The woman looked around the room and shook her head. Her eyes fell on Emma who was staring at her.
“Who are you?” she asked rudely.
Although Emma didn’t like her tone of voice, she stepped forward. She figured the woman was angry because of the situation she was in. Anyone getting locked in that dank place would definitely feel a range of negative emotions and react accordingly.
“My name is Emma.”
“So Emma, why are you staring at me?” the woman asked. “Haven’t you ever seen a human being before or what?”
Emma thought she heard a low chuckle from one of the emaciated woman. Clearly, they were giving the bored women some kind of entertainment.
“I’m just glad you’re here,” Emma said. “No one wanted to talk to me before you came in.”
“You’re glad I got thrown into a freaking dungeon.”
“I don’t mean it like that,” Emma insisted. “You know what I mean. I’m sorry you’re here. I hate it too, but I think it will be a better experience if we can talk.” Emma finished before glancing at the woman who had refused to reply to her greeting.
“Silly woman,” one of the emaciated ladies said. She was an older woman wearing a red dress with her hair tied up in a weak messy bun. Both Emma and the new woman turned to look at her. “We were once like you, full of energy. Stay here for three or more days and we’ll see if you will want to talk as much. Now stop making for us noise.”
Emma shrugged and walked away from the new woman. She went and sat near one of the candles while the woman remained standing for some time. Eventually, she sighed and went to sit next to Emma. Emma ignored her and continued with her mindfulness meditation, her focus on the candle before her.
“I’m Casey,” the woman said after some time.
Emma didn’t say anything.
“I’m a witch,” the woman continued.
Emma turned. Now she was interested. “Why are you here?”
“I tried to kill a bunch of vampires who were trespassing in my farm,” Casey said. “I only killed three out of five. The two escaped and told the vampire king about it. He used some warlock to capture me. That idiot seduced me and put some herbs in the cookies he gave me. I hate that idiot. Because of him, I can’t use my powers until twenty four hours have passed.”
“If you’ll be able to use your powers after twenty four hours, you can get us out of here.”
“Yeah but I think they won’t be taking any chances. They will probably make me drink more of those herbs.”
For the first time since she had been taken to that dungeon, Emma began to feel a ray of hope. It was actually possible for them to get out of there, now that they had a witch.
“Why are you here?” the woman asked Emma.
“I bit the vampire king’s dick.”
“Wow!” Casey said, her mouth widening. A wide smile covered her pretty face. “You did not!”
“Yes, I did.” Emma said, her lips curving into a smile. “That moron thought he could stick his thing in my mouth and I’d willingly suck it. I should him that I didn’t want to mess around.”
“You’re crazy,” Casey said. “I like you already. We have to get out of here and stay friends. You and I have a great time together. Which pack do you come from?”
“I’m a rogue.”
“Even better,” the woman said. “You’re free. If you can, you can even come and live at my house. My sister went on a trip with her boyfriend and I’ve been dying of loneliness since then. It’s why I fell for that warlock’s trap. I was so desperate for company I was willing to sleep with a man I didn’t like that much.”
“That sucks. I’ve been lonely too. My mate killed the man I was dating for the past three years. Then he rejected me and enslaved me. I escaped and found myself in some pack.”
“Is that where they found you?”
“No, I ran away from there.”
“Why?”
“The alpha was falling in love with me, and yet he has a mate. She was horrible and he was willing to reject her for me but I’ve been through a lot and didn’t feel like starting any drama.”
“Did you like him?”
“Oh I did. He’s handsome and very sweet. He has a banging body, too. He actually helped me take down my wicked ex mate and got him thrown into prison.”
“You left a guy who would do all that for you?” Casey asked, tilting her head. “What is wrong with you? If you’re lucky to find someone like that, you have to hold on tight and never let go.”
“Did you not hear me saying that he had a mate?”
“I did. I also heard you saying she is horrible and he wanted to reject her. What have you done?”
“You’re making me think I may have made a mistake.”
“You did.”
“Here’s what you don’t know. I don’t like pack life. I like being independent and free. I hate rules and having to ask for permission. Tommy and I loved traveling and we always wanted to do that.”
“Are you happy now? Do you have the freedom you were looking for?”
“No, but if I hadn’t been caught.”
“But as rogue, you can never be truly safe. It’s very dangerous, especially when you’re alone. Back then, you had Tommy and I’m sure it was great, part of it was because of him. Imagine traveling the world alone, or with random strangers who like traveling. Is it really the same? Being in a pack doesn’t mean you can never true anywhere. You can. The best thing about packs is that you always have people by your side, people you can trust. I admire your kind’s way of life. Trust me, being on your own is no fun.”
Emma sighed. The woman was somehow right.
“Besides, the country is becoming increasingly unsafe for rogues. Many are being captured and enslaved. It’s not only dangerous here in the south but everywhere. Do you really want to continue wandering around on your own?”
Emma stood up and went to sit by the wall. She needed to think.