have to survive to bring justice to your fallen partner. You hear me?"

He nodded mutely, his fingers boring into the wall as his grip tightened with determination.

"On the count of the three. Raph, could you count for us?"

Sniffing, he pulled away from my now damp shoulder and whispered a small okay.

"Good, count."

"One," I positioned my arm.

"Two," My hold tightened on the stake.

"Three!" In a swift movement, I had it pulled out, making his blood spatter on my clothes and neck. He gasped, his hand now punching a hole in the wall, making him bleed more. I tried to contain his bleeding, but it wasn't stopping. Before I could do any more, I heard someone approaching us at a supernatural speed.

"Quick! He's bleeding!" I didn't bother looking up.

They paused for a brief second, taking in everything and in the next second, I could hear cloth tearing and liquid jiggling. Docile feminine hands covered mine. I pulled back, momentarily surprised to see Lilac here.

Noticing my stare, she gave me a sideways grin and continued expertly dressing his wound.

"You're a doctor?" I raised a brow.

"Side hobby." Her grin increased.

"Honour to meet you, Prince Raphael." she smiled enchantingly, making Raph blush.