Moana
I stood frozen, my mind racing with the weight of his words. What does he mean? I couldn't say. But I want to end all these. I wanted to get away from him soon.
Just then, Jericho brushed his gun against my neck, making me wince at the feeling of it, "Get lost," He said, gruffly.
I immediately turned to leave, but Jericho's next words stopped me in my tracks, "You should quit your job,"
I felt a stinging hurt, but I said nothing. After all, I'm just his slave.
I trudged wearily down the hallway, tears streaming down my face. The weight of my situation felt crushing, and I couldn't help but wonder if things would ever get better.
Just as I was approaching my room, I felt a gentle hand grasp my arm. I turned to see Lucas, his eyes filled with concern and compassion.
"Hey, Ana. I'm so sorry. I feel like I've failed you," He said softly, once we got to his room.
Then Lucas enveloped me in a warm hug. I felt a lump form in my throat as he apologized again and again for not being able to protect me.
"It's not your fault, Lucas. You can't control what he does. He's a devil," I whispered, trying to reassure him.
But he pulled back, and locked his eyes on mine, "I feel so useless. I want to help you, but I don't know how. I'm just a member, and you're his slave," He muttered, simultaneously, feeling sober.
I saw the anguish in his eyes, and my heart went out to him. He was trapped in his own way, just like me, "How can I tell my boss that I'm in love with his slave?" Lucas asked, barely above a whisper.
Lucas took my hands in his, eyes burning with determination, "But I promise you, we will escape. Soon. I'll make it happen, no matter what it takes," He added, and I smiled, hugging him once again.
~•~~
I crept through the shadows, my heart racing with every step. I had to find Lucas, had to know what had happened. The whispers of his failure echoed in my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. He was someone important, and it guaranteed him some little freedom.
Finally, I reached the prison where they were holding him. I slipped inside, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. Lucas lay on a pallet, his body bruised but unchained. He looked up, startled, as I approached.
"Ana, what are you doing here?" He whispered, concern etched on his face. I ignored his question, focusing on his wounds. I pulled out a small pouch of herbal medicine, carefully applying it to his bruised skin.
"How did you know about herbs?" Lucas asked, narrowing his eyes in surprise.
"My mom taught me. When I was younger, my brother would always try to figure out her secrets, but she'd just say 'one day, you'll know.' I wasn't really interested, to be honest. I preferred weaving and reading fantasy novels," I replied, smiling wistfully.
"Your mom sounds like a wise woman," Lucas chuckled, winking at me. I nodded, continuing to tend to his wounds. After I finished applying the medicine, Lucas winced in pain.
"I'm alright. Just continue," He said, waving his hand dismissively. I smiled, pouring some of the medicine into a small cup, "You need to drink this," I said, holding it out to him.
Lucas made a face, "It's going to taste awful, isn't it?" He pouted dramatically, looking at me keenly for an answer.
I nodded, trying to hide a smile, "A bit. But trust me, it'll help,"
Lucas hesitated, then opened his mouth. I took a sip of the medicine, leaning in close to him. Before he could react, I spit the medicine all over his face, making him gulp some of it down.
His eyes widened in surprise, and he frowned at me, "That wasn't funny," He said, a little bit serious, but I knew it was all a lie.
I laughed, feeling a bit mischievous, "Sorry. I just couldn't resist. Can't I joke with you anymore?"
Lucas shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips, "We should sleep for a while. I can't sleep, anyway,"
I nodded, settling down beside him. As we lay there, Lucas turned to me, his eyes serious, "Ana, I need you to promise me something," He said, in a low tone but sounds quite urgent.
"What is it?" I asked, my heart skipping a beat. His gaze locked onto mine, I saw his eyes burning with intensity, "Whatever happens, promise me you won't stop loving me,"