"So…" Raine blinked at me, the light from the window pouring over her shoulder.

I shook my head, backing away. "How did you get in here?"

Raine cracked her neck back, pulling on her hoodie strings. "It isn't that hard. I snuck through the grounds, scaled up the wall-"

"That's not what I meant," I stammered. "Why are you here?"

"Why?" She tapped her chin, walking over. "Why...cause I figured it out!" She flopped down on the bed, leaning on the bedpost. "You didn't exist five years ago, because you weren't here, not in this time."

"How does that make sense?" I scrunched up my nose. How much did she know?

A stupid grin on her face, she said, "Uh huh, sure, so what's up with all those maps and charts then?"

I loosened my shoulders. "How do you know about my maps?"

Raine inched back, moving down the quilt. "Oh...it's just…I-"

"It was you." I tightened my fists, marching towards her. "You broke into my apartment, you stole my stuff!"

She raised a snarl. "If it wasn't me, someone else would've done it. I did you a favor."

"What does that mean?" I hissed.

She rolled her eyes. "It means that you have a lot of people interested in who you are, they won't stop if I turn their money down."

"How is that a favor? Who paid you?" I growled.

She glared at me. "You can't expect me to tell you that. If people don't trust my silence, I don't make money." She crossed her arms, standing up.

"But this is important-"

"No it isn't." She shook her head. "Who, makes no difference."

"That's ridiculous, I have a right to know who you gave my maps to."

She loosened her shoulders, taking a breath. "I didn't give anyone the maps. I still have them."

"You have them?" My jaw fell. "Why would you take them?"

Raine shrugged. "You can have them back if you want. Honestly thought they'd be safer with me, you don't want them falling in the wrong hands."

I gawked at her, narrowing my eyes. That doesn't excuse stealing from me. "Was breaking into Drake's you too?" I asked.

She grinned. "A little too obvious? I need to work on my impressions." She gave a chuckle, averting her eyes. "Sorry if that caused you trouble."

What does she want? I frowned, scratching my head. "How did you know I would be on the train?"

"People have loose lips. Careful who you share secrets with." A smirk slipped out her lips.

Someone from Avarice told her? I sat down on the bed, rubbing my temples. "So are you here to drag me to Vitriol?" I lifted my eyes.

Raine's lips in a fine line, she shrugged. "I did get a call from Alaric, but I'll turn him down. It isn't everyday you meet a time-traveller." She slunk down beside me, the light shining off her honey brown eye. "I want to know what it's like?"

"What it's like…?" I folded my hands in my lap. Is that all? "I don't remember much about jumping through time," I muttered, the dream's dark abyss making me shiver. "But if you're talking about surviving this place...I don't really, I'm just stubborn."

Raine laughed, throwing a hand. "Are ya gonna answer all my questions like that?"

This is a waste of time. I stood back up, pacing the carpet. "You said Alaric called, will he send other people after me?" I asked.

Raine twisted a frown. "Sure, but I sounded interested, so that should buy you a little time."

"Will you take me?" I locked my eyes on her, standing straighter. This is my way out.

Raine's face went blank, she gave a nervous laugh, "You're joking?"

I shook my head. "Kismet's threatening to ship me off to him, why not beat her to it. I don't want to stay here."

"But you want to become a prisoner of war?" Raine snorted, tsking at me, "That's straight up stupid."

I dropped my fists, nodding. "If that's the price of getting out of here."

Raine stood up, scoffing, "Oh I see, you just think it'll be easier to escape from me." A menacing glare, she shook a finger at me. "It won't be. I don't fall for tricks, and I'm not stupid."

I raised my hands, my steps faltering. "I'm not trying to trick you...I just want to get away from this place. I'm at Kismet's mercy."

"And you'll also be at Alaric's mercy." Raine rolled her eyes. "This is the dumbest thing I've ever heard."

"Better to be trapped by choice," I growled, raising my chin. "I'm done with people deciding for me."

Raine shook her head, twisting a frown. "Take it from someone who grew up with Avarice's ridiculous propaganda, and learned most of it's crap. They got this right, Alaric is merciless. He will break you," she hissed.

I opened my mouth to speak, the sound of footsteps came closer to the door. Raine's eye went wide. "Shoot," she muttered, ducking against the wall. I froze, eyes on the door.

The footsteps slowed. "Phynley?" Kismet's voice echoed through the door, the handle turning. I grabbed onto it, holding the door shut.

"Yes?" I called back, Raine slowly inched away. I can't let Kismet find her.

Kismet sighed, pulling the handle again. "Are you going to let me in?"

"Why should I?" I hissed, motioning Raine away. She needs to go. Raine turned her eyes to the window, shuffling towards it.

"No need for the attitude…" Kismet tsked, rattling the door. "Did I mention, you have a visitor," she sang. What?

Who would be here? How…? Raine climbed up on the window seal, giving me a nod. "Good luck," she whispered before hopping out, the window swung shut.

I let go of the door, Kismet pushing. I snarled at her, "What do you mean I have a visitor?"

A bright smile, underneath the crimson band, she waltzed into the room. "I was surprised too. You've really captured the attention of world leaders."

"I don't understand..." I muttered.

"Just what I said." She grabbed my wrist, dragging me through the doorway. "Now let's not keep our guest waiting." She pulled me down the hall, a frenzie of nervous energy.

Something is going on, more than just strange mercenaries hopping windows. I pulled my arm free. "You still haven't told me anything," I hissed, keeping my steps with tile patterns.

"Patience, Phynley." Kismet tilted her head back. "Be cautious with decisions moving forward, you are not saved. If anything you're only putting more lives in danger." She latched onto my wrist again, yanking me forward. "The only way this ends smoothly is if you stay and help me."

Is Alaric here? I swallowed the lump in my throat, slowing my steps."Just tell me who it is?"

"Patience is a virtue," Kismet laughed, turning into another room. A huge window faced a garden path. The wall lined with shattered prophecies, light dancing off the glass. A man stood at the end of the room. His arms behind his back, dark curls silhouetted against the glow of the window. Oh no.

"The Commander of Avarice himself," Kismet announced, giving her hands a clap. Not Jude...not him. This is worse than Alaric.

Jude turned his head, a moment of fear in his blue-green eyes. "Phynley..."

I raced past Kismet, slowing as I stood in front of him. Fear twisted in my gut. "What are you doing here?"

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Kismet walked behind me, her voice over my shoulder, "The Commander is here to make a deal for your release." My heart pounded.

Jude met my eyes, clearing his throat. "I promise, I'm getting you out of here."

Kismet's grin mocking me, her laughter circling. You're only putting more lives in danger. I stepped away from him, shaking my head. "Please, don't worry about me. Think of Avarice, think of everyone else."

Jude frowned, his eyes wide. "You saved my life, let me save yours," his voice fell off key.

I squeezed my eyes shut, grabbing my head. "No, you can't, you really can't." The room blurred. I can't let this happen. They'll use this against us.

Jude rested his hand on my shoulder, his eyes softening. "I got you into this mess, let me get you out of it." The shadow of the trees danced through the window, they too laughed. Kismet circled us, snickering. "Careful not to show your softer side to Alaric," she warned.

"Alaric?" I turned my head. He's going to be here?

Kismet grinned. "I wouldn't make a deal with Avarice behind Vitriol's back. That would be treason."

Jude slipped his hand off my shoulder. "It's alright, this was my call," he said, walking towards Kismet. "When's the devil arriving?" he said.

"Twenty minutes." Kismet tilted her head. "He dropped everything when I called." She motioned to me. "Too desperate to get his hands on this one." Her sinister smirk asked me to reconsider her plan. I scowled at her, turning away. I'm not going to change my mind. Something moved in the shadows. Down the pathway, sheltered by the trees, Raine hid, a finger held to her lips. She's still here? A sly grin, she waved at me. What does she want? I still don't know…

Kismet strolled back to the door, tapping Jude on the shoulder. "And what do you plan to barter, Commander?"

"That's mine and Alaric's business," he huffed, straightening his jacket.

