Page 49 of Us Dark Few

“He told her that if she tried pulling a stunt like that again, stealing from another prisoner’s cell, he would have the Warden reassign her to surface duty. You should’ve seen her face, Khalani, whiter than a ghost.” Serene grinned.

Khalani fiddled with her fingers, lost in thought. It made sense. Takeshi had to ensure thievery wasn’t permitted in Braderhelm. That was the only logical explanation.

“I don’t understand why she’s had it out for me. She thought I was getting in her way with Captain Steele, whatever the hell that means.”

“Wow.” Serene’s eyebrows raised. “Makes so much more sense now.”

“What does?”

Serene whispered through the bars, “Dana’s trying to get close to Captain Steele so he can help her escape. Some of the other prisoners have tried, and their punishments were brutal. She must think you have the same plan.”

“Does she actually think that will work?” Khalani gave her an incredulous look.

“Of course not.” Serene scoffed. “But prisoners here will do anything, and I meananything,if they think it will help them escape.”

Escape. No prisoner had ever escaped Braderhelm Prison. The meaning danced around the confines of her mind like a fleeting bird, long extinct.

The alarm rang, and Serene glanced away in disappointment. “I gotta go. Try not to die before I see you again.”

“Thanks, Serene. Would I be a bad person to say that I’m sad and happy you’re in Braderhelm?” Her own honesty bewildered her.

Serene’s eyes lightened. “If you are, then that makes me a badperson too.”

Khalani wasn’t fond of physical affection. She hated giving hugs like she was allergic to them, but she wished the bars would disappear.

In another world, she would hug Serene for all the times she stayed when Khalani was surrounded by herself for too long. In another world, they would be free.

But the only place freedom resided in was dreams. And in death.

***

Khalani practically ran up the steps to the library after she received the go-ahead from the doctor to return to her shifts. Her knuckles rasped against the door, and she let herself in at the soft sound of music. A masculine voice, dripping with melancholy, sang over the player.

Despite her reservations, Khalani’s mouth churned up. She missed this more than she realized. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she breathed in the aroma of books and the gentle warmth of the library.

Winnie sat at the rusted desk, her back facing Khalani. She was huddled over a decrepit black journal, the fragile corners of the book cracked and folded in.

How old was that thing?

Khalani squinted at the new selection of books on Winnie’s desk. The titles were barely visible:The Great Gatsby, Gone With the Wind, Pride and Prejudice.

She frowned. Strange names.

“Hey, Winnie,” she said.

Winnie gasped and threw the journal up in surprise. The black object fell to the floor in a heap, and Khalani reached down.

“Here, let me grab that for you.”

“No!” Winnie yelled, hastily grabbing the journal. Winnie’s face went pale as she clutched the book to her chest. She turned to the record player, turning down the volume. “Goodness gracious, Khalani. You almost scared the cave lights out of poor Winnie.”

Khalani raised her palms warily. “I didn’t mean to scare you, Winnie. I finally got assigned back here. Did George tell you why I couldn’t make it?”

The rigidness in Winnie’s muscles eased with each gulp of air she took. She tucked the old journal in a drawer. “Yes, my dear. George told old Winnie. Horrible thing that happened. Are you okay? Winnie can make you some tea,” Winnie offered with concern in her eyes.

“I’m fine, Winnie. Promise.”

Winnie’s shoulder’s sagged in relief. “Thank goodness. Winnie was so worried about you. She’s delighted you’re back. The book is going along quite well. Winnie hoped to test your ear with a few pages, see if the wording flows.” Winnie gave her a warm smile.

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