---- Carefully, I cupped it in my hands.noveldrama

Its fur was soft, its wing thin as parchment beneath my fingers.

It's okay, I murmured, though I wasn't sure if I was reassuring it or myself.

And I see it's eyes softening.

As if it trusted me.

As if it could understand me.

T won't hurt you.

Settling myself against the cold stone wall, T examined its injuries.

The wing was bent, the thin membrane torn in places, and I swallowed hard, knowing it wouldn't be able to fly like this.

Ineed to help it fly again.

I tugged at the tattered hem of my dress, tearing a strip of fabric free.

The sound was sharp in the oppressive silence.

Carefully, I wrapped the wing, my fingers trembling as I worked.

It was absurd, really this tiny, helpless thing surviving in a place where even the strongest struggled to endure How can it live in the darkness? ---- eee How is it surviving? What about food? Water? Safety? You're brave, I murmured, more to fill the silence than anything else.

Braver than [ am.

The bat shifted slightly in my palm, its tiny claws curling around my finger, its movements were weak but trusting.

and for the first time in days, a faint smile tugged at my lips.

Its breathing had steadied, its tiny body relaxing against my palm.

See? I said softly.

You'll be flying again soon, I whispered, as if my voice alone could will it to heal.

The bat let out a faint squeak, as if it understood me.

And the next few days, it was my constant companion.

I talked to it ---- Made a friend with it.

Hid it from the guards.

And soon a few days later, it was ready for its flight.

Ready to leave safety.

Ready to leave me.

I was reluctant.

I wanted it to stay.

But then I remembered Damiens words and I knew I couldn't keep it.

Let yourself fly.

Dont ever let anyone cut your wings.

Tle was right.

This bat was born to fly.

And that's what it will do Thad no right to keep it here Setting it on the edge of the small window, I helped it prepare for its great flight.

And just like that, it spreads its wings, squeaks in a shrill voice, as if ---- eee = thanking me.

And then I watch it fly away from in between those metal rods.

The feeling was complex.

I was happy, yet sad But without a doubt, that spark of helping others, giving the needful returned.

And that light they all have been trying to kill in me? Flickered again to only light brighter.

I will soar.

Just like this bat.

And I swear I will not do it alone.

I will make all the woman here break their shackles and excape this prison.

I will reach them to rise higher, faster, so that no one could ever imprison them again.

As I turned around to settle in my spot I felt it again that prickle at the back of my neck.

The unmistakable sensation of being watched.