Page 164 of A Fate so Cruel

Rion spent the time securing provisions. He ran small packs to the mountain’s edge one at a time, stashed water in various locations, and prepaid for a room in a village they’d eventually pass through.

He prayed everything would go according to plan.

The month came and went, then Rion stood before two dozen frightened half-breeds in a secluded garden room on the outskirts of the palace They watched him, eyes wide anduncertain. Five looked ready to outright sprint back to their rooms.

With the late hour, the children slept in their parent’s arms. None were older than five. If they woke before Rion got them out of Nàdair, he’d have a problem on his hands.

Rion pulled a pair of bolt cutters from his bag and offered them to Cara. She extended her wrists, body shaking, and Rion easily cut the chain from the shackle. He needed to keep those on for now, just in case they were stopped by any guards along the way.

Rion went down the line and iron chains hit the ground one after another.

“Is everyone ready?” Most didn’t respond, but Cara nodded. Rion gestured to the packs lining the walls. “There’s enough food to get us to Levea. Grab one and keep quiet until we clear the forest. We won’t stop until dawn.”

Three picked up their packs and slung them across their backs. Rion listened to their rapid heartbeats as they readied themselves for the long journey.

The others merely stared, still weighing their options.

“Stay if you want,” Rion said. “No one is forcing you.”

“This is madness,” a male whispered and backed away. His gaze flickered to Rion, then to Cara. “Don’t you see? He’s going to take us out there and get us all killed.”

“And what possible motivation would I have?”

“What motivation do you have for setting us free? What do you get out of this?”

Rion clenched his jaw. He could have told the male any number of things, but those truths were too close to his heart. Too deep to explain to a stranger. Instead he said, “Nothing.” The others still hadn’t moved. “Again, the choice is yours.”

The male backed away, but Cara stepped toward him. “It’ll be okay. We’ll all be together.”

He shook his head. “I can’t—I saw what happened to—” he cut himself off. His throat bobbed. “I can’t go through that.”

“You won’t,” she tried again, but the male was still backing away.

“Are you going to sell them out?” Rion asked, his voice harsh.

“Never. I won’t say a word, but I can’t—” He choked and tears fell. “I’m sorry.”

The male turned and darted down the hall, his footsteps too loud for Rion’s liking. Rion waited for others to follow, but they all turned to Cara, as if waiting for her response.

“Can you trust him?” Rion asked. He hadn’t scented a lie, but one could always change their mind.

“Yes.” Cara’s voice was full of sadness and longing. “If I could just have a minute—”

“There’s no time,” Rion interrupted. He peered through the glass. “We move in three minutes.”

A tear escaped down her cheek, then the half-breed steeled herself and grabbed a pack. The others did the same.

“We’re ready.”

Rion peered outside again. The guard stood. “Move fast and silent.” He opened the side door and a crisp breeze flew in, carrying with it the scents of the night. Rion’s eyes adjusted to the darkness quickly. He prayed the half-breeds would as well.

Rion crept through the rose garden with hurried steps. The half-breeds followed, Cara leading the way.

Her resolve settled the others. Rion only wished it had done the same for that other male.

He had a right to be afraid. He wondered what Rion stood to gain by setting them free. He was worried Rion had some sinister ulterior motive behind his kindness. Rion would have likely thought the same if he were in the male’s position. But the prospect of freedom seemed to outweigh the fear for the others.

Freedom for themselves. For their children and future generations. Freedom from a lifetime of beatings and fear and being told they were worthless.

---