Rory's fingernails cut into the flesh of his palms. It took a hell of an effort not to throw his weight against the door in an attempt to escape this room. He wanted to find Mouse and take him away from this place. 

Instead, he was waiting, doing nothing. 

When he would break out violently however, he might alarm someone. Then he would get caught, not getting another chance to save his friend. 

He needed to be patient. 

Something he was capable of, since he was used to manning the crow's nest, scanning the horizon to find land. He would just fool around with his daggers, humming songs or make up a story that was meant for his own ears only. 

Unfortunately, his familiar daggers weren't hanging from his belt—which made him restless in the first place—and the atmosphere in the palace was stuffy as if trying to choke him. Either way, it offered little inspiration. 

Pacing the small room, he raked his fingers through his blond locks. It was hours ago since they locked the door. Perhaps things could have been worse—they could have taken him to the dungeons. Yet, his body could not rest—he failed to wait patiently for what was going to come. 

By the time the door finally opened, Rory almost expected to have eroded a path in the stone. At the sight of Scias' arrogant face, he immediately bared his teeth. A smug smile curled the lips of his host. Finn's kidnapper. 

Rory clenched his fists. This was a terrible plan. How had he ever believed he could do this? He wanted to scratch out the man's eyes, squeeze his throat, slam his fucking face against the wall. 

The door fell shut. With his back, Scias leaned against the wood, seemingly even more impenetrable than the door itself. 

"I have to admit that I'm curious about your capabilities." The man tilted his head. "Although I have no shortage of servants." The man pushed away from the door; his footsteps sounding loud. Right in front of Rory, he stood still. Rory needed to bent back his head to look him in the eye. "So I'm not sure what to do with you."

Long fingers caressed his jaw. 

Immediately, Rory turned his face away. "Touch me another time and I will bite off your fucking fingers."

Scias chuckled. "Such a fire in those eyes... Yes, I believe you would be a good bodyguard." His gaze slithered down; it felt like his eyes were leaving traces, like nails scratching skin. "I believe you're a good knife thrower as well. What else did your captain say? That you're a skilled storyteller, right?" Scias' fingers dug into his flesh as the man grabbed his chin. "Then tell me an interesting story about your captain."

Rory snorted. This was that dumbass's master plan? Asking him questions about Rogier? Like hell he was going to give him anything useful. "You wanna know a secret?" he whispered, leaning closer to the man. "Well, he has the biggest, fattest cock I've ever seen. And it's fucking hot when—"

Slap. A hand hit his jaw. 

Rory smirked. In Scias' eyes, he saw the reflection of the madness in his own eyes. He grabbed the clasp of the man in front of him. "And how's yours, hm? You think I can take it without gagging?"

The man was stunned, for a moment unable to do anything. 

Quick as only a thief could be, Rory's hand moved aside, his fingers curling around the hilt on Scias' hip. He yanked the sword halfway out of the sheath, kneed him between the legs and pulled out the whole weapon when the man doubled over. With a swift movement, he laid the sword against Scias' neck. 

And now? 

Rory had no fucking clue. He was acting on instinct and even though he was armed now, he was still in the middle of a castle full of guards while he had no idea how to find Finn. 

Scias must feel his reluctance, for his lips curled back into a repulsive grin. "What now, kid?"

If I back down now, he'll have me killed. 

Rory bit his cheek. Could he force the man to take him to Finn, as long as he was holding a sword against his neck? Or was it better to cut his throat right away, hoping to sneak away? 

It was too risky. Scias was worth more when he was alive. 

"Let's take a little walk," Rory said. With his free hand, he touched for the man's belt until he found a dagger. He pushed it against Scias' back. "Take me to Finn."

The man stared at him, eyes cold, almost motionless. Yet, he had to realize that Imo Gen's crew had found him and that they were determined to get their man back. 

"You get it, huh? I'm not alone. Well, take me to Finn before I cut off your head."

"Then you'll never get away."

"I'm sure my chances are better than yours when you've lost your fucking head."

Scias clenched his jaw. Rory turned him towards the door, lowered the sword a little, and pushed the dagger against the man's spine. 

Slowly, they shuffled out of the room and into the hallway. Immediately, guards touched for their weapons, but after a movement from Scias' hand, they froze. 

The two of them moved through the palace, Scias' men following them from a distance. In the end, Scias stood still in front of a door. "Here it is."

Rory said nothing; impatiently he pressed the dagger closer to Scias' back. The key was pushed into the hole and the door swung open. 

There, behind a desk, was Finn. 

Alive and well, although he looked a bit pale. 

"Mouse!" Rory called out, flooded by relief. 

Finn jumped from his chair, his eyes wide. He grabbed a thin vase from the desk, which he held like it was a sword. His friend pressed his back against the wall, his shoulders tense. 

Rory's heart cracked. 

He'd expected Mouse to ignite in joy; that he would embrace him, squeezing the air out of his lungs. 

Instead, he was staring at him like he was a monster.