I start to wake up and feel the soft bed under me and I smile. I snuggle into the blankets and feel grateful it was all a dream. It had felt so real. I start thinking about what to grab for lunch when I hear a scratching noise. Lifting my head and opening my eyes I see Fig on the floor trying his hardest to scratch a little blue collar off. Then reality hits me hard. It wasn't a dream.
And I was in a bed inside of an unknown room. I jump up quickly scaring Fig. "Where are we?" I ask panicking. "Calm down... from what I know, we are inside the dark fae's castle. We can't leave the room because it's warded so we have to wait for Rune to show up." Fig says angrily. Suddenly my memory starts catching up. The food, the tea... it had been his doing. Why?
Why was he doing this? I look around the room and notice how nice it is. The sun was slowly setting outside and was cutting into the room washing everything in a warm light. Under different circumstances, I would have admired it. I heard Fig struggling and found him twisting on the floor. "What are you doing?" I ask confused. "That jerk put a collar on me. On ME! I'll chew him a new one as soon as I get my paws on him!" Fig said angrily. He was so angry he was practically foaming at the mouth.
"Let me take it off," I say kneeling down. I try pulling it, twisting it, ripping it but nothing would work. "What kind of collar is this?" I ask aggravated. "One that neither one of you are capable of taking off," Rune says walking into the room. I quickly stand as Fig runs straight for Rune. Before I can even react Rune waves his hand and Fig is floating around in the air. Which seemed to upset the little guy even more. "Don't hurt him!" I say worried.
"I will not hurt your little friend. We need to talk." Rune says sitting down on a chair. "You think? You lied to me and you tricked us. Why?" I ask standing my ground. "I have my reasons but before I tell you those reasons I want to know what you have that Ryder wants," he says watching me. "And if I don't tell you?" I ask. Rune gives me a dark smile that doesn't reach his eyes as he says "Well love, I have all the time in the world." I grit my teeth as I stare at him.
This was a clear challenge and unfortunately, it was one I wouldn't win. I look at Fig as he floated around in loops. If I wasn't mistaken I'd say the little guy looked a little nauseous. I had to think of something and fast. I took a deep breath and sat down across from Rune. "If I tell you everything... You have to promise not to hurt Fig and I. Deal?" Something shifted in his eyes as he quickly hid it and nodded saying "You have my word. I will make sure no one hurts you or Fig." He says seriously.
I nodded and started at the beginning. I told him everything including the fact I was human and how I somehow came here. Rune didn't say a word throughout the entire time. But his eyes were saying a lot. I could tell he was thinking..weighing everything I said. I sat quietly and waited. He watched me without saying a word. After a few minutes, he stood up and left. He didn't say a word.. didn't even look back as he walked out. I'm worried.
Fig slowly lowered to the ground. Fig didn't say a word but walked over the fluffy rug and laid down. "Are you okay?" I asked concerned. Fig doesn't say anything or even look at me. "Fig? Are you mad at me?" I walk closer. Fig throws up all over the rug. I run the bathroom and get a wet rag. I pick Fig up and slowly wipe him. "Are you okay?" I asked worried. Fig nods his little head and curls up in my arms.
"I think you did the right thing. Once fae give their word it's binding. He won't let anyone hurt us.. I just don't know if we can completely trust him. He's someone we can't go up against. I'm sorry Syn.. I'm not strong enough." He said the last part in a whisper and it breaks my heart. "You are perfect the way you are Fig. If you weren't here with me... I don't know what I'd do." I say as I gently hug him. I didn't care if he could protect me or not, Fig was my friend and quickly becoming my family. I won't let anyone hurt him.