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Unless he had the same kind of power as Viva. I couldn't rule that out. If he didn't, he would have to have help to move us all, even this far.
"What do you think, pretty boy?" He looked at me through eyes that looked too small for his blocky head. His hair was shaved close to his scalp. He looked like he should have a few scars. I would happily give him some myself.
"You think I'm pretty?" I pushed myself to sit up against a wall. "Thanks, that's very flattering. What's your name?"
"You can call me Viper." He swept his eyes over the others and frowned. His gaze lingered on Gwendolyn.
"Snake shifter?" I guessed. "Is that your real name?"
"You ask a lot of questions," Viper said.
"You don't give a lot of answers," I pointed out. "You still haven't told me what's going on."
His eyes left Gwendolyn and returned to me. I almost wished they hadn't. He looked like he'd kill me if he was allowed to.
"You'll find out," he grunted.
"That's very enigmatic," I remarked. "Are we going to get fed? Some water at least."
"Shortly," Viper said.
Good to know we weren't going to be left to starve to death. Or die of thirst. I objected to both of those. If my mind was a bit clearer, I'd shift and rip the guy's throat out. It was clear enough to remember he might have the power to throw me out a window if he wanted to. Until I could rule that out, I would wait.
Gwendolyn groaned and rolled over.
I watched her through narrowed eyes. What was her part in all of this? She was in on it, but trying to pretend she wasn't. If she hadn't told me that herself, I would have assumed she was a victim here too. Why tell me then? I presumed she didn't think I would live long enough to tell anyone.
Joke's on her, I had. So far.
Devlin groaned and let out a single snore before he fell silent again.
"I'm going to go over there and check on Kerina." I pointed.
Viper scowled at me, but he didn't tell me I couldn't.
I crab walked along the wall, using it for support, but also so no one could sneak up behind me. I flopped down on the carpet beside Kerina and I placed a hand on her cheek.
Thank Hades, she was warm. Now I was closer, I saw her chest rise and fall.
No marks were visible on her skin, as far as I could tell, but she might have been struck on the back of her head. I knew better than to roll her over and check.
At least no blood stained the carpet around her. That was a hopeful sign.
Waking up would be a better one. I had a feeling I would need all the help I could get in the next few hours.
Someone tapped on the door. Viper moved to open it. A servant pushed a trolley inside. Her eyes flicked to me. She looked scared but sorry.
I gave her a smile and a nod. She was only doing what she had to do to survive. I didn't expect my staff to give their lives for me. That's what guards are for.
She left the trolley and hurried back out the door. Viper closed it behind her and waved at me.
"You want food and water, come and get it." He gave me the impression he thought I couldn't serve myself.
I wasn't that spoilt.
I rose and moved over cautiously to the trolley. Fruit, slices of cheese, and bread never looked so good. With any luck, they weren't laced with anything nasty. I considered not taking the chance, but I needed to eat and drink.
I poured myself a cup of water from a jug and gulped it down. It was the sweetest tasting water I ever had. So much so, I had another cup, then grabbed some food and hurried back to sit beside Kerina.