She raised her chin, smiling sweetly. "You won't even give me a hint?"

"Why would you expect one?" Jude said, moving towards the doorway. "Is there a room ready?"

"Yes, sure." Kismet tapped her chin, stalling her steps "I know well enough you're not bartering your life. Alaric can take that regardless." A smirk creeped over her lips. "You're taking a big risk in meeting him face-to-face."

Jude shrugged. "The council doesn't care about me. They'll run Avarice alone if I don't come back."

I blinked at him. "You seem so sure," I muttered.

His eyes flashed a moment of rage. "You and I already know the Council wants me gone, this would be a wonderful excuse."

Kismet snickered, pulling open the door. "Well isn't this interesting. Trouble in your own house, Commander?"

"It will be sorted shortly," he growled, passing through the door. "None of that concerns you." I had no idea.

"Of course." Kismet stepped into the hall, motioning for us to follow. "I can take you to the meeting room now."

I glanced back at the window, Raine gone from the shady spot. Maybe she finally left, Alaric's coming here anyway. I followed them to the door, fighting another wave of shivers. There's something I don't understand.

Kismet guided us, her fingers tracing the wall. She turned her head back. "Do you want her in the meeting or not?"

My eyes went wide, panic taking its grip. No, don't leave me out, please. Guilt in Jude's eyes, he moved his gaze away. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, "It'll be easier if you stay back."

I'm sick of this. Anger rising in my chest, I glared at both of them. My fate decided by others, I'm left out of the negotiation. Kismet shook a finger at me. "No pouting, Phyn. You still have the power to decide." Jude darted his eyes between us, stiffening. He has a right to be suspicious, Kismet has plans of her own.

"I've already decided," I growled, a slight glimmer in my heart beat. What? Searching back, only silence around me, the semblance of the rhythm gone. Did I imagine it? I swear it was there…even for a moment.

Kismet took a breath, a proud tilt of her head. "Suit yourself, Wanderer," she said.

Swinging open a door, she stepped inside the study. Bookcases lined the walls, different coloured leather books. Kismet turned around. "Will this do for your purposes," she asked. Two chairs faced out towards the window, twisting green hills in the distant view.

"This will work." Jude ventured in, giving a nod.

"Alright, then." Kismet paced back, taking hold of my wrist. "If you and Alaric kill each other, keep the blood off the fabrics. It stains terribly," she cackled, dragging me towards the door.

Jude sighed, sitting in one of the chairs. I fought to catch his eyes, being pulled away. "Don't do this!" I shouted. "Don't let them win!" I craned my neck, disappearing from the door's view.

Kismet huffed, "That's enough." She flung me into the next room, slamming the door shut.

I stumbled back, catching my feet. The lock clicked shut. I threw my fist at the door, shouting, You can't keep doing this!" I slid down to the floor, resting my head in my hands. "I hate you," I muttered. I don't know what to do.

"Now isn't this unfortunate," someone sighed. I flicked my head up.

Helios slouched in the corner armchair; a book in his hand. Not him. I tensed, getting up on my feet.

He grumbled, turning his page. A bandage tight on his arm. "Can we keep this civil, I've had enough excitement for one day."

A sick feeling stuck in my gut, I pushed the anger away. I nodded dully. "I don't want to fight either." I'm in enough trouble as it is.

He stood up, setting his book down. "You're sure the door is locked?"

"You think I want to be trapped in here?" I grumbled.

"No, but neither do I." He brushed past me, rattling the handle. "Why are you here?" he huffed.

I glared at him. "Kismet locked me in, I'm not allowed in the meeting."

"The meeting?" Helios blinked.

I kicked the wall, taking a deep breath. "Ya, the Commander of Avarice and the Fury of Vitriol, are meeting on the other side of this wall."

His eyes went wide. "You're kidding. I can't believe Kismet would give up that easily."

"Give up?" I laughed. "What's she supposed to do, make enemies of both Avarice and Vitriol?"

Helios shook his head. "I don't believe this...she was so sure."

So sure of what? I walked after him. "What's really going on here? What are you after?" He shut his mouth, waving me back. I rolled my eyes. "I'm so done with this-" my words stalled, Raine on the other side of the window. She scaled along the edge, a focused gaze. Meeting my eyes, she grinned, sticking her tongue out at me. "Raine…" I growled under my breath. What is she still doing here?

Helios gripped his head, eyes wild. "No...this is terrible. That impish rat is here," he stammered. Raine kept climbing, her teeth clenched, she focused her eyes across the sil.

"That's bad?" I tilted my head, the glare of the window in my eyes. "What's she doing?"

"Who knows...you only hire Raine if you're slimy, or desperate." Helios's face red, he shook his head. "If she's here while world leaders are talking…I can't imagine. Kismet needs to know."

I slouched into the chair, rolling my eyes at his panic. "Then start shouting, cause we're not going anywhere."

Helios wrung his hands, pulling on his hair. He turned his head, eyes lighting up. "Wait we have you! You can get us out of here!"

"No I can't!" I growled, standing up. "You drugged me, remember?"

He gave a sly grin. "Oh come on now, that's got to be wearing off soon."

"Why would you think that?" I crossed my arms. "You think Kismet would leave me alone if that was possible."

He straightened his lab coat, a proud grin. "Kismet wouldn't know, the serum is my design. If you really want to get out of here, this is your best chance." He held out his hand, wiggling his fingers. "Do you want to stay here forever?" The silver gleam in his eye, pleased with his plan.

Would he really sell out Kismet? "No..." I frowned, taking his clammy palm. "But, I'm not sure this will work."

He gave my hand a squeeze. "Go ahead and try."

Fine, whatever. I shut my eyes, nausea at his fake friendliness. I focused on my heartbeat, searching for a semblance of the rhythm. Very faint...I found it. Relief so real I couldn't breathe. We vanished, floundering to find some direction. The story-table caught my memory.

We appeared several feet above the table. Crap. Helios yelped. I flailed my arms, falling. I landed smack on the table, the ache running through my body. My vision blurred a second, refocusing.

A circle over a circle, I traced my fingers over the carving beside my head. A sun or rather an eclipse, the little detail somewhat out of place from the rest of the design. Flashes of memory, fear across Emery's face, backing away from a similar image. That symbol followed us...why?

Helios hopped off the table, dusting himself off. "Get out of here if you want, I'm not sticking around," he said.

I lifted my head, pushing the hair from my face. Helios slipped out of the room. Maybe he knows something I don't. I crawled to the edge of the table, the door swinging shut.

I should run, with the rhythm back, no one to drug me. I have a way out...but Jude's still here, risking his neck. I can't leave him. I jumped off the table, walking back towards the hall. The price of having a hero complex.

Cream floor tiles along the floor, I stepped over a chipped edge. The light of the sun falling behind clouds, warmth disappeared. Chilling silence, the quiet made my hair stand on end. There aren't many people here...Empty halls, soundless rooms. I haven't seen anyone else here, not one other person...this is weird.

I shut my eyes, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders. I even don't know how long I've been in this place.

A faint warping sound through the glass, the whirling of propellers. A helicopter...Alaric. I scampered across the floor, stumbling to stay on my feet. I have to get there before he does. Turning the bend, the door in sight.

Glass shattered past the door, I sprinted towards it. Yanking open the door, I froze. Bookcases knocked over, glass scattered across the floor. Jude stood back against the wall. The window gone, wind whipping into the room. Raine in front of the opening, her eye patch ripped off. An ugly scar over her eye. She raised hands above her head.

Helios held a gun at her, his grip shaking. "You're going to listen to me," he spat, eyes of a madman, his breathing ragged. Why did he come back?

Raine's lip quivered, she raised her snarl. "What do you want to say? That I put a bullet in his skull? Will that shut you up?"

Helios shook his head, his gaze scattered. "No...that's not enough...it's not enough-"

Raine burned a fiery glare, her hair falling over the scar. "That bullet was the best decision I've ever made. When you pull the trigger, will you feel the same?"