I wanted to yell for help. I resisted for two reasons. One, I was supposed to be mute, and two, they covered my mouth. A blindfold found its way to my eyes. Someone’s arm wound its way around my waist and pulled me back. They stood me up, tied my arms behind my back, and hefted me onto their shoulders. I did not go, in a way, quietly. I thrashed about in hopes that I would fall and delay their plans. No such thing happened. I heard swords clash together, war yells, and the occasional call of my name. I do not know how long I was on my captor’s shoulder, but I knew that he would be getting tired soon. I realized I was right when I was set on my feet. My hands were cut free, but were tied up again over my head. The item on my mouth was removed.

“Where is the treasure room?” a gruff voice asked. I shook my head. I did not know where it was, even if I did, I still would not tell him. He slapped me. “Where is it?” he yelled. I did not respond. I felt his fist on my stomach. I coughed. He grabbed my head and slammed it against what was behind me. White blotches covered my vision. “Do you want to die?” I nodded. Anything would be better than what I had to live though. I was breathing hard, my stomach was hurting, and it felt like I had grown another head. “I can arrange that.” I heard a smile in his voice. I heard something hit the door hard. It is amazing that it did not give away. His fist hit my throat. I coughed harder. I tried to stop any noise that would escape me, but none came.

“Nice job, Blaine! Now she will not be able to talk for who knows how long.”

In less than three seconds, I actually became a mute. My breathing turned into short gasps. I felt weak. The rope holding my arms was cut and I collapsed to the floor holding my throat. The man named Blaine screamed and started kicking me. I curled into a ball. I just wanted this to end. My wish came true. I heard guards barge in through the—most likely—cracked door. People stepped over me. No one touched me or spoke to me. The room cleared out and I heard footsteps running toward me. I braced myself for another attack, but none came. Instead, I was gently lifted up and carefully cradled against a chest. The blindfold was taken off and I saw that it was just Jared.

“Atena…” He looked torn. I saw tears well up in his eyes. He gently touched my cheek, the one that Blaine slapped. My vision blurred and I knew that I was going under. Right before my consciousness left me, I felt something heavy slide off my head.