BEYOND DARKNESS

PTE

e harsh reality of their imprisonment. Brian and Rihanna were thrown back into the dark space, but now, the shadows danced around them, tauntin

brushed her hair out of her face. She looked so fragile, so vulnerable, and the weight of his helplessness crashed down on hi

above a whisper. A frown creased Brian's brow as he noticed her skin was burning with a feverish h

owl of water sitting in the corner, its surface still and uninviting. Without a second thought, he sprang to his feet and hurried o

e wringing it out slightly to avoid dripping. He began to mop her forehead and arms with the damp fabric, murmuring soot

n her face, and it tore at his heart. "Please, don't leave me," he choked out, his voice trembling as he fought back m

Brian's heart skipped a beat; he leaned down closer, listening intently. "R

whatever had plagued her. Her breath came in shallow gasps, and he wished he could take away her pain, take i

st in his thoughts, the darkness around them swallowing any hope he had. But just as he began to lose faith,

e murmured, he

flooding through him. He brushed her hair back gently, his finger

ispered again, her v

d, dipping the shirt back into the water and returning to her side. He continued

stories from their childhood, memories of laughter and joy that felt like a lifetime ago. He wanted to

f drifting into a light sleep, the weight of the past few days finally catching up with him.

the guards returning to torment them. But instead, a boy stepped into the room, his features gaunt, his clothes tattered and wo

d been holding. The clatter echoed in the stillness, and Brian's heart sank further as he saw a tear escape the boy'

acing his voice. The boy paused, glancing back ov

ered, his voice barely above a wh

rying to read the boy's expression. There was something haun

ling. "I just... I don't want to be like them. I c

e said softly, his voice full of gratitude. "Thank you for

on the floor. "I can't... they'll know. But

ng the unspoken fear that

e, Brian called out again

a whisper before he slipped out of sight, leaving Brian with a mix of

e on the floor, his heart racing as he lifted it in front of her. "Rih, look! Arthur b

inked at the plate, confusion clouding her feat

," he encouraged, carefully feeding her small bite

tled, and the atmosphere felt heavier, thick with uncertainty and fear. Brian sat beside his sister, holding her hand in his, still reeling from the eve

e with a plate of food balanced carefully in his hands. His expression was a mix of determination and c

own to appreciate the boy's kindness, even in this bleak environment. Arthur set

ous fatigue momentarily forgotten. "Is that for me?" she

uraged, his tone lightening as he watched

y engaged with Arthur. They exchanged lighthearted banter that made her giggle, a so

ul glint in his eyes. "I swear they're the

as she replied, "I like apples! But I th

iling again, he couldn't help but feel the weight of their situation pressing down on him. He was acutely aware

to race. He needed a plan, a way to escape this hellhole with his sister. T

The boy turned to him, his expression shifting to one of concern. "D

, his voice tinged with regret. "I mean, I've heard whispers about tunnels and pass

e something! Anything that could help us get out o

fear. "If my father finds out I'm helping you... it would be d

weight of his responsibility for Rihanna. "I understand, but we can't stay

ith empathy. "I promise I'll try... I'l

in the air. Brian watched Arthur closely, noting the boy's vulnerability. He could s

s voice softer now. "I really appreciate ev

ooked down, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I just want to

lace?" Brian asked, hoping to gain any advantage he

ear. "He's... he's powerful, and he doesn't show mercy to anyone. He control

ere dealing with someone dangerous, someone who wouldn't hesitate to hurt them

. "No! I don't want to be anything like him. I hate wha

e the chains that bound them-both literal and metaphorical. "Then let's be free toge