Chapter 58 - chapter 37: broken

Hollow couldn't walk. He had sobbed silently as they roamed the halls, hunting an exit. "I'm sorry. This is all my fault. If only I hadn't listened to Naut and used you that day." Fiero says, his arms hooked under Hollows legs to help carry him on his back. So it WAS Naut who set him up, Hollow thought. He didn't feel strong enough to argue. Atlus walks slowly along with Naut, inching away when he relieses what Naut had done. "Fiero. Who are these mortals? Your mates? The one clinging to you looks delicious." Soma says, calling from behind them. They all freeze at the aura from behind them. Atlus thought Fiero was strong, but even him doesn't touch her power. He can sense it's at least past 4,000. "Play along." Fiero says, whispering to the group. They nod, growing silent. The calcite walls of the long hall makes the gold tile floor pop. "Yeah. I got bored, so I went searching. We're heading out, though. I wanna take them to that tavern beside the river mill. Why's the gates down, anyway?" Fiero says, the lies rolling off his tongue easily. "Well, our prince fell, but someone saved him. We locked the gates to still any further escape attempts. We're looking for him now." She says, lacing her hands together. Fiero nods slowly. "Well, have fun. I've gotta get back to work. I'll unlock the stairwell for you." She says, walking past them. Fiero follows, the boys doing the same, remaining silent. She glances back as they walk. "Their well mannered. Though I prefer the more rambunctious type. Good job on training them, though." Soma says, biting her finger, drawing rose red blood. She slides her bitten finger down a seal on the gate to the stairwell. A bell chimes, the iron door slinging open with a thwack.