Chapter 6: We're going home now
I lay on the cold stone floor of my cell, staring up at the ceiling. Time had become an abstract concept, blending days and nights into an indistinguishable blur. My body felt weak, my mind numb from the monotony and isolation. Yet, there was a peculiar sense of relief in the air.
The cruel guards who had tormented me had mysteriously vanished, replaced by kinder ones who actually responded to my requests for food and water. I had eaten more in the past few days than I had in weeks, and my strength was slowly returning.
The heavy door to the dungeon creaked open, and I sat up, squinting against the sudden influx of light. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the human guards with the emblem of our kingdom. They stepped aside, and my sister Lydia entered.
I had never been so happy to see her blond hair and familiar face. Lydia's green eyes, usually so full of life, looked tired and sad, with dark circles marring her otherwise beautiful features.
"Lydia!" I exclaimed, my voice cracking from disuse.
She gave the demon guards a curt nod, and they obediently opened my cell door. As soon as it was wide enough, Lydia rushed in and enveloped me in a long, tight hug. I felt the warmth of her embrace, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, I allowed myself to cry.
"Riley," Lydia whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "I know you're supposed to be released tomorrow, but I can't let you stay here any longer. We're going home now, sister."
I pulled back slightly to look at her, tears still streaming down my face. "Lydia, how did you manage this?"
She gave me a weary smile. "I have my ways. Now, let's get you out of here."
With Lydia's arm around me for support, we walked out of the cell. The demon guards stepped aside respectfully, a stark contrast to the brutality of their predecessors. I glanced at them, puzzled by the sudden change, but I didn't dwell on it. The sight of the dungeon door, open and inviting, was too compelling.
As we stepped into the corridor, Lydia guided me through the labyrinthine passageways of the dungeon. It felt surreal, almost dreamlike, to be leaving this place. The dimly lit halls echoed with our footsteps, each step taking me further away from my imprisonment.
"How have you been, Riley?" Lydia asked gently, her concern evident.
"I've been better," I admitted, my voice hoarse. "But these last few days, things have improved. The guards changed, and they actually fed me."
Lydia nodded. "I made some arrangements. I couldn't stand the thought of you suffering any longer."
We finally emerged from the dungeon into the open air. The late afternoon sun was blinding, but its warmth on my skin was a welcome sensation. I took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air.
"Lydia, you look exhausted," I said, noticing the fatigue etched on her face.
She smiled faintly. "It's been a challenging time, but now that you're safe, it's all worth it."
We made our way to a waiting carriage, and Lydia helped me inside. I sank into the plush seats, feeling the tension slowly drain from my body.
"Thank you, Lydia," I said, my voice trembling with gratitude. "I don't know what I would have done without you."
She squeezed my hand. "We're family, Riley. We take care of each other."
The carriage started moving, and I closed my eyes, letting the rhythmic motion lull me into a state of calm. For the first time in months, I felt a glimmer of hope. I was going home, and I had Lydia by my side.
The journey back to our kingdom was long, but I savored every moment. Lydia and I talked about everything and nothing, catching up on lost time. She told me about her plans for our kingdom, her hopes and dreams, and I listened, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
As night fell, we arrived at the royal palace. The familiar sight of the grand structure brought a lump to my throat. It felt like a lifetime since I had been here.
"We're home," Lydia said softly, helping me out of the carriage.
We walked through the grand entrance, the guards bowing as we passed. Inside, the palace was just as I remembered—lavish and imposing, yet strangely comforting. Lydia led me to my old chambers, where a warm bath and fresh clothes awaited.
"I had everything prepared for your return," Lydia explained. "Take your time. I'll be waiting outside."
I nodded, touched by her thoughtfulness. As I soaked in the bath, the warmth seeping into my bones, I felt the grime and weariness of captivity wash away. Clean and dressed in fresh clothes, I felt like a new person.
Stepping out of the bathroom, I found Lydia waiting for me, looking relieved.
"You look much better," she said, smiling.
"I feel better," I admitted. "Thank you, Lydia. For everything."
She hugged me again. "You're welcome, Riley. Now, get some rest. We have a lot to discuss tomorrow."
I climbed into bed, the softness of the mattress and the warmth of the blankets a stark contrast to the hard floor of the dungeon. As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a sense of peace I hadn't known in months.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone