The Cursed: Book Three in The Tainted Series by Anna Hill

Author:Anna Hill [Hill, Anna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LiberWriter.com
Published: 2020-02-20T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

She curled her nose up as the detestable, rancid stench of the dark, desolate cell washed over her. She would never have visited this repulsive cesspool if it weren’t for her currently dire situation.

As soon as the young general had departed her office, Neala had taken a moment to gather herself, to come to grips with the terrifying reality that loomed before her. Once she’d felt able, she’d left her office, taking great care to keep her outward appearance calm and controlled, though her mind was still reeling. She’d made her way straight to the archives, already knowing precisely what she’d needed to find.

After verifying her security clearance with the wrinkled, timeworn Aillil historian who cared for the equally decrepit collection of ancient artifacts, Neala had headed to the far corner. Cold sweat had dripped down between her shoulder blades as she’d fought to keep her movements slow and measured. She’d flipped through the seemingly never-ending collection of archaic maps, her anxiety rising with every disappointment.

When only a single document had remained, Neala had paused momentarily. She’d closed her eyes, feeling her heart beat so loud she’d feared it’s sound might echo within the eerily quiet room. If this wasn’t the map, if it wasn’t here…

“Show yourself!” she barked into the shadows, lashing out with vehemence as she pushed away the memory of her futile search of the archives.

A soft shuffling sounded from the corner of the cell, followed by a faint groan. A few seconds later, a tall, emaciated figure stumbled out of the darkness, slowly making his way toward her. The once imposing man came to a halt a few feet in front of where she stood, swaying slightly with the effort of remaining upright. His gaunt face glared defiantly at her, but the deep, dark circles under his once brilliantly green eyes betrayed the terrible toll the past years had taken on the now skeletal man.

“How kind of you to grace me with your esteemed presence,” his voice rasped from disuse. “To what do I owe this honor?” he bent forward slightly in a mock bow, though his glowering eyes remained locked upon hers.

“I have a feeling you know why I’m here,” Neala growled at him, unimpressed by his marked sarcasm.

The man stood as tall as his wrecked body would allow, which was nearly half a foot above Neala’s head, and assumed an air of innocence, “You must be mistaken.” He placed a bony hand over his ragged chest, feigning surprise, “What could I have possibly done to upset you, oh great and powerful leader?” He spat his last words at her, pure hatred burning within his eyes. “I promise, I’ve been the finest of all your lowly prisoners--”

“Enough!” Neala roared. Enraged, she advanced rapidly, but he held his ground, not even flinching at her palpable wrath. His defiance only fueled her fury, “I don’t have time to waste on your idiocy! Where is the map?”

A slow, malicious grin crept across his pale, chapped lips and a bright twinkle lit his suddenly seditious eyes.

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