I frown, hearing what Niko says. "Give her to me."
As if I'm something to own or possess.
They both lay on the ground for a while. The only sound echoing off the cave walls is their heavy breathing. And after quite a long amount of time, I realize they've fallen asleep. Maybe they exhausted themselves while wrestling like they were. I couldn't tell if they were actually trying to hurt each other or if they were really just playing.
I let myself go back down on my side and watch them as their chests rise and fall. I have no idea what's going on, truly. A virus? Who are these people? Where exactly am I? I don't think I've ever been so confused in my life. Everything was so simple. Bad was bad, good was good. I woke up in the morning knowing what was going to happen throughout the day. I knew what I was going to do and I knew who I would encounter and how I would respond.
Life was so predictable. I liked it that way.
I had a morning routine, then I'd go to school. I'd take the back way to the class room to avoid some rowdy boys who I found out waited for me at the end of that main hallway. Then afterwards, I'd leave with my friend, Aubrey, who was able to ward off he same guys. Then I'd take the bus to the college and take my course there. Then join the school again for my last period, then I'd head home. Meeting my brother and walking with him.
If our father was home then I stayed in my room for the entire evening. If our father wasn't home then I was able to hang out with my family.
I have a harsh home life. But I've learned how to survive. I know. How to survive. I survive things that normal people who haven't lived like me would never be able to.
When my eyes open, I realize I had been asleep. Niko and Ky are still out cold.
I don't know if I'm allowed to leave the cell. I don't know what time it is. But the fire is out, so I assume it's been quite a while. Maybe morning? I'm unsure.
"Good morning," I hear one of the guys say. I look at their faces. Niko's eyes are open. He's smiling at me. His eyes are their normal teal color so I assume they're back to normal. But I'm still not coming out. I look down, uncomfortable with being watched. I observe the imperfections in the carved out stone. I wonder how long they've been here. Long enough to care a home out of stone?
"Hm, you're shy," I hear Niko comment. I glance up at him, but only for a second then I look back to the ground, just to have him respond, "Oh, c'mon, Little Thing. Why don't you look at me?"
I take a deep breath, but I don't look up at him. I don't want to converse with him or have any of his attention.
I hear him get up. I look up as he comes up to the bars. "I'll let you choose. If you stay with Ky, you will become and enemy to me. And I will not treat you kindly. But if you decide to come with me, now. I will treat you like a queen. I'll give you your family, I will keep you safe."
My eyes drift back down. Become an enemy of Niko? I don't know anything about him, so how do I know what that means? Is what he's telling me true? Give me my family? I don't know what he means by any of this.
I look up to his grinning face. He says, "You are different." His head tilts to the side, as if trying to make sense of me. "How come you haven't changed?"
My eyebrows draw together, "Why is that your business?" I ask, annoyed that he's stayed so long. Talking to me while his brother is still in unconscious. He doesn't need to be here. And I'll make no deal with him.
He tsks. "So disobedient, Little Thing."
"Stop calling me that." I protest.
"So she does have a voice," he says. I can see the mischief in his eyes. I don't trust him.
My eyes focus past Niko. Ky's waking up. He groans softly and rubs his eyes gently before sitting up. His position is childlike. His legs are spread out and his hands pressed against the stone in front of him. He looks over at me, then Niko and he frowns. "What do you want, Niko?"
Niko doesn't take his gaze off of me, "Nothing of your concern, Brother of Mine."
Ky stands up and walks toward us. "Are you done?" He asks, towering over Niko who could care less about his existence. And hasn't taken his eyes off me.
"She's gorgeous isn't she, brother?" Niko asks. His eyes are still on me. Talking as if I'm not here.
I look up and make eye contact with Ky. He has a skeptical look on his face. I watch him look me over then look at Niko, "Leave her be."
"You only say that because I'm right." Niko smirks at me. "And you don't want me to steal her."
I look away from the both of them.
"So, Dylan. Made your decision yet?" Niko asks. I don't bother to look in his direction.
"What decision?" I hear Ky ask.
"Whether or not she wants to stay with you or go with me." Niko responds.
Ky scoffs, "There's no way she's going with you. She's going to stay here with me."
Niko chuckles, "Changed your mind, did you, Kyler?"
Was I kidnapped by perverts or something? These shameless men are going to drive me crazy! "And what if I don't want to stay with either of you?" I ask, looking at them.
Their attention is drawn back to me. "What did you say?" Ky asks.
I get up off the bed, standing. "I said: 'what if I don't want to stay with either of you'."
Niko stands. "Then you're fair game for us or the Shadows."
I frown, standing my ground, "Take me home. One of you. Now. I want to go back to my family."
Niko snickers, looking at Ky who instantly looks uncomfortable. "She thinks they're still alive."