Freedom. That single word grasped Devorah by the throat with its strength and squeezed. That's all she's ever wanted. She would give anything to escape her cell because she had nothing to lose.

"What do I have to do?" Devorah let her curiosity take control. Her desperation consumed her, but that was only for her to know.

A sneaky grin tugged at Lina's thin pink lips as she stood up. "I'm glad you asked. You're going to be the backup for my guards. Ensure that they retrieve a Rogue, and eliminate any other threats that get in the way."

"So I'm there to kill."

"If that's what's necessary," Lina stated nonchalantly.

Lazarus clenched his jaw, frustration written on his expression. "I already said we don't need any assistance. My men and I are more than capable of obtaining a Rogue." His tone was anything but pleased.

"I am well aware of your-" Lina paused and faced Lazarus, her body moving towards his in a flirtatious manner- "capabilities as a man and a member of my council, but I believe this would provide Devorah with real experience using her abilities without it being a part of a training session." Reaching towards him, Lina dragged her skinny fingers over his chest, drawing small circles. His body stiffened and his jaw tensed. "Don't you agree, Lazarus?"

Breathing deep, his eyes closed only momentarily. "If that is what you wish, Lina." Lazarus practically melted with the slightest touch from her. He was wrapped tightly around her finger like the silver rings she wore.

Lina winked, pleased to hear his compliance. "Perfect. I'm glad you agree." She gripped the collar of his shirt and planted her lips gently on his.

Devorah cleared her throat, reminding the two that she was in the room. She wanted no part of whatever they had going on between them.

"Sorry, we can finish this another time," Lina's seductive words caused a smirk to fall on Lazarus's lips. Clearing her throat, Lina turned her focus back to the imprisoned girl. "Rogues scatter themselves in the mountains in groups. My men know the whereabouts to find them, so when you do, just remember your training."

Lina spoke nonchalantly as if executing people meant nothing to her, but Devorah unfortunately knew firsthand that it didn't matter to Lina who lived or died. "Anyways, I do not doubt that you and my men will obtain one for me, so as nightfall approaches, you'll gather at the fighting grounds. Any questions?"

Devorah had two questions come to mind, but it terrified her to know the answers. "What happens if we don't capture a Rogue, and why is it so important?" Her words barely above a whisper.

Lina crossed her skinny pale arms over her chest, studying Devorah with critical eyes. Her expression showed no evidence of any emotion as she held her gaze. But eventually, Lina's body returned to its natural relaxed state, placing her right hand on her hip. "We can discuss my plans in more detail once it's within the kingdom walls because I trust that if you desire freedom so badly, you'll do what you need to do to get it to me. Am I right?"

An ultimatum. Devorah knew that Lina would stay true to her word. If she didn't succeed, she would never taste freedom again, not that she remembered what it felt like anyway.

"To clarify, you will do what's necessary to get one back here. And to reiterate my answer to your question earlier, yes, you will kill anyone or anything that stands in your way. Otherwise, you can kiss your freedom goodbye."

Lina talked about killing like it was just another burden she buried without caring what the consequences were. But that's the problem with someone who only craves power. They don't dwell on consequences but instead do what's necessary to get what they want, and that's exactly what happened years ago. Devorah hated the memories that stained her mind. No matter how hard she tried pushing them out, they remained.

The only blood Devorah ever had on her hands was her parents. She glanced down at her trembling hands, as images flashed, causing jolts of electricity to shoot through her limbs and her head. Sucking in a sharp breath, she held her head gently. The pain was excruciating.

"Devorah? What's going on? Why are you holding your head like that?" Lina questioned, more so being nosey versus actually caring.

"Nothing, I'm fine," Devorah lied, focusing on her breathing and blinking rapidly to adjust her sudden blurry vision. This wasn't the first time this had happened. Something triggers these spasms of electricity that shoot through her body. While they have been tolerable before, the past few times have felt different; stronger in a way. She hasn't quite figured out what it means since none of her abilities are supposed to work in this cage.

Lina watched Devorah closely as she raked her eyes over her body. The imprisoned girl kept her legs pulled tightly against her chest, slowly lowering her hands from her temples. "That didn't look like you were fine. You're obligated to tell me if something is wrong. You may have to stay behind for this mission."

"No!" Devorah quickly answered, forgetting the pain she felt moments ago. "I'm fine, I can do this."

At first, Lina stared blankly at her like she contemplated listening to her plea. "Alright, but if I or anyone else see witness whatever that was again, you're off the mission. Understood?"

Devorah knew better than to argue with the keeper of her possible freedom around the kingdom. She had to play this game with Lina, no matter how dangerous and unpredictable she could be.

"Understood."