There are many things in the world I completely despised. Between slow walkers, raisins, and people who think they are above me: feeling helpless was the thing I hated most.

Even somebody in my position, with the power to command a whole armies, create laws on a whim, and have people bowing before me... I still had the possibility to loose the things I cared about most.

I could only watch as the events unfolded before me. Screams rang out, blood being spilled, it was as if everywhere I looked something new was happening, and all too fast.

Then I saw Annalise...

"You will watch me the whole time, so if anything happens I know you will be there."

"If something goes wrong, you will find a way to be by my side no matter what."

At this point, the knights protecting our box had realized the situation at hand, taking position near the entrance. I was already trying to fight through them, but there was no use. I knew there were more guards behind the door, but I couldn't stop fighting. I had to find a way to her and keep my word.

My father's faint shouts through my rage of red was what caused me to look behind, only to see a new sight. Jack was fighting men off valiantly, trying to protect Annalise.

Not her... by the gods, not her.

"I don't know, I just feel like there are eyes watching me... everywhere I go."

"Damien, I think she's drank a little too much. She thinks somebody is trying to kill her."

The men broke through Jack's defenses, holding him down. Annalise was left cornered against the wall, frightened with nowhere to turn. The sight had my blood boiling, this shouldn't be happening- I am supposed to be by her side, always.

A boy took off their mask facing me first, as if they wanted me to see their identity.

Cole Reynolds.

I was banging on the window, trying to break through. I would've jumped to my death on the field if it meant I had a chance of saving Annalise from him. I had been so foolish, not listening to her worries for her safety.

The Bandlar Clan...

They had been planning, ready for this attack. Cole was bringing intel to them on my weaknesses, a perfect spy in hiding. I could only watch as he trapped her in his arms, and she was flailing in defiance. He forcefully placed a cloth on her mouth, and I wanted to tear his neck out.

My angel...

I let a tear fall as Annalise was scooped up into his back, her arm reaching out to me.

I'm so sorry, sweetheart.

I'm so sorry.

I felt a cold drop of water splash onto my face, waking me drowsily. My head was throbbing and my body felt exhausted, wanting more sleep-but I knew something felt wrong.

I reached up to wipe the water forming on my temple, yet sounds of clinging echoed around me. With a groan, I sat up and leaned my back against something rocky. My head was down as I peeled my eyes open; the first sight I saw since awakening were my hands shackled in chains.

This immediately sobered me up, viewing my surroundings with caution. The memories of being on the field came back, attacking my head all at once.

A tear slid from my eye at the thought of Damien's face as I was being taken away. It was as if he was being tortured; I had never seen him so ballistic or angry in my life.

He hated feeling helpless...

I wiped the tear plus my temple, realizing crying wasn't going to get me anywhere. I had to come up with a plan so that I could return to my loved ones, and I couldn't keep them waiting.

My first action was taking in my surroundings. It was very dark, only a torch shone next to me. I noticed how the walls caved in, and I was leaning against a rock like structure. Another droplet of water dripped onto my head, and I quickly wiped it off.

I was in a cave.

My second action: figuring out my kidnappers. If I knew who they were, I could figure out what they wanted.

Cole Reynolds...

I remember Jack telling me that Cole wanted to see me at the game, and now I understood. I knew that Jack wasn't apart of the plan or else he wouldn't have fought so hard to keep me safe.

Yet what is Cole's objective?

Who were the men he was with?

And why am I apart of this plan?

I felt like I was about to have a panic attack, I couldn't narrow down my thoughts into one conclusion. I felt like a book with too much information but never having a conclusion. The chains on my wrists made me feel helpless.

What am I doing here?

I tried pulling on them, my breathing becoming uneasy. The shadows of the small torch reflected my attempts on the wall, and I watched as my arms fell in defeat. I gazed at my wrists, wincing as I noticed the inflamed skin; my wrists were about to bleed from my attempts of escape.

I turned my hands around, noticing a indention in them for a key.

There is a possibility of escape!

Footsteps echoed around me, yet I had no idea from which direction. The cave was barely lit so I felt blind, cornered and trapped.

I saw their shadow before I saw their face, yet I had already knew their identity. I had danced with them before, and the aroma of mesgra was evident.

"The princess has finally woken from her slumber!" Cole sarcastically exclaimed, placing another torch in a handle. I rolled my eyes, hating the pet names.

"Are you thirsty?" He asked, patting a canteen strapped to his waist. My eyes curiously followed his motions, realizing how much I did want it. I looked back up to his gaze, wanting to flinch. His smirk was dangerous and frightful, an evil was hidden behind his eyes.

"I guess not," he sighed, opening the canteen. He took a few sips, then turned it upside down. My mouth watered as the water hit the floor, all to waste.

He was taunting me.

Cole crouched down to my level,"Princess, I don't understand you. If you would've fallen for me instead of the prince, this situation could've been so much easier."

"What situation? You kidnapping me and locking me in a cave?" I scowled, wanting more information while masking my words.

"This cave is my home." He stood up, viewing the walls with wonder, as if I was talking nonsense. A crazed look was evident in his eyes, and I understood the cave gave him comfort. "I grew up here, with a band of people who care for me. We are all working together to achieve one goal, which is more than I can say for the kingdom."

"Deltora is a kind place-"

"Open your eyes!" He yelled, and I flinched. The walls amplified his voice,"All kingdoms are ruled by people whom only care for themselves. The nobles, the Prince, the King; all they care about is power. The social hierarchy of the land is run by corrupt, greedy fools."

"The King is fair to his people-"

"The King is senseless and conceited. He believes nobody can pass through his walls, with how much 'power' he has acquired. The only way to be gain authority is if somebody has less. The more power they gain, the less it leaves to the people who don't have a say. The system will never end unless somebody stops it for good, starting with Deltora."

"And what does this have to do with me?" I spit out, angry at his words. Damien may be arrogant, but he cares for others and his kingdom. I could see it in his eyes as we walked through the Deltora fair; he viewed the streets with a proud perspective. He smiled as he noticed people laughing and dancing, trading and spending time with loved ones.

He loved his kingdom and his people.

"That's for you to find out," A smirk slowly rose on his face, he relished in knowing what I didn't. Cole blew out the torch remaining, taking his own with him. He left me in complete darkness, with just my thoughts, chains on my wrists, and still no water.

, writing all my thoughts down. The rest of the book is mapped out, but that almost makes it harder making me feel like I have a guideline.

This chapter was a bit of a filler, but I hope it gave you a little bit more of what's to come.

Cole is obviously apart of the Bendlar Clan, and they need Annalise for something... but what?

Guess you will have to keep reading to find out 🥰 I'm really glad you guys enjoy this book, and I'm sorry the updates take so long. I'm trying to keep up with online school as well as my mental health, so I don't want this to start feeling like a chore.

Thank you for your constant support. Share this book or put it in your list, vote and comment, I don't care if not though💕

I love you all!!