Avalor's towering appearance blocked the exit, his gaze narrowing as it traveled from me to X. The strain in the air was obvious, like a thread stretched taut and about to snap. The blood pumping raced in my chest, and I strained to breathe steadily.
"What are you doing here, Melissa?" Avalor's voice was frigid, but beyond the surface, I could sense the menace.
I took a step back, pressing the book more tightly to my chest. "I… I just wanted to know the truth about my parents."
Avalor's gaze clouded. "And what do you expect to find in that book? Lies? Stories intended to confuse you?"
"I'm not confused." My voice was stronger than I felt. "I know what's at stake."
X came forward, putting himself between Avalor and me. "She should know everything. You've kept too many secrets."
Avalor's gaze shifted to X, and a muscle in his jaw tightened. "You've been interfering where you shouldn't. And now you've endangered her."
"I was protecting her from you," X said. "She has the right to decide her own fate."
"This isn't about her," Avalor insisted. "It's about a prophesy. If the wrong people learn—"
"You mean if you don't get to use the baby's power," X interjected.
Avalor's eyes heated with anger as he moved closer to us, giving out a low growl. "You don't understand what's at risk here."
"Then tell me!" I demanded, moving out from behind X. "Stop treating me like I'm some pawn in your game."
Avalor glanced at me, his eyes serious, studying my face as if he was debating whether to tell me the truth. "You don't realize what this child signifies. It isn't just about power; it's about survival. The prophesy has the potential to either save or destroy humanity."
"And what makes you think you're the one who gets to decide?" I challenged. "Why not let me choose?"
"You don't know what you're asking for," Avalor stated gently. "This isn't only about you, Melissa. It is about everyone. The entire supernatural realm."
"That's exactly why I should be the one to decide!" This is my child. I will defend them, not you."
Avalor's face relaxed briefly. "I do not want to hurt you. If I have to choose between you and the world, you know what I'll do."
My heart fell as he said those words. I had always feared this moment, but hearing it spoken made it more real. "What if I refuse to go along with your plan? So, what happens next?"
"Then you'll leave me with no choice," Avalor murmured, his voice barely audible.
X came closer to me, his voice low. "Melissa, we need to leave. Now."
Avalor's gaze shifted to X, and his voice became chilly. "You're not taking her anywhere."
I could feel the stress mounting, like if a storm was about to hit. My attention moved between the two guys, each driven and eager to battle for what they believed in.
"Avalor, please," I begged. "Don't make me choose between you and my child."
Avalor halted, and for a brief time, I thought I saw something in his eyes—perhaps remorse or confusion. But when his jaw tightened, I knew what his conclusion would be.
"You've already made your choice," he continued, his voice empty of passion. "Now, I have to make mine."
Without saying anything, he charged at X, his motions swift and accurate. X hardly had time to respond when Avalor pinned him to the wall, his fingers around his throat.
"Stop!" I yelled out and rushed forward. But before I could approach them, one of Avalor's guards appeared out of nowhere, grabbed my arms and yanking me back.
"Let him go!" I strugglef with the guard's hold, but he was too powerful. "Avalor, don't do this!"
Avalor did not answer, instead focusing solely on X. "You should have stayed out of this. Now you've put her in much greater danger."
X gulped for air and his voice strained. "You're… the one… who's… dangerous."
Avalor's hold tightened, and X's face got red, his eyes bulging as he strained for air. "Please!" I begged, and tears flowed down my cheeks. "Don't kill him!"
Avalor paused, his attention shifting to mine. For a minute, I assumed he'd listen and stop. But then his gaze hardened, and I realized he had made up his decision.
"Get her out of here," Avalor instructed the guards. "Take her to her room and don't let her leave."
"No!" I yelled, but the soldier hauled me away with a firm grasp on my arms. "Avalor, please!"
The soldier escorted me out of the room, and I noticed X's face twist in agony and Avalor's grip tighten on his neck.
The door slammed shut behind me, and the sound echoed down the corridor. I battled against the guard, but it was ineffective. He was too strong.
They brought me back to my room, the door closing behind me, a sensation of helplessness swept over me.
I'd lost. Avalor had prevailed, and X was now suffering the price.
But even as I collapsed on the floor, fatigued and beaten, I knew I couldn't quit up. I needed to find a way to safeguard my child and break free from Avalor's grasp.
I forced myself to stand, leaning heavily on the cold metal bed frame. My thoughts raced over every imaginable escape route and scheme, but each one was confronted with the hard reality of my restricted alternatives.
Suddenly, footsteps in the passageway drew my attention. The guard who had brought me here was now conversing quietly with someone. I couldn't understand the words, but the desperation in their voices made my heart accelerate. This could be my opportunity.
I moved towards the door, straining to hear. The argument appeared to become more heated, and a key turned in the lock. My breath became locked in my throat. I had to act quickly. I waited till the footsteps subsided before cautiously approaching the door. With shaky hands, I bent my ear to it, listening closely. The voices went away, leaving just quiet. I had a little window of opportunity.
Taking a deep breath, I looked about for anything that may assist me in the room—a sharp edge, a concealed tool. My gaze rested on a little, rusted nail jutting from the corner of a damaged drawer. It wasn't much, but it could have been enough to pick the lock.
I worked on the lock, my hands shaking. Finally, with a gentle click, the lock was freed.
I cracked the door a little and looked outside. The corridor was dimly lit and vacant. My heart hammered as I walked outside, moving as softly as I could. Each step seemed like a modest win over the immense odds that were against me.
The corridor stretched ahead, poorly lighted, apparently forever. I though about stepping out but my feet wouldn't take me, no matter what I did, Avalor would keep finding me. It felt like a no-win situation at this point.
I locked the door and collapsed back on my bed, crying.